Chapter Fourteen
Alessandra
I’m up before my alarm on my first day back from school. The overwhelming need to tape up my hands and get in some time with the speed bag is taking over. I’m all warmed up by the time mom comes in ready to spar. I learned just how excellent a fighter she is over the break.
I also decided to forgive SB for not telling me everything she knew. It wasn’t her place and it only would’ve made me defensive for longer when it came to meeting my nonno.
I low-key love his random mix of English and Italian and the way he wants me to call him grandpa in his native tongue. Mom and I had SB over for so much of the break that my crazy best friend now calls mom, mom too. She’s next level crazy but I sort of love her. After mom knocks me on my ass a few times and shows me a new kicking technique, I shower, dress and decide to put on some of the makeup mom bought me.
By the time I’m done, I’m buffed and polished, shaved everywhere, my long hair is curled and I’ve got a wicked cat eye and some blood red lips. I tug on my boots, grab my knife and strap on a small thigh holster and my new Kimber Micro pistol. It’s small, super lightweight and easy to conceal. Mom and nonno spent the break making sure I’m an excellent shot as well as fully capable of taking my guns apart, cleaning them and properly reassembling them.
We spent a lot of time working with SB as well because if she’s gonna be in my life, she’s gonna need to know how to kick some ass and protect herself.
I run down the stairs to load up on breakfast, only to find that nonno is at the head of the table.
“Ahh, good morning la mia luce! Come, sit with an old man for breakfast, si?” He smiles up at me and I find myself grateful once more to have the opportunity to know him.
“Pfft, old man huh? From what I can tell, you might be in better shape than me and you're rocking the distinguished black and silver look with that full head of hair. Please tell me you passed those dope genetics down.” I smirk at him and he lets out a booming laugh.
“Si, just look at your mama.” He looks past me and I know mom’s just walked in.
“Look at me for what?” She looks at us with a silly little smile on her face, confusion coloring her features.
“Oh, nonno here was just telling me how I’m gonna stay hot forever. Our family has some sweet genetics that hold eternal youth.” I wink and she laughs as loudly as nonno did.
Yep, this is the life I always dreamed I could have. It’s a life worth fighting for. Who knew family would come to mean so much to me? I’m gonna keep them.
* * *
Pulling up to the school,I see a spot up front in the main parking with Matteo’s name on it, so I take it. I grab my bag and walk into the school, straight to the administrative office, like I own it. Because guess what, I fucking do.
“Good morning Nancy! Hey, look. So, I parked in a spot marked for Matteo DeLuca this morning, but seeing as how this is actuallymyschool, I was hoping you could get that changed for me.” I give her my most devious smile.
“Excuse me young lady! You don’t get to make demands. That is not a parking spot meant for you and I will do no such thing. You cannot walk in here and speak to me like that. You have no power here. You will speak to me with respect. My name is Mrs. Sheldon to you.” She glares at me, but still takes an involuntary small step back as I take a step towards her.
“Actually, I’ve learned quite a bit from my grandfather over this past holiday break and it turns out I actually have all the power. Over you and anyone else who thinks they run things here. I am Alessandra Evelyn Quinn Salvatore and as the granddaughter of Alessandro Salvatore, I have the highest expectations as to how I will be treated going forward.
You will not disrespect me in any way, shape or form and you will do exactly as I say. SoNancy, how about you go right on ahead and schedule someone to come replace that sign out front. Things between us can either be really unpleasant going forward or very easy. I trust you to make the wise decision.” I narrow my eyes at her as hers widen at the realization that I’ve most definitely made the connection to my family that I assume people were hoping I wouldn’t.
She quickly starts nodding her head and typing really fast. That was a quick change of heart. I think I might like Nancy after all.
“Oh, uh.. yes Miss Salvatore. I’m sorry for my rude behavior. I will see to it that things get changed immediately and take care to move Mr. DeLuca’s spot.”
“Oh, that won’t be necessary. Just have it removed entirely as well as Mr. Beckett’s and Mr. Bailey’s. They can park with the rest of the student body or in the overflow lot. You can use one of those spots going forward, the administrative lot is way too far for those hot as hell heels you wear every day, don’tcha think? Oh and please create a spot for miss Bradheart. I think she’s rather deserving as well, don’t you?” I wink at her as her eyes widen and a blush covers her cheeks.
I don’t think she expected me to be nice to her, let alone compliment her, but I know when to fight and when to make nice. This will work in my favor.
“Wow, ok, thank you. That will certainly make things easier. I’ll go see to it right away. Thank you again.” She finally gives me a small smile instead of being a bitch. I’ll call that a win. I call SB immediately to tell her to park next to me in one of the boys’ spots and she just screams in my ear so I’ll take that as a win too.
I look back over to Nancy, double checking to make sure we’re alone before lowering my voice to speak again.
“Oh, and before I forget. Can you do me another favor? It has to be kept a secret. You can keep a secret, can't you?”
* * *
There’sno shortage of gossip and awe as I walk through the halls of the academy. I hold my head high and keep moving. I’ve never been one to give into the hearsay and nonsense but it is pretty funny what these people all think of me. Not a full month ago they were all gossiping about what a whore I was, sleeping with the kings of the royal court and all. SB looks to me, a laugh in her eyes before she blurts out,
“Make way peasants! Our queen waits for no one!”