The Mafia's Heir

Chapter 24

I rounded the corner and stopped. Grandpa stood a few feet in front of me deep in thought. I stood there for a moment not wanting to disturb him. He then noticed me and smiled. I smiled back.

"...Stai bene?" I asked. Are you okay?

"Yes. I was just thinking about something," he said. "Sei pronto per la cena?" Are you ready for dinner?

"Sì e no."

He furrowed his eyebrows. "Cosa intendi?" What do you mean?

"I'm not really in the mood for a huge dinner. If I could just have a sandwich, that would be okay with me."

"Un sandwich?!" A-a sandwich?!

"Sì..."

"No. Non è quello che mangerai a casa mia alla vista del re della Malesia." No. That is not what you will be eating in my house in the sight of the king of Malaysia.

"The king of Malaysia?!"

I sucked in a deep breath and chewed my bottom lip. I was sure that eating a sandwich was going to be okay. I mean, I should be practicing my authority now. I was soon going to be the future mafia queen. Why not act like one now?

"Grandpa, I just want a ham sandwich. I don't think I can actually stomach anything at the moment," I reasoned. "So, the king can either deal with it or eat one too."

Grandpa looked at me for a moment. I thought I saw approval in his eyes, but boy was I wrong. He started laughing. I mean real laughing. The laugh where you're grabbing your stomach, because you're laughing too hard. Your eyes are squeezed shut to prevent crying. That kind of laugh. I didn't know what to do.

He seriously thought I was kidding!

I scowled and crossed my arms. If he tried to force me to eat anything, I would just flat out refuse. He couldn't make me do anything. Not unless he tried threatening me with Lucio's life. All the men here were old, senile, or both. Except for the male staff. They were young and proved to be quite helpful. Not that I really cared.

He stopped laughing and wiped away stray tears. Was it really that funny? I noticed a small smile on his lips. He walked toward and threw an arm around my tiny frame. Wasn't this a little too intimate? I subtly leaned away from him and sucked my teeth.

"I told you you were a possible heir, not boss," he pointed out.

"Isn't that almost the same thing?" I countered.

"Almost," he said and we began walking to the dining room. "Your tricks won't work on me anyway. You need to eat to keep your health up and baby's."

"...Okay."

When we made it to the dining room, I was seated on grandpa's right. Lucio was brought to me and I was more than happy to see him. When I thought no one else would be joining us, the doors opened. I looked up and my eyes widened. This was the king?! He looked so...young. Too young. Grandpa stood and bowed. I followed suit.

"David, senang jumpa lagi," he greeted. David, it is nice to see you again.

"Adalah suatu kehormatan kerana anda memberi kami rahmat dengan kehadiran anda sekali lagi, Afan," Grandpa agreed and sat down. I did the same and avoided eye contact. "Inilah cucu saya, Cynthia Russo." It's an honor to have you grace us with your presence once again, Afan. Here is my granddaughter, Cynthia Russo.

"Cynthia?" the king asked in disbelief. My head snapped up. "Wow...you've grown exceptionally well. You are more beautiful than I last remember."

I stared at him blankly. Did he really just tell me I was beautiful? Does he not see the giant rock on my finger? "Thank you...your majesty."