CPOV

I was focused on the hunt but I couldn't deny that my mind always strayed to her. Where was she now? Who was she with, but more importantly, was she safe. My grandmother always said that absence makes the heart grow fonder. She was right in a way, although my heart ached to be near Ana again.

I saw him up ahead, trying futility to hide. Leaving a trail of blood behind him though, he may as well give up now.

"You think you're so tough, speaking to the cops and trying to get my father arrested. You're not so tough now are you, hurt and bleeding. Guess what, I can see you" I taunted, hearing a grunt as he dropped down behind what was left of a wall.

I could hear Elliot in my earpiece, letting me know he could hear the grunt too. He was coming in from the other end of this abandoned factory and with Ethan and Jason coming in from the sides, our guest will find himself surrounded.

Jackson Phillips had been a low man, slowly working his way up the ladder. He wasn't Made yet and he had no information on the family except the basic knowledge so he could've just walked away with a warning to keep his mouth shut. He had to take the hard way out though, thinking the cops would help keep him safe.

He went to them, spouting a lot of lies that he had been told, thinking he had the proof that would give him a one-way ticket to freedom with a new identity to boot. He was wrong.

Instead, he drew attention to himself, even giving a name of a man who was Made as his informant, a man who was found dead two days ago floating in the Sound. He was the mole we had been looking for and his body being found was a warning to anyone else in our organisation who thinks about going the same way. Jackson's lies were soon proven, especially as the cop he spoke to was one of our own and he was shown the door with none of the protection he desperately needed which just added to our fun.

"Oh look, the wannabe mole has been surrounded. He has no chance of scuttling back to his hole" Elliot said menacingly as Jackson looked around him, seeing all the exits were blocked.

Stupidly he thought he could shoot his way out, and went down with my bullet to his knee sending his own gun clattered across the floor.

"This is my favourite jacket" Ethan shouted, kicking the bleeding man in his knee which earned more of his screams.

Ethan showed us the hole in his jacket, a hole that had he been a few inches to the left would probably have been in him.

"What are we doing with him Boss," Elliot asked, looking to me for instruction.

"Find a chair and tie him to it."

I always thought it would be strange being boss to my older brother when dad first approached me. We're a good team though and despite me being twenty, when I give an order, they all fall in line.

Dad is still the real boss, although being underboss he leaves shit like this to me. Sending him a message that we had him, his only message back was to deal with it. I would deal with it, and I would enjoy it too and once it was done, I could get back to my plans.

While I had my phone out, a message came through, this time from my girl.

From the look of the photo she had sent me asking if her bum looked big in the jeans she wore, this must be what she's wearing for her evening out with her friends. Shit, I only realised at that point it was daytime and we had spent all night in the building playing cat and mouse with this guy.

You look gorgeous Princess. Has Hugo taken a bite out of your jeans though xx – Christian.

I laughed when she sent a message back telling me having holes in the knees of jeans was fashion. Not my kind of fashion but whatever Ana wore, she looked beautiful.

"Only one person can bring a smile like that to your face, especially in a shitty place like this" Elliot said, coming over.

I showed him the photo which earned a wolf whistle from him and a smack to his arm from me.

"What" he laughed, raising his arms in surrender. "She's eighteen Christian. Ana's always been a beauty but the more she grows, the more beautiful she becomes. She may not want it but she attracts male attention wherever she goes. Someone one day is going to sweep that girl off her feet."

"Do you want me to shoot you instead of him?" I asked, knowing that I would kill any man who tried to get that close to Ana.

"Yes, please shoot him not me" Jackson begged.

"No, I'd have much more fun shooting you."

Raising my gun, I took a shot, hitting him in his other leg, sending his screams echoing around the room.

Ethan laughed, taking pleasure in telling him a shot knee was the least he was going to get before he silenced his screams by taping his mouth.

"Seriously bro," Elliot said. gesturing for me to follow him towards the broken door where we entered. He's like a dog with a bone when it came to Ana and me. "What are you waiting for. Are you waiting for her to tell you she's dating someone else just so you get your head out of your arse and tell her you love her."

"I will Elliot, when she's ready" I protested.

"Ready for what. Ready to take over from her granddad, ready to collect her pension, what."

"This lif..."

"This life. She was born into this life," he said cutting me off. "This life, she loves nearly as much as she loves you."

