Mr. Regnante

by Serena Light

  It was a document of at least 10 pages, and Rosalie couldn't stop the smile that overcame her face as she realized that this man wasn't cold or heartless as everyone made him out to be.

  He had gone out of his way to get to know every single person under his command, knowing not only their middle names but the middle names of their children as well. It warmed her heart to know that he had gotten every single person a gift, had them specially wrapped and no doubt delivered before Christmas Eve as well. And the best part was there was no discrimination. He had Muslims and Hindus, black and Latinos, the entire plethora.

  He had a small world living under his roof.

  The sound of their laughter had Rosalie put down the paper as she walked towards the door, watching as Arcangelo marched inside with Arsenio draped over his shoulder and Claudia hanging from his arm like a sack, the children laughing as Arcangelo was grinning with mischief. Looking around the room, he met Rosalie's gaze, momentarily surprised by the wide smile she had for him, but he couldn't help but respond with a smile of his own.

  It was a lovely occasion, and even the awkwardness between them wasn't going to ruin their fun.

  --

  Christmas at the Regnante estate was a sight to behold.

  The ground floor was decorated with hues of red, green, yellow and gold, strings of green coiled around the banisters and interior balcony. Fairy lights lining the wall and illuminating the already bright area. Décor livening the adobe. Almost every table had its collection of pinecones and poinsettias. Wreaths on the large double doors with various holiday scents wafting through the air.

  But the best sight was that of the humongous Christmas tree in the center of the lounge. Multicolored ornaments hanging from its branches, fairy lights coiling around it in spirals with tinsels strategically placed. The colors popping against the dark green of the evergreen, its natural scent heavy in the air and mingling with that of the lavish dinner, flowers, and freshly baked goods. A multitude of gifts sitting beneath the tree as the fire crackled to the left.

  It all felt so surreal that Rosalie couldn't believe her eyes. It was equivalent to a fairytale with the bright colors and decorations and with the lingering people dressed in their best clothes, all looking beautiful and handsome in the ensembles.

  Claudia dancing around the room in a beautiful white lace dress with a frilly skirt and red silk ribbon across her abdomen, her brown curls pushed out of her face with a flower headband. Arsenio looked dashing in his suit with his hair parted to the side, a toothy grin on his face. Vincent was found in a light grey suit with a dark green tie as Arcangelo stood beside him, chatting in an expensive black two-piece suit, paired with a white button up and maroon tie, a white rose in his chest pocket - a gift from Claudia. Stepping forward, Rosalie greeted the children first, both of them gasping at the sight of her.

  Rosalie wore a gorgeous maroon lace off shoulder dress which was longer from the back than the front, paired with a golden necklace around her neck and her hair tied into a simple ponytail. Her hairs clicked against the marble as she greeted the others, noticing Arcangelo's gaze following her until she came up to the two.

  "Merry Christmas, Vincent." Rosalie smiled with maroon lips as Vincent grinned in response.

  "Merry Christmas!"

  "And to you too-" Rosalie started to say, turning towards Arcangelo, but taken back by his close proximity, her breath catching in her throat as he leaned ahead, his cologne hugging her as he reached behind her head as he pulled off the pony, allowing her hair to cascade down her back in gentle waves, framing her face.

  "I like you better with your hair open." He admitted, placing the rubber band in her palm before walking away, leaving Rosalie to stand with cheeks as red as her dress as Vincent had a sly smile on his face, watching his best friend mingle with the crowd.

  The dinner tasted just as lavish as it smelled, everyone not being able to stop as they took second and third servings while chatting animatedly, the sound of laughter and life ringing through the halls. Soon everyone was gathered around the lounge, watching the kids open their presents before it was discovered that everyone had a gift under their name. The joy as evident as that of a child in a candy store.

  Even Rosalie was surprised to learn that she had received a gift as well, Claudia and Arsenio approaching her with shy smiles as they stood with a small gift-wrapped box in their hands. Smiling from ear to ear, she kissed their cheeks before unwrapping the gift, her mouth falling open as she stared at the pastel turquoise box in her lap with Tiffany's written in white. Swallowing thickly, she pulled off the top, her breathing stopping as she stared back at the sapphire and diamond tennis bracelet laid on the cushion.

