#atta cappelletti

Any further thoughts flew from his mind as they, finally, pulled up to the iron gate, the driver speaking to the intercom. A piercing screech sounded as the gates squeaked open allowing the car to pull in and around the fountain in the courtyard, to park. The back doors opened and Colson, along with his crew, filed out and up the stairs where the double doors opened for them.

“Mr. Romano.” An older man said, dressed in a black suit with graying brown hair. Colson glanced at him as they entered, not really focusing on him. His high was wearing off as his anxiety kicked into overdrive. Rubbing his hands together as the man led them through the foyer to a side room, he said, “Luca. How is everyone feeling today?”

“As they do at every meeting, Signore. Old, miserable, bitter, and upset.” Luca said. A brief smirk tugged at Colson’s lips as Luca held open the door to let Colson and his men in. Colson hated bringing his personal crew with him to meet with the Dons and the family. Most of his organization and general security were the Italian-born and bred sons, but his most loyal were three gangsters he picked up from the States and happened to consist of two black men. Colson despised their initial reaction, seeing color before loyalty, and struggled to keep his feelings about it under wraps, especially at meetings. Every time there was a threat and there was a meeting, Colson only trusted those three men to escort him and no one else.

Through all the years of his life that he gave to the Mafia, he’d learned to savor loyalty, having seen the use in it. While visiting family in New York, he was put under the protection of the three men that stood behind him now. After an attempt on his life, those men proved their value and Colson refused to have any other security to join his inner circle. While the Dons and the family disagreed, the only reason Colson’s request was allowed was because of his best friend; JP ‘Rook’ Cappelletti, the son and heir apparent of the XX Mob. However Rook wasn't the sole reason it was allowed, but the reason it was still allowed. It was Colson’s father and uncle, along with Rook’s father, who helped Colson’s grandfather form and create what the XX Mob was to this day. When Colson’s uncle, Aureliano, died, it was his last remaining ally among the elders and the Dons, leaving Rook as his sole lifeline to his birthright.

From his teenage years, it was a long believed secret rumor that Colson would be excommunicated when his kin died, as he had caused an enormous amount of trouble for the mob. But once Colson and Rook formed a closer friendship, Colson was given a second chance as the Dons and the family saw he had begun to change.

When a second door opened to reveal the elders on their usual pedestals, Colson sighed and walked in, up to their seats and bowed as his men filed into their box. Rook smirked at Colson, both him and his father sitting below the elders, trying to ease his anxiety, while his father gave Colson an acknowledged nod, silently telling him to take his seat. Colson turned and took the foremost seat, sitting back and, crossing a leg over his knee, resisted the urge to punch out the Don next to them, who was eyeing Slim and AJ with a semi look of disgust. His blue eyes burned with the urge, but once John Sr. began to speak, his anxiety spiked, high, and his hand twitched.

“Is everyone here? Good.” John started. Colson watched Rook lean back, looking around his father to the empty seat on his left, and smirked. Colson wasn’t sure who was meant to be sitting there, as it was always Rook and John. As he sat wondering, his question was soon answered as John continued speaking, “I would like to thank the Dons for coming on such short notice. The reason I’ve called you here today is-”

John was interrupted as the doors burst open and everyone turned to look as a dark, curly-haired, young woman blew in, two flunkies by her side. With a chipper smile on her lips and a mischievous twinkle sparkling in the two emeralds that sat on her face, she made her way before John and dipped into a brief curtsy, as did the flunkies. Rook smirked and watched her, as did Colson. John, however, was less than amused.

“Atta,” John said. The woman, Atta, looked up at him, still smiling despite the man’s tone, and replied, “Father.”

Leaving her spot, she climbed the short stairs to take the vacant seat on his left. After leaning over to place a quick kiss on John’s cheek, Atta said, “I’m sorry I’m late, Father. I hope I didn’t interrupt anything?”

Murmurs rippled among the Dons, as her gaze swept around the room, of ‘No. Not at all’s, while they looked away from her, with respect. Atta smirked and sat back, crossing her jean-clad legs and folding her hands in her lap.

While John gave a soft grunt of disapproval, he still continued speaking, brushing past the interruption. As John spoke, Colson studied the second Cappelletti sibling. Though her and Rook were twins, it made sense that they would both be present, but in the same token, Colson couldn’t recall her being at other meetings he attended and was intrigued to see her there. Atta froze her face and emotions to a pleased yet neutral look. She despised being called into meetings, though it didn’t happen often. JP was the heir apparent and would take their father’s place once he died, and John never seemed too keen to involve his only daughter in the family affairs, not that Atta minded.

She was in charge of running the Cappelletti General Store, taking over a few years back when their mother got sick. It was a position she took to like a duck to water and was involved enough in the family affairs. Relations and affiliates of the Dons, sometimes the Dons themselves on occasion, visited the shop on a semi-frequent as a way to throw the cops off their trail. Atta’s mother did everything in her power to prove her store was a legitimate business and the only reason these mobsters came to her store was because of her husband. While it seemed like a shaky story, as the police kept surveillance on the shop for a month, John was adamant that none of the mob’s business be taken near the store, wanting to give his wife something of her own. Once it was well established the store had no real involvement with the mob, it was left to those same deceivers, though they protected it with their lives. They would come in with a message or an order that Atta passed to the elders and her father. As the daughter of John Sr., by rights, she was the Princess of the XX. She was more well known on her small island of Sicily, still known well enough on the mainland, and that was enough for her.

“-Cannot sit idly by while these Germans push in on our territory. I put it to this council, in the hands of the Dons; Someone must remove this German threat before they bring the AISE down on us all.” John’s speech brought her back and she started listening again.