"I know. Ever since we were little we've always said that we love each other. It means so much more now."

"Like I said, what are you waiting for then."

"My life is here Elliot, I don't have the option to move to Italy. I don't want Ana to hate me if by taking her away from there, she hates it here as there are so many bad memories here. Ana's like a breath of fresh air, free to move around. I don't want her to be locked up in a house, unable to get out because she has a target on her head."

"Christian, she's had a target on her head since the day she was born. We all have. Italy, Seattle that's never going to change. You just have to deal with it and make sure, just as she has in Caccamo, she's surrounded by the best. She'd go with you Christian, all you have to do is finally fucking tell her how you feel and ask."

"If you don't want her, there's always Carlo. He would have her in a second" Ethan said, before laughing when I pulled my gun on him. "Get your shit together bro. Mums going over next week, go with her, she could always use another guard. Go with her and sort your life out."

"Sort my life out" I laughed. "Out of all of us, I'm the one who has my life in order."

"Don't we fucking know it" Elliot complained. "You're too rigid, start bending a little. Start living your life, especially with her."

As if on cue, my phone buzzed with a message from Ana and it was at that moment I cursed myself for not replying to her earlier one.

I know you're probably busy, so please stay safe. Love you xx – Ana

Sorry princess, I got a little distracted. I'm out with the boys. We've been hunting and finally had a good catch. Love you Ana xx – Christian. I love you, I just need to tell you how much now.

That's great, maybe you will finally relax:) xx – Ana

Seeing the smiley face she left made me laugh and I know she's laughing at me. I only relax when I'm near her so until that happens I will be as rigid as my brothers call me, on edge as I always am.

Not until I'm with you xx – Christian I replied.

Soon, hopefully soon.

Putting my phone back into my pocket, I turned to the reason why we're here. People like this piece of shit are the reason I've not told Ana how I feel, for fear of putting a target on her back here in the States. My brothers are right though, she was born into this life.

Ana can shoot a gun better than most men I know. She can have you on your back in a second too. My Ana, my Consigliere is the toughest person I know.

Walking towards Philips, I could see his shaking worsen, the closer I got.

I didn't say a word to him now, I just circled him silently, holding my hand out to Jason for his knife.

Placing it into my palm, he had a smirk on his face, knowing what I was going to do.

This man likes to speak to the enemy so removing his tongue was first on the agenda, along with a few of his fingers. I was very creative with the design I left on his flesh before finishing him off with a bullet to his head. He was long passed the point of consciousness when my bullet pierced his brain, bleeding out onto the floor.

"I have things to do, get this cleaned up," I said to a couple of low men who were quick to get to work. Telling my brothers I would see them soon, I made my way to my car, sending a message to dad that it was done and for him to meet me at my club.

….

"What's up son," Dad asked, joining me at the bar as I downed my second shot. "You do know you're not old enough to drink in this state," he said, amusement clear in his voice.

"Dad, over the years I've not been old enough for a lot of things but I've done them anyway."

"I can't disagree with that. What is it that you wanted to speak to me about" he asked as I gestured for him to come to my office.

This bar, this club, in fact, had only been open for a couple of months and although I'm not old enough to drink legally in the club below, I own that too. This place is for the guys who work for us, a place to come and relax if you will.

Jason said I should have dancing girls in here, give the guys a good time but as only a few have earned the privilege to come here so far, we will see how it goes when there are more.

"Son you're not usually this troubled when you've killed someone. That usually calms you down."

I smiled at what he said, knowing as a ruthless killer, getting rid of someone who would hurt my family, my business is always a pleasure.

"I'm going to Italy," I told him straight off and I'm sure I saw a twitch from his lips.

He schooled it though, giving me his usual stare that said he wanted more information.

"Will you be accompanying your mother."

"Only if she's willing to be on the next flight out."

"Why the urgency," he asked, calmly.

"You know why."

"Do I?" he asked, and I knew he was mocking me now.

"Cut the shit dad, I'm going for Ana."

"About fucking time" he laughed, taking a seat on the couch that I had in here. "You've been pussy footing around long enough."

"Look. dad, I don't want to hear about what a dick I've been, I know it. How did you feel though, bringing mum into this life."

