Enzo and I froze.

None of us moved for few moments.

Gianna and Fabio were busy in their own world, still not noticing us.

I hesitantly glanced at Enzo.

His jaw was clenched and I could hear his ragged breaths. His fist was closed, his knuckles turning white.

As they say, the hottest fires burn blue, and his eyes were no exception.

Just a mere glance in his eyes could make the hair on your skin stand upright.

I took a step away from him.

The atmosphere became tensed and I pursed my lips anxiously, awaiting Enzo's reaction.

I didn't know Fabio and Gianna got this close already.

"Gianna," Enzo's eerily calm voice cut through the air like a knife.

A shiver ran through my spine, despite the air conditioning being turned on.

Gianna and Fabio stilled. She hastily pushed him away, straightening her t-shirt and hair.

"Fratello," she whispered, tugging on the hem of her sweater, "I can explain, I swear-"

Enzo held up his hand, stopping her.

"Meet me in my office. Right now."

His cold eyes stopped at Fabio, who was looking anywhere but at us.

"You too, Fabio."

"Si, Don," he whispered, gulping hard.

The solemnity in Enzo's voice hit all of us hard.

"Xena, come with me," Enzo said, his tone softening subtly, motioning me to follow him.

I glared at Fabio and Gianna harshly before following him out of the library.

Great.

I missed the tour of the mansion.

Enzo guided me to his office on the second floor. He leaned back against the front of the desk, crossing his arms. He gestured me to sit on the chair right in front of him. I sat down and rubbed the back of my neck.

The fire in his eyes still hadn't died down.

"Enzo, I-"

"Did you know about this?" He cut me off, gazing intently into my eyes.

"No."

He let out a humourless chuckle. "Lies."

Enzo shut his eyes tightly and reopened them with a much darker look in them.

"I will ask you once more. This time, I want the truth. Did you know about this, Xena?"

I pursed my lips, contemplating on what to say.

If I said the truth, I would be betraying Gianna's trust.

If I lied, I would be betraying Enzo's.

Enzo took a sharp intake of breath. "I want answers, Xena. Answer my fucking question."

I took a deep breath, not liking the effect of his livid tone on me.

"I knew that Gia liked Fabio. The last thing she told me was that Fabio had asked her to go on a date with him. I swear, I don't know anything more."

His breathing became ragged.

"You knew about this, yet you didn't tell me," he murmured, running his hand through his hair, messing it up.

"It wasn't my place to tell, Enzo. Please, try and understand. Gia told me about Fabio because she trusted me enough not to tell you. She knew you would get angry."

Enzo opened his mouth to say something but a knock on the door interrupted him.

"Come in," he said, clenching his eyes.

Gianna and Fabio entered. They both looked pale, and they had all the reason to.

Enzo reopened his eyes.

"How long has this been going on for?" he cut to the chase, clenching his fist.

"Don, I-I, I mean, the kiss didn't mean anything, I swear," Fabio mumbled.

Enzo's eyes hardened. "Didn't mean anything? Are you fucking playing games with my sister?!"

Fabio shook his head vigorously, realizing his mistake. "No, no, I didn't mean that! Gianna is very special to me."

"You didn't answer my question. How long has this been going on for?"

"Just a few days, Don," Fabio whispered, stepping behind Gianna.

"Enzo," Gianna whispered, "Please. Don't get mad."

Enzo gave an expressionless smile. "Don't get mad?"

Okay, I needed to get out of here.

The moment I stood up to leave Enzo snapped his eyes back to me.

"Sit the fuck down."

The force in his voice compelled me to sit back down.

Okay, then.

"This has been going on for a few days and you're informing me now? Actually, you didn't even inform me. I fucking found out. What happened if Xena and I didn't enter the library? Hm? Would you have told me anytime soon?"

Neither Gianna nor Fabio replied, answering Enzo's question.

Enzo nodded and let out a dark chuckle.

"You wouldn't even inform me. That's reassuring. What about you, Fabio? Wouldn't you tell me, your don, about it? Do you want me to fire you?"

"No!" Gianna protested, "Don't fire him! Whatever happened back in the library was mutual. We have feelings for each other, Enzo-"

"Feelings," Enzo chuckled, "you're a fucking kid. You don't know shit about feelings."