“Not to split hairs, Don Cappelletti. But wasn’t Don Romano the cause for this rivalry?” One of the Dons stated. All eyes turned to Colson’s box, while Colson glared at the old man. “With his pathetic attempt to charm Mr. Muller’s daughter, before his father’s death, was the start, was it not?”

Colson opened his mouth to respond, but someone spoke before he could. “A shrewd observation, Don Moretti. But if you remember correctly, other things were put into motion that affected the Germans, well before Don Romano made his appearance. Mr. Muller saw Colson’s showing as the last straw, even though Colson had not taken Vittorio’s role as Don Romano.” Colson’s head whipped around at the first sound of her voice and continued to stare in shock as Atta came to his defense.

Many of the boxes began to buzz with upset. While Atta was respected as the family’s only daughter, many of the old men believed there was no place for women in Mafia business, save for being arm and eye candy, housewives, and mothers. This being one of the first times that Atta spoke up in a meeting, there was a bigger upheaval for the simple fact that they disliked Colson and had plans for their own sons to take over his territory.

Rook smirked and looked down as he attempted to suppress a snicker. Atta heard the faint snort and her lips twitched upward in a smirk of her own. John glanced at her and smiled, turning to Don Moretti and held up his hands to calm the Dons as he said, “Do not be upset by my daughter’s words. Especially when she speaks the truth. As I recall, it was your grandson, Adriano, who was sent to America to take out a hit and botched it. That was when Mr. Muller put us on his radar. Having taken out one of his men by mistake.”

Don Moretti grumbled and mumbled as he looked away in shame of the truth. John cast a glance to Colson, with a small smile, and said, “That is why I said this task is in your collective hands instead of singling Don Romano out; As it was not his fault.”

The grumbles of old men soon died down and John spoke again, “Discuss this matter with your families and each other. I want to hear names at our next meeting at the end of the week. Now, the other reason for this meeting and the reason for my daughter’s presence…”

Atta flinched and Colson saw her face twitch. Rook glanced at his sister and watched as she gripped her own hands so tightly, she white-knuckled. John reached over to place a gentle hand on hers and said, “Atta turns 26 this next week, on the 13th. I believe it is high time she was married and settled down. Many of you have expressed interest in my daughter’s hand. Each family will produce a suitor for my daughter at her party. From there, she will choose her husband.”

“You are letting her choose, John Paul? She could draw it out and never choose!” One of the elders called in a gravelly voice. “We’ve never given daughters free choice. You shall choose her husband.”

“Don Greco. We all value your input as the elders. But our children were born into a much different age. They have seen much in their young lives. My daughter will make her own choice. By her next birthday, she will be married.” John said, announcing the last bit to the room in a firm and final tone. Atta glanced at her father and gritted her teeth before standing and walking out in a deafening silence.

~

As the meeting went on without her, Atta hung around the gardens, finishing one of her last joints. As the smoke trailed from the burnt orange end, she placed a delivery order to restock as she made her way back to the manor. When she reached the porch, she set up shop on the swing bench to finish the roach.

Just as she snubbed it out with the toe of her boot, the doors flew open, causing her to look up. Colson walked out, rubbing his hands over his face and muttering. With a muffled groan, he dropped his hands and sighed, still muttering. Once he finally turned to begin pacing, he noticed Atta off to the side and gave her nothing more than a cursory glance as he paced, evenly, trying to quell his anxiety and his anger.

Atta watched him for a moment as she patted herself down to find her lighter and last joint. Giving it a few good puffs to get it nice and lit, Atta stood and went to Colson, offering it to him once he paced back to her. He accepted it and took a large hit, trying to allow as much of it to soak in as he could before he let it go, blowing out a slow line of smoke. Colson closed his eyes with a sigh as he took another hit. It made Atta giggle.

“You seem a lot jumpier than you used to be.” She teased gently. Colson opened his eyes and gave her a look. The look only made Atta smirk as she leaned on the hands against the brick wall. Colson took another hit before handing it back as he said, “Thanks.”

“No problem,” Atta said, softly, taking the joint. As Colson passed to walk back inside, Atta turned, quickly, and caught his hand. Colson turned and his expression softened as he saw a small, flirtatious smirk spread across her face while she stepped closer and looked up at him. “You should come by the shop sometime. I’m closing all this week. Could use the company.”

Her fingers played with his in the sweet, innocent way she did when they were younger. There had always been a mutual attraction between them, but Atta had to be seen with someone who was favorable to the family and Colson was a very far cry from that. So, they kept their friendship as a way to still at least be able to be around each other.

With a chuckle, Colson said, “Yeah. And what happens if John or one of the Dons walks in? Sees us alone together. They’re already gunning for me.”

“Gunning for the Gunner? They must have a death wish.” Atta teased with a chuckle as she took a small step closer to close the already small gap between them. She brought her joint to her lips and inhaled slowly. Colson smirked and plucked the joint from her lips and said, “You’re cute.”

Atta blew out the smoke as he took a hit and held it in for a moment as he said, “You must have a death wish for me. John would kill me if he found out. Damaging his precious princess’s reputation.”

Atta laughed as Colson finally let out the smoke, then she said, “Please. I damage it on my own. 25, living alone. No husband, no fiance. The family already treats me like I’m living in sin.” Atta scoffed and rolled her eyes as she took the joint back. She looked up at Colson and asked, “So, will you come see me tomorrow night?”

Waiting for his response, Atta took another drag as Colson took a step back, taking the joint from her as she offered it. After taking a final drag and handing it back, Colson said, “Sure.”

