The Secret We Hold

15| New Year Accident

January 3
NEW YEAR

It was now two days after the New Year and we were packing our clothes... well I was packing.  Turns out the Valentino family has a tradition of traveling out of the country of every new year that comes. 

This time we were going to the Bahamas.

It was Taylor's choice so everyone agreed not wanting to upset her, it made me smile thinking about how she had everyone wrapped around her small fingers literally.

Hell! I think I am wrapped around her fingers.

As we boarded the plane, I couldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation. I was heading to the Bahamas with Alexander family - a family with a reputation for being one of the most powerful and feared mafia families in the country. I had tried to push aside my reservations, telling myself that I was being paranoid, but the truth was, I wasn't comfortable with this trip, it felt like something was going to happen, but I have been feeling that way ever since the Christmas party.

I wanted to stay back but, Mrs. Valentino disagreeed along with her husband and I loved a certain someone who I refuse to make stay mad at me, and I knew how much this trip meant to her.  When I told her I didn't think I will be coming she stopped talking to me for hours until I gave in, she told me that it would be our first trip as a family even though Alex and I weren't married as yet.

So, I put on a brave face and told them I would be joining, and then came upstairs to pack my bag and now here we are.

I took my seat beside Alex waiting for the plane to take off, I felt a sense of unease wash over me again, even though it was natural for me to take a plane to business trips out of the country i still hated it.  When it was finally time to take off I grip the seat handle as usual, I could feel his eyes on me but I continue to look straight ahead.

I knew that I was stepping into a world that I didn't fully understand, a world where loyalty and betrayal were constantly at play. I glanced over at Alexander's family.  I remember when I first learned about the Valentino family, they had this cold, calculating eyes seeming to bore into your soul that would  make you shiver despite the warmth of the room, but looking at them now after all these years it was full of warth, happiness and love.

~~~~~~

As we arrived at their estate, I was greeted by stern-faced guards and a grand entrance that left me breathless, this was a new house in a new environment.

The maids welcomed us with a mixture of warmth and scrutiny, some eyeing Alexander before looking at me at his side and sizing me up like they would rip me apart for being this close to him.

We agreed to at least get some rest before attending dinner at one of their restaurants and meeting some more family members there.

*******

As we sat down for dinner, I tried to make small talk with Taylor, but Alex uncle, Edwardo was it, dominated the conversation with tales of his business dealings and "accidents" that had befallen his enemies, he even wanted to ask me personal questions but Alexander and his father turned him down.  I felt a shiver run down my spine as I realized the gravity of the family's power and ruthlessness, I could feel a sort of tension between Antonio and Edwardo, the eye challenges, the sarcastic back talk, the rolling of eyes, I wanted to laugh but composed myself not wanting to get involved the brother in law quarreling.

As the clock struck 9, dinner was served and we gathered around the fireplace, and Don Rossi raised a glass to the new year. "May our family's power and influence continue to grow," he toasted.

As the night wore on, Taylor took my hand, and we slipped away from the 'festivities'. "Don't worry, Miss Vanessa," she whispered. "I'll protect you from the family's dealings. We'll have fun together." I nodded, at her words.