The Heiress

"You weren't kidding about this place..." Grace trailed off as she looked around the grand hall with its arched ceiling made of glass, and a stage with light live music. Waiters were going around, giving out drinks to the dozens of small tables spread throughout. "Who the hell has this in their house?"

"The rich and powerful. It comes in handy for times like this," Zain said as he leaned in close, his hand at her waist. "He doesn't host too many parties, but I still suggest you get used to it."

"Do I have to dress like this every time?"

"What's wrong with the way you're dressed? You're the most gorgeous woman in the room; revel in it."

Everything went dark, and a spotlight lit up the stage where Ray was standing.

"Hello, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for joining me for the special occasion. As you all have been informed, I've finally reunited with my granddaughter, and I'd like to introduce her to you all."

Are you kidding me?!

"Please welcome Grace Bertolottis." He waved his hand towards her. A spotlight landed on her and everyone clapped.

Bertolottis? My dad took my mom's last name, so my last name is Morris.

Grace froze when she realized everyone was looking at her.

"What are you waiting for? Go up there." Zain nudged her.

"Are you crazy?" She shrunk back.

"Hmm..." He had noticed how strong she was, but this was something he didn't expect. "Not one for the spotlight, princess? Don't worry; I'll help you out."

Zain all but dragged her to the stage, up beside Ray. Ray wrapped his arm around her shoulders. Her eyes swept through the crowd, the faces blurring as her heart raced.

"She is going to be a big part of the future of the Bertolottis family. We all know I'm getting up there in years—"

"You're still young!" someone in the audience yelled.

"Ha, ha, thank you, but my joints tell me otherwise. Grace here is the future. She is my blood, and she will choose the next head of the family. Now, before you rowdy boys try to woo and fight over my beautiful granddaughter, I will have to inform you all that three candidates have already been selected. Vincent Moretti." A spotlight landed on a well-dressed man with his coat hanging off from his shoulders. "Floyd Russo." Another spotlight landed on the other side of the grand hall, on a young man with his hair dyed white and a smug smirk. "And our very own, Zain Kuros." After each name, they clapped, and some cheered.

At Zain's name, it seemed like the whole Bertolottis family cheered.

I guess we know who they want. And why is he making this a big spectacle?

Grace's vision wavered, and the sound of the crowd lulled into the background.

"Good luck to you boys, and please remember, I can revoke it any time. Time to drink and relax," Ray ended and grabbed a glass of wine for himself.

"Grace?" Zain led her offstage. She missed a step, and Zain grabbed hold of her before she could fall. "Grace?" he called to her again and waved his hand in front of her face.

"Hmm?" Grace glanced up at him.

"Are you okay?"

"I think I need... some air..." she huffed. "Just a little dizzy."

"I'm sorry, but I don't think you have time for that." He nudged his head towards the two other candidates, who came over to introduce themselves personally.

Floyd got there first. He trailed his eyes along her and nodded. "I think I can work with this..."

"Excuse me? What kind of introduction is that?" Grace frowned.

"Are you saying you don't already know who I am?"

"Should I?"

His eyes widened, and then he smiled. "As your grandfather said; I'm Floyd Russo, your future husband."

"That's yet to be determined."

"You'll come around to my charm soon enough; they always do."

"They who?"

He tilted his head to the side. "Women, of course."

Zain turned away, holding his stomach, his shoulders shaking as he held back a laugh.

"I'm not interested in the charm you use on other women." She crossed her arms and held her back straight.

"My apologizes." He gave her a small bow. "I wasn't taking into account who I was talking to."

"She's out of your league, boy." a tall, blonde man approached and knelt down in front of her. "Vincent Moretti." He kissed the back of her hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Grace. I hope we'll get to know each other well soon." He gazed up at her with lidded eyes.

Her heart skipped a beat. Are we sure he's a part of the mafia? Rings more like a prince... Not sure what to say, she nodded.

He rested his hand lightly on her shoulder. "How about we get a drink, just the two of us?" Vincent suggested. "And then we can talk on the balcony away from the crowd."

"Fresh air sounds good to me." She took his offered arm.

"Ahem," Floyd cleared his throat. "I don't think you can monopolize her during the party like that."

