My Mafia Princess (Gangster Series Book 4)

BEATRICE    The alarm went off early in the morning, waking me up. I couldn’t be any more grateful for it. The constant nightmares were close to driving me crazy. Seeing my mother dead on the floor was haunting me in my sleep since that day.    Despite my father killing her, I never resented him. He defended himself from her attack. She was not the best mother in the world, but she was still mine.     I got out of my bed, stretching my sore body from sleeping the wrong way and before I headed to the bathroom to do my business, I saw an array of messages on my cell phone.     Some were from friends inviting me to parties, others from the office, probably reminding me of my meeting today.     I put the phone on the sink, letting it play the messages while I took a shower. After hearing all of them, there was one more from home.     “Hello, honey. It’s Aubrey. I was wondering if you were taking any vacations soon. Your father wants to see you and it would be great if you came for at least a week to visit us,” her sweet voice came through the speakers, making me smile.     She has been such a great mother these past few years and I was grateful for her.     As I came out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped up around my body, I called them back, letting them know I might be heading back home sometime next week.     “I will call you the day before, so you know the gate number and the time,” I said, hearing an excited scream from Aubrey.    “We’ll be waiting for you!”    I hung up and headed to my closet to choose my outfit for the day, settling with a navy blue knee length dress, and beige stilettos. Putting my hair down in waves, and light makeup, I was ready for my work day at the company.    I owned a fashion brand clothing business in the middle of New York City, and it was one of the most successful ones out there.     “You have to go,” I told the woman laying on my bed, naked as I tossed her her clothes so she could get dressed.     “Why can’t I stay longer? Didn’t you have fun last night?” she asked, smiling sensually as she got on her knees, covering her body with the sheets, and trying to put her hands on me. I didn’t want to lead her on, it was just a one night stand. Pulling away, I gave her a fake smile.     “It was fun, baby. But I don’t want you getting any ideas. It was just one night and it’s not like I’m marrying you,” I replied, pulling the sheets off her so she could get the hint.    “Besides, I have to go to work, so I need you out of my apartment. You know your way to the door,” I added before leaving my bedroom.     I grabbed the keys by the door and walked out of the apartment, hoping she was gone by the time I came back, and not having to see her ever again.     As I arrived at my company, I took my sunglasses off and looked up my building like those dramatic movies before I made my way inside. Taking a deep breath, I headed towards the receptionist at the lobby.     “Good morning, Miss Santiago,” she greeted with a kind smile on her face as she handed me my mail.    “Good morning, Coral. How’s the family?” I asked, checking envelope by envelope, just to realize they were all garbage as I handed it back to her to toss it away.     Coral has been working for me for a while now. Her charisma was contagious and she was the perfect candidate to be the face of introduction at the company.     Not to mention how beautiful she was. Her fiery red hair and green eyes were her strongest suits. She was in her mid 30s, but looked way younger, making customers doubt her business experience.    “They’re good. My husband is off, so he took the kids to the zoo.”    “Why didn’t you tell me? I could have given you the day off so you can catch up with them at the zoo. Call Sara, she might be able to cover the day, and I won’t take no for an answer. Just show me some pictures tomorrow,” I smiled.    It was not normal for a boss to be this kind to their employees, but Coral has been a great employee and she has worked hard every single day. She deserves a day off with her family.     I got in the elevator that takes me straight to my floor where my office is. Aubrey and Dad wanted me to follow in their footsteps, but I wanted to build my own path.     Moving to New York to pursue my degree in business helped me stay away from the mafia world. I told my father to let Francis take over when he came of age, and even though he was against it, at the end he agreed with me.     The elevator door opened and I walked out of it, greeting everyone on my way to the office. One person in particular would brighten my morning.      And I took a glance at her...    Cynthia Martinez, my personal assistant. I met her in my first year of college and now she works for me. I had to say, I made the best choice. Not only because I could have her closer to me, but she excelled at what she did.     “Good morning, Cynthia,” I greeted, making her blush.     “Morning, Miss Santiago,” she greeted back, showing me that beautiful smile.     “I need those reports as soon as yesterday,” I ordered in a serious expression, making her frown in confusion at my firm voice.     As soon as I walked into my office, I took my jacket off and dropped it on the couch by the corner. I sat on the leather chair behind my desk, rubbing my temples to avoid a headache that threatened to start.     I was thinking about my mother and about Aubrey’s call to visit them. How my life has changed over the years as well.    A soft knock pulled me out of my thoughts and when I urged her in, knowing who it was, the air left my lungs.     Cynthia stood there with the binders against her chest. Now that she was closer, I could admire her. Her black hair, much like mine, was pulled up in a messy bun and those hypnotizing gray eyes always made me look forward to seeing them everyday.     Her pencil red skirt and white buttoned up blouse covered her slim body, making me want to spill my coffee on it just to see her strip.     “Here are the reports, Miss Santiago. Everything you need from sales, profits and even suggestions from the store managers,” she said, putting the binders on my desk. Every move never went unnoticed by me. I was well aware of every single one.     I noticed her attitude, and as she was about to leave, I stopped her.     “Is there something bothering you?” I asked, getting out of my chair. I stood right next to her, closing the door back before I put my hand against it.     “Nothing, Miss Santiago. I have work to do, so if you’ll excuse me,” she said, putting her hand on the doorknob, but I put mine on top of hers, keeping her from opening that door.      “Don’t lie to me, Cynthia. What’s wrong?”    She lifted her gaze at me, looking intently into my eyes as she let out a deep sigh.     “Did you have fun last night?”     Oh, she knew me that well, but that question still caught me by surprise. Why would she even ask that? It’s not like she’s my mother or my girlfriend.     My lips tilted a bit on the side, showing her a cocky smirk.     “Why, are you jealous?”    “No, but you are well known for bringing women to your bed almost every night. You are a bit predictable, that’s all.”    “You’re mad because I didn’t take you to my bed?” I asked, making her look at me with her eyes wide open in shock, composing herself not long after.     “Not really. I’m not interested in women, thank you very much.”    She opened the door and walked out, leaving me standing there, wondering what had gotten into her and what gave her the right to meddle into my personal life?    I took a deep breath, hearing the phone ring on my desk. Seeing the caller ID, I saw Sofia’s name on it. That was weird, she never contacts me for anything.     “Hello, this is Beatrice,” I answered, pretending not to know she was the one calling.     “Hi, Beatrice!” she said in Spanish. I was glad I learned Spanish from Dad and Italian from Aubrey, or else I would be lost.     “This is a surprise. To what do I owe the honor of your call?” I asked, also in Spanish.    “Well, I heard you were going to Italy for Lorenzo’s family gathering. It makes me happy to know you’ll be here, it's been seven years and you haven’t been back home.”    “I know and I’m sorry. My life has been chaotic these past years, but I told Aubrey I would be taking a flight next week.”    “Perfect! Are you bringing a date?” she asked and I held the urge to slam the phone against my face, but I kept my cool.    “Maybe. I will see who wants to come with me. Talk later, I have so much to do, Bye!” I quickly hung the phone before she could say another word. Great, they all knew I would come.     I loved my family, every single one of them. From Piper and Luciano, to my parents.  But I have been trying to avoid them like the plague.     Cynthia came in again with a cup of tea in her hands. And to be honest, I needed it. I grabbed it and took a sip of it, moaning at the citrusy flavor as I blurted out the next words.    “Do you want to go on a vacation with me?”