"Fratello, I'm 23 and I'm not a kid. I think I'm more than ready to be in a relationship. Don't you think it's better for me to date a mafia man instead of someone who has no idea about our world?" Gianna tried explaining.

'I don't think it's better for you to date any man," Enzo gritted.

"But why? Why can't I love like a normal person? Why can't I date like any normal person?" Gianna persisted.

"You know how many enemies we have. You can't trust anyone-"

"But Fabio is a part of our mafia! He's one of your most trusted men, Enzo," Gianna said.

She had a point.

"Gianna, stellina, I don't want you to get hurt. After dad died, I only had you left," Enzo said, softening his voice.

Gianna drooped her shoulders. She sniffled and walked towards him.

"Fratello, I'm not going to get hurt. And even if I do, I know you will be there for me. Always. Won't you?"

He nodded and gave her a small smile. "Always."

"So, does this mean you approve of our relationship?" Fabio asked, shifting from foot to foot.

All eyes were on him.

"Gia, Xena, go out. I want to talk to Fabio privately," Enzo said, rolling back his shoulders.

Fabio's face paled.

Gianna gently squeezed his shoulders before walking out of the office with me. The sound of the door clicking shut was heard.

"Xena, I didn't want Enzo to find out this way," she groaned, rubbing her face.

"Gia, you're sure about Fabio, right?"

She frowned. "Yes. Yes, I am."

Enzo's office was soundproof so we couldn't hear anything that was going on inside.

Few minutes later, the door opened.

Gianna and I straightened up.

Fabio walked out and we both gasped. Dark bruises covered his face and his lip was bleeding.

"Oh my god! Fabi!" Gianna yelled, inspecting the bruises.

Fabi? Seriously?

"Ah, don't worry. He approves of our relationship," Fabio shrugged it off.

"He hit you," Gianna muttered.

Fabio chuckled. "Be thankful he only stopped after 5 punches, otherwise he would have just shot me."

She rolled her eyes. "Not funny."

I walked inside the office and found Enzo sitting on his leather black chair. His knuckles were bruised.

Idiot.

He looked up from his laptop and smiled at me. "See? I approved of their relationship. Aren't I the best brother ever?"

"Yeah, sure," I muttered sarcastically.

"Oh, by the way, before I forget. Sign this," Enzo said, tossing a brown folder to me.

I opened it and scanned through the document. It was regarding the alliance between the 7 mafias- Italian, American, Australian, Japanese, Spanish, Russian, and Columbian.

After reading through the entire folder, I signed it.

"Xena, my uncle is coming for dinner tonight. He has met your parents before. I suppose there won't be any problems."

"I hope not. My American mafia doesn't have any rivalry or vendetta against the Italians," I said, "Before you kidnapped me, that is."

Enzo glared at me. "Move on from that. You were kidnapped. You escaped. Period. End of fucking story."

I chuckled. "I know, I know. I just wanted to irk you."

"Well, congratulations! Mission accomplished."

I smiled.

"But seriously, Enzo. You have no issues with Gianna and Fabio, right?"

He leaned back on his chair and placed both his arms behind his head.

"Oh, I have many issues. Many. But I'm choosing not to act on them...for now. Dating my sister isn't a crime, and hats off to the person who does."

I rolled my eyes.

"Okay, but seriously. As much as I hate the fact that Gianna is dating Fabio, I need to come to terms with it. But if I see even a single drop of tear in her eyes, I won't think twice before putting a bullet through his head."

As he should.

"Anyways, take rest before dinner. The maids have already cleaned your room," Enzo said, shutting his eyes and letting out a sigh.

"You're tired?"

He nodded.

"Hey, you know what. It's been a long time since I explored Italy. Wanna join me?" I asked hopefully.

As expected, his eyes flew open and he grinned.

●・○・●・○・●

"A book store?"

Out of all the possible places we could have gone to, Enzo brought me to a book store.

And I fucking loved it.

Enzo smiled and nodded. "It's one of the oldest bookstores in Italy."

It surely did look old.

I pushed open the autumn oak door and a bell jingled, indicating that we entered.

I inhaled the smell of old books.

It always calmed my heart.

Enzo ran his fingers through the books on a shelf beside us. He then looked around the shop, as if looking for something.

"Zio!" He called out.

An old, bearded man appeared from the depths of the sore. He was quite short and was wearing a long black coat.

"Enzo, mio figlio, good to see you again," The man said with a warm smile.