"Just like you do. But just like your mother, Ana was born into it. She's knows everything about the business, everything that goes on. Frankie, Antonio, especially Mac, they answer any questions that she asks. You're the cause of that I hear, making her your unofficial Consigliere."

I smiled, thinking of that conversation, especially telling her dad. If he didn't treat me like a son, I would've probably been shot.

"Official dad, there is nothing unofficial where Ana is concerned."

"I'm glad, now do you have a ring. You know the rules."

"Dad I've had the ring a long time. Unfortunately, the girl and the finger that I want to wear it, have been nearly six thousand miles away. Growing up..."

"She's a beauty, no one can deny that. She has a beautiful heart too, that only belongs to you."

I nodded before we both looked towards the door when my brothers entered. They were both laughing but stopped when they saw our faces.

"What, what's happened," Ethan asked.

"Nothing's happened son, yet. Although I expect a lot to change soon" dad said, looking at me.

I stood, smiling as I gathered a few things from my desk drawer.

"Can you call mum, ask her if she wants to go… tomorrow if I can get a flight out."

"You going commercial" Elliot asked.

"Not if I can help it but if that's my only option. It's not like we haven't flown like that before and there is no law about me visiting my best friend."

"I look forward to hearing some news then son. I will speak to your mother, tell her to get packed as I know she will want to come with you."

I left the club after speaking to a pilot that I have used before. The Mancini's have their own jet which we've used on many occasions but having that come all the way from Italy to pick me up will just be wasting time. Instead, Luis can take us and he was only too happy to leave as soon as I wanted to, especially with the bonus he will be receiving.

Arriving back at my apartment, I put some clothes into a bag, before calling Jason to come and pick me up. I don't think I'd ever been in and out of my home so quickly before but I was eager to leave, eager to close the gap between Ana and me too.

Pulling into Boeing field, we stopped by a car that I recognised as my mothers. As she got out, I had to apologise as my normally smart and put together mother had obviously left in a rush.

"Don't say anything about my hair" she barked, winding me as she thrust her bag into my arms.

"Mum, you didn't have to leave now."

"And miss you finally getting that girl, never," she told me, her face softening. "Come we have a flight to catch and once we get in the air, I can finally get these rollers from my hair. I must look a right sight" she said, which made me bark out a laugh.

"You look beautiful mum."

"Yeah, yeah."

"I will see you when I get back. Until then, you're in charge," I told Jason who nodded his head before starting the car.

He would be in charge of anything that dad doesn't do himself, leaving me free to worry about Italy instead of here.

Leaving the US behind, I couldn't settle. I wasn't worried about the way I had left quickly from Seattle, no I was worried, nervous about seeing Ana again. What I'm about to do will change everything between us and I hope to god, it all turns out right.

"Son, you're going to be a nervous wreck before you reach Sicily. I do admit that I'm not used to seeing you like this. Where's my shoot first and ask questions later son gone."

"He's still here mum," I told her, stopping my pacing and took a seat by her side. "What if I ruin everything."

"What if you don't," she said, not being any help at all. "Christian, do you know that when I first met your father, he was nervous just like you. He put on his brave smile, showed off his gun like all the boys in the business did at that age but when it was just the two of us, he became a different person…. I know the man you see out there is ruthless but you also know the man who fights over the last cannoli or sulks when you boys eat his tiramisu. You live in one world at the moment, the one full of violence and guns. Having that safe haven to come home to, that reason to even come home makes all the shit you deal with worthwhile. Ana is your safe haven, the one you speak to every day, more than even your mother" she said, making me smile. "She's the one who has your heart and she will be the one above all others who will have your back."

…

Arriving at the airfield just outside of Palermo, I wasn't surprised to see Mac there with a car, two in fact. One being my own.

Helping mum down the stairs, I handed off her bag to one of the men before I was stopped from going any further by Mac.

Mum just smiled, kissing my cheek before she got into the car.

"No welcome to Italy," I asked, seeing the start of a smile appear on his face.

"Welcome to Italy, young Christian. Upset my niece and I will shoot you, do you understand."

"Perfectly," I told him before he pulled me in for a hug.

"About fucking time," he said, upon releasing me. "Ana's at work, I suspect you will get there before she finishes."

Smiling, I took the keys he offered before jumping into my car. I followed my mother's car that Mac was driving out of the airfield before taking over them and putting my foot down. If any cops track my speed, they will have to try and catch me first because I wasn't stopping before I got to my girl.

