Blinded By The Kindled Fire (Ongoing)

𝖔𝖙𝖙𝖔

𝐃𝐀𝐕𝐈𝐍𝐀

"Remember when I said you could breathe, amore mio?"

"Shut up." I glared at Stefano because I know he's mocking me.

We're behind the doors to the hall of the hotel where hataeria is being held. Behind these doors are hundreds of mafiosos from all around the world who have gathered for this annual celebration. Hundreds of men who I'm sure are going to eye me like prey this evening.

"What if they don't approve of me?" It's been messing with my head since I missed my first hataeria last year. Sure I had a reason for it, but it's not like I can go and broadcast it to the world.

Sorry I wasn't here last year, I couldn't show my baby bump, but I gave birth to two beautiful babes and it was worth the miss.

Yeah. Not happening.

"You are not here to appease the crowd, Davina." Nonna gave me a pointed look, "You don't need them to like you, you'd want them to fear you."

"I don't think that's going to be easy." Ever since I missed last year's hataeria, I know people have been talking. They think I got cold feet and hid behind my nonna for protection. They think I was just some girl who didn't know any better and was incapable of bearing the responsibility of being capo.

Well, fuck them. Yeah I was scared, but not for myself. I was scared for my children, and I would damn well sacrifice my name if it meant keeping them safe. But that phase is over, and I'm here to prove them wrong.

I know my worth and I know my strength. I'm here to reclaim the honor that I lost.

I let out one last breath, "Here we go."

The doors open and it took me a second to adjust to the bright light. I blinked, and then it dawned on me that there were more people here than I expected.

"You'll be fine." Dante squeezed my hand on his arm, and that gave me a bit of courage to move my ass.

The four of us sauntered into the hall, straight towards Dona who was already inside, getting our table set. I am fully aware of the crowd following my movements, but as nonna said, I shouldn't let it affect me, because showing them I'm affected makes them think I'm intimidated, makes me easier prey. And that's the last thing I want to do tonight.

The moment we reached our table, Pierre, who was beside Dona, took my hand and kissed the back of it. A gesture he's always been doing ever since we started working together. I was uncomfortable at first, but nonna said it was a sign of respect, so I let it be.

"Welcome to your first hataeria, belle." He greeted.

"Thank you, Pierre." He immediately let go of me because I was pulled back by Dante. Ever since he met the guy, he's been very transparent with his dislike towards him. He thinks every guy I'm associated with is like Malcom, well, except for Stefano.

Pierre was clearly aware of what my brother is implying so he shifted and gave him nod, "Dante." My brother didn't even give off a reaction, and Pierre not expecting one continued to greet nonna and Stefano.

I nudged him, "You could be a little nice you know?"

He snarled, "You can't trust that guy."

"He's an ally to the family." He didn't answer and just clicked his tongue at me. Though I can't help but worry, because Dante's judgements towards people are never wrong, it's what makes him win his cases.

He's been a second advisor to me with Dona ever since he came back to Italy. I still don't understand what made him come back though, because I thought he was going to make a name for himself in the US, start a life there with a loving wife and maybe even children, but he didn't. As soon as he heard about the twins he came flying back in less than a week and started a firm in Sicily just so he can be near the estate.