  "Wha-" She chocked out in shock as the two kids grinned at her.

  "Uncle picked it out!" Claudia enlightened proudly. "He said you'd like it."

  "I-I-I..." Rosalie stammered, looking around at the faces in search of his, not being able to find him. "Where-"

  "There he is!" Claudia exclaimed pointing behind them as she noticed him to be making his way up to the second landing.

  Putting away the wrapping, Rosalie followed after him with the box in hand as she came to the second landing, turning to the left, but standing in confusion when she noticed it to be a dead end with no Arcangelo in sight. Walking ahead, she noticed the last door to her right to be slightly ajar. Knocking on the door, she awaited a response, but when she got none, she pulled it open, stepping back in surprise to see a staircase going up.

  Uncertain, she walked up, the sound of a piano greeting her ears halfway up the steps. She momentarily admired the beauty of the sound, her heart clenching in sadness as the symphony seemed to be crying from the keys.

  Finally, on the top of the stairs, she came across a partially closed door once more, light pouring out as she pushed at the surface, the door opening silently. Rosalie stood in the doorway, admiring the interior of what seemed to be the attic. A beige carpet covering the floor with the sofas being all light grey, a grand piano in front of her as Arcangelo's back was facing her, his fingers dancing over the keys.

  "I know what you're going to say." He suddenly spoke up, not looking up as he stopped playing, reaching for the glass of scotch in the corner. "That I'm acting like a child. Hosting just a festive occasion and hiding myself up here."

  A dark chuckle escaped him as he downed the contents of the glass.

  "I hate such festive occasions." He admitted. "I want them as far away from me as possible, but God, the kids love them so much. And I would do anything to see them smile, even if it means tearing myself apart from the inside." He sighed in desolation, pouring himself another glass.

  "Although, it's funny. I haven't always hated such festivities. It was just after that night...4 years ago, I can't manage to uphold such high spirits and not think about them."

  "Fuck, it's been 4 years and yet it still tears me apart like it happened yesterday." He choked out a laugh. "I lost everyone I loved, but Arsenio suffered the brunt of the damage, he lost his parents. He doesn't fucking remember them, he was so tiny when it all happened." Arcangelo continued with a sad tone as he stood up, a bottle in one hand and a half-full glass in the other, turning around he shuffled on his feet, staring at Rosalie standing in the doorway as he furrowed his eyebrows, looking at the bottle in his hand before looking back at her.

  "You're...not Vincent." He spoke slowly, putting away the glass and bottle, believing he has had enough for one night. "Fuck." Arcangelo hissed as he rubbed a hand over his face, shaking his head before making his way to the sofas, flopping down as he threw back his head, loosening the tie around his neck.

  "You should not be here." He told her as Rosalie made her way towards him, coming to sit down beside him, her body turned towards him. "You should not have heard all that you did."

  "I'm not going to judge you," Rosalie spoke softly, stroking the side of his face with her knuckles. "I probably should not have heard all that you just said, but now I know
, and neither one of us can forget that. And it's alright, I'm not going to force into anything if you want me to leave I'll leave and send Vincent to you. Do you want me to leave?"

  "No, stay,"

  "I'll stay for you then."

  A silence washed over the two as Rosalie interlaced her fingers with his, bringing his hand up to her face as she placed a kiss on his knuckles, gently caressing the skin as she turned his hand, noticing years old scars on his wrist, thin and pale against his olive complexion, a permanent reminder. Looking back at him, she noticed the sadness in his eyes as she placed a kiss on his cheek, letting him know that she was right here if he needed her.

  "You know..." Arcangelo trailed. "I was never meant to be a Mafia boss. Sure I was born into a Mafia family, but I wasn't the heir. I wasn't the heir, it was my elder brother. He was supposed to take over."

