Pope Heart of the Mafia: Brutal Cousins: An Enemies-to-Lovers Dark Mafia Romance

Prologue – Chained to Me

Di GIORDANO FAMILY

Govada Pope Vincenzo Di Giordano

Bishop Rizzo Di Giordano – Cousin #1

Temple Orazio Di Giordano – Cousin #2

Cross Pasqual Di Giordano – Cousin #3

Pulpit DiMauro Di Giordano – Cousin #4

Pew Vacarro Di Giordano – Cousin #5

Zito Lamp Zubarry Di Giordano – Cousin #6

Bella Chancel Oleander Di Giordano – Cousin #7

Ma Moja Di Giordano – Bishop’s Mom

Auntie Philomena Di Giordano – Pew’s Mom

Auntie Angelica Di Giordano – Zito & Bella’s Mom

What’s your plan? I’m getting impatient.

The figure lurking behind the flowing black hooded cape whispered, kissing her teeth.

Poorly-lit, only the owls hooting and fireflies clicking nearby tampered with the tense air in the narrow alley on the first Wednesday night in May.

I told you to leave it to me. We can’t be seen together.

The guy standing in the shadows with his back to the woman who disguised herself spoke through clenched teeth. Poised with his legs slightly apart, he clamped his right fist around his left wrist.

Then don’t let me call you out here again. We’re running out of time.

Inhaling a stench of drunken vomit that rolled in on the wings of the wind, she swallowed to avoid gagging while she kept her eyes pacing the entry into the alleyway via the bushes.

Many have been offed for far less. Stay away.

Only if you do as I ask. He needs to feel again. Make it happen.

I’m working on it. Leave it to me.

You said so months ago. Nothing has happened.

He let out a low frustrating sigh before pulling down the black hood of his top to cover most of his face.

These things take time.

You’ve got cold feet? Is that why you’ve been stalling? Tell me, dammit!

I made you a promise. Have I ever failed you?

Not yet. There’s always a first time. I’m impatient for this to happen. Something to get his mind off–

We never had this conversation, he retorted breaking off her chatter. Go home. No one must see us together–ever. You know that.

Make it happen sooner rather than later.

The plan is underway. Trust me.

I trust no one.

Not even me?

Just don’t do anything extreme.

"You said, do whatever it takes."

Within sensible limit, she stressed, kissing her teeth.

Of course.

Get it done.

Understood. When will I see you again?

After all of this is done.

You know how I feel about you.

Don’t say that here. Bye.

"It’s never bye for me, for us."

Only until it’s safe...

With her heart racing inside her chest, the woman slithered into the shadow of the night with her head bowed, shoulders hunched and footsteps hurrying far away from their clandestine meeting point.

2 Weeks Later

As the dark-skinned woman dressed in a red biker jacket, black leather riding pants and black knee-high boots joined Govada at the back seat of his black Mercedes Benz Maybach S680, his driver, Smokey steered the car onto the main road.

I’m Alora Sasi Quintero. You can call me Sasi.

And? Govada Di Giordano narrowed his olive-green eyes at her.

He found it sexy the woman took the lead to introduce herself as she fluffed her shoulder-length, dark-brown glorious curls with the back of both hands. In that moment, he wished he could do the same–dip his fingers through the curly length of her hair. To her credit, Sasi had a wall of seductive fragrance caressing his senses. Usually, women who stood, or sat near him were unable to string a sentence together without being prompted. Setting aside how attractive she was, he tilted his head in her direction.

Have we met before?

For the life of him, Govada could not recollect where he had seen Sasi’s face before, or her sparkling dark eyes which stirred his interest, something that hadn’t happened in a long while. On his way out of an important business meeting downtown, he had accidentally bumped into Sasi outside the Golden Tower building.

With his gut instinct revving to life and his eyes struck by her beauty, he had immediately cleared her and convinced her to join him for a ride, something he had avoided doing in the last decade.

