The Boss's Heir

Chapter 21

(Continuation of chapter 20)

Marco smirked and shook his head as he stood outside of Julian's room, listening to the conversation that he was having with his mother and it was entertaining, touching and just downright cute.

"Daddy says that I am responsible for keeping your ring safe until he asks me for it" Julian said proudly. "It's true baby. And that job goes only to the person he trusts the most" Cay told him.

"Mommy I just love him so much" his voice soft with emotion. "I know what you mean Julian. He's very easy to love, isn't he?" "Yes" Julian answered.  Marco's heart stilled at their words.

"Do you think that he is going to be proud of the awards that I'm getting?" "Aw honey, daddy will be very proud of you, just like I am, Nono and Aunt Jules too."

It sounded like they were finished so Marco hurriedly walked to the stairs, turned around and headed back to Julian's room as they came out.

"Hey Julian, come here buddy" Marco said, getting down on one knee.  "Yes daddy?"  Marco just stared back into his own eyes for a moment and then said "I just wanted to say I love you and I'm very proud of you."

Julian's face broke into a killer smile and then engulfed Marco's neck in a hug.  He never wanted to get used to how it felt having his son hug him.

His father was the strong silent type and while he wasn't cold or abusive, he had a very aloof personality therefore all of the sentiment and emotions came from his mother.

That would be a conversation for he and Cay to have sometime, about their parents, thinking it might help them both understand why they acted the way they did,  etc.

Marco looked up at Cay, Julian's arms still around him, as she wiped the tears from under her eyes, his heart being the recipient of both their unconditional love and for the first time ever, he felt whole, complete.

"Well" he said, standing up, Julian still in his arms, his hand reaching for Cay's.  "Are we ready?" He asked.  Julian laughed as Marco threw him over his shoulder and stomped down the stairs playing with the boy.

Nono and Jules were waiting patiently on them as they all filed out the door and into the SUV, driven by Andre and the follow car had Bruno, Enzo and Vittorio.  The rest of his men were getting things together for the annual trade that would be taking place at their warehouse down at the piers.

Marco paid good money for the cops and pier security to look the other way once a month when they had these things and truth be told, it came in handy having the boys in blue on his side.

Once Andre had dropped them off in front of the school, he went to park while Bruno accompanied Marco's family inside, did cursory sweep and told Marco it was all clear.

Jules had walked Julian to the side stage where his teacher was and then returned to her seat, when Marco noticed from the corner of his eye, Braeden Whitford.

"Jules!" Marco hissed.  Turning to face her brother, she knitted her brows together, questioning him.  "Since when does Whitford have a child that goes here?"

Jules shrugged and told her brother that to her knowledge he wasn't even married much less have children.  This sent red, alarming flags up with Marco, so he pulled his cell out and texted Vittorio and Enzo, telling them to keep eyes on him.

Just then the lights dimmed and Julian's teacher walked out on stage.  Ms. Morris had a huge smile on her face as she started talking about Julian's class.

"I may be a little biased" she said, laughing.  "But I think I have the most wonderful class of students this year and without further delay, lets start passing out those awards!"

Marco and his family only had to wait a little bit before they saw Julian come up next in line and his teacher began her speech about him.

"My next student is a very bright little boy with a heart of gold.  He's smart and kind but takes his education very seriously. 

We only give out the Citizenship Award once a year, and this year, for his kindness towards his fellow students, helping diffuse disagreements, helping his classmates with their work and being a great help to me, this year's award goes to Julian DeLuca!"

The applause was thunderous as Julian walked out to the stage to stand by his teacher as she handed him the award but told him to wait, that there was more.

"Julian will also be receiving a Perfect Attendance award for the first quarter and awards for his achievements in Math and Spelling."

When Julian walked away from the stage, he had two trophies and two certificates and Marco, Cay and his entire family couldn't have been any happier.

Marco made sure that Vittorio was waiting to bring his son to him because of Whitford's presence, it just made him feel uneasy and when he saw Julian with Vittorio, heading their way, he sighed in relief.

He got to tell Julian how proud he was of him and just as they were about to leave, he noticed Vit on his phone and his expression was grim, as he stalked towards Marco.

Leaning down, he said "Boss, the warehouse was attacked.  We don't think anything was stolen, but we need to get out there pronto.

Carmine and Umberto are here to take your family home and we can leave now.  And boss, don't look now, but that stronzo Whitford is looking this way."

Marco did his best to control his rage, he would not lose it in front of his family, not here, not tonight.  He drew Cay aside and told her he had to leave.

"Our warehouse was attacked, Cay.  I need to leave.  Carmine and Umberto will see you all home.  Just go straight home and I will call you when I can."

To her credit, she remained strong and didn't question him, all she did was kiss him, passionately and said "Please come home safe, Tesoro."  His breath hitched as she spoke one word in his language and it meant the world to him.

Nodding at her and the rest of his family, he turned on his heels and was surrounded by his men as each step they took was filled with purpose and determination.

Whoever had the balls to f*ck with a DeLuca wasn't too bright but he would see to them personally and enjoy it, very much.