CHAPTER 3

ALESSIO....

He is sitting inside his office going through some paperwork when he hears a knock on the door.He is not in the mood for any chit chat today or any bad news,his dad this morning told him some news that doesn't sit well with him.There is a possibility that he has found Brielle....his so called mother.

If he is honest with himself he wants absolutely nothing to do with his mom,she left a scar on his heart that isn't repairable....by anyone.The knock came again. Frustrated he says."Enter!"When he saw it's Ava he wishes he had soften his tone a bit,now she'll nag him to find out what's bothering him and if he can tell her,she'll be so happy to hear their mother is alive and that there's a possibility that she'll come back.

Without saying anything,she throws herself on his couch with her head flung back and an arm over her eyes."I have work to finish Ava....you can't come and sleep in here."Alessio hears her deep sigh and he knows something is wrong."Talk."

When it comes to his sister,he somehow manages to contain his temper and remain calm....with anyone else it's a disaster.With Ava he isn't the cold,calculated, heartless bastard that everyone says he is....and he wonders what's going to happen the day his sister falls in love....he won't accept or like it one bit.

"I spoke to papi."She said breaking his thoughts,he knows his father told her about their mother."And I want to ask you a question?" She sat upright to face him.He kept quiet and waited for her to continue."Would you like mom to come back?"

The pen he's holding between his fingers broke in half.He expected the question and now that she has asked it....he doesn't even know how to answer it.He is conflicted between keeping his sister happy and choosing if his so called mother should come back.

He knows having their mother back would mean the world to Ava because she has always wished for the return of their mother and now that possibility is there.....he has to choose between his hatred towards his mom and that of keeping his sister happy.

"What do you wish?"He asked instead."Your happiness comes first forget about me."

"You know what my answer will be brother."She stood from the couch and walked over to the window."I don't think mom left because she wanted to abandon us.In a way I can understand her decision and we'll never know what really went through her mind if we don't find out and ask her."

Ava has always sided with their mother's choice and he hasn't they see things differently.He is more practical and factual...while she is emotional....and emotions is something that is foreign to him."Well she had fifteen years to come back and give us an explanation about her actions and she hasn't.For me that's enough an answer."

"Alessio-..."

"Whatever you decide I'll support you."He spoke over her, because he knows his sister will try to convince him otherwise and he doesn't need convincing.Fifteen years is a long time,and in that time he has done a lot of thinking."But make no mistake if she can return she's nothing more to me than a stranger.You my family, padre is along with bisnonna,zia Arielle,zio Marco and the rest of the close family friends we have.That's it."

"I will never force you to choose Alessio but I won't choose either she is our mother and if padre brings her home I'll treat her as such. I suppose asking you to go along with father is too much."

"I'm the new Don,there are more important things that need my attention and as you can see there's alot of paperwork I need to handle.You have a job too don't forget that and I expect a full report on Valetti Corp and Enterprises financial records. Dealing with the legal businesses is your department,I'll handle the rest."

And just like that he ended their conversation,Ava stood for a few more minutes her gaze holding his."Of course Don."Hearing her call him that stings,it burns.Him and Ava have never been formal with each other and now hearing her words....it pains him. He can be angry at the world....the world can be angry at him....but his bond with his sister he'll never sacrifice it for anything or anyone.

"Ava...."She stormed out before he could finish his sentence, grabbing his laptop from the table he threw it up against the wall breaking into pieces."Fuck!"He cursed out.

"Capo...??"He hears someone say from the door,when he looked up it's to see Tino.Uncle Tino and Marcelo has remained in their positions of under boss and consigliere.His father has hoped that uncle Tino would find a woman with whom he can settle down with....but he never did.He loves his bachelor lifestyle and all the pussy he's getting out of it.Uncle Marcelo's son is still young to take over but he is being trained and as soon as he is of age then he'll take over his father's position as consigliere.

Uncle Tino doesn't look his age,but slowly one can see his pepper white hair making an appearance and for his age,he is still ruthless and devious as ever.Alessio respects him and his other uncles and although he has told them many times not to address him as Capo when they alone,his uncles still won't listen."Uncle Tino.Come in."

