Falling for The Mafia's Capo

Chapter 3

"What did I tell you? He's not that bad right?" Marco said. Raising his eyebrows as he took a sip on his drink, watching for my reaction to see what I thought of the DJ he chose. From the VIP loft, I look down to stare at the crowd. Drunk, loud and some probably high off god knows what. They all cheered the new DJ, losing their senses as they danced and partied. Word spread, more people started to pour in through the doors. Damn it, he was right. I hated to admit when I was wrong. "He's good for the club. Let's book him more often." I told him. Cracking a smirk, he laughs but nods acknowledging my approval. I look around, the club had started to get a higher volume of customers. Less than 2 months, we had a longer roster of clientele than any other club in Sicily.

Marco was a pain in my ass sometimes, but the man knows what he's doing. Not only was he my brother, but as Sotto Capo he had to make smart decisions for the good of the business. He can be messy and sometimes make impulsive decisions, but I trust his opinion. Since taking the position as Capo, with him by my side we had spread influence and gained more power and respect than those before us. "How did the Romano deal go?" I ask him. "No word, yet. We gave them a number, we're still waiting on a response." he said warily. Clenching my jaw, I can feel my blood boil. "We didn't make it to where we are today by being told to fucking wait. Tell them if I don't hear anything in an hour the deal's off". Fucking Romanos. Demand respect to earn it. I wasn't going to let Salvatore Romano make me sit on my ass for his word on whether he would take my offer on his mediocre selection of artillery. Sighing and shaking his head he rose up off his seat and begins to dial walking away to make the call.

Walking to the bar, I call the waitress over to get me another glass of whiskey. Already in a bad mood, I was not in the mood for what came next. "Isn't this what you American bitches like? What? I'm no good for you?". I turn around, now I have to deal with another idiot. This particular idiot was making a scene in my club. He grabs onto the dress of the young woman in front of him who tries to shove him off. Already, my blood began to boil. I clench my fist as I call for Matteo and Cristian, following them as they use the emergency exit to leave. As we approach the exit, I can hear the disgusting and vile shit he was planning to do to her. I don't believe she would know what he was saying as she shouted in English to leave her alone. Making our way into the alley, I see she was terrified she looked into my eyes for a moment. I order Matteo and Cristian to get rid of him or I would kill him if he tried anything else. If he valued his pathetic life he would listen.

I calmly and slowly approached her. Tears welled around her beautiful honey colored eyes. Her lips and body trembling as she thanked me in English. I was right, she was American. I gently grabbed her hand. "Did he hurt you?" I asked her. Her hands were cold, trembling and wet from sweat. Her body was in a state of fight or flight. Her eyes were wide, still in a state of fear I had to get her to calm down and trust me. She shook her head signaling me that no the drunk idiot hadn't harmed her. I exhaled, relieving the pressure building in my chest. My muscles relaxed a bit. "Come inside, let me get you some water." I had told her. She looked down away from my gaze.

We had weaved our way through the crowd making our way into my office upstairs. As, we made our way upstairs my mind clouded with confusion. Never had I brought an outsider inside the office. Why was she an exception? As we enter in I pour her a glass a water. I waved my hand to the chair to have her sit down. I put the glass in front of her which she doesn't reach for at all. I don't blame her. I was a complete stranger who offered a drink to her after a frightening ordeal. I sat in front of her and I could see her clearly. Her forehead was beaded by small droplets of sweat, her eyeliner smudged marking the skin around her eyes. Her muscles were tense, and she trembled as she tried to breathe profoundly. Staring at her now, I could see how beautiful she was. She had warm beige skin, her chocolate brown hair sweeping to her mid back. She stared at me hesitantly with her hazel eyes, studying me as she tried to comprehend what was going to happen. She lightly bit down on her lip. Feeling the blood rushing, the veins popping around my clenched fists I remember how that man tried to hurt her. He bragged of claiming something that wasn't his. Remembering all the revolting shit that he said, if I didn't pursue after them who knows what could have happened? Would she have been able to defend herself or would he had hurt her? The inside of my throat tightened. All I could think of saying was asking the name of this beautiful woman in front of me. "What is your name?" I asked her. "Um.. it's Catalina" she said with hesitation. Catalina, this rare beauty. Her name was Catalina. A million thoughts raced through my mind. If I didn't step in, would her name be in the papers the next morning? Would she had been found dead in a ditch, assaulted by that man? Growing up, I was taught to respect women. Merda. At this my frustration was hard to disguise as she broke away her gaze. I must have scared her. "Miss, I formally want to apologize for this happening to you. I am the owner of the club and we don't allow that type of behavior in this establishment. I assure you he will be taken care of. Would you like for me to call you a ride?" I asked her. She probably wanted to go to the comfort of her own home. She appeared to be a bit intoxicated. It was best to have one of my men escort her to her home. She couldn't drive in her current state. She took a moment to pause, looking down. Deep in thought she fidgeted with her hands, her lips formed to respond but she had retracted. "Mr..?" she had asked. I then realized she too wanted to know my name. "Armando" I said. "Armando, I appreciate the offer but I'm sure I can call a cab" she said with a bit more of confidence in her tone. I wasn't about to allow her to go home with another stranger, I could have one of my men escort her at this point I wasn't going to risk her safety. "I insist. One of my men may drive you home." I call for Cristian and tell him to escort her home and to put a security detail on her. In a matter of minutes of just meeting her, this woman had questioned my own usual approach. I wouldn't put security detail on just any person. I began to grow fond of her. After tonight, she may never step foot in here again, but at least I know she will be safe. She rose from her chair and thanked me. I gently grab her soft hand and brought it to my lips. "May we meet again Catalina." I looked at her, this may be the first and only time I may see her. Deep within me, I hoped it wouldn't be. 

**A/N: I hope you enjoyed a small POV chapter from our love interest Armando. I know it was a bit shorter, but I hope you guys liked it.  Please let me know your thoughts and opinions and please vote!* 

Updated Media: My muse for Armando is named Reed Favero in case you guys needed an face for Armando.