Atta’s face began to light up, but skidded to a halt and dropped as Colson, who seemed to take her smile, said, “If Rook is there.” He snickered as Atta sucker-punched his shoulder and said, “Not funny.”

“I thought it was.” He said with a small shrug and a smirk. Colson chuckled and took a step closer to bend down and kiss her cheek. “I’ve got to go. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Atta watched him walk back inside and down the hall with a sigh. She kicked a chip of brink before finishing the joint and stamping it out before going in as well to find her friends. Colson approached his gang and smiled when he saw Rook turn. The men chuckled and clapped hands before Rook said, “Hey, Colson, my dad was asking for you. He wants to see you before you leave.”

Scrunching up his face, slightly confused, Colson asked, “Did he say why?” Rook smirked and said, “It’s nothing bad, bro. Promise. But don’t keep him waiting.

Colson sighed, sightly, calling to his men to hang tight, he then turned to find his way through the mess of halls to get to John’s office, no doubt that’s where he would be waiting. Two knocks on the door, Colson prayed that his high set in soon, as he felt the pricklings of anxiety form again.

“Entra.” The command came, slightly muffled behind the heavy oak door. Colson pushed the door open and walked in, closing the door behind him. When Colson turned, he saw John’s back facing him as John flipped through folders and papers, standing in front of a filing cabinet.

“You wanted to see me, John?” Colson said, taking a few steps to the center of the room and clasping his hands behind his back. John turned, folders still in hand, and smiled at him before closing the drawers.

“Colson. Sí, Sí, come in.” John said, waving the young man over. Colson approached John’s desk but didn’t move to sit down until invited. John set his papers and folders down on his desk and grabbed two crystal glasses and a decanter of scotch. Filling the glasses, he held one out to Colson, inquiring, “You still drink scotch?”

Colson smirked and nodded, accepting the drink. “Yes, sir. I do.” Colson said. Both men chuckled and clinked glasses in a cheers. John quickly downed the amber liquid and refilled his glass before indicating the chair in front of Colson, saying, “Please. Sit.”

Colson sipped the scotch as he sat down. Taking another sip, Colson began to choke and sputter on it, caught off guard when John said, “About the wedding…”

Colson coughed and set the glass down, wiping his face as John looked up in confusion and watched him. Once Colson was able to pull himself together, he looked at John and said “Uhm the wedding? Atta’s?”

John chuckled and said, “Not to you, dear boy. That’s why I’ve called you here.”

“I’m sorry, sir, I don’t understand,” Colson said. John gave a heavy sigh as he continued to speak and look over papers.

“Colson, our families are very close. Aureliano and Vittorio were like brothers to me. It pained me when the elders asked that I step in as head of this family instead of you. I think of you as my own son.” John finally looked up at him and continued, “When I asked that each family produce a son as a suitor for my daughter...Whom did you expect to name? Yourself?”

“Well, I-Yes?” Colson answered, still confused as to why he had been called there. John smiled and nodded, looking back down at his papers.

“As I expected. You are the only Romano son left. It is the logical choice and I understand that.” John said. “But you must understand when I say, that you cannot present yourself, nor any of your men, as a prospect for Atta. The Romano family will not have a suitor.”

Colson blinked in surprise and questioned, “Sir?”

John looked up, watching Colson for a moment then sighed and said, “You know as well as I do; The Dons are not overly fond of you or your choice of men. If I were even to entertain the notion that I would allow Atta to consider you, there would be an uproar. You have your seat on this council because your grandfather made XX what it is today.”

“I’m aware of my lineage and birthright,” Colson said, with blatant disdain as obvious by his lip curling in a sneer. John smirked and said, “I have no intention of removing you from your position, Colson. But one I am gone, if JP cannot keep the Dons and elders happy...He will have no choice but to remove you once they call a vote.”

Colson sighed and sat back, refusing to admit defeat, but also at a loss. “Then, what the fuck am I supposed to do here, John?” He asked, throwing a hand up. John stood, as did Colson. He went to the young, blonde Don and clapped a hand on his back, steering him to the door.

“Nothing. Right now, at least. The Dons know of your friendship with my children. They will expect you to offer yourself for Atta’s hand. Surprise them all, Richard.” John said. Colson couldn’t help the twitch that took over his face at the use of his first name, but he knew John only used it to drive home a point. As the door opened, Colson sighed and nodded, turning to John and shaking his hand.

“Yes, Sir.” He said. “Was there anything else?”

John chuckled and said, “Don’t start a fight at her party. We both know it won’t be me or the Dons that will punish you for it.”

Colson smirked, recalling the day when a very young Colson and Rook started a fight at Atta’s 13th birthday. Both boys left with black eyes and scars from Atta’s ring. He nodded and walked out, making his way back through the maze of halls to the foyer where only Rook and Colson’s men were left.

He said his goodbyes to Rook and the group walked out the front doors and made their way down the stairs. Light, lyrical laughter met his ears and he looked up to see Atta and her friends getting into their car. Colson watched as her curls bounced and shone in the sun as she turned to talk to one of the girls; Carina was her name if Colson remembered correctly. Atta’s eyes flickered up to Colson and her smile widened a touch before the car door opened and she looked away, thanking the valet that held her door open. She slipped him a few bills before climbing into the SUV.

As Atta’s car drove off, Colson made his way down the stairs, a few steps before his car, when a young man stepped in front of him, a smug look on his face and dressed to kill. Colson repressed the urge to sneer at him. Or punch him out. He showed an extreme amount of self-control as the man began to speak.

“Young Romano. Good to see you again.” He said, briefly touching Colson’s shoulder.

