"Alessio Hathaway-Morelli, also known as Trevor Hathaway, is the current heir and boss of the Morelli Family. The Morelli clan is one of the biggest families in the world, with different branch and sub-branch families located in every corner of the globe," Julian started while I took it upon myself to jot down notes. I could use this later when I ask Trevor some questions later.
"Wait a minute; his real name is Alessio Morelli? That's far from Trevor, Julian."
Julian nodded. "Master Trevor used his American name for transactions outside of Italy; this is also a form of cover since we have a lot of enemies. Using your real name makes you an easy target," Julian explained and the monitor flashed a flowchart.
"The Morelli family is involved in drug smuggling, weapons trade, illegal gambling, assassination jobs, and dirty politics. The family has a massive influence on electoral results in first-world countries and holds power over the developing countries. We also monopolize the influx of information; we have ears and eyes everywhere."
I could feel my palms start to sweat when I realized how powerful Trevor is. It suddenly made me feel small. Does he want someone like me? If we did not meet on that fateful day, I have a feeling that our paths would never cross in this lifetime.
That sudden pang of loneliness hit me so hard. I stared at Trevor's picture on the screen. He's so high up. Am I enough? Am I fit to be by his side?
"Jesse? Are you alright?" I was snapped out of my trance when I heard Julian's voice.
With a small nod, I swallowed the lodge in my throat and let out a short smile. "Continue, please," I croaked and gripped the pen so tight. Calm down, Jesse. Calm down.
"The Morelli Family has the majestic Lion as their emblem." I nodded when I remembered Trevor's intricate dragon tattoo. "The Morelli family is responsible for handling all of the information, as well as managing all of its financial accounts, including the five major branches under it."
"Branches?"
Julian nodded and flipped to the next slide. "Five influential families are under the control of the Morelli clan. Even if they were given autonomy in their territory and work independent of one another, these five families still report to the Morellis, specifically, to Master Trevor."
"The family holding the Silver Wolf emblem is the Salazar family. At the moment, the previous generation is managing the family; there have been rumors that the heir doesn't want to inherit the family. They are responsible for the development of cutting-edge technologies and security software. The family is also in charge of training elite individuals that will manage the soldiers of all of the families."
"Question, Julian."
"Go on."
"I have read about the mafia, and usually it refers to an umbrella term of groups involved in organized crimes. It's not an institution or organization, but the Morelli's and the main branches; do they work together?"
I did my research on mafia-related stuff when I found a black ledger in Dad's room, with a curious emblem on the cover. It had a triangle on it, a serpent or snake? A hydra? I'm not sure. I immediately went back to my room. Who knows what will happen if he caught me snooping around.
"That's correct, to a general sense. This is not your traditional mafia. All of the illegal things that the families do- it's also a part of a cover for a secret mission. Um, you can ask Master Trevor for further information."
"Thank you, Julian. Let's proceed. Four more families to go!"
He giggled and nodded. "The next one is the Riviero family, the one I am a part of, where Master Augustus leads." A flash of sadness crossed his eyes but when he caught me staring, he blinked and forced a smile.
"The Riviero family is in charge of the proliferation of weapons and armory. Explosives, ammunition, and everything related to weapons-- we manage it. Our family also sends representatives to the Salazar family to teach the recruits how to use such weapons, and what kind of arms fit them."
"Okay. Salazar is technology and training; Riviero for weapons and armory."
"Correct. The emblem of the Riviero clan is a Water Serpent." Julian proceeded to the next slide.
"The Del Fierro family's emblem is the Dragon. Their master is Raphael Del Fierro, the eldest in the family. He's intimidating; well, all of the masters are, but he's kind. He doesn't talk much. It has been said that the person he talks to is only Peter Russo, my cousin, and his attendant."
Noted. These are small details that should not be taken for granted. It might come in handy in the future.
"What do they deal with?"
"The Del Fierros is responsible for managing the casinos and regulating the black market."
"But isn't the black market unregulated by nature? It's called the black market for a reason."
"That may be true, but the black market has a complex structure. Prices and products may be unregulated, but order and control are necessary to keep chaos at bay," Julian explained.
"That makes sense. Thank you for that, Julian. You may proceed." I think Julian is infecting me with his good manners and polite language.
