Destined

Chapter 26

Capricia's P.O.V

It was twenty minutes past noon and I was in the library in the mansion. I had been going through the different books that were here. There were some first edition Jane Austen novels and H.P Lovecraft. I was reading pride and prejudice when the door to Dino's secret study opened. Dino and Rafa came out with a few guards.

After today morning's anouncement that Dino had made about discussing and coming to an agreement with the Russian Bratvas, everyone had become busy. Silvano and Enzo were inspecting a new shipment of weapons that had come in. Nikolai and Paulo were working on new surveillance gear and tech. While, Dino and Rafa had been inside that room for an hour discussing stuff. I wasn't allowed to know.

Now that I was dating Dino, he had suddenly become more overprotective and tactical. He would only keep in-loop with a few things. Anytime he had a troubled look and I asked him what the matter was, he would simply say nothing and place a kiss on my forehead. He was being a little dodgy and I was also considering if it had anything to do with the russian gang boss being my childhood friend. I was so confused and suddenly feeling so obsolete.

"piccolo tesoro, are you ready to have lunch?" asked Dino as he approached the table. As soon as he said lunch, both the dogs woke up and gave Dino their best puppy face.

"Don't worry primero, I will take the dogs. I am not hungry yet so I will just eat later with Nikki" Rafa said and he walked away with the dogs. I mentally winked at Nikki for finally making a move on Rafa. She has been crushing on him forever.

"Yeah, I'm ready. Let me just put all these books away." I said.

Dino turned his head to the guards standing at the door of the library and spoke "make sure the books are back in their place and then you can switch your duties for lunch. Capricia and I will be having lunch in the garden, one of you make sure that all the preparations are done." Both the men nodded their heads as Dino took my hand and started walking to the exit.

"So, what were you guys discussing? Something about the business dinner with Dmirtri on friday?" I asked.

"Well pretty much, but you don't have to think about. My men and I have it under control. Also I would prefer if you don't call him by his first name when there are people around. Just call him the Russian head or the Bratva leader." Dino said. I just nodded my head and walked down the stairs.

When we reached the garden, lunch was already set up in the shade. It was a beautiful and breezy afternoon. I dusted my purple top of any dog hair before I sat down to eat. Maybe I should head to the pool after lunch. Videocall my friends and check on my dad. He should be waking up soon and in the night I can call Andy and Lori as they both were in California.

Lori was talking about taking a job in London and live in the city. Her grandparents lived just outside London and were retired. Or taking a job in Paris. She had a degree in design and textiles. She really wanted to be part of the high fashion industry.

Andy, on the other hand was about to start her law masters in August so she was still enjoying her summer at Lori's parents vineyard in Napa valley. They sent me pictures drinking wine, riding horses, karaoke singing and crushing grapes with their feet. It sounded so serene and something I would have loved to do with my friends. But I was missing all of that, instead I was here awkwardly stuck between Dino and Dmitri.

"Something on your mind piccolo tesoro?" said Dino.

"Nothing really, I was just thinking about my horses" I lied.

"Well, in that case you can always ask Paulo to take you to my farm. I have horses there along with cows, goats, chickens and some other animals."

"I didn't know you had a farm"

"I do infact. I spend some summers there as a child, all the dairy along with the fruits and vegetables come from the farm. It's not a business. The food gets divided between the farmers families and the rest comes to the mansion" Dino explained.

"That is actually kind of cool. How long have you owned it"

"Yeah, you could say that. The primary reason my father bought the farm was because he didn't want to his men followed back from the markets and so that the food that comes is never poisoned by his enemies" said Dino. Ofcourse it is. I didn't know what other cause I was expecting.

"Paulo could actually take you there on Friday and you can make a day out of it. On the way back he can bring the weekly deliveries. I will have it arranged" as soon as he said it, his phone started ringing.

"Yes, this is him. That's right. How soon? Well you could email it to me. Yes, thank you. Have a great day." he sounded so different, so un-Dino-like.

"Sorry, you said you would think about living here once your job started but on the off-chance you decide against it, I rented you an apartment near the hotel . . "

"But I can pay for it myself" I interupted.

"I knew you would say that hence I have only reserved it yet. You can go check it out tomorrow. It will be your name on the lease and you will make the payments. I will try to be a supportive man to my girlfriend and promise not to get financially involved" Dino said and placed his hand in mine.

"Well, thank you boyfriend" I whispered and he gave me the sweetest smile.

___

It was almost nighttime and I was walking around the main mansion aimlessly with the copy of pride and prejudice in my hand and both Simba and Juno following me around religiously. When I heard someone talking I quickly hid behind the nearest wall and signaled the dogs to be quiet.

"Do you think the business meeting will resolve things with those filthy Russians?" said one man.

"I don't think so. There has been something suspicious going on since that girl came in this house. Our women working in the kitchen have been telling me how the boss has been having meals with her almost everyday but there is nothing sexual going on with her and the boss" said the second man.

"I am committed to the boss and his leadership but bring a woman in the house who living on the first floor is making me doubt." said the first man.

"How was the boss able to contact the Russians anyway, they have been fighting tooth and nail against our every move, you must know" said the second man.

"It was Paulo. He was picked up by the Russians a few days ago and asked to make some sort of arrangement. I also heard that the American girl has been helping boss track the mystery mob boss which is why the Thirteen had gone to Rome" said the first man.

"I didn't know that about the girl. But isn't it true after the boss and the american girl came back, the villa where others like Rafa and Enzo were operating was attacked by the mystery mob boss' men" said the second man.

Is this what Dino has been worried about, that we got a little too close to the mystery mob boss' gang and Rafa was attacked. Why wouldn't he tell me about it if, I'm supposed to be helping shouldn't I know all of this. Suddenly Simba make an almost barking noise.

"I hear the dog, it's probably the american girl. Let's go" said the second man and they quickly left through the exit behind the stairs.

I might like Dino a lot but I think it's better than I leave. Staying here is just causing gossip and distrust in his house. Also if Dino needs my help with the mystery mob boss then he can come and tell me himself. I hope the apartment Dino selected is a good one.

"Let's go furballs, time to sleep" I spoke and started walking to my room.

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