Mancini

Chapter 1

Damien's POV: (4 years earlier)

Damn.

It had been a tough day for me. Three of my men in one of my posts had been attacked by my brothers gang last night and we were trying to plan our revenge but so far we couldn't gather any tails on my brother Julio. I'm sick of that bastard!

The hatred my brothers and I feel for one another is a long story but reasonable when understood.

I decided that I needed some air from my office and set out for the streets. The streets were a place where men could roam around free and do their own business. I was safe. No one would mess with me. Every one knew who I was.

My body gaurd Paul walked beside me as we headed south from my apartment. A few inches shorter than me, bald, and soft hearted deep down he was the only man I really trusted and someone I would call a friend.

"Mr. Damien you must eat. A tired mind comes from a hungry body, and it will not benefit your plans to be further distressed."

I smiled. "You know me too well Paul. This is why we get along see! Now what do you reccommend we get?"

"Uhhhh there is a highly praised Italian restaurant a few blocks south of us. Best tortellini's in all of town!" He gushed. Oh Paul, he was such a girl sometimes.

I chuckled, "Well then please do lead the way".

15 minutes later...

"And here we are!" Paul squealed. I smiled.

We entered the restaurant which just so happened to be vacant at this time of the afternoon.

An older gentlman approaches us and his eyes widen at the sight of me.

"Mr-Mr. Mancini! Wha-What can I get for you?" He asked stunned and obviously terrified. I shrugged it off having been used to this reaction time and time again.

"A table for my friend and I Signor." I replied in the calmest tone I could.

The little man trotted to the back of the restaurant and set us up in a private corner and handed us our menus saying he would be back to take our orders in a few moments.

I signed after looking through the menu deciding on whatever Paul wanted. Just as I set the menu down I look around to examine the restaurant. It was mostly made of wood, the design very classical and almost cozy with flowers everywhere. There was another section to the restaurant, probably an extension. Bakery.

Just as I read the sign I caught sight of a girl. She was wearing a maroon t-shirt below her dark apron, and black work pants that showed off all of her natural curves. Damn. Her hair was cascaded down her back as the top half was pulled back into a dutch braid. Her brown waves were the first thing I saw as she was organizing smoothing her kitchen table. When she turned around my breathing hitched. Skin as smooth and peach tinted, her eyes, nose, lips....she was an angel. Much too young for me now. She must be-

"Ah I see you've caught sight of Maria, thats the owners fifteen years old daughter boss. A beauty isn't she?" Paul inquires as though he read my thoughts.

"Maria...." I say her name to myself. Paul rolls his eyes and continues scanning the menu.

I continue to look at her. She was reorganizing her pastry display.

"I'll be back." I stated to Paul who took my order wisely.

I stalked over to the bakery section as the girl was too busy behind the counter to recognize me.

When she looks up she had white flour on her cheek. Dear god I wanted her.

"Oh I'm so sorry! I didn't see you there." She laughs uncomfortably.

I smile, "Its okay. You got a little-" I indicated with my finger to my right cheek.

Her eyes widen in embarrassment. "Oh god." She blushes but misses the spot.

Before I realize it I lean over the counter and wipe it off with my thumb. Both our eyes widen in astonishment. We stood there for a moment gazing at each other. She was a few inches shorter than my tall frame, and she smelled like fresh daisy's.

I cleared my throat, realizing my behavior. Snap out of it Damien!

"What is your name?" I asked in my usual tone.

"Maria signor." The girl replied.

"Full name." I demanded.

"Maria Boldori signor." Her eyes avoiding mine.

I looked at her one more time before leaving the restaurant, Paul rushing after me.

"Boss-"

"-Tell her father to come to our base in one hour." I stated firmly.

I will have her when the time comes.