“Enzio d’Este...Good to see you as well.” Colson said, half a second away from rolling his eyes at the smug bastard. Enzio chuckled and continued, “I hope you haven’t gotten too many hopes up?”

Raising an eyebrow, lazily, Colson offered, “About what, exactly?”

“Atta choosing you,” Enzio said. “I know you, her, and Rook are i tre moschettieri, but I’m a d’Este. No woman can resist a d’Este. Everyone knows that.”

Colson chuckled and shifted. “d’Este...If she chooses you? I respect her and her choices...Enough to shoot you after everyone is gone. No woman needs to see that mess.” He said. His smile dropped as he added, “Even if she does choose you, Enzio...If I find out you’ve hurt her, or you’re the reason she cries, you’ll find yourself at the bottom of the Tyrrhenian wearing a pair of cement Mary Janes with a matching hat...Am I in any way unclear, d’Este?”

Enzio chuckled and stuck a cigarette between his lips and lit it before he said, with a gesture to Colson, “You have a good night, Don Romano.” With almost an even bigger ego than before and even more smug, Enzio walked away, back to his own family as they piled in their cars and left. Colson groaned softly and got into the backseat of his own SUV, his buddy, Slim, had waited for him to get in before sliding in next to him as the door closed.

“The fuck did that smug asshole want?” Another man from the back asked, scratching at his beard as he sat forward. Colson glanced at him and chuckled.

“Eazy, Baze.” He said to the man. Baze had a run-in or two with the d’Estes and wasn’t fond of the eldest son, Enzio, at all. “He’s just trying to rattle us so we fuck up and I lose my power.”

Baze scoffed and sat back, unconvinced. The other man beside him, AJ, nudged Colson and said, “What’d John want?”

Colson glanced at him and sighed. “He told me I’m not to name myself or any of you for Atta. He basically forbade me from marrying her.” He said. The car suddenly went silent as the rest of them were in shock. While they knew Colson would offer himself as he was the only Romano left, save his daughter, they all thought it would be a sure thing and John would be overjoyed to welcome him to the family. But as Colson explained the nature of their conversation, they understood and dropped the subject.

~

Next Chapter

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“Really, JP? Ever heard of a phone?” Atta remarked as her brother’s smirk bobbed between the aisles.

“You wanna kiss my butt?” Rook retorted back. Atta groaned and rolled her eyes, sliding her arms out from under her and laying her head on her arm.

“Explain why I have to put up with you again?” Atta grumbled. Rook snickered as he got to the counter, leaning on her right side and said, “Cause, not only am I the most adorable little brother you have, I’m the only one? Hm? Princess?”

Atta groaned again and punched Rook’s shoulder before curling her arms around her head. While she liked the power she received as the unofficial Princess of the XX Mob, she loathed being called such a demeaning name, especially by the other Dons and the elders. By the grace of God, Rook, Colson, and a very few select others were able to get away with calling her ‘Princess’ as a tease.

“Call me that again, John Paul, and I swear…” Atta said. Rook chuckled and leaned over to kiss her hair and said, “Come on, Sissy. I’m just kidding.”

A few soft chuckles escaped the curled mess of hair before she tossed her hair back and sat up, leaning next to Rook. She stared at him until he smirked and kissed her cheek, then pushing off the counter to look around the shop.

“Dad wanted me to check in on you. We were worried all your future prospects would try to ambush you.” Rook said, wandering around the store.

“Oh yeah? Where were you earlier? They could have come in then.” Atta shot back as she turned to start counting the register. Rook smirked at her and said, “Why do you think I’m here now? They’re no dumber than me.”

“And that’s not saying much, Rookie.” Atta teased. A small inflatable bounce ball bounced off her head, making her squeak then giggle as she turned to him, throwing it back. Rook dodged it and gave her the bird as he disappeared behind the next aisle. Atta returned it, even though he couldn’t see it, then went back to her work.

“So do you hate this place as much as Mom did yet?” Rook asked. Atta’s head shot up and she turned to him, face scrunched up and said, “Mom didn’t hate working here. She loved this place.”

“Not the people. Not in the end.” Rook said as he came back up to the counter. Atta glanced at him as she finished her tallies.

“Yeah. A few of them still come in. At least on my shirts. I’m not sure about the others.” Atta said, zipping up the money bags. “Watch the store for me?”

Rook gave her a two-finger salute as Atta ducked into the back office. He kept wandering around the store when the door opened again and he turned. “Hey. Colson, man. What are you doing here?” Rook asked, greeting him at the door and clapping hands.

“Hey. I could ask you the same thing.” Colson teased. Before the conversation could continue, Atta came back out, hair tied up and tying her apron back around her waist, saying, “Welcome to Cappalletti General. How-Colson. Hi.”

She stopped in her tracks, surprised to see him, and letting all form of customer service she gathered go, she smiled and tore the apron off. As the boys approached her, she slipped back behind the counter, folding her apron up and tucking it away in its place.

“So, what are you doing here?” Rook asked as both he and Atta leaned on the counter. Colson chuckled and shook his head.

“Your fucking twin shit creeps me out,” Colson said. Atta smirked and Rook chuckled and stood.

“Don’t change the subject, asshole.” Rook laughed. Colson smirked.

“I asked him to stop by. It’s been a while since he’s been home and I’m working a lot. Plus, I figured he would be a good repellant.” Atta said with a giggle.

“Repellant?” Colson asked with a raised eyebrow. “For what?”

“The droves of young men wanting to be chosen.” Rook said, dramatically, earning a shocked glare from his sister.