He then looked over at me.

"Now, who might this lady be?"

"She's Xena," Enzo replied.

His eyes widened and shone mischievously. He glanced at Enzo.

"The Xena you always talk about-"

"Zio, she's Xena Xing, American mafia queen," Enzo quickly cut him off.

A light pink tint coat his cheeks.

He was blushing.

I pursed lips, trying to hide my smile.

"I am Francesco, the owner of this shop. Piacere di conoscerti, Xena," he said, shaking my hand.

"Oh, Xena doesn't know Italian-"

"Piacere di conoscerti anche io, francesco," I said, interrupting Enzo.

Enzo gazed at me, blinking furiously.

Francesco chuckled. "I'll let you two be."

He patted Enzo on his back and gave me a warm smile before walking away.

"You know Italian?!"

I shrugged.

"Why didn't you tell me?!"

I shrugged again.

"Are you serious?!"

Before I could shrug again, he held my shoulders down.

"You're just full of surprises, aren't you?"

I smirked and nodded.

"Why didn't you tell-"

"Let's read books!" I interrupted Enzo, walking past him and into the shop.

He grumbled but followed me.

The interiors of the bookstore had an ancient touch to it. Racks and shelves that were filled with books stretched along the store. A golden-red carpet covered the entire ground. There were tinted windows through which the afternoon sun poured through.

Towards the corner of the bookshop, there was a small, round table. Two cozy chairs were placed in front of it. The lights were dim and the faint chimes of windchimes were heard.

I gazed up.

The domed-shape ceiling had beautiful intricate, golden designs on it.

I took a deep breath, inhaling the scented candles and the smell of old books.

It smelled like home.

Bookshops are dreams built of wood and paper. They are time travel and escape and knowledge and power. They are, simply put, the best of places.

"Which book do you want to read?" Enzo asked.

I pursed my lips. "Jane Eyre."

Enzo had a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "Ah, the best classical romance novel ever."

"You've read it before?"

Enzo nodded. He then walked up to one of the shelves and scanned the books. He removed two books and walked back to me.

I held it and ran my fingers through the cover. I looked at Enzo who was holding The History Of Love.

I raised my brow. I definitely hadn't expected him to choose that out of all the books.

I sat down on the ground, leaning against one of the shelves. I stretched my legs and opened my book. Enzo sat down opposite to me, inclined against the shelf opposite me. He opened his book.

The rest of my afternoon was spent in the bookshop.

Francesco had made cups of hot chocolate with marshmallow for Enzo and me.

I was lying down on my stomach, my legs folded, holding my book in front of me. Enzo copied my position.

"What's your favorite line from your book?" I asked randomly.

Enzo gazed at me and flipped a few pages. He put his book down and pointed his finger to a line.

"Once upon a time there was a boy who loved a girl, and her laughter was a question he wanted to spend his whole life answering."

Every word hit me deeply.

"What's yours?"

I looked at him. Placing my book down as well, I showed him the line.

"I have for the first time found what I can truly love—I have found you. You are my sympathy—my better self—my good angel—I am bound to you with a strong attachment. I think you good, gifted, lovely: a fervent, a solemn passion is conceived in my heart; it leans to you, draws you to my centre and spring of life, wrap my existence about you—and, kindling in pure, powerful flame, fuses you and me in one."

"It's funny how these lines describe a person's feelings so accurately," Enzo whispered, his eyes not leaving mine.

My lips parted and I nodded.

I could think of nothing else but the depth of his brown eyes.

I blinked.

"We'll be late for dinner," I said, standing up suddenly.

Enzo nodded and got up after me.

The car ride back to the estate was spent in silence. None of us said one word. By the time we reached the mansion, the sun had already set and black clouds covered the sky.

Emilio was already present in the dining hall along with mom, dad, Dante, Ysaline, Gianna and Matteo. Fabio was seated beside Gianna as well.

Dad looked at Enzo and me and raised his brow. "Where were you both?"

"Office."

"Gym."

We both said at the same time.

Enzo and I looked at each other while dad pursed his lips.

"We went to my office and then went to the gym," Enzo covered up.

"Oh, okay, okay. I believe you," dad said, nodding a bit too much.

I rolled my eyes.

Emilio chuckled. "Lucifer, don't tease the kids. It's their age to have fun."

Enzo and I stared at each other with wide eyes.

Fun?

Age to have fun?

