Rose Chapter 14 - Surprises

This one is a little longer. The sexy bits come in towards the end ;)

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She giggles, "Do you really have to go?"

"It's just a few errands, then I'll be back," he kisses her. "Come on, we need to get dressed before

Nonna

comes looking for us."

They get dressed and straighten up before leaving. "Daddy!" Rose suddenly turns with a shocked look on her face. "You didn't lock the door!" she whispers, fighting a laugh and smile. "What if

Nonna

came up?!"

Vincent's eyes widen in surprise, and he lets out a low, husky laugh. "Oh, Baby Girl, I'm so sorry. I was a bit...distracted." He chuckles, shaking his head. "But don't worry, I'll make sure to lock it now. I don't think your

Nonna

would approve of our little...indiscretion." He winks at her, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Although, I have to say, the thought of her walking in on us is kind of...thrilling." He raises an eyebrow, a sly grin spreading across his face.

"Uh-huh," Rose chuckles. "And *how* exactly would you have explained things if

Nonna

--

your

mom--caught you fucking your daughter?" she asks, running her hands up his chest.

He chuckles, his hands wrapping around her waist, pulling her close. "You know, I think I would have just told her the truth. That I'm in love with my daughter, and I couldn't resist her charms."

"Aww and then she would have called the cops or beat the hell outta you," she laughs. She shakes her head and wraps her arms around his neck. "Daddy..." One of her hands holds the back of his neck and her thumb rubs over his hair.

Vincent's laughter rumbles deep in his chest, and he nuzzles Rose's neck, his lips brushing against her skin. "Oh, Baby Girl, you're probably right. But I'd take that risk for you. I'd do anything to keep you by my side." He pauses, his eyes locking onto hers, his gaze intense. "You know that, don't you? You're mine, and I'll do whatever it takes to protect you, to keep you safe...and to keep you mine." His voice is low, possessive, and his hands tighten around her waist, pulling her closer.

"I know, Daddy..." she says softly before laying her head on his shoulder. She was already well aware of the lengths he would go to protect her. She knows he didn't mean to, but he had killed Chad to protect her. There was never going to be a doubt in her mind that he would do something as simple as lying to protect her and them. She can't help but smile and absorb the warmth from his arms around her. For the first time in a very long time she feels completely safe.

Vincent's arms wrap around her, holding her close as he breathes in the scent of her hair. He feels a sense of contentment wash over him, and his chest swells with emotion. He's never felt this way about anyone before, and it scares him, but also fills him with a sense of purpose. He's going to take care of Rose, no matter what it takes. He bends his head, his lips brushing against her ear. "I love you, baby girl," he whispers, his voice barely audible.

"I love you too, Daddy," she says with a soft giggle. She looks up at him. "Kiss me..."

Vincent's lips curve into a possessive smile as Rose looks up at him with those big, innocent eyes. He can never resist her. Cupping her face gently, he leans down and captures her lips in a deep, searing kiss. His tongue glides along her lower lip, silently demanding entry, needing to taste more of her. He pulls her flush against his body, one hand tangling in her soft, blonde hair as the other roams down her curves, claiming what is his.

She wraps her arms around his neck and deepens the kiss, loving the feel of his hands on her. When the kiss breaks, she keeps one arm around his shoulders, but uses her free hand to caress his face. "Don't be gone too long."

"I won't be gone long, baby girl," he promises, his voice low and husky. He nuzzles her hand, his lips brushing against her palm. "I have to take care of some...business. But I'll be back soon, and we'll pick up where we left off." He pauses, his eyes searching hers.

"Promises, promises..." she giggles.

Vincent's eyes soften as he gazes at Rose, his hand gently caressing her cheek. "I promise, baby girl," he murmurs. He leans in, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead. "You know I can't stay away from you for long. As soon as I'm done, I'll be right back here, with you." He gives her a wink, a playful smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. "Try not to get into too much trouble while I'm gone, hmm?"

They head downstairs after making sure they are fully dressed and straightened out. They go to the kitchen where Iris is already cooking. "There you are!" she smiles and comes up to Rose. She holds her face and looks at her with concern. In Iris' mind, Rose had to step away because she was having a panic attack. "Are you alright?"