“Way to sell me out, JP!” Atta said. The boys chuckled as Atta rolled her eyes. The trio chatted for a whole before Rook saw he wasn’t quite needed. Jumping off the counter where he sat, and shaking Colson’s hand, Rook said, “I’d better head back to the house. I’ll see you, bro.”

Colson nodded as they clapped each other's backs, then Rook turned to Atta, who moved around the counter to hug him goodbye. “You call me if this cunt gets too handsy.” Rook joked. Atta giggled as he kissed her cheek before they broke the embrace.

“I think I can handle myself, thanks much,” Atta said. Rook chuckled and held up two fingers as he left, calling, “Take care of my sister, Colson!”

“With my life, man,” Colson called back, slipping an arm around her neck as they watched Rook leave. Once he turned the corner, Atta started cleaning up, Colson helping, taking the clutter of boxes she had brought out and unboxing them. After a while, Colson finally said, “Why’d you lie to him?”

Atta’s head shot over to him and before she could say anything to defend herself, Colson set one of the boxes they were moving down, reminding her gently, “You said last night you wanted company.”

Atta sighed and said, “Rook would have made a big deal about it. I can’t ask about you without him giving me shit.”

Colson chuckled and crossed his arms over the box and watched as Atta continued to stock. “Why would he give you shit? We’re friends too.” Colson said. Atta shot him a look that made Colson give a very rare and genuine smirk and he shrugged with a soft, “What?”

Letting the heavy box drop from her hands, onto the counter, with a light thud, Atta said, “Please. You know if he had the power to make us be together, he’d do it. I think he wants it more than we would.”

“Would? Not do?” Colson asked, lightly teasing her, though the clear slyness didn’t escape his tone. Atta looked at him and scoffed, lightly, a small smile touching her lips before they dropped and Atta looked away.

“Daddy would never allow it anyway. The Dons would riot…” She said softly, the last part more to herself than Colson, but he still heard it. The barest touch of a smile pricked his lips as he left his spot to go over to her, leaning on the counter as she restocked around the register.

“John spoke to me before I left yesterday,” Colson said gently. Atta glanced at him in a silent question, Colson responding with, “He told me that I wasn’t allowed to offer myself for your marriage. And when Rook takes over, there’s still nothing he can do because it could piss off the Dons and they will call for a vote and remove me.”

Atta’s movements had slowed to a stop as Colson spoke, but hearing that the Dons could force Colson to leave, her head shot over him. “That’s fucking bullshit, Colson,” Atta said. “You and Rook have been at those meetings since you were babies. This is your family, not theirs. They can’t just use you two for their own gains! That’s not what XX is about!”

Colson chuckled and followed Atta’s movements as she made her way around the counter, her green eyes burning. He held up his hands to stop her, but Atta brushed past him.

“No, Colson! That is asinine! Those stupid, senile old men refuse to let go of the post and pass their sexist, misogynistic teachings to their sons! And now, I have to marry one to keep the peace?!” Atta yelled. Colson finally caught her arm as she paced the floor, and pulled her closer, chuckling.

“Atta. Baby. You have to relax.” Colson said, placing a hand on her hip and one on her cheek. “John’s gonna be around a lot longer than those old bats. He’ll line everything up for Rook and me, and we’ll run XX together, alright?”

Atta blinked the thin layer of tears away as she took a breath and closed her eyes, briefly. Colson took her face in his hands, gently, and smiled as he said, “I’m not going anywhere, JP.”

The use of her old nickname made her break a smile. Colson smiled a little wider and pulled her closer, into a hug. Atta closed her eyes and sighed deeply into his chest. His strong arms wrapped around her and held her tight as she let go of all the intrusive thoughts she had since her father first told her about his plan for her marriage. With a few more deep breaths, his cologne filled her senses, pushing her to relax even more. Around Rook, Colson, or any of his crew, Atta felt the safest. Being one of the only girls growing up with the mob, both Rook and Colson always her safe protected.

But her serenity was soon shattered as the door opened and a  familiar and obnoxious voice said, “Well, well. Isn’t this sweet?”

Colson rolled his eyes and he and Atta both broke the embrace and turned, as Enzio sauntered over to them, smirking. Atta took a step away from Colson, with a sigh, and smoothed out her skirt.

“Enzio. I missed you at the meeting yesterday.” Atta said. Enzio inserted himself between Atta and Colson, pushing Colson back. Enzio looked her over and smirked, reaching out a hand to trail his fingers along her jawline and said, “You look good tonight.”

Atta closed her eyes for a moment, resisting the biggest eye roll of her life. Blinking once, slowly, she said, “Enz, I’m in my work uniform. And I’m sweaty and grimey.”

“Yes, but, bella regazza, a true man can see past physical appearances and see his woman as beautiful no matter how she looks,” Enzio said. Colson rolled his eyes so hard, he was almost sure he had detached his retinas. Fortunately, he didn’t go blind and was able to see Atta sigh, heavily, shift on her feet, then say, “Right. Okay. Look. Enzio, I have to finish stocking.”

“Ironic. So does Enzi here.” Colson said. Atta snickered and glanced at him. Enzio turned and gave him a look before ignoring him again and turning back to Atta. She cleared her throat and asked, “Was there something I can do for you, Enzio?”

“Well, I came by to keep you company. Plus, I figured some of the sons were going to pester you since you’re alone.” Enzio said.

“Nope. Just you, d’Este.” Colson remarked, with a smirk. Atta covered her mouth as she watched Enzio’s face change as his smile dropped and he turned to Colson. With his back to Atta, she let her body shake with silent laughter, a hand clamped over her mouth. Colson smirked and shifted, holding his hands clasped in front of him. Enzio’s smile returned, if only in a taunt. Picking at Colson’s suit, Enzio said, “Don Romano. If there is something you’d like to say to me…”

“Nothing I can say in the presence of a lady,” Colson said. Enzio chuckled and said, “That is a coward’s excuse, Romano. Stop being a pussy and say it.”