"For our next family, we have the Bianchi clan, carrying the emblem of a Fox. Their incredible skills in public relations made them very useful in negotiations, be it domestic or international affairs. They represent the Morelli clan as a whole, and they have the widest political and business connections possible."
Julian went to the next slide. "This is Lance Anthony Bianchi III. He may look flashy and carefree, but that's his mask. He needs to create a pleasant aura when dealing with different people. It's a very taxing job, but he does it all for Aiden Markov, his attendant and childhood friend. It's not a secret how Master Lance adores Aiden, but Aiden will not entertain Master Lance until he makes a name for himself. Also, Master Lance is the reason why Aiden joined the family."
"You mean... he's not born into the family?" Does this mean that Aiden was a civilian?
Julian nodded. "An incident happened that almost cost Master Lance's life, so Aiden decided to join the Bianchi family to look after Master Lance."
I looked at the picture. Lance does look flashy, and his piercing blue eyes held some playfulness in them. Beside him is Aiden, with lavender eyes and straight hair with a shade of purple, with a serious expression and also, gorgeous.
"Finally, the Romano family, headed by the youngest master at fifteen, Master Gabriel Romano." Julian showed a picture that made me gasp out loud, eyes wide.
"He looks so young, Julian." Gabriel looks like a seventh-grader. The boy has a set of pale blue eyes, a fair complexion, sporting a placid expression. Behind him is a tall and lean man, but has the muscles in the right places. He looks so strong, and his strong gaze is enough to intimidate any enemies.
"Master Gabriel was left with no choice. His parents died last year, and as an only child, he was forced to take over the family. The person behind him is his attendant and guardian, Levi Strauss. He is willing to do everything to protect Master Gabriel. Levi is a former assassin and mercenary. He is also close with Master Trevor. The Romano Family carries the White Deer as an emblem, and is responsible for all tactical operations and formulation of target-specific strategies."
"The main reason why Master Gabriel is highly respected despite his young age is his above-average intelligence. His plan of attack has no loopholes, is efficient, and effective. He's the brain of the operations," Julian finished and sat in front of me.
I looked down my notes, then nodded. "Okay, just to recap. The Morelli handles money and information, the Salazar for technology and training, the Riviero for weapons and armory, the Del Fierro for casinos and the black market, the Bianchi for widespread connections, and finally, the Romano for tactical operations. In addition, each family master has their attendant."
"Very well said, Jesse," Julian said with a smile. "Do you have any questions? I am impressed that you're taking this in a stride."
"Oh, don't be, Julian. This is a lot of information to process, so I may freak out later, but don't worry," I assured him when his expression became frantic. "I'll wait for Trevor. I'll freak out on him real bad, that he'll get so flustered. It's a small price to pay for all of this."
Julian smiled and released a sigh of relief. "Truthfully, I never thought that Master Trevor would be able to find the love of his life."
"Well, love of his life pushing it, but go on." I need to gain as much teasing ammunition as possible. It's so unfair that Trevor knows my life story, while I'm still fumbling in the dark.
He chuckled and nodded. "Master Trevor is very unapproachable. Aside from Jin and Yohan, his attendant, no one dares to speak up to him. But he cares for his people. When he heard that some of his soldiers were hurt, he valiantly ran to the frontlines and massacred the enemies. That's why we respect him," Julian said with a smile, admiration in his eyes.
Okay, I'm not one to judge but I guess a massacre is something to be admired by here. A culture shock.
"Before I forget, why did it seem like you have to ask for Trevor's permission before you shake my hand?" Trevor said it's common courtesy but-
"It's an unwritten rule that no one is allowed to touch a master's partner except himself. Permission is needed to do that. The same goes for the enemies; if they harm you, Master Trevor will obliterate them. I know that you're aware that it's not an empty threat."
Well, duh. Just a scratch on my skin and he gets antsy, what more if someone tries to lay their hands on me? "I remember, you said you finally got a chance to meet me. What does that mean?"
"Oh. It is a tradition that the Master of Morelli family introduces his wife or husband, gender doesn't matter, to the entire clan before his succession. We heard that Master Trevor finally found someone, so we thought that it's about time. He only has two weeks after...all... Jesse? Are you okay? Did I say something wrong?"
With gritted teeth, I shook my head and forced a smile. I find it fishy that Trevor brought me to Italy without my consent. So that's what has been going on. "Tell me more, Julian. Everything."
