Confessions of a Mafia

Prologue

Becca

It is a sunny afternoon and I can feel my nape and back dampen by sweat even though I just took a shower minutes ago. The heat makes it more difficult to concentrate in studying. I badly needed a milk tea full of ice cubes in this moment.

"What are you reading?" Asked by a manly voice.

I briefly glanced at the person who just entered the pavilion. He is wearing a plain shirt and a dark jeans which suited him perfectly. I tend to like him better when he is dressing casually rather than being formal.

"Advanced Calculus. Studying for the finals." I answered and playfully rolled my eyes, then my attention is back again to the question in the text book. I never realised how much I hate numbers til I had this subject.

"Sounds interesting." He commented then chuckled. I looked back at my brother who is now seated on one of the couches scattered near where I'm comfortably sitting.

"Don't you have work today?" I asked curiously. Usually, he works even on Saturday.

"I had terrible head ache this morning so I excused myself." He said, looking at the vase placed on the center table and smiled. My mood instantly glooms knowing that it wasn't the absolute truth.

"I see." I muttered, then asked "So, the negotiation about the engagement is still pending?" My hopes were immediately shattered when Richie stared at me with dejected eyes.

"The Consigliere took care of it on my behalf." He said barely above a whisper after few seconds of hesitation.

"Would the Grimaldi's accept the offer of a mere Consigliere? Thought that they wanted to discuss the marriage directly to dad or with you at least." I inquired, confused and stressed in this dilemma.

"You know that dad is getting sickly nowadays and I can't really meet Sebastian in person. If I go and see him, there would be blood on my hands today and it will just worsen our family feud with the Grimaldis'." Richie explained with a serious tone but laughed it off right after.

Grimaldis' are the long outstanding rival of our family in business both legal and illegal ones. They have killed many of my father's made men in war for territories. In turn, my father would fight back. It was a never ending cycle of blood shed and brutality which brought chaos and fear to the household members, including myself. To end the decades of battle by both families, a necessary sacrifice must take place — a marriage between the Grimaldi and Armstrong, at my expense.

"Don't worry Bec, I promise that I will kill Sebastian should he lay even a single finger on you! I won't let him hurt you!"

My frown deepens at his words. I wanna cry just by staring at my brother and hearing what's on his mind about this unfortunate arrangement makes my heart aches. I love Richie so much and I can feel his brotherly love too. Growing up together as siblings, we became each other's best friend. I don't want him to get hurt knowing that Sebastian is known as a cold hearted man in the Mafia world. My brother might die if he confronts the eldest son of Mr. Grimaldi and I can't let that happen.

"Don't treat me like a child anymore Richie, I'm already eighteen years old and I can surely take care of myself. No one can hurt me, not even Sebastian." I told him firmly and faked a smile which he returned with an amused facial expression.

"You still look like a baby to me." He countered lightheartedly. I was about to throw a witty remark when we heard a faint screeching sound of tires. Richie stood up abruptly, his face contorting in slight distress.

"It must be the Consigliere." He said, looking past the open door of the pavilion and to the general direction of our family estate. My heart beats in frantic as soon as he spoke.