Anastasia Rose
"Careful, amore (love)... you don't want to get hurt, right?" Vincenzo said warmly, a soft smile resting on his lips as he steadied me and then gently set me back on my feet.
The moment it registered that he had finally returned after being away for more than a week, all my irritation, all my anger—everything vanished in an instant. Excitement bubbled up inside me, so strong that I completely forgot why I had been running down the stairs in the first place.
"Enzo..." I exclaimed, launching myself at him and wrapping my arms tightly around him.
He chuckled softly at my enthusiasm, holding me effortlessly as I clung to him like a koala. "Looks like someone missed me," he said, his voice gentle as his hand came up to caress my hair.
"A lot..." I mumbled into his shoulder, hugging him tighter.
"Looks like someone didn't miss me, huh? I'm hurt, tesoro (sweetheart)," came Leo's voice from behind him.
I lifted my head to see Leo standing there, one hand tucked casually into his pocket while the other held a few files. Only then did I remember—he had been away with Enzo too.
A giggle escaped me at his mock complaint. He opened his arms dramatically, feigning hurt, clearly waiting for his share of affection.
Sometimes, they were so ridiculously childish that I couldn't help but laugh. The twin pairs would even compete over who got more hugs from me.
Enzo set me down, and I immediately walked toward Leo, wrapping my arms around his neck and resting my head on his shoulder. He hugged me back just as tightly.
"Have you been a good girl, bambina (baby)?" Leo teased.
I pulled back, gawking at him. "Why would you think I wouldn't behave?" I complained, twisting slightly to look behind me for Enzo's support but he had already disappeared, probably into the living room.
Leo chuckled as he began walking, carrying me along with him. He booped my nose playfully. "The way you were running down the stairs... did you do something?" he asked, raising a suspicious brow.
"Ahh, Leo... I'm not a troublemaker, okay? That position is already taken by Federico, Nico, and Riccardo. They annoy me and rile me up," I whined.
"I see..." he murmured as we entered the living room. "What did they do this time?"
"They threw cold water on me! It's December, for God's sake!" I pointed accusingly at the culprits sitting comfortably beside Mom.
Leo placed me down before taking a seat.
"Dad, you should say something to them. Why would they wake me up like that?" I whined, glaring at the twins.
They clung to Mom dramatically while she simply smiled.
"Boys, you shouldn't have done that. What if my piccolo bambino (little baby) catches a cold?" Dad said, though his tone was far from serious.
I knew he knows that just a cup of water won't harm me, he was just pretending for my sake. But I didn't mind. I just wanted to scare them a little.
You are evil, my conscience snorted.
"Oh Mom, the she-devil is going to kill me. I don't want to die young," Nico declared dramatically.
"Ana, it was just a small cup. You're not going to stay angry over that, right?" Federico added nervously.
I narrowed my eyes at them before huffing and dropping onto the couch, still glaring.
"I advise you to watch your backs from now on," I warned teasingly, a smirk tugging at my lips as they gulped.
Since we were going to Spain, I had something in mind—something from my bucket list.
I shifted closer to Dad, resting my head on his lap as I looked up at him. "Dad..."
He hummed, gently stroking my hair.
"I want to visit the Museo Reina Sofía and the Museo del Prado when we go to Madrid. I've always wanted to see them."
He smiled warmly. "Of course. We'll go anywhere you want after Christmas, alright?"
I beamed, pressing a kiss to his cheek before sitting up again. "Thank you," I said softly.
Everyone watched us with fond smiles, and Mom let out a content sigh.
"Just looking at you brings us so much joy, Ana. Everyone has been happier since you came back. I would never want to let you go again," she said.
"Yeah, true... though you are very moody and annoying, we can put up with that," Riccardo added with a smirk.
"You called me annoying? Let me show you how annoying I can be!" I shot up instantly.
He let out a not-so-manly shriek and bolted out of the room, with me chasing after him as laughter echoed behind us.
⸻
"Stand up, Rico. This is my place. I was going to sit here," I complained as we boarded the family's private jet.
It was only my second time flying, and I had my eyes set on a window seat—but Federico had stolen it.
"Come on, sorella (little sister), there are other seats," he said smugly and leaned back comfortably into the seat.
Oh, he was asking for it. These whack-heads of my brothers were getting very annoying lately. They never let go of the chance to tease me.
An idea popped into my head, and I smirked inwardly.
"Oh my God, Rico!" I shrieked suddenly and everyone turned, alarmed. They looked at us, wondering what had happened.
"What?" he asked, confused, pulling off his headphones.
"Lizard!" I pointed dramatically at his shoe.
He let out a high-pitched shriek, jumping up instantly. That was my chance. I slipped into the seat, relaxing as victory settled in.
Laughter filled the cabin. Everyone knew I had tricked him because this was the only thing that scared him. They laughed at our banter while mum and dad shook their heads.
"You tricked me!" Federico accused me, annoyance filled in his tone and went to take another seat.
I simply shrugged, leaning back comfortably.
⸻
The drive through Madrid was nothing short of breathtaking. I sat by the window, taking in every detail—the architecture, the quiet elegance of the streets, the calm atmosphere that felt so different from Milan.
The weather was milder, so my sweater was enough.
We rode through busy roads, the day filled with certain chaos-filled calmness. Soon, the roads led us toward a private estate, heavily guarded on all sides.
It made sense.
The Spanish Mafia lived here. But of course that was not a known thing among the muggles.
The gates opened, and our cars drove through the long driveway before stopping at the grand mansion. I stepped out, my gaze lifting to take in the structure—it was magnificent, a perfect blend of modern and vintage design, gleaming under the sunlight.
I was so engrossed in admiring it that I didn't realize everyone had already gone inside.
Climbing the steps, I reached for the French-style door, but it opened from the inside first. Caught off guard, I stumbled forward and straight into someone's arms.
A familiar sweet-sour scent surrounded me instantly and my breath caught as I looked up. The striking blue eyes of his met mine. Cold and unreadable.
******
YOU ARE READING
Mafia's Princess(Under Editing)
RomanceAnastasia Rose Romano Is a 19 years old, sassy, feisty, sarcastic, spitfire but with the heart of a most kindest soul. She had lived with her uncle ever since she was a baby. Her uncle whom she called papa took her from her family due to some reaso...