"Can't I?" Vincent smirked at him and brushed past as they headed for the balcony. They exited through the glass door, and she rushed up to the railing to take a deep breath.

"Thank you," she sighed and glanced back at him. Behind him, Zain was standing guard by the glass door. "I'm not one for crowds or spotlights." Can't say I haven't had to deal with some before, but this felt way different.

"You're welcome." He gently brushed her hair back. "I'm going to grab us some drinks. I'll be right back."

"Okay." Grace nodded and turned her attention to the sky above and the fresh, crisp air.

"You're not going to jump over again, are you? It'd be easier this time since we're on the first floor." Zain laughed.

"What good would it do me? And what are you doing out here? Vincent will be back soon."

"I wouldn't put it past you to run again and try to break your friend out. Not that it would help you any. If you somehow managed that, we'd just bring you back, and maybe maim your friend so you wouldn't try again."

Grace rolled her eyes. "I know that already. I'm trapped here." Even if I managed to get Roger out, I'd stay behind, and he'd be safe. They don't need a hostage if I'm here willingly.

"You'll break your grandfather's heart if you don't change your attitude, eventually."

Grace bit back her response. She may not know much about him yet, or agree with his ways, but he was still family; the only family she had left. Maybe he'd even talk about her parents, who her other grandparents didn't want to talk about. It was too hard on them, the loss of their daughter and son-in-law.

"I guess you've already figured that out, haven't you? He may seem rough around the edges, but there is a gooey centre wishing he could pamper you like grandparents do, especially since he's missed out on your life."

"Z, what are you doing here? I don't think we need a chaperone." Vincent came back with two glasses of wine. "Do we, Grace?"

"Uh... No," she hesitated, feeling more comfortable with Zain nearby.

"I'll be close. Yell if you need anything." Zain went back to the grand hall, but they could see him through the door.

"Just arrived recently and already got yourself a guard dog?" Vincent held the glass up to her. "At least he's a strong one."

"More like a watchdog. Thanks." She took the drink. "You called him, Z; are you two friends or something?"

"We'll stick with 'or something' on that one. Our paths have crossed a number of times, but not always in a good way, and not all in bad ways, either."

"Sounds complicated."

"Indeed, it is, as many mafia relationships are."

"I see." She sipped on the wine, and her eyes widened a bit. "Mmm, this is good."

"Agreed." He leaned on the railing beside her, sipping on his own drink. "So, you're a cop, right?"

Grace froze. It shouldn't be surprising if he knows. If he's a candidate, it makes sense, but why is he asking?

Vincent chuckled. "Of course, we know as much; we are marriage candidates, after all. I don't think it would work well if you married someone who didn't know and caused trouble down the line. I have to ask, are you planning on continuing as a cop?"

"I want to, but I don't know if I can."

"Oh? Why not?"

"Because then I'll be expected to look the other way when the mafia does something illegal, and as a cop, I don't know if I can do that. It wouldn't feel right."

"But you love it, don't you?"

"Well, yes, but how did you know?"

He pointed at her face and swirled his hand around. "Your expression and how serious you're taking everything. I'd hate to take away something like that from you."

"I'm here regardless, and I don't see any way out of the situation."

Vincent nodded. "Ray must've dragged you in unwillingly, I assume. I guess the old goat thinks his time is up soon." He stared up at the cloudy sky as he thought. "Our union would connect two strong mafia families."

"But aren't you already a leader? How would that even work? I know he doesn't want to get rid of the Bertolottis family—"

"I'm not looking to absorb them into the Moretti family, but rather connect us as comrades and a bigger family."

"You can't really be the boss of both, though, can you?"

He smiled at her. "I'm up for that challenge, but really, why wouldn't you run it?"

"I... I can't do that." Ray wants a man to run it, anyway. Not that I want to take over.

"Can't take over and can't go back to being a cop. Talk about being stuck between a rock and a hard place."

"No kidding." Grace sighed. "I don't know what to do, and if I don't end up choosing, he'll eventually make the choice for me." Why am I telling him so much? He's a mafia boss!

He rested his hand on top of hers on the railing and gazed into her eyes. "Maybe we can still come up with another solution."

His hands are so big and warm. Don't get distracted!

He caressed the top of her hand with his thumb.

"L-like what?" Grace swallowed hard.