Rose nods and smiles softly. "I'm alright," she looks over at Vincent and smiles, "Daddy took care of me."

"That's my boy," Iris smiles lovingly. She comes up to Vincent and kisses his cheek. "You made your

Mama

very proud,

Vincenzo

."

"Thank you,

Mama

," Vincent says with a smile. "I'll leave you two be and be back in a couple of hours. You two have fun."

Little do Rose and Iris know, Vincent is planning on going out to find an engagement ring for Rose. Once he's in the car, he maps out a few jewelry stores, finds the one with the best reviews, then starts driving. It's about a thirty minute drive and he feels completely relaxed as he goes. When he arrives, however, he begins to feel nervous and excited. This is really happening! Rose has agreed to marry him, even if it's just in secret, and he gets to spend the rest of his life with her. He smiles proudly as he opens the door to the store. He steps inside and is instantly greeted by the sound of soft muzak, black carpeting, row after row of glass display cases, and sparkling chandeliers hanging above that illuminate every gem in the store. It's a fairly quiet afternoon with only a few other customers in the store. He walks past a few cases filled with bracelets and watches before he hears a woman's voice approach him.

"Welcome to Lucciola Jewelers," a woman with red hair pinned up into a bun approaches him. She has a kind smile and warm brown eyes. "Can I help you find anything?"

Vincent's eyes narrow slightly as he takes in the woman's appearance, his mind already focused on the task at hand. "Yes," he says, his voice low and smooth. "I'm looking for a ring. An engagement ring, specifically." He pauses, his eyes scanning the store as he takes in the various displays. "Something simple, yet elegant. Something that will impress my...fiancée." He smiles, a hint of possessiveness creeping into his tone. "She's a classic beauty, with a touch of innocence. I want something that will complement her features, without overpowering them."

"I'm sure I can help you find the perfect ring," she smiles as she steps out from behind the counter. "My name is Amy," she extends her hand.

"Vincent," he smiles and shakes her hand.

"Pleasure," she smiles. "Tell me a little more about your fiancée," she asks with excitement. "What's her name? What's she like?"

A proud smile spreads across Vincent's face as the woman asks about Rose. "Her name is Rose," he says, his tone soft and affectionate. "She's...everything to me." He pauses, his expression turning more serious. "She's young, with the most beautiful green eyes and golden hair. Innocent, in so many ways, but with a fire that burns so bright." His eyes sparkle with adoration. "I want to give her the world, to shower her with the love and adoration she deserves. This ring needs to be a symbol of that, of my devotion to her."

"Hmm..." she thinks for a moment as they walk. "I think I might have just the ring." She starts to lead him over to a counter in the corner of the store.

Vincent's eyes light up with excitement as Linda leads him to the counter. "Really?" he says, his voice low and urgent. "Well, I have to see it now." He can't help but feel a sense of anticipation building inside of him, a sense of expectation that this ring is going to be perfect. "Tell me, Linda, what makes you think this ring is the one?" He leans in, his eyes locked intently on hers, as he waits for her to reveal the ring.

"Well, these rings..." she gestures to the glass case, "are made by our master jeweler. They are all one of a kind, but reserved for those who come in with..." she smiles, looks him up and down and shakes her head a little, "a certain light in their eyes."

The display case is full of the most unique and beautiful jewelry. Everything from rings to earrings to bracelets. All ranging from somewhat gaudy to absolutely stunning. Even the gaudy ones catch his eyes, but not in a sense they would be good for Rose. They are gaudy, but they have this look that someone out there would see them and know that was the piece of jewelry for them. Everything glitters and sparkles under the glass, except for one closed velvet box. Vincent's eyes look everything over carefully, but he doesn't see anything that screams Rose to him.

Vincent's eyes widen slightly at Linda's words, a flicker of surprise crossing his features. He nods approvingly, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "I see," he murmurs, his voice low and appreciative. "Then I trust your judgment, my dear. Show me this ring you have in mind." He leans in, his gaze intense and focused, eager to see the special piece she believes will be perfect for his precious Rose.

Amy reaches into the case and takes out a small red velvet box. She lays out a small, black satin cloth and puts the box on top. She slowly opens the box to reveal a stunning, white gold ring in the shape of a rose. The petals have been scored to look like they glitter, but polished to a shine along the edges. In the middle of the bud, is a solitary 1/2 carat diamond.