Not in person. She grinned, showing off perfect white teeth and a pair of sweet cheeks. But I’ve wanted this moment for a really long time.

Is that so? He raised his eyebrows as her words shot down his tender thoughts. I thought our meeting was accidental. Are you saying it wasn’t?

Govada, you’ll never forget my name, she muttered in a breathy whisper while her eyes changed from glowing to grave.

Before her last name settled into the place of familiarity, or not inside his head, the woman he had cleared to see him bent over, swiftly pulled out something from her hair, or her Christian Louboutin stilettos and stuck it in his stomach from the side with nimble fingers. For the short moment he had been wrapped up by how hot she was, he had been completely blindsided until he felt the sharp tip of whatever it was cut through his dark-navy Italian suit jacket and crisp blue shirt and flew past his skin, jamming his ribs. He heard his rib crack on impact.

What have you done, Sasi?

Gutted, he gave the slender-neck, eye-popping cleavage foe a death glare as the words–never be too careful–inscribed in gold letters on his father’s Angel-on-heart diamond headstone whizzed past his eyes.

When he clutched his right side, red hot liquid soaked his fingers, he felt fear sting his heart for the first time in his entire life. As blood soaked through his expensive clothes and the luxury ivory leather seat of his S-Class, he saw his whole life flash before his eyes. The gory images that formed the story clip of his adult life lasted a few seconds, yet it seemed like a lifetime. Groaning as pain shot up and down his insides, he saw blood stains from the dead imprinted across his palms and fingers like intricate webs. Mangled faces of people he had offed...all cried, blood for blood.

Gasping, he clenched his teeth as excruciating pain axed his entire body. With Sasi’s unfeeling eyes now exuding hatred like a stinky ointment, she attempted to pull out the blade from his side but he grabbed her wrist with his notorious strong grip and barked at his driver.

Smokey!

Yes Don!

Take me to the clinic now!

Luka, his bodyguard and confidante turned his head in his direction, his eyes filled with concern.

Are you okay, Don?

She fucking knifed my side.

Puffing with rage, Luka immediately drew out his gun from his side, removed the safety clip and pointed the nuzzle at Sasi’s forehead.

Say the word, Don.

No! Don’t touch her. Govada coughed. She’s mine to deal with, Luka. You hear me? Govada tossed the handcuff he kept inside the door pocket to Luka. Cuff her hand to mine. I’ll get answers from her in time. No one must lay a finger on her. No one.

Yes, Don. You’re bleeding out. I’ll call the clinic ahead. Luka made the call without breaking his gaze from Govada. Doc’s waiting for you, Don, he reported once the call ended with his eyes also fixed on the woman who had outwitted all of them.

The sting at Govada’s side multiplied in intensity as the car flew past bumps, or potholes on the road. After a while, he felt a sharp throbbing in his head that spread to his arms and legs. He shut his eyes because it felt as if his body was quietly shutting down.

Did you poison the blade? Govada asked after taking in a deep, agonising breath.

I wish I had, Sasi spat out in a tone bursting with venom.

At that instant, Govada felt as if his soul had drifted out of his body and he looked down on his entire family. If he met his death now, it would be at the hand of a woman because he had broken his own rule–never allow anyone near him except they had been fully patted down. When Luka had started to pat down Sasi earlier, Govada had taken one look at her innocent eyes and waved Luka off. That was his grave mistake.

Enraged at been caught out, Govada put his fingers around Sasi’s neck and squeezed hard.

Who the hell are you?

While Sasi choked and coughed, she knocked down his wrist with her right hand, broke his hold and set her neck free. Arching her back after that, she moved her neck out of harm’s way.

Sasi’s my name. I’m a woman who holds a grudge, she whispered. A grudge I’ve waited to avenge for a long time. I intend to carry you to death’s door, Govada.

Swallowing, he shook his head to stay conscious. In his line of work, it was common to get stabbed at the back and he meted out decisive punishment. It had happened more times than he could count but it was the first time he had been struck in the open, to his face.