Colson merely smirked and watched him. Finally, Enzio gave into his anger and moved to shove Colson to get a rise out of him, but Atta caught his arm and swung him around, saying, “Wow. Would you look at the time? Closing time and I’m not supposed to have customers here past 10. So…”

As she continued, she steered the man through the aisles and pushed him at the door with, “I would love to say it was good to see you, Enzio. So, you take care now.”

Enzio was too stunned to do anything more than mutter as Atta dragged him across the store. But now, he found his footing and composed himself enough to say, “Atta, we both know that’s bullshit. Why doesn’t he have to leave then?”

Atta glanced back at Colson then back to him, wearing a smirk. “He’s not a customer. He’s an employee.” She said, planting a firm hand on his chest.

“That’s horseshit!” Enzio shouted, more directed at Colson than Atta.

“No. No, it's not. He pitches in shifts when he’s home every now and then.” Atta stated, quite confidently. Enzio’s eyes flitted back down to Atta, unsure of what else he could say to convince her to let him stay. But Atta simply smiled and said, “Bye.”

With a quick, hard shove, Enzio stumbled backward, out the door. Atta quickly closed it, locking it and turning her back to the man. Ignoring his stares, silently telling her to let him back in, Atta all but skipped back to the register. Colson stood there, snickering, as Atta came back and leaned against the counter. Atta stood there as he snickered, waiting for him to finish. Finally, Colson gave his last snigger before the silence settled between them. Colson was waiting for her to crack and laugh along with him, but when he realized that she did find it amusing, but not as funny as he did, he touched her arm and said, still with a smirk, “Come on. Let’s get you home.”

Colson turned back to the boxes and they both continued stocking. “So, how’s your mom doing?” Colson asked. He finished the box without missing a beat, while Atta stopped for a moment and glanced at him. When Colson finished his box and turned to her, waiting for her response, he was able to catch a brief glimpse at Atta’s face as she turned away.

“Um...She’s doing good. Not great, but good.” She said with a false cheer in her voice. Colson sighed and caught her hand as she pulled it back from setting something down. Atta twitched at the touch, but stopped and looked at him anyway.

“Atta, don’t lie to me. Lie to Rook. Not to me.” He said. Atta sucked her bottom lip into her mouth and couldn’t keep the tears from forming. Colson stood and rounded the counter, quickly, so he could comfort her, but Atta shook her head and met him at the divide, pressing one hand to his chest and the other lifted to wipe the stray tear.

“No. Don’t. I-I’m fine.” She said, with a heavy sigh. She sniffled and blinked a few times, trying to gather herself before she could look at Colson. In a semi-broken voice, she was able to get out, “The, uh, the doctors told us that...She only has about another 6 to 9 months.”

Colson’s eyes went wide, both in shock and a realization. He rubbed a hand over his chin with a sigh and said, “Shit...So, um...Is that why your dad is making you get married?”

Atta sniffled, softly, and nodded. “Yeah. He wants Mom to be there for our weddings, so…” she said, her voice growing softer as she trailed off her words. She wiped at her face and sighed, upset with herself for getting so upset when talking about her mother. Colson sighed and gently pulled her into a hug, holding her tight. Atta pressed her face into his chest, letting out one, quick sob. Colson kissed the top of her head and held her, gently and slowly rubbing her arm. After giving her sometime in silence, he pulled away from her slightly, looking down at her, and gave her a small smile, repeating, “Come on. Let’s get you home.”

Atta chuckled and nodded. While she turned off the lights and made sure all the doors were locked, Colson hauled the remaining boxes into the storage room. He met her at the front of the store and waited outside for her as she turned off the sign, closed the door and locked it. She turned to him, touching his arm then taking it as he turned. They fell into step with each other as they crossed the street and headed toward her building.

Lurking in the shadows of the alley across the street from Cappelletti General, a dark figure watched the couple, snapping a few pictures before disappearing into the darkness.

~

Atta didn’t despise living at the manor, as it was still on the water, but she often got tired of it all; Being around the Dons or their men all the time, each and every one of them trying to impress her in some way so she would gift them something or put in a good word for them, or even go out with them. She needed a place that was just hers. No influence from her father or her aunts about what she should have. She had the necessities befitting an Italian home and to her, that was enough. The rest of the space was hers alone. But Atta didn’t have just a simple apartment. She was the daughter of John Cappelletti Sr, Head of the XX Mob. John found her a penthouse by the water in their hometown of Pozzallo before they moved to Marsala, across the island.

They walked up to Atta’s building and Colson stood guard, watching the streets while she unlocked the door. She called back to him as she opened the door and he walked inside with her. Once they were in her apartment, Colson went to the couch to sit while Atta poured them both a glass of wine. She came over to him and handed it to him, sitting close to him, both legs folded beneath her. Colson smiled and took it, leaning a little closer to her.

“What wine is this?” He asked with a knowing smirk and tone. Atta scoffed at him, in mock offense and said, “Hey, I’m not a wine snob, okay?”

“Yeah. Uh-huh, you nearly throttled me for downing a glass of ‘47 Château Chablis whatever.” Colson said. Atta rolled her eyes, sipping the wine, and said, “That wasn’t even what it was. And it was good wine! You need to learn how to drink wine like a gentleman, Colson.” She added a smirk and a giggle as she took another sip. Colson chuckled.

