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10 | The devil

Oh, how I wish I was holding my cigarette and drinking a cold whiskey looking at the sky just looking and thinking of life.

Stepping into the kitchen, I see all my brother except for Alessio and Matteo, prompting me to roll my eyes.

Grabbing a glass from the cabinet, I fill it water. Suddenly, I hear multiple gasps. Turning around, I see my father and brothers staring at me with wide eyes.

"What?" I ask innocently.

"You have tattoos," Adriano points out, astonished.

"Yes, I do," I say, tilting my head. "What's the big deal?" I question, confused by their shocked faces.

At that moment, Giovanni walks in, not knowing I was in the room. "Guys, Val has tattoos. I saw her," he announces.

I clear my throat loudly, causing Giovanni to jump slightly.

"Oh, you're here," he says, placing a hand on his chest.

So dramatic.I roll my eyes.

"Who would tattoo a 16-year-old?" Lorenzo exclaims, looking shocked.

"When did you get your first tattoo?" Adri exclaims with a smile.

My first one was my assassin tattoo, which I got when I was 13. But I can't tell them that.

"At 13," I shrug.

"WHAT?!" my dad shouts.

"People, let's move on," I say, clapping my hands together. "I have tattoos, okay? Now, who wants to come shopping with me?"

"Shopping? Sure, I could use a break." Gio responds

"Count me in," Adri adds, still looking a bit shocked.

My father shakes his head, a mix of exasperation and resignation on his face. "Just be careful, alright? And principessa , we'll talk about this later."

"Have fun bambina" Lorenzo smiles, which I return.

"Bye Rubino" Rocco waves at me.

"Sure thing, Dad," I smile, "Let's go, boys."

Suddenly I realize what I just did, I turn my head to see my dad, his eyes watering.

"You called me dad" he sniffles.

Oh my god.

He is going to punish me, I can still make this right.

I close my eyes, " I'm sorry, I shouldn't have-" I get cut off my small body enveloped by his strong, protective embrace.

My heart pounds in my chest.

Relief washing over me. I bury my face in the crook of his neck, inhaling the familiar, comforting scent I hadn't realized I had never had in my life.

His arms tighten around me, the warmth of his hug spreading through me assuring me of security.

Why have I never done this.

I like this, hugs are good but hugs from dad are the best.

And to think that he was going to be mad at me instead I get a hug.

After a few minutes I let go of him, "Have fun okay, no limits buy anything you want" he says, slightly sniffling with a smile.

As we head out, I can't help but feel a satisfied.

In the car, Gio turns to me. "So, any particular reason you suddenly want to go shopping?"

I smirk. "I just thought it would be nice to spend some time together."