Taken By The Mafia

CHAPTER ONE

Isabella and Marco's parents had passed away, leaving the two siblings to face life's challenges on their own. Isabella was a resilient and caring young woman with a heart of gold.

She had a striking presence with her long, dark hair and deep, expressive eyes, but her warm smile concealed the struggles she faced every day.

Marco, a bright-eyed six-year-old boy, had a gentle and inquisitive nature, a stark contrast to the harsh realities they had to endure.   Together, they navigated the difficult path of loss, determination, and survival in the face of adversity, forming a bond that's unbreakable.

Isabella sat at the worn kitchen table, her face etched with worry, as she sipped her lukewarm coffee. It was early in the morning, and she was getting ready for another long day of work. Her six-year-old brother, Marco, was sitting across from her, his eyes filled with curiosity and concern. Their small apartment was a testament to their modest means, and the sounds of the bustling city outside seeped through the thin walls.

Isabella smiled weakly at Marco and reached across the table to tousle his unruly hair. "Don't worry, little man. I'll be back soon. You know I always come back, right?"

Marco nodded, his expression a mix of trust and apprehension. "I know, Isabella. But it's just... you're always working, and you look so tired all the time."

Isabella's heart ached at Marco's words. She wished she could shield him from the harsh realities of their lives, but that wasn't an option. "I know, Marco. I'm doing this for you, so you can get better. Once you're all better, we can do all the fun things we used to do together, okay?"

Marco's eyes brightened at the thought of those long-lost days of laughter and happiness. "I can't wait for that, Isabella."

Isabella leaned in closer, her voice hushed. "You be a good boy while I'm gone, alright? Don't open the door for anyone, and don't tell anyone that you're alone. You remember the rules, right?"

Marco nodded again, his face more serious now. "I remember, Isabella. I'll be careful."

With a sigh, Isabella finished her coffee and stood up, getting ready to leave. She gave Marco a quick hug and whispered in his ear, "I love you, little brother. I'll see you tonight."

Marco returned the hug, clinging to her as if he didn't want her to go. "I love you too, Isabella. Be safe out there."

As Isabella headed out the door, the weight of their challenging life pressed on her, but she couldn't afford to show it. She had to be strong for Marco, to ensure his future. Her determination to provide for him was the driving force behind her endless hours of work in a city that could be unforgiving, especially at night.

Isabella had always known that life could be cruel. She lived with her nine-year-old brother, Marco, in a small, run-down apartment in a rough neighborhood. Her days were a blur of working multiple jobs, barely scraping together enough money to cover Marco's medical bills. He was suffering from a rare and expensive illness that required constant treatment.

That night, Isabella was walking back from her shift at a late-night diner. The city was shrouded in darkness, and the alleyways were ominous. She knew the danger that lurked in those streets, but she had no choice but to take the shortcut. As she passed a particularly desolate alley, she heard hurried footsteps and hushed voices. Her instincts told her to keep moving, but curiosity got the better of her.

She stepped into the shadows, hiding behind a stack of crates as two men approached. In the dim light, she could see they were engaged in an intense conversation. Their voices were low, but their anger was palpable. Suddenly, the argument escalated, and one of the men pulled out a gun. Isabella gasped, her hand flying to her mouth as she witnessed the cold-blooded murder of one man by the other. The alleyway seemed to close in on her, and her heart pounded in her chest. She knew she needed to leave and report what she had seen, but she was paralyzed with fear.

As she backed away slowly, her foot knocked a loose piece of debris, creating a loud clatter. The killer's head snapped in her direction, and he saw her cowering in the shadows. Panic gripped her, and she turned to run, but it was too late. The man caught up to her and grabbed her by the arm.

"Who are you? What did you see?" he demanded, his eyes cold and calculating.

Isabella stammered, "I didn't see anything! I swear, I didn't see a thing!" Tears welled up in her eyes, and she prayed he would let her go.

The man hesitated for a moment, considering her words. Finally, he said, "Come with me."

Isabella's heart sank as he led her to a nearby black sedan. The man's associates were waiting inside, and she was quickly whisked away to an unknown location. Fear coursed through her veins, and she couldn't help but think of Marco, alone and vulnerable at home.

After what felt like an eternity, the car came to a stop, and they were led into a luxurious mansion. The imposing figure of Don Lorenzo DeLuca awaited them in the opulent living room. Isabella was surrounded by a group of other girls who looked just as frightened as she was. They were clearly out of their depth in this dangerous world.

Don Lorenzo was a man of power and influence in the criminal underworld. He was known for his ruthlessness, but on this night, he was in no mood for further bloodshed. He gazed at the frightened girls before him and made a decision.

"Line up," he ordered in a voice that brooked no disobedience. The girls quickly complied, forming a hesitant line before the formidable mafia don.

Don Lorenzo began his selection process. He started at one end of the line, examining each girl with an appraising eye. He offered them to various sectors of his mafia, whether it be to work in his casino, as a messenger, or even in some of his more nefarious operations. Each girl agreed with a nod, until it was finally Isabella's turn.

As he stood before her, Don Lorenzo's piercing gaze seemed to bore into her soul. He stared at her for a prolonged moment, making her feel more vulnerable and exposed than ever. It was an uncomfortable silence that seemed to stretch on indefinitely.

Finally, Don Lorenzo broke the silence, and asked, "You. Are you willing to work in one of my clubs, or would you prefer to be my wife?"

Isabella's heart sank as she realized the implication of the question. Being assigned to work in one of the clubs meant becoming a prostitute, a fate she would do anything to avoid.

She hesitated for a moment, her mind racing. She didn't want to become a prostitute, but the idea of becoming the wife of a man she didn’t know was equally daunting. Finally, she spoke, her voice trembling, "I'll be your wife."

Don Lorenzo's lips curled into a faint smile, and he said, "Very well, kitten. You'll see me in the aisle soon."  “Dammi le sue informazioni pronto.” He said to the man in another language I obviously couldn’t understand, his accent deep.

(Get me her information now)

The man behind me said yes sir before walking out of the room

As Isabella was led away to a new life she had never imagined, she couldn't help but wonder what awaited her in the enigmatic world of Don Lorenzo DeLuca. However, she was determined to protect her brother Marco and do whatever it took to keep him safe in this treacherous underworld.

Not Italian but I know a little Italian so I will try my best to translate.

Hope you enjoyed the first chapter? Well if you did let's dive in straight to the next. Like and comment guys😢 bye!!