Vincent's eyes widen in awe as he gazes at the ring, his breath catching in his throat. He feels a lump form in his chest as he takes in the beauty of the design, the intricate details that make it seem like a living, breathing rose. He can almost imagine the way it will look on Rose's finger, the way the light will catch the diamond in the center and make it sparkle. "Oh, my god," he whispers, his voice barely audible. "This is...this is perfect." He reaches out a trembling hand, his fingers brushing against the ring as if to confirm its existence. "This is the one," he says, his voice filled with conviction. "This is the ring for Rose."

Any chuckles and smiles proudly, "I thought you might."

Not considering or caring about the price, Vincent reaches into his pocket, pulls out his wallet and credit card, and hands it to her. "I'll take it."

Amy holds a hand up. "Before we get to payment, our master jeweller likes to meet any client that purchases any of these pieces. The actual price of the piece depends on the conversation he has with you. By that, I mean, a piece can be

worth

$5,000.00, but if he feels this piece was made for you, then he will sell it for $1,000.00."

"Wait, seriously?" Vincent looks confused. "That...sounds like a terrible business practice," he chuckles.

"Well," she smiles softly, "he lost his wife years ago and he's always been a romantic. He will tell anyone that, when they got together, he could barely afford a ring for her; not one that he felt she deserved anyways. He found the perfect ring, but it was

way

out of his budget. So, he worked overtime at two, sometimes three, jobs until he saved enough for a proper ring. The whole time he worked, he worried she would find someone else, someone who could afford a ring now, not later." She sighs softly, "It broke his heart. He said he never wanted someone to feel like he did; hopeless and like he would lose the love of his life."

Vincent nods slowly as things start to click. "I see..."

"Yes," she nods. "So, he likes to hear the stories and decide if seeing a piece truly is love at first sight or if it's just some statement piece someone wants who doesn't feel that passion towards it." She closes the box and leads Vincent towards a lounge area. "Please, have a seat and I'll let him know you're here."

Vincent takes a seat, but his excitement and nerves get the better of him and he begins to pace. As he paces, he looks down at his watch. It's only been a couple minutes, but it feels like much longer. He's starting to get excited about meeting this master jeweler and to hear the story behind this ring design. After another few moments, he has his back turned to the entrance of the lounge, he hears a voice he thought he would never hear again and his heart almost stops as all the color drains from his face.

"

Buon pomeriggio

, I hear you want to buy one of my pieces!" The man claps his hands once and chuckles. As Vincent slowly turns around, the man's face falls slightly. Suddenly his eyes go wide and his jaw drops. "

V-Vincenzo

?"

It's Vincent's father, Lorenzo. Vincent feels like he's going to pass out. He hasn't seen his father since he was eight years old when Iris had told him and his brother that Lorenzo had been killed in a car accident. His mouth and throat run dry and it almost pains him to speak, "

P-Padre

?"

"

Figlio

..." Lorenzo slowly steps towards him. "My son...I never thought I would ever see you again," he smiles with a few tears in the corners of his eyes.

Vincent takes a step back and shakes his head. "Bu-but you-you're supposed to be dead..."

"Please! Please!" Lorenzo says desperately trying to get him to stay. "Allow me to explain, please!" He takes Vincent's arm gently. "Please,

Vincenzo

..."

Vincent is a swirl of emotions, his head is spinning, but he nods and follows him. The head up the stairs and to his office. Lorenzo nods at two men who step in front of the door once they are in the office. Lorenzo locks the door and flips a switch on the wall. Shortly after, a soft white noise is heard. Lorenzo takes a seat at his desk and gestures for Vincent to sit at the chair across from him. Vincent all but collapses into the chair and looks at Lorenzo with confusion, hurt, and a little anger.

"Vincenzo, I-I don't know where to begin. There are so many things I want to tell you," he chuckles nervously.

Vincent's eyes narrow slightly as he takes in the two large men standing guard outside the office. He feels a surge of unease, a sense of being trapped. But he pushes the feeling aside, his gaze focusing on his father as he gestures for him to sit. "

Inizia, Padre

," he says, his voice low and even. "I'm listening." He sits down in the chair, his eyes never leaving Lorenzo's face. He can see the nervousness in his father's eyes, the tension in his shoulders. "Why don't you start by telling me how and why you're alive!?"