The closer I got to Caccamo, it was as if my body calmed and all the stress I had been feeling, all the worries started to fade. They disappeared completely as I pulled up outside the bakery where Ana worked knowing she was just inside.

The light was fading now and I know it wouldn't be long before the doors were closed for the night. Getting out of my car, I could hear her laughter as she spoke to a customer, getting louder the closer I got to the door.

Ana was telling someone not to eat the sweet treats before dinner. Hearing a male laugh, I expected it to be a child she was talking to, so I was surprised when an old man appeared.

"I hope you're not after any biscotti. I got the last" he told me, patting the box that he held.

"No sir, I have come for something much more sweeter than that."

He laughed, going on his way as I entered the small store. Ana had her back to me, speaking to someone in the kitchen. Hearing her laugh, her giggle, I could do nothing but smile.

"Do you still have some cannoli for sale?" I asked, as Ana quickly spun around.

"Christian… CHRISTIAN" she squealed, rushing around the counter to jump into my arms.

I held her tightly, burying my face into her hair, just inhaling her scent.

Hearing a bark from the rear, I knew just who or should I say what Ana had been speaking to.

Ana pulled her head back, looking up to me and I could see the tears glistening in her eyes. She had flour on her nose, which I carefully wiped away before placing a kiss there.

"You're here. You came. I thought I wouldn't see you for a long while".

"I needed to see you."

"Something's wrong" she stated, worry in her voice.

"No, nothing apart from the ordinary. I just wanted to talk to you and what I want to say, I can't say over the phone."

"Christian."

"It's nothing to worry about. Trust me."

"Always," she said, taking my offered hand.

"You get off Ana, I will see you in a few days."

"Thanks, Isabella."

"Oh don't forget these," she said, pulling a box out from behind the counter, a box that I hope had at least one cannoli in. "Don't forget him either" she gestured to Hugo who I could see was stood in an office behind a large gate, waiting to pounce on me no doubt.

"Will you take these to the car and I will get him. I dread to think of the state of this place if he wants you to make a fuss of him in here. Oh, by the way. Isabella did you know Christian was coming."

"Your grandmother may have let it slip when she was in this morning" she laughed.

"Typical, everyone knows everything before me" she complained.

I did as she asked, putting the box into the back of the car. It was only moments later when Ana came around the corner from the back of the bakery with Tomas and Hugo, letting the pup go.

He was in front of me in seconds, slobbering all over my cheek not long after, all while Ana laughed.

"I will wipe this slobber on you in a moment if it's that funny," I told her.

"Don't you dare" she giggled. "I get enough of it when I wake up in the morning. Are you here on your own" she asked.

"No, mum came too."

"I thought she was coming here in a couple of weeks."

"She was but she decided to come with me. Can we get out of here, go somewhere, our place for a little while."

"Of course."

I opened the passenger side of my car, kissing her cheek as she got in.

"Are you going with us?" I asked Hugo who just looked at the door, basically telling me to open it and let him in.

"Will he fit," Ana asked, looking at the back seat of the car as she quickly grabbed the box of desserts before it was flattened by the now squashed dog.

"Yes, we might have fun getting him out though. Maybe letting Tomas drive Hugo would've been a better idea."

"You'll be alright, won't you boy," Ana asked him, earning a lick to her hand as we got underway.

I drove us past her home and towards the top of the hill. This was Ana's property now, a gift off her grandparents who knew how much she loved it up here. There was still the old barn here and apart from looking like the grass had been given a mow recently, nothing else had been touched.

Stopping the car, I opened my door and with a struggle, got Hugo out. He was off like a flash running around and barking loudly, the noise echoing across the hillside.

"Are you going to tell me what's going on?" Ana asked, standing behind me now.

"I was supposed to get your door for you."

"You can be a perfect gentleman later Christian, speak to me, please."

"I love you," I said, blurting it out, bringing a smile to her lips like it always did when I uttered those words.

"I love you too" she laughed before stopping abruptly. "Am I sensing a but."

I looked towards the sea for a moment but Ana, stubborn as ever came and stood in front of me, demanding the attention I will always give her.

"Do you know, I can shoot someone without blinking, sell drugs without worrying where they're going to end up but saying those three words to you, gets my stomach in knots."