  "But...but you see, he was...a little weak hearted for the mafia. But...he was determined...determined to do good, and he couldn't wait to take over to prove everyone wrong, show them all that he was a Regnante...but he-he-he couldn't..." Arcangelo chuckled humorlessly as he shook his head. Rosalie pulled him towards her, hugging him to her chest as he inhaled deeply, trying to calm himself. "He died. He died with everyone. Mom, Ellie...they all died...they all left us...left me...to look after a 2-year-old baby...I was forced to become a father at 24...and I-I-I..."

  "Shh..." Rosalie shushed him, placing a kiss on the back of his head. "It's alright, you don't have to speak anymore."

  They fell silent as Arcangelo rested his head on her lap, Rosalie stroking his hair, both of them not saying anything and reveling in the comfort of the other's presence. She had no idea how long she sat with his head in her lap, and on more than one occasion she thought he had fallen asleep, however, proven wrong by the blinking of his eyes. But when she finally mustered the strength to check the time, it was 1:30 a.m.

  "Let's get you to bed," Rosalie spoke softly, helping him get up as he stumbled unsteadily on his feet. His face paled as he stumbled back, the alcohol intoxicating his system as he was about to fall. All of a sudden Rosalie steadied him by wrapping her arm around his waist, the other one on his chest as he shuffled, trying to regain his senses. "You okay?"

  He slurred nodded, blinking to rid himself of the blurriness before him which he wasn't sure was due to the exhaustion weighing on him or the alcohol or both. Wrapping an arm around Rosalie's shoulder, he allowed her to help him get to his bedroom.

  The entire estate was absolutely desolate and dimly lit by the lamps; it felt rather eerie to view it at this time when just a few hours ago it had been bursting with life and colors. They had a little trouble getting up the stairs as Arcangelo couldn't distinguish his left from his right in his haze, but after a little of help, they finally made it up.

  Rosalie helped him to his bedroom, before he untangled himself from her, momentarily swaying before making his way to his walk-in closet.

  She stood there uncertainly, not sure if she was meant to stay or leave. Having been so lost in her thoughts, she let out a shriek of surprise when she felt his hands at her back; Rosalie's heart jumping in her chest as she felt him pull down the zip; her cheeks flushing a deep red.

  "You looked ravishing today." He spoke slowly as he placed a kiss on her nape as the dress pooled at her feet, exposing the undergarments she had on below. "I love how red looks on you." He continued as he placed a kiss on her shoulders, his hands caressing her sides and going lower.

  "You should sleep." Rosalie managed out finally between her racing heart and her laboring breathing, excitement, and arousal flowing over her.

  Arcangelo hummed in response as he buried his face in her neck, momentarily holding her against him as she stood silently, feeling the way his chest felt at her back, or the warmth of his skin against her stomach, his stubble gently grazing the skin of her shoulder.

  "Arms up," He instructed, pulling away from her.

  Uncertain, she lifted her arms followed by the sensation of a soft fabric rubbing against her skin and being pulled down over her. Glancing, she noticed herself to be drowned in one of his shirts which reached just a little after mid-thigh. Before she could say something, Arcangelo grabbed her hand and walked towards his bed, turning off the lights before effortlessly guiding her in the dark.

  Slowly she got onto the bed, hearing him fumble with the covers before resting with a sigh. Swallowing, Rosalie got under the covers, making her way towards him as she lay on her side, facing him while he lay on his back. Uncertainly, she moved closer, resting her head beneath his chin as he instantly wrapped her in his arms, both of them allowing the silence and the other's presence to lull them to sleep.

  Chapter XIII: Solutions

  Arcangelo awoke with a groan, rubbing his eyes as he felt a pounding headache hammer against his forehead.

  "Fuck." He groaned in pain as he blinked open his eyes, taking a moment for his vision to clear before he felt the straining of the typical hangover light sensitivity. Struggling to sit up, he rolled his shoulders to relieve the stiffness before he poured himself a glass of water. Sipping it, he looked around his room, catching sight of the little red dress fallen in a heap near his bedroom door. Slowly he turned beside him, seeing the space empty as he put away the glass, a humorless chuckle escaping him as he shook his head at himself.