You’re going to fucking pay for this... he started to threaten but his tongue almost lost the ability to speak.

You’ll bleed to death before that happens, she sneered, cutting him down to size with her melancholic eyes.

I’m going to put you through hell first! he murmured leaning toward her as another bout of agony shot through his spine.

Smokey sliced through the thick traffic, honking his way past the heartbeat of Blue Coast, the capital city of Aregua like a maniac. Despite the fact the road was wet from the overnight rain, the sky was a clear blue shade usual for mid-May and most months of the year. Although Luka lowered his gun, he had it pointed at Sasi’s chest in case she struck the mafia boss again.

Though his gaze was hazy, Govada saw Sasi shrug off her red leather jacket with difficulty because she had one wrist chained to his own. Still, she got it off as best as she could, bunched it up and pressed it to his side to plug his bleeding.

He winced and bit his tongue to avoid letting out a loud groan.

Trying to save your bad ass now? Govada ground out. Why does it feel like you put a bullet inside me?

Just trying to save your cruel ass from dying because I’ve had a change of heart. If I put a bullet inside you, without a doubt you would know. You asked earlier, yeah, maybe I also poisoned the blade.

You’re going to wish you never crossed me, Sasi Quintero.

He grimaced, clutching his side with one hand as the raw anguish he felt took the edge off his threat.

Although blood coated his fingers along with the black signet ring on his left pinkie, he leaned his head back against the headrest.

My only wish is to bring you and your brutal mafia family to your knees. This is a start.

While chained to me? Damn you!

While under your roof.

I can silence her, Don, the bald-headed Luka muttered watching their squabble from the front seat, his eyes squinted at Sasi. With one bullet.

Govada scowled as the car skipped over a bump in the road just before the roundabout along Smirth Road.

Luka, keep her away from my family, or she’s dead. If she dies, I’ll put a bullet in your skull, I don’t care how long we’ve been friends. Understood?

Yes Don.

Feed me to the wolves. My blood will be on your hands like so many others before me, Sasi responded in a fearless tone and with her gaze so gloomy, Govada wondered when and how he had offended her and not remembered.

"If you needed to end your miserable life, why didn’t you fucking jump? This is the Blue Coast. We’ve got an entire coastline of the Caribbean Sea. Help yourself."

Why should I kill myself and you go on to live as if nothing happened? I want to watch you suffer like this, it’s what I’ve lived for, Govada. I don’t care what you do to me. I did what I planned and you’ll never forget me.

We’re here, Don, his driver announced, cutting the engine.

Nothing that happened after that was noted in Govada’s memory as a monstrous, pain-filled dark wall shut off his brain while he blacked out.

Chapter 1 – Downfall

Govada

Govada grimaced at his personal doctor, Antonio Esposito dubbed ‘Egan’, whose real name was never mentioned in Di Giordano Family circle.

How long have I been out?

It’s been two weeks.

Why?

Complications happened after surgery. You developed sepsis, Don.

Eyeing the sterile beige walls with zero interest, Govada swallowed and scowled at the blue floor and life-treating gadgets hanging along the walls.

My throat is dry.

Egan took hold of the Dior gold-tone mug on the bedside table already half-filled with water, dipped a straw inside and held the straw to Govada’s lips. After he had a few slow sips, Govada nodded and pushed the mug away from his face.

"Sepsis? I pay you to make sure shit like that don’t happen to me, Egan. How do I get back two weeks of my life? Any fucking brilliant ideas on how I can regain the time lost?"

To save their family doctor from getting slammed by Govada’s short temper, the only person who could curtail his excesses approached his bed side.

Every day, we showed up here, heavy hearted hoping for some good news, Pope, the de facto matriarch of his family and his cousin, Bishop’s mother, Ma Moja, wrapped his right fingers with her own, her eyes moistened with unshed tears. Thank the Lord you came back to us. I prayed for you like I would for my son. A week and a half ago, on May 21st, your birthday, we all gathered here hoping you would hear us sing to you but you slept like a baby. Welcome back, Govada Pope Vicenzo Di Giordano. Get up from your sick bed and take your place in our family once again.