Fuck no, I would not be having any fun.

Not wanting dad to tease us more, I sat down on the chair in between Gianna and Ysaline. Enzo sat in front of me.

"So," Emilio cleared his throat, "how's your plan coming along?"

Everyone looked at me.

"Well, we have just started training. The men will be ready in a month or so. We will proceed with the plan after a month," I replied.

He nodded but then smiled. "Congratulations on becoming the mafia queen, Xena. You deserve it."

I smiled back.

"Emilio," dad spoke up, " did you know about Enzo kidnapping Xena?"

I groaned.

Emilio frowned. "He kidnapped her again?"

Now Enzo groaned.

"So, you knew about it," dad gritted, tightening his hold on the spoon.

"Hey, hey, hey!" Emilio raised both his hands up, "I got to know about it after she escaped. In fact Enzo told me about it when Xena was injured. Believe me."

"Yeah, and dad, come on. Enzo has changed," I persuaded.

Dad rolled his eyes. "Maybe."

The dinner went eventfully, and, fortunately, without any sort of violence.

Mom, dad and Emilio had slept already.

On the other hand, Fabio, Gianna, Matteo, Dante, Ysaline, Enzo, and I were on the terrace, drinking.

We played music through the speakers, but lowered the volume, not wanting dad or mom to wake up.

"Guys, after this drink, I'll leave," Matteo announced, chugging his beer bottle.

"Leave? Leave where?" Enzo asked.

"Home, of course."

I forgot he lived in a separate house. I was so used to seeing all of us together.

"Oh," Enzo murmured, "Right."

I pulled Enzo to a secluded corner.

"You can't let him go," I whispered.

He frowned. "What? Why not?"

"Come on, Enzo. When I died, didn't Matteo help you trying to move on?"

"Yeah...he did. So?"

"So? So, Matteo is the most affected by what happened to Serena. It's yours and Dante's job to help him. Ask him to live here with you. He needs company."

Enzo pondered over my words and then nodded.

We walked back to where everyone was.

"So," Enzo cleared his throat, "Matteo, you don't have to go if you don't want to."

I mentally face palmed.

"Huh? Why wouldn't I want to go back home?" Matteo asked.

"What I'm wanting to say is that, you can live here itself. In the estate. With all of us."

Matteo froze. "Wait- really? I wouldn't want to be a burden-"

"Oh, stai zitto! You know you're only saying this for formality," Dante said, rolling his eyes.

Matteo chuckled and nodded. "I would love to live here."

"I just feel like a boyfriend who asked his girlfriend to move in with him," Enzo whispered.

"Okay, you know what guys. I think we should raise a toast to the new couple. Fabio and Gianna!" Ysaline yelled, raising her glass of wine.

I chuckled and did the same. Enzo grumbled but raised his glass as well when I nudged him.

"To Fabio and Gianna!"

Gianna giggled when Fabio winked at her.

Enzo was about to stride towards them but I held him back by his arm.

"Stop! That's what couples do, Enzo. Calm the fuck down. Focus on something else," I said, turning his face away from Gianna and Fabio.

We both walked near the edge of the terrace. The entire estate could be seen from here, however, nothing further from it was visible.

"You know, " I spoke up, "I lived in the enclosed American mafia estate for all these years. Just like yours, nothing beyond the estate could be visible from my window. I hated it."

Enzo listened to me carefully. "So why didn't you move?"

I chuckled humorlessly. "Being the mafia queen has certain restrictions as well. I had to live in the estate. No where else."

The midnight sky was drenched in black ink and the stars twinkled. The sky was a canvas soaked in black paint. The stars were shiny pearls placed on it.

Suddenly, the faint lyrics of Rewrite The Stars reverberated through the rooftop.

I hummed along with the rhythm.

"I always wanted a night wedding."

I looked at Enzo who was gazing deeply into the perpetual night sky.

A night wedding? Who would have guessed.

"I don't know why," he continued, "there is something, some je ne sais quo, about the night sky. About the darkness. About the moon. About the stars. Just imagine, saying your vows, marrying the person you love, under the glorious moonlight. It's like god's spotlight. Just imagine marrying the love of your life, under the moonlight, and saying your vows."

"Comparing love to the the moon isn't the best idea," I whispered.

"Why not?"

"The moon goes through phases. Comparing your love to the moon is insinuating that your love would change."