  "How stupid can I get?" He laughed at himself as he fell back, placing an arm over his eyes as he waited for the pain to subside.

  The sound of the door opening soundlessly had him pull himself onto his eyebrows as he expected it to be the kids, but he raised his eyebrows in surprise as he noticed it to be Rosalie with a food-laden trey.

  "Morning," She smiled brightly at him while placing the trey between them, leaning over to place a kiss on his cheek as he looked at her in confusion. "What?"

  "I-nothing," he shook his head as he deciding against voicing his thoughts. "So what do we have here?"

  "Breakfast,"

  Rosalie grinned as she handed him his coffee with a croissant, grabbing one herself as she sat with her legs crossed beneath her, both of them biting into it as Arcangelo pulled back in surprise, realizing it to be chocolate filled. A laugh escaping Rosalie as she noticed the chocolate on his upper lip, leaning forward, she wiped it away, having cupped his chin into her fingers to ensure he remained still.

  "There you go," She smiled as she looked up, momentarily taken by surprise at how close they actually were, his smoldering eyes having her freeze in her position until he leaned forward, placing a kiss on her forehead, lingering for a second longer until he pulled back.

  They both ate breakfast with light chatter until Arcangelo groaned, complaining how he was too tired and hungover to work.

  "Then don't work." Rosalie stated, resulting in a laugh from him, as she lowered herself onto her stomach, "What's so funny? It's the second day of Christmas, nothing is going on,"

  Arcangelo pondered her words for a moment, seeing the logic behind them as he nodded.

  "Where are the kids?"

  "Vincent took them with him." She informed as he looked at her with a raised eyebrow. "Said something about being able to look after them for a day to lay off the burden on you,"

  A chuckle escaped him as he shook his head.

  "Alright then, what do you suggest we do today?"

  "Nothing,"

  "Nothing?"

  "Yes, let's just lay here and forget about the world." Rosalie grinned as she lay down beside him, getting under the covers as the temperature kept getting colder day by day.

  "Alright," He relented, lying down beside her as they both were silent.

  And just like that, they did nothing, besides talk about random topics and take naps. They both told each other jokes or talked about the strangest of topics, neither one relieving the memory of what happened last night in the attic.

  "Rosalie..." Arcangelo called out as she hummed in response, his face growing a light pink at what he wanted to ask her. "I was...we
ll...I mean..." He fumbled over his words as Rosalie pushed herself onto her elbows, her eyes widening at the pink across his cheek as she repressed a smile.

  "Are you...blushing?" She cooed at him.

  "What, no."

  "Oh! Really?" Rosalie taunted, rolling onto her stomach as she looked at him with clear amusement. "Gee...I wonder what has you blushing so hard."

  At that, his cheeks darkened as his voice cracked.

  "N-nothing,"

  She couldn't help but squeal at him at how adorable he looked. The ever-stoic, intimidating Mafia Boss lay before her with tousled hair and wide blue eyes as he was blushing at the prospect of something.

  "You're so freaking adorable." She laughed as she placed a kiss on his cheek, a giggle escaping her as he turned to look at her with a halfhearted glare as he sat up in bed.

  "If I'm so 'freaking adorable' then go out on a date with me. Bet you don't have the guts for that." He challenged with a smug smile, Rosalie sitting up beside him as she scoffed at his words.

  "Oh, honey, please." She retaliated. "I'd be more than willing to go out on a number of dates, hell I'd even be your girlfriend."

  "So that's a yes?" He asked her, looking at her with an amused smile on his face, Rosalie turned to look at him in confusion. "You'd be my girlfriend?"

  Instantly her face flushed a deep red as Arcangelo's was a light pink, an expectant grin on his face as she couldn't help but give him credit for his shrewdness. Not having realized that he was actually proposing to her until he confirmed it.

  "You're more than welcome to back out." He assured her, the smile still intact, but his eyes seemed to dull just a bit. "You don't have to if you don't want to."