― In which Santino D'Antonio falls in love with a girl and it changes his life.
Power and money is all that's ever mattered to the leader of the Camorra, Italy's biggest mob. But an alliance with the British crime syndicate will make his path cross...
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"TELL ME what's in the letter then!" Pippa is furious. Her arms are crossed defensively over her chest as she stares down her grandfather. He'd just informed her of the Fiorentino family and their intent to inflict harm and cause 'issues'. She hated how vague he was being with her she wanted to know. Santino wouldn't tell her yesterday and now her grandfather is looking right in her eyes, and lying. George is cool and collected like the letter means nothing and it makes her feel mad.
"It's best you don't know. Just that there's possible danger, and I won't allow anything to happen to you."
"But how can I take it seriously if I don't really know what's going on? For all I know it could be stupid and you're overreacting."
"I don't want to scare you if nothing's going to happen."
"What about Nana?! She's three hours away!"
"We sent her with someone and a few members of the Camorra are keeping an eye out too. She'll be fine, they'd go for you first anyways."
Pippa feels her chest grow heavy. Her grandfather said that so nonchalantly and it makes her eyes start to burn from the tears welling in her eyes, "you never tell me anything. You all treat me like I'm a child."
"Because you act like one Pippa." George says harshly, "you refuse to accept reality and go on with your own little escapades as you please. If you hold no responsibility in the family you don't get to know everything."
Pippa takes a few steps back with her mouth agape. She's hurt. Her insides tinge with sadness and pain. Turning her back to him she tries to hide the tears beginning to fall down her cheeks, "I understand."
"I trust you'll stay here, for your safety."
"Yeah," she chokes out wiping away her tears. "you can go now."
Her grandfather sighs, "Love, I just want you to be safe. You're my only grandchild and your mother has also ordered this. Please listen to us for once."
"What will I even do?" she spits out, "you'll have guards posted."
"Of course."
George stands still watching his granddaughter, unsure of what he should do or so. He knows she'll resent him for a day or two but it's for the greater good. He'll be busy with the Camorra until this blows over and Pippa staying in the Continental will help him sleep. He leaves after a few awkward moments and Pippa drops onto the couch. She feels helpless and useless all at once. Maybe all the running she did from her family did make her seem like a child but she's happy with it. Not right now, but usually.