“Well, whatever...So what is this?” He asked, swirling the contents around in his glass. Atta practically buried her nose in her glass for a moment before she moved it and said, “Seven Daughters Moscato. Some wine from a friend in America.”

Colson chuckled, having caught her, and took a sip. He swished it around in his mouth for a moment before he swallowed it and nodded. “It’s good. It’s sweet.” He chuckled. Atta nodded and set her glass down.

“I know. But I like it. It’s good for an American wine.” She giggled. She watched Colson lean over to the coffee table and set down his glass, then lean back, putting his arm across the back of the sofa. They watched each other for a moment before Colson lifted the hand behind her to brush the backs of his fingers across his cheek. Atta bit her lip as they pricked with a light smile. Colson leaned closer and softly pressed his lips against hers, deepening it, slowly. His free hand slid along her thigh, making Atta pull away. She shook her head and said, softly, “Mmm...Colson, we can’t.”

He sat back with a soft huff and nodded. “I know.” He said, looking at her. Atta took his hand in both of hers, running her nails along the back of his hand and his wrist lightly. He watched her as she bent her head down to stare at their hands, neither of them wanting to speak more on the touchy topic, but Colson had to. “You know, I love you, Atta.”

Atta looked up at him and smiled, giving him a small nod. “I know you do.” She said, briefly lifting a hand to touch his cheek. Her face changed, a look of sadness and upset flashing briefly across her features and in those green eyes of hers. She shook her head, slightly and said, “But we can’t...They’d never allow it.”

Now it was Colson’s face that changed; Twitching and turning angry. Atta sighed and shifted closer to him, reaching out to put a hand on his chest. “Colson, don’t-” But Colson cut her off by quickly standing, walking away from the sofa. Atta fell forward, her hand planting on the armrest, and she sighed, heavily, closing her eyes, gently tapping her fist on the armrest, whispering, softly, “Goddamn it…”

“They don’t like me because of my crew. That’s it. That’s the only reason!” Colson said, starting to pace in front of the fireplace. Atta sighed again, softer this time, and looked up at him, turning to him as she started to get off the couch.

“I know that, Colson.” She stated, but gently. Colson’s blue eyes burned as they darted around, trying to keep a level head. He rubbed his hand over his mouth and chin, roughly. “If it was just Baze? They wouldn’t question him. I mean, they might look into him in case he ran with the Irish, but that’s about it. If It was just Baze, they wouldn’t care.”

Atta slowly made her way over to him, managing to get him to stop pacing, just shifting around as his anger bounced around inside him, ready to burst. She gave him a look, part sympathetic, part knowing.

“If I didn’t bring AJ or Slim, there wouldn’t be a fuckin’ problem. They see color before loyalty. And since they see them with me, they see betrayal.” Colson said.

“I know that, Colson.” She repeated, a little firmer, slightly gripping his shirt. “But they’re old Italian men stuck in their ways, refusing to change.” Colson moved to begin pacing again, but Atta stopped him and gave him a look, adding, “And you had better make sure you don’t end up like that either. Or you’re no better than them.”

Colson scoffed and shrugged her off, moving to the other side of the fireplace to begin pacing again. Atta sighed as he did, and stood there for a moment more before she said, “Vittorio was the same way. Aureliano wasn’t and that’s what got him killed.”

Colson stopped in his tracks and turned to her as she turned to him. Her words sunk in deeply before he stalked over to her. Before he could shout at her, Atta said, “Am I wrong? You can’t be mad at me if I’m not lying.” She stared him down, daring him to call her a liar when they both knew she wasn’t. Colson growled and stalked away again, pacing once more.

“Vittorio was stuck in the ways of being the son and heir to Angelo Romano. He had to live up to the role his father built for him when he formed the XX.” Atta said, watching him pace. Colson glanced at her and gave a soft groan of disapproval. “You know this better than I do, Colson. He was your father. Aureliano was a free-spirited, open-minded person, who wanted to see me, Carina, and Maddelena rise as high as you boys could. The Dons didn’t agree with him and when he wouldn’t shut up, and was about to convince Daddy to change his mind, they had him killed-Am I wrong, Colson?”

She quickly added the last question as she saw him ready to advance on her again. He curled his fists and growled, wanting desperately to break something, but also knew Atta would probably break him if he did. Finally, Atta went to him, sliding her hands over his balled-up fists gently and gave them a soft squeeze. Colson internalized another groan as he sunk down, squatting in front of her, trying to quell his anger, bringing his fists up to press against his forehead. Atta slid her hand over his back, reaching up to drag her nails over his scalp gently, and squatted down next to him. She curled a hand around his bicep, using him as leverage to pull herself closer to him, and nuzzled her nose against his cheek.

“Nothing will change if you stay angry.” She said, softly. “It’s been years and they will not accept AJ and Slim. Until they are shown undeniable doubt that color doesn’t fucking matter...And even then Colson...You know the Dons better than I do. Will even that change their mind?”

Colson sighed and shook his head slightly. Atta cupped his face and turned it to her. His face softened to almost a state of defeat and melancholy. She gave him a small smile and kissed him softly. Colson sighed and kissed her back, then slowly stood, Atta rising with him. He rubbed his hands over his face and sniffled, slightly, then sighed. He took a step back to lean against the dining table, Atta taking a step closer to him as well.

“It doesn’t matter who you marry, Atta. I’ll always love you. You will always be mine.” He said, changing the subject slightly. Atta nodded and moved even closer, resting her hands on his chest, Colson sliding a hand up to hold both of hers.

“No one else has ever had my heart, Colson.” She said. Colson gave a soft scoff, his lip curling in a brief smirk, and said, “Not even Rook?”