I brought my hand up to her cheek, brushing a piece of hair back that had escaped her bun. She closed her eyes leaning into my touch before bringing her hand to my own cheek.

"Those words mean so much" she whispered, smiling to me.

"They do. When we were little and we first said those words, it cemented the bond that we shared. It was three words that were spoken between just us two. I know you love your family, just the same as for some stupid reason, I love mine, but as we've grown over the years, that love between us has grown also."

"I know, I love you, Christian, so much."

"I'm also in love with you" I whispered.

I waited for her to pull away from me, tell me that I couldn't be and that I had ruined everything now. Like always my Ana surprised me, pulling me closer still.

I watched as Ana rose onto her tiptoes, whispering that she was in love with me too, before pressing her lips tentatively to mine. I was frozen in place for a moment before my mind caught up with the situation and my lips started to move with hers. I never expected with all the worrying I had done, to be standing in this place, our place, kissing the woman that I love but I was, and I had never been happier.

Pulling back to take a breath, her hands came up to cradle my face.

"I don't know when I fell in love with you Christian, I think that feeling has always been there. I love you so much that I was afraid telling you would ruin what we had. If I could only have you as my best friend then I would rather have just that than nothing."

"What a pair we are" I laughed.

"I agree, a perfect pair…. What happens now" she asked.

"I ask you to be my girlfriend and I hope to god you say yes."

"There are no worries there" she laughed.

"Girlfriend?"

"Boyfriend?" she replied.

"Forever. Well, girlfriend until I'm brave enough to ask your dad for your hand."

"Do you think we're too young to be speaking about marriage, I mean we've only been together a few moments" she teased.

"Ana, we've been together for twelve years. Ages, titles none of it changes the fact that we were destined to be here, at this point in time. I'm afraid.." I confessed.

"Afraid of what," she asked.

"I came all this way to tell you how I feel but that journey just symbolises how far apart we really are. I live in Seattle, you live here."

"We'll find a way Christian, we have to. I won't deny how I feel any more."

"Neither will I. The world can know about us, they will know about us and that in itself brings challenges of its own. Our families are the strongest and closest there is in the mafia world. Being that close to another is unheard of, especially families that one day will become one…. I'm getting ahead of myself again aren't I" I said, making her laugh.

"No, I think we're right on track, now kiss me" she demanded, placing her finger over my lips to stop any more words.

I took her hand in mine, kissing her finger before I brought my head down to hers. As our lips touched, all the nervousness from earlier faded away, everything did except the two of us and the crazy dog who was still running around.

I sucked on her bottom lip, nibbling it gently before she opened her mouth to me. As our tongues touched, surrendering to their own sensual dance, I pulled Ana flush against me. I was aroused, how could I not be, finally having Ana in my arms.

"I love you" I whispered, before placing chaste kisses onto her lips.

"I love you, so much Christian. Whatever the future holds for us, I'm ready."

I smiled, pulling her closer to me as we watched Hugo chase something through the grass.

Ana's right, we will face everything together, starting today. Starting with her dad.

FRANKIE POV

I knew Christian was here and I knew why he had come too. Was I surprised, no? Well yes but only because of the time it has taken for him to come and tell Ana what we all knew except those two, that they were in love with each other.

In the past thirteen years, I've watched Ana grow. I've picked her up when she's fallen and dried all of her tears. I could kid myself into thinking that I was the only man she leaned on, the only one she came to when she was angry, upset or scared but Christian's always been there.

I know he will treat her like the Princess she is. Love and cherish her as a man should. I'm happy for them as I know without a shadow of a doubt what Ana's reaction will be when he tells her how he feels. Why then, is my heart breaking.

I waited by the window for Christian's car to come down the driveway, knowing Ana would be by his side. I could hear Hugo barking in his excitement of being home and he was quickly rushing towards the front door once he was out of the car, wanting to come in.

"Ok, ok, you silly dog" I laughed, making a fuss of him before he headed off toward the kitchen where his food was waiting.

Turning to Ana and Christian now, they both had my attention.

Hand in hand they walked towards me although this was nothing new. They had held hands many times over the years but I know this time it's something more than just him looking after her. Letting go of him for a moment, Ana kissed my cheek.

"Hi, dad."