"

Vincenzo,

I...I told your mother to tell you and your brother I was dead, but it was to protect you." He takes a deep breath.

"Protect me? From what?!" Vincent snaps.

"My life," Lorenzo tenses and looks worried, then sighs. "I will tell you the truth, but I want you to know something first. I never stopped loving your mother or you. She wrote me letters and sent me pictures of you growing up. she called me to tell me you'd made D.A. I was so proud of you," he smiles. "But...you've heard of the

Lucciola Syndicate

, yes?"

.

Vincent's eyes widen in shock at his father's words. The Lucciola Syndicate - one of the most powerful and feared crime organizations in the region. He had heard the rumors, the whispers, but never imagined his own father could be involved with such a group.

"The Lucciola Syndicate?" he breathes, his voice laced with disbelief. "Padre, are you telling me that you..." He trails off, unable to finish the sentence, his mind racing with the implications.

Lorenzo nods, "I am the head of it. I have been since just before you were born. I never told your mother because she hated my lifestyle, but when I became the head...I had to come clean with her. You were 8 when I told her and she was furious. She was terrified you and/or your brother would want to follow in my footsteps. I kept this from you because your mother asked me to. I never wanted to leave, but I knew the danger you, your brother, and mother would be if I stayed. But, you must understand, despite my leaving I never stopped keeping you safe."

"Lies," he spits out, his voice trembling with rage. "You're just spewing lies and expecting me to believe them? You kept me safe? You kept me safe? You abandoned me, Padre. You left me to grow up without a father, without a role model. And now you're telling me that I owe you for keeping us safe? For keeping us from the life you chose?" He slams his fist on the table, making the vase on it rattle. "I don't owe you anything," he declares, his voice cold and detached. "You've done nothing but hurt me and my family, and now you're expecting me to forgive and forget? No." He shakes his head, his eyes blazing with indignation.

"

Sedere!

" *Lorenzo snaps as the mafia boss he is comes out. Vincent sits back down like a scolded child. He takes a breath, then exhales slowly. "Yes, I have protected you by being absent from your life because your mother asked this of me! She knew how close you and I were. She knew, if I stayed, you would follow in my footsteps. While I would have welcomed you at my side, I could not hurt your mother like that. But yes," he stands, "I have protected you. From the minute you tried your first criminal case to now, I have made sure any retaliation against some of the men you put away never landed at your doorstep."

"You did...what?" he breathes, his voice barely above a whisper. The realization that his father has been secretly protecting him all this time is both a relief and a source of deep unease. "So you're telling me that every time I've prosecuted one of your men, you've intervened to ensure there were no repercussions?" He shakes his head, his mind racing with the implications. "How could you do that? How could you keep this from me?"

"You have never prosecuted one of my men, but you had put away several from a few other syndicates. They wanted to retaliate, but I used my influence to stop them. When you and Karen got married, I was there! Your mother let me come as long as I stayed in the back and out of sight. When I heard about Karen leaving you for that

bastardo

Chad, I wanted to reach out, but your mother wouldn't let me." He comes around to the front of his desk and leans against it, looking down at Vincent. "

Vincenzo

, I love you,

mio figlio

, I always have and I will always do anything to protect you and our family."

Vincent's eyes are fixed on his father's face, his expression a mix of emotions. He looks for any sign of insincerity, any hint that his father is trying to manipulate him. But all he sees is a deep and abiding love, a love that is tempered with a sense of duty and loyalty. "For all the times you were absent, for all the times you lied to me and kept secrets from me...how can I trust you now?" He asks, his voice barely above a whisper. The hurt and anger still simmering just below the surface. "You've been playing both sides against each other for years, using your influence to protect your own interests. How can I know that this isn't just another one of your manipulations?" He steps back from the desk, his eyes never leaving his father's face.

"

Vincenzo

, I swear to you on my life: I am

not

manipulating you. You can ask your mother," Lorenzo pleads. "Please," he gives Vincent his card and tucks it into his pocket. "Talk to your mother, take some time to think, but don't walk out of my life again.