Atta chuckled, softly, and said, “That’s a twin thing. It’s a vastly different emotion.” He lifted a hand to brush her hair back, as his other hand took her waist. Atta’s fingers curled, clutching his shirt, lightly. She bit her lip as she looked at him, a mix of desire and anxiety washed over her face. Colson saw the chance and took it, roughly smashing his lips against hers, walking her back until she hit the dining room wall. Atta slid her arms around his neck as she kissed him back, tugging at his shirt to bring it up, lifting it until Colson was forced to break the kiss so she could pull it off and let it drop. Colson took her waist and kissed her again, his hands now working on her skirt and leggings, digging his fingers into the waistband and gathering it in his hands, before he broke away to pull them off, along with her panties. He knelt down, gently removing each foot from the leg before he kissed his way back up her legs, glancing up at her when he got to her sex. A wicked smirk crossed Atta’s face. Breathing heavily, she linked her fingers with the ones he had on her hip, her other hand drifting down to thread through his hair and curl her fingers around it.

Colson pushed her legs further apart before slipping two fingers inside her, while his tongue swirled in circles around her clit. Atta gasped and moaned, loudly, her eyes fluttering closed as the fingers tangled in Colson’s hair tugged, hard. She whimpered and wiggled under his tongue, not nearly brought far enough to climax when he broke away and pushed up her shirt as he began to kiss up her body. Atta quickly tore her shirt off and sighed, while Colson pulled her closer, kissing her deeply and shoving a hand into her hair. Atta sighed into the kiss, adding a soft moan, as she slid her hands down to his pants, undoing them and slipping her hand into his boxers. When her fingers wrapped around his cock, Colson broke the kiss, tossing his head back with a soft groan as Atta slowly moved her fingers along his shaft, lightly letting her nails drag along.

Colson hissed and gave her hair a good tug to make her whimper, her hand stilling for a moment. He looked down at her and smirked, pulling his hand from her hair and letting it slide down her arm. Atta smirked at him, beginning to lay kisses along his tattooed chest, down his long torso. As she made her way down, her hands worked quickly to push his pants and boxers down so his cock was free by the time her lips got to his waist. Savoring the moment at his hips, she slowly placed a line of kisses and licks down to his base. Colson slid a hand into her hair, mouth hanging open, slightly, as he watched Atta take him in her mouth and suck gently. She worked her mouth over his shaft, licking and sucking, while Colson gathered her hair behind her, holding her head as it bobbed. He groaned out her name as let her suck at him for a moment longer, before he pulled her up, picking her up in the process, and turning to walk her to the table, laying her back on it. Atta let out a soft gasp at the initial motion, clinging to him as he swung her around like she weighed nothing and laid her on the table like a feather. Slowly, he reached behind her to unhook her bra, pulling it off slowly to expose her breasts.

“We-We can’t...Daddy wou-Rook-” Atta whimpered. Colson leaned down to kiss her, sliding his hands over her body, stopping as he cupped her breasts. He finally broke the kiss, breathing heavily as Atta was, he kissed his way to her ear. While guiding himself to her entrance, he whispered in her ear, “Rook knows about the first time. He wouldn’t do anything. And Papa Cap? We know he doesn’t want anyone touching his daughter. But if someone did, he knows he’d rather it be me.”

Atta smirked and giggled, letting a soft gasp slip as she felt him press his head against her sex. “You dare defy Daddy’s orders?” She teased with a giggle, turning her head to look at him as Colson hovered over her, gazing up at her with a smirk. “I’m almost positive he knows you took my virginity. But he’s never said anything to me. But it’s not like I would have been a virgin for long if it wasn’t you. One more man before my wedding can’t hurt.”

Colson smirked and sunk his teeth into his lower lip as he leaned back, pushing into her. Atta moaned out his name and squeezed her eyes shut. She wrapped her legs around his waist as he thrust in and out of her. She moaned as she moved with him, meeting each of his thrusts. Atta gripped the edge of the table to give her more leverage as he plowed her, every thrust hitting her in just the right way, she quickly climaxed and revved up again. Her eyes fluttered back open as she stared up at Colson. Sliding a hand up his chest, she said, “Yes, baby. Oh, god...damnit. Colson...Oh!...Mmm, you’re the only one who knew how to fuck me right…”

He leaned down to kiss her, roughly, gripping her hips as he thrust, before sliding his hands to her cheeks, squeezing them. “Yeah? Tell me how else you want it, baby. Whatever you want.” Colson growled out into her ear. Atta groaned and pushed at him, pushing him away. Colson stumbled back, tripped up by his pants and boxers still around his ankles. He watched her with a smirk as he stepped out of them. Atta slowly closed her legs and sat up, pushing her hands through her hair then crooking a finger at him. Colson stepped back up to her, sliding his hands over her thighs. She kissed him slowly, sliding her hands over his cheeks before wrapping her arms around his neck. Breaking the kiss with a soft groan, Colson repeated, “Tell me what you want me to do, Atta.”

Her lips curled against his in a smile before she said, “We’ve never been able to do more than a quickie...And it’s been so long, I hardly remember it anymore.” Her voice almost had a lilt to it as she continued, “I want to remember this night, Colson. No one knows you came home with me. Stay with me tonight. Love me tonight. Show me that I’m yours and no one else’s.”

“Whatever my princess wants.” Colson breathed into her ear, trying to pull her legs apart to insert himself. Atta pulled his hands away and giggled. “Not yet...I’ve been at work all day...I need to shower first.”

Colson’s eyes darkened and the same sly smirk crossed both their faces.

~

Next Chapter

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