Surrounded now by his six male cousins and three aunties under heavy armed protection, Govada felt suffocated by their whispered concerns. In spite of his family’s presence, the people he cared about most in the whole world, he pictured only one woman in his mind.

Sasi Quintero.

Sasi’s daring, hateful gaze that trapped him inside his car while she had stuck the knife into his side had burst through his unconscious senses so often, he willed himself to stay alive if only to exact his revenge. She would pay–with her life. Her fate was sealed.

Clearing his throat, Govada patted Ma Moja’s hand lightly.

Thank you, Auntie Moja. I’m fully recovered now. He nodded at his family one after the other, tugging at the small plastic tube connected to the Intravenous Cannula stuck to the back of his left hand. Go home all of you. I need a clear head.

Pope! Auntie Angelica, Zito’s mother whispered, squeezing his free hand. I would’ve died if you hadn’t recovered. You know how much you mean to all of us.

You gave us a fright, claimed his power-hungry cousin and underboss, Bishop Rizzo aka ‘Hatchet’ who stood to his right. The bitch has to pay with her life.

No one crosses Di Giordano’s and walks free! his cousin, Temple Orazio aka ‘Wire’ added in a sombre tone, visiting today without his typical Ray-ban rim glasses shielding his gaze. To his family’s knowledge, Temple had no prescription for his glasses, only spotting it to give himself a smart appearance.

At least, I get to see your blue eyes today without the smokescreen, Govada murmured grinning a little.

Ah! Your sense of humour remains. Temple grinned in return, nodding and breathing a sigh of relief. My insides were twisted with pain. I can’t imagine a life without you, Pope. I can’t.

It’s going to be a slow painful exit for the people we’ve captured so far, his cousin number three, Cross Pasqual aka ‘Skull’ stated, his eyes flashing with rage. But you can’t die on us, Pope."

Save your breath all of you. I don’t do sentimental shit. Govada paused and processed Cross’ statement. Wait, Sasi wasn’t working alone? Govada directed his eyes toward Bishop. Who’s her accomplice?

"The three men in our custody don’t seem to have any ties to gangs across the country. We’ve tuned them as usual but they’ve given up nothing so far."

We’re going to clean up for good, Pope. Wearing his hooded top as usual, his cousin number four, Pulpit Mauro aka ‘Savage’ promised. Just give the order. I’ll personally handle Sasi.

Lifting one hand, Govada stilled Pulpit’s threat against Sasi, the woman he considered his own captive.

No one touches, Sasi. She’s mine to deal with as I see fit. Understood?

Silence fell on the room like a solid wall of unshakeable steel. That meant no one wanted Sasi to breathe the same air as Di Giordano’s a minute longer. Ordinarily, anyone who crossed him, or his family in the way Sasi had would have been offed at the Rock of Roses same day. Loyalty was Di Giordano’s Family top core value, so traitors were never spared.

Even now, Govada felt rage light up his body and his head ached. Grunting, he framed his head with his palms and pressed hard.

Where’s Sasi? He directed his question at everyone.

The doctor hurried to Govada’s side and gestured with his head for his family to clear the bed side.

I need you all to take your seats please, Egan said, his tone respectful. Mr. Di Giordano needs to rest if we want him back on his feet within a couple of days.

"Days? Govada barked, clamped his hand around his doctor’s wrist and muttered. I need to get out of here now! I hate hospitals, you know this, Egan."

Your injury– Egan pointed out without flinching at the pain inflicted by Govada’s death grip.

Will heal just fine, Govada cut in harshly. I need to go home before I lose my shit. To his second-in-command, Bishop, he gestured. Get everyone home safely. I’m alive. These are uncertain times. It’s risky to have the entire Di Giordano Family in one location. We can’t have a repeat of the past. Go back, secure your cities and don’t let down your guard like I did. Wherever you find a rat, take it down quietly. I want to know how Sasi and her cronies carried this out without us sniffing it out first. I want to know how many people knew my itinerary and why I was caught out. If people are incompetent, I need them handled. Understood, Hatchet?