Julian gulped and nodded, never expecting that there's someone more intimidating than the head of the Morelli clan.
A few hours later,
"Thank you so much for everything, Julian. Come visit me soon, okay?" I pulled away from our hug, both of us smiling.
"Of course, Jesse. It will be my pleasure. Thank you for... listening to me." Julian's eyes glistened but immediately blinked away the tears.
"No problem. Don't lose hope. He'll come to his senses. If he doesn't, ring me up, and I will knock some sense into his head."
Julian giggled, his expression less strained than earlier. "I know I shouldn't be saying this, but I'll help you."
"That's the spirit! Anyway, thank you for this," I lifted a small notebook containing additional information about the Morelli clan, including their history and enemies. "Are you sure it's alright for me to have this?"
Julian nodded and smiled. "Master Trevor already agreed to it. I guess I'll see you in two days?"
"Don't make me remember it. I'm about to freak out." Julian rubbed my back and gave me an encouraging look.
"You'll do fine, Jesse. They'll love you."
"Trevor also said that, and again, I am lovable. No doubt about that. It's just... never mind. Be careful on your way home." Julian nodded and when the door closed, I dropped on the floor and leaned against the wall in exhaustion.
Being left alone in a huge room, the deafening silence, and the feeling of being small was taking a toll on me. I was trying my best not to show it to Julian, but I was freaking out, a hundred and one percent, even if it does not statistically make sense.
I mean, it's mafia. The mafia. Everyone would freak out if they spring that on you. More than the fact that Trevor was in the mafia, what got me freaked out was the danger that comes from being a mafioso.
Moreover, my parents... they could have a connection to the Black Triad. Julian did not dig deep into the topic, because Trevor would be able to explain it better, but that emblem... it was a perverted pyramid wrapped by a black serpent. That's the emblem I saw in Dad's ledger.
Unable to control my emotions, I let the tears flow. I really don't know my parents. Then, Trevor's face flashed in my mind. That nagging insecurity came back again. "He feels so out of reach now. He's at the top of the pyramid and I..."
"You're the one beside me, Jesse." I could feel how my heart stopped beating for a second, and with tears in my eyes, I lifted my head and saw Trevor on the door. "There's no other place for you than beside me, baby. It's only reserved for you, and only you, Jesse Anderson."
Like an open faucet, my tears ran like waterfalls, broken sobs pouring out of my lips. When Trevor scooped me up, I wrapped my arms around his neck and nuzzled on his throat, still a sobbing mess.
"Shh, baby. Was it scary and overwhelming? Knowing my true identity?" His low and deep voice was so pleasing and calming, that I wanted to hear him talk some more.
I nodded and sniffed. "I'm freaking out," I whispered in a trembling voice. Trevor took a sharp intake of breath and ran his fingers through my hair while peppering butterfly kisses on my head.
"I know, baby. We'll make it better. How many percent?" Trevor walked to the bedroom and I felt the bed dip, indicating that we're already sitting on the bed.
With a pout, I pulled away from my safe place and met his gaze. "Ninety-five," I squeaked, while Trevor smiled warmly.
"I was expecting it to be more than a hundred percent," he remarked with an amused gaze.
"It was; earlier; but you're here now." Trevor's expression slackened and he looked at me with a soft gaze, as he slowly caressed my cheeks, wiping out the tears.
"Then, what can I do to make you feel better? Any ideas?"
I bit my lip and nodded. With a tug on the hem of his shirt, I fluttered my lashes and licked the seam of my lips, transforming Trevor's expression into one full of unmasked desire.
He slid his hands down to my waist, giving it a gentle squeeze, enough to make my insides squirm and my senses into haywire. "Now that I think about it, I remembered you promising me a very enticing reward, baby. Can I claim it now?" Trevor asked in a voice filled with so much sexual undertone.
The spark inside me was instantly ignited, sending heat all over my body. Being the object of this man's desire is so exciting and scary at the same time, but I'm gonna take it. I want to burn.
I want to burn with him. "Let's burn together, Trevor, or should I say... Alessio?"
Trevor's eyes turned even darker, his jaws clenched tight, as he gripped on my waist possessively. "Don't awaken the beast, baby. You'll regret it."
With a smirk, I leaned in and caught his lower lip for a soft nibble, just enough to make him release a shaky breath. "Try me."
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