"Hi sweetheart, I'm glad you're home. It's good to see you Christian" I said, shaking his hand.

"You too sir."

I turned around making my way into the house as they followed behind, hand in hand once again. Heading into the kitchen, I stopped and turned back when Ana called my name.

"Dad, can we talk."

"Of course, sweetheart," I said, sounding braver than I felt in that moment.

I gestured for them to go first into the living room as they both took a seat on the couch while I sat in my armchair. They were in constant contact at all times, a fact that brought a smile to my lips as this is how they have always been.

"I've been waiting for this day to come, although as a father, I've dreaded it."

"Dad" Ana said, and I know my words had upset her.

"Hey my little Princess, I only meant that this means that you've grown up. Despite wanting you to stay little forever, I know that's not possible. You've been my whole world for so long Ana, and no matter where you are, you will continue to be just that."

Ana got up from the couch, practically throwing herself into my arms as I held her close to me. She's no longer that little girl I found, afraid of her own shadow. I'm just so thankful to Carlotta that she was never afraid of me.

"I love you, daddy," she said, unable to stop her tears from falling now.

"Oh Ana, my little Princess," I said, brushing her tears away. "Where's the time gone."

"I don't know. I only know that whatever time has already passed, it's nowhere near what time we still have ahead of us."

"That sounds like something your mother would say."

"I know, she did. She told me that the time we would have with you would make up for all the time we were apart. I didn't understand at the time what she meant. I do now."

I kissed her cheek, letting her go as she got up, retaking her place by Christian's side. I know that is where she belongs now, with him, where she's always been.

"Christian," I said, pulling his attention away from my daughter for a moment. "I've known you longer than my own daughter and despite the world we live in, I know there is no one she's safer with than you. Well, except me."

"I will protect her with my life, sir."

"I know you will," I said, sighing deeply.

He will take her away from me, there is no doubt about that. He will ask for my blessing, which will be freely given.

As the days passed and their relationship blossomed, we all watched Christian go down on one knee. I was not the only one who shed a tear that day but my tears were happy ones, how could they not be at the look of joy on Ana's face. I knew then it would only be a matter of time before my daughter left my home.

Word soon got out about their relationship. It was never hidden so everyone could see, both friend and foe. Anyone who tried to threaten that love was quickly struck down.

On a beautiful summers day, wearing her mother's wedding gown, I watched Ana speak her vows after I had walked her down the aisle. I also watched her stomach grow as she gave life to her child. There would be three more children born from their love, a houseful of Hugo's too and throughout it all, I was able to share it will my girl.

When I walked into that hospital so long ago, I felt nothing but grief. I thought my life was over but with the gift Carlotta had left me, my life was only beginning.

Standing here now, in the home I built for us, I was surrounded by my family. They were all here to celebrate my birthday and I could do nothing but smile.

"Come on Granddad, blow out the candles," Lucy told me, my other little Princess.

"Yes, or we will need to phone the fire brigade with the amount of candles burning there" Matteo teased.

I laughed at them all, turning back to my cake. Before I took a breath, I reached for Ana, pulling her close to me.

"Do you need some help dad?" she asked, concerned as always about me.

"No, but I thought you could blow them out with me and share my wish."

She smiled, kissing my cheek before bending down with me. We blew the candles out, all seventy of them if what Luca had said was true. For each one that was extinguished, I made a wish. I wished to always have times like these, this beautiful family together. I wished for my little girl to always have her smile.

As we stood when the candles were finally out, I pulled Ana into my arms, thanking her mother for giving her to me. I know it was her wish for us to find each other and that was one wish that came true.

I'm a father, a grandfather, even a great-grandfather too and it was all because of my girls. Carlotta, she will always have a place in my heart for however long I live. She gave me the world when she was alive and left me her world when she passed. I will forever be thankful for that as there is no one more important in my life than our daughter, my little Princess, my Ana.

Thank you for reading.

I've loved coming back to these characters again. I know some have asked for me to write a full story from this angle but at the moment, this is all I have. I will never rule out coming back to either this or my original story but only if I had the complete plot worked out as I would never leave something unfinished. Who knows, maybe in the future.

I'm working on another story at the moment, although it is slow going and I still have a lot to work out. When I finally figure out where that story is going, I will put it out for you to read.

Until then, take care.

Caroline.