"Well, I am quite capable, so I think I could run both families, as one big one, and yet everyone can keep their family name. I can keep all criminal activities away from you, and you can continue as a cop."

"But if someone from one of our families is arrested or under investigation, I won't be able to look the other way."

"I'd never ask you to. A good girl like you probably doesn't belong in this world, but you don't choose your family."

Grace eyed him. Seems too good to be true, so he probably is. "You're not going to say we should get married and divorce later so you can keep the bigger family, or you'd try to disband the Bertolottiss, right?"

"Aren't you an over-thinker?"

"Always am."

"No, I didn't have any nefarious plans like that. If we divorced, I'd probably lose a lot of your family to it, and it'd defeat the purpose. I'm looking to strengthen ties, not break them. What good would it do to disband the Bertolottis family? Not that I could; they'd probably regroup and continue. These families are 'organized crime', you know? We don't fall apart that quickly."

"Even if you temporarily disbanded them, it would be enough to take over their territories and probably even their fronts—"

"I think you underestimate how feared and revered your grandfather is. It'd be a disservice to him to do something like that, and the other families would be after me for it, too. He has many alliances, which is what keeps some of the peace here."

Grace went silent and downed the rest of her drink.

"You probably have a lot to learn, but from what I can tell, based on your thinking patterns, you'd do well in this industry."

She glanced at him with furrowed brows.

He held his hands up. "I'm just saying you seem like an amazing woman. If anything, I'd like to see you in uniform." He couldn't fight off a smile as he imagined it.

"I'm not sure it'd be a good thing if you see me in uniform, because that might mean I'm out to arrest you." She held her glass up to him. "I have to use the bathroom. Excuse me."

"Sure thing..." Vincent watched her head into the grand hall and smirked. "What an interesting firecracker."

"Where's the closest bathroom?" Grace asked Zain.

Zain pointed across the way to the door leading to a nearby hall. "It's through the door on the right side. I'll show you."

"I'll be fine. Thank you, anyway."

Zain grabbed her arm before she could leave. "I'm still keeping an eye on you, and today, I'm also your bodyguard, so I should— Ow!" he yelped when she bent his finger back.

"I'll be back soon enough; quit worrying." Grace took off, weaving through the crowd until she exited into the hallway. She turned right and saw two doors with gender symbols on it. Inside there were multiple sinks and stalls.

Who has this in their house?! Then again, I still have no idea how many people live in this mansion... estate... whatever...

She used the bathroom and splashed water on her face.

This is all too insane. This place, these people; how am I supposed to live this way? I miss my home. I miss work. I miss Roger. Ugh. Get a hold of yourself! She splashed more water on her face and looked in the mirror as it dripped off of her. What's most important right now? Survival for both Roger and me. There's no running right now, so I'll have to go with it.

Grace sighed and used the paper towel to pat her face dry. At least I didn't ruin the makeup. She headed back out and someone grabbed her wrist, pulling her back, and slammed their hand on the wall to trap her there.

"I've been waiting a while, but still haven't gotten the chance to chat with you, princess," Floyd said, looming over her.

What did my grandfather see in him?

"Do you really think trapping me against a wall and trying to intimidate me is going to make me choose you? This isn't a good way to get to know someone."

"Many women like this; it makes their heart beat faster."

"It feels like you're trying to dominate me or something, and I don't care for it personally. Are you going to move, so I can get back to the person I was talking to, or do I have to move you myself?"

Floyd's eyes narrowed. "Nice talk, princess, but I doubt you could do anything to me. You're like a kitten looking up at a lion. And I'll back off when I want— Ah!" Floyd yelped out in pain as she kneed him in the gut.

Grace shoved him over. "Try again when you learn how to treat a woman and want a genuine conversation." She walked away and came to a halt at the door back to the grand hall.

Zain stood at the door, watching. He clapped. "Good job, princess. I'm not sure the boss would by happy with it, since he wants good relations with his family, but it's good to take him down a peg."

"He's the one who didn't want to move. What are you doing here? I told you I wasn't going to run."

"And you kept to that, but I saw him heading over here. Looks like I wasn't needed, though. Back to your prince charming? He's still a mobster, you know?"