Yes, Pope.

Bishop’s response was sharp and firm. He lived up to his pseudonym, Hatchet by taking down enemies with the sharp blade and hammerhead of his hatchet.

Everyone involved will pay, Pope, Pew Vaccaro, aka ‘Poison’ pledged. Of course, his cousin number five had his brown cargo pants tucked into a pair of brown Ferragamo ankle boots as usual. You gave everyone a scare. My mother who never cries for me, cried herself to sleep every night.

They all chuckled, even Govada, until he clutched his right side when the pain kicked in.

Pew’s mother, Auntie Philomena inched closer to touch Govada’s face with shaky fingers.

We can’t afford to lose another Giordano. I’m grateful to God you’re alive, Pope. I’ve never told you, I love you. I love you as much as I love Pew. Don’t get jealous, Pew and, don’t ever get careless again, Pope. You hear me?

Auntie Philomena, thank you. Pew, you’re jealous of your back-from-the-dead cousin? What sort of person are you, hm?

While they all chuckled, Pew raised both hands in surrender.

I change my mind. Yeah, I can share mom with you, for now, until you’re strong and healthy again.

Fuck off! Govada moved his left hand to dismiss Pew.

No one touches the tail of a scorpion and lives to tell the story, his youngest cousin, eye-patch wearing, Zito Giordano, aka ‘Blade’ added with a head nod. At one point, I thought you weren’t going to make it. Great to see you with your commanding tongue intact, Pope.

Together we’re strong, Govada said to his family. I’ll get the answers I need from Sasi. She’s my prisoner.

Don’t spill her blood, Ma Moja mumbled on a low sigh. Enough blood has been shed. God avenges–

Leave Him out of our conversation, Ma. Bishop inserted, cutting off his mother’s plea while gesturing at his cousins to clear the room. Our enemies have to pay, Ma. That’s how order is restored. It’s how life works.

Don’t worry yourself, Auntie Moja, Govada turned to the matriarch who was the closest person to a mother in his life. Why don’t you all go home and rest? I’m good.

I care about you. I worry about you all, Ma Moja insisted. My poor heart can’t take much more.

Your heart is strong, Auntie Moja, Govada stretched one hand to comfort the older woman. Stop worrying.

I will, when I’m asleep forever.

"No one is sleeping forever anytime soon, Auntie. Govada directed his gaze at Bishop after the room emptied. How’s business?"

"We’re back in control. Supplies got through customs. Deliveries were timely. We’ve got our dough where it should be." Dough was a pseudonym for money and supplies was the alias for people trafficked, or smuggled into Aregua.

Good work. I like good news. Anything else I’ve missed?

Our cities are quiet. No one has claimed responsibility for the attack on you. Not that I expect the cowards to–

What if Sasi worked alone? Have you considered the possibility?

"That’s impossible, Pope. How would she have known where you’d be at that time on that day? It would’ve taken her months, years to learn about us, how things work, how we move, except she had magic. We’ve got Stefano, our Consigliere, the face of our organization. Why didn’t she target him? To the world, you’re an upstanding business man, CEO of Globe Holdings, the owner of GVG, the most successful Tech company in South America and a charming philanthropist. Why you? She must’ve planted a few rats on our payroll. I’m going to unmask all the rats hiding in plain sight."

We both know if any one claims responsibility they also understand there would be consequences. I wasn’t expecting anyone to own up to it. You shouldn’t either.

Also true.

I can’t waste any more time. I lost two weeks already. I need to get out of here.

Are you sure? Bishop glanced at the doctor to urge him to talk some sense into his patient. I mean, you just woke up after two–

Stop looking at Egan. I need to get moving, Bishop. Now!

Okay, Bishop and Egan said at once just as Toscano strode inside wearing a well-tailored two-piece dark suit.