He stepped further into the room."Marino is here about the business proposal he brought forward a few weeks ago."

"I'm not in the mood for any talks right now uncle Tino."He admits. "Schedule another day...I haven't even read through his proposition as of yet.And tell me how come we have to do business with the Alessi's as far as I remember his uncle kidnapped my m-..."He stopped himself just in time from saying mom."Brielle."He can see his uncle close his eyes when he calls his mom by her name and not mom."My father wouldn't be too happy if he can hear we creating an alliance with the enemy."

"Your father agreed.I wouldn't be here if he had refused."

"What the-...."Alessio broke off,shock on his face.

"Your sister somehow convinced him ,the proposal Marino is bringing forth will be good for the legal side of business and most of his interaction will be with Ava."

"Why do I get the feeling this asshole is after my sister."Alessio spoke into the air,a fresh wave of anger coming on.

"Now,now Alessio....I know the princess is of high value...but I don't think Marino will risk his life or this deal by setting his eyes on Ava.You need to calm down and think with a clear head."

"Where is he?"Alessio demanded,he isn't happy that a male....a very dangerous male will be interacting with his sister.He has heard the rumors about Marino and the bastard is just like him,evil,devious manipulative, charming and a ghost in the night.But Alessio doesn't fear him because he knows one on one with Marino they both will have a tie.He is fair when it comes to honoring someone's skills and Marino is good....very good.

He is someone Alessio won't mind to face in a dual....one on one. And if the fucker knows what's good for him... he'll stay far away from his sister."Fine."Alessio groaned."Let him in."Tino is at the door when Alessio spoke... Stopping him."Has my father made a decision."

"He already left."Tino replied.Alessio just nodded and sat down again when his uncle left.He is waiting for Marino....ten minutes has passed and the fucker isn't making an appearance.He came for a meeting but he's late....how fucking punctual of him,he can't even keep time.Alessio stood up and went outside to see what's taking so long.

And he can't say he's surprised when he finds Marino alone with Ava.His jaw clenches in anger, business proposal his ass.This bastard is only here to make a move on his sister that's all. Without giving much thought he strolls over to them in the living room and hits Marino squarely on his jaw, the blow caught Marino off guard as he fell to the ground groaning.Ava rushed over to him but he placed his hand in front of her to stop her from going any further.

"Are you out of your damn mind!"His sister yelled at him angrily. Her hazel eyes is blazing golden brown clearly showing her anger, well he doesn't give a fuck.He won't allow this Marino guy to come into his home and think he can fuck his sister."Che diavolo ti prende Alessio?!"(What the hell is wrong with you Alessio?!")

"Cio che non va in me è che lui vuole scoparti!"Alessio grounds out with his teeth and fists clenched in anger. (What's wrong with me is that he wants to fuck you!")

"Mio Dio Alessio."She groaned angrily.(My God Alessio)

"Stai lontano da questa sorella."He ordered her, charging forward towards Marino.(Stay out of this sister).

"No!"Ava shouted at him, standing in between them."I'm not staying out of anything here.Mr Alessi is our guest and he's here on business,I was merely keeping him company until you were going to finish whatever paperwork you had to attend to."

Alessio didn't miss how Ava pressed on the word paperwork,his gaze lands on Marino,the bastard is standing there with a smug look on his face all because Ava is defending him,and that is pissing him off further.His punch didn't seem to have done the trick,if this asshole thinks he's going to come here and make a claim on his sister then he has another thing coming.

As not to further upset Ava, because she is already angry at him if he can continue with Marino she'll only side with the bastard and remain angry at him,so he'll just shove his anger aside until he is alone with Mr Alessi."If you done keeping him company he can follow me to my office.We have much to discuss....him and I."

"I'm really sorry for this misunderstanding Mr Alessi."Ava said ever so sweetly,it sickens him to the core and he'll personally ensure this Alessi trash stays far away from his sister,he'll do anything he possible can.May the Gods have mercy on his soul.