"Of course I know that; you all are. You make it sound like I'm some teenager swooning over a celebrity crush, but I'm not. It's basically my job to get to know each of you and choose one of you as my husband and future leader. Don't go around thinking I take any of this lightly." She purposely bumped into his shoulder as she passed by him.

"Does that mean she's accepted it?" Zain grumbled to himself as he watched her head back to the balcony.

Grace pushed the balcony door open and sighed.

"Did something happen?" Vincent turned around and held up a fresh glass to her.

"Floyd," Grace sighed again and took the drink. "Thanks. He tried to ambush me right outside the bathroom."

"Are you okay?" As far as he could see, physically she was, but she seemed riled up.

"I had to take him down a peg. Seriously, how did my grandfather choose him as one of the candidates? He comes across as one of those pigs who think they're better than everyone else and thinks he can get his way through intimidation. Did he not look into you all as much as he claimed? Did Floyd trick him?"

Vincent almost spat out his drink. He cleared his throat. "We'd be hard-pressed to find someone who could pull one over on your grandfather. He's elite to us. He's the top of the top. If he chose Floyd for you, there might be a reason. He's on the green side, and to me he's come across as a bit of a moron, but I'd believe in your grandfather over whatever impressions he left on me."

"Are you sure it's not just his family he wants a connection to, regardless of the person?"

"No." Vincent shook his head. "He wouldn't do that to his blood. I've worked with your grandfather a number of times, and I can say with certainty that he wouldn't make a mistake like that. If anything, I think the kid is in over his head. He wants to impress you and show how strong he is, because that's what he's done with other women, but he doesn't know what to do with you. You're different from most women."

I can't deny that.

"It almost feels like you're standing up for him and telling me to give him a shot; shouldn't you be happy if I'm not into him? You are rivals, after all. Unless you're not serious about me and this family."

"Oh, trust me; I'm serious. It's just..." He thought about his next words carefully. "I don't want you to doubt your grandfather. He cares about you and is trying to figure out your future in his own way."

"I don't know how much you've been told, but he didn't exactly bring me here in the best way."

"We were all told about how he brought you here without you wanting to come, but that doesn't mean he doesn't care. He is a great man, but like many of us, his pride gets in the way, and we end up doing things the wrong way."

"We? Sounds like you have experience with it."

Vincent chuckled. "I've made my fair share of mistakes, and I've learned from them. And it seems no matter how wise one is, there are always more mistakes to be made. I think he went about it the wrong way, but I'm not sure you would've come here otherwise."

"Might be right. If he didn't start with 'I'm a mafia boss', I might've given him the time of day without kidnapping, though. Makes me wonder, if he's such a highly spoken of person, then why would he do that? Wouldn't it only be for a time crunch?" Her expression dropped.

"He hasn't said anything to anyone, but that's the conclusion I came to as well."

"Isn't that even more cruel? Pull me in and tell me I have a family member left, only to lose him soon after."

"But from his side, if he didn't, he could've missed any chance of ever having a relationship with you. Keep in mind, he probably also sees his son in you. They were close once upon a time, and he can't try to renew his relationship with him. You miss them too, don't you? Your parents."

"Of course I do." I could've done with someone else to help back then.

"This all feels a bit heavy for a first meeting." Vincent sighed. "I planned to get to know you and woo you, but it seems the night has gotten depressing."

"No." She shook her head. "I'm glad I came out here to talk to you. Not only do I hate big parties, but you gave me a lot to think about, so thank you. I guess we haven't learned too much about each other, though."

"Not exactly true. I've learned quite a bit about you."

Her eyes widened. "You have?" Didn't we mostly go over things he knew?

"Indeed; I've learned quite a bit." He smiled, finished his drink, and set the glass on the railing. His eyes narrowed as he took her free hand. "Based on what I've learned, I want to continue this another day." He kissed the back of her hand. "I'll call you. Goodbye until then." He left, and she stood there for a moment, befuddled.

"You alright?" Zain asked. "I know that man, and he can be a bit intense sometimes."

No kidding. Grace nodded. "I'm fine."

"Coming back to the party now?"

"I think I want some alone time."

Zain shrugged and stayed where he was with his arms crossed and attention on the night sky.

Whatever. Grace sighed and leant on the railing as she looked out. Why are things so complicated?