A/n: I know nothing about the Mafia. So, of course, there will be mistakes in here and it definitely won’t obtain to real life. So, with that note, this is my fantasy land and my rules.

Summary: SLASH. Afton dreams of art and running, yet his father has other plans involving his family name. Not to mention, Lucian, the Mafia boss, has taken an interest with him. Afton would like nothing better than throw away his family name and escape the expectations of him. But his father isn’t the only one holding him in place, Lucian will do everything in his power to keep the boy grounded.

The Mafia Runner

Chapter One

“All I hear about his boss is shit,” I grumbled.

“Language, Afton!”

I slumped down on the couch as my mother’s shrill warning wafted through the house. My delicate fingers played with the black remote in order to occupy my anxious fingers.

My idiot brother was bringing his boss over for dinner. Despite the fact that I had never seen Nick’s boss, I heard plenty about him. Well, that wasn’t all true, Nick only praises his boss. But I remember all those Christmas’ and holidays where Nick had to stay after hours for his boss and those late nights he would come home looking like complete crap. But the reason I despised his boss the most, was because he took my brother away from me. Ever since Nick started working for the man, he had never been the same. Our brotherly bond had broken and snapped the day Nick came home, sharing the news that he worked for Lucian Romano.

The man was an asshole.

I clenched my jaw. “Do I really have to be here? I have homework to do…”

My father passed in front of the couch. The man’s height dwarfed me, rubbing it in my face once more that I was the runt of the family. “You’ll do well to behave in front of Mr. Romano, Afton. Do you understand?” My bright green eyes attempted to duel with my father’s brown gaze.

It didn’t work.

I dropped my gaze in submission. Always submission with him. “Yes, father.” I hated how weak I sounded. No… I hated how…left out I felt. All my life, I had been the odd one out of my family.

They were all tall and beautiful with their dark hair and eyes…and I had messy dark blonde hair and green eyes, barely reaching 5’6”. They were all classy and elegant and I was…well, not so elegant and classy.

My grandfather moved to America from Italy in his late forties. Here, in New Jersey, he had built a name for the Conti’s. I didn’t know much about my heritage. Hell, I didn’t really care about the family name. I only paid special attention to the fact my grandfather passed on his dark genes to all the family but me. I felt like an outcast. I had my grandmother’s appearance. At least, from what my father said. She was murdered a long while back.

I wouldn’t dwell long about my outcast in the family because I would be out of the house next year. I was currently seventeen, in my last year at his high school. I had been granted a full scholarship to the University of California Los Angeles for my high grade point average and my running ability.

Once my father exited the room, I switched on the television to King of the Hill. What I wouldn’t give to just…live like Bobby Hill. What a fucking pansy, but still, he had nothing to live up to. He didn’t have a brother that had a very decent job, he didn’t have a wealthy and beautiful family, and he didn’t need to live up to his Italian heritage his father always quipped about.

The doorbell rang.

I sighed, listening as my mother finished off the lemon bars and clicked her heels across the marble floor. We were all dressed up for this stupid dinner. Granted, we were a wealthy family and attempted to dress up everyday, but I was happy in my torn jeans and hoodie.

My fingers tugged irritably at my dress shirt and ironed trousers. The only bright side about tonight was the spicy pasta my mother made. My stomach growled in anticipation. Hopefully I spilt pasta sauce all over my shirt, disgusting this Mr. Romano…

“Afton!” It was my mother who all but shrieked. Of course she would pull me out of the living room and right into the spotlight. I always preferred the shadows far more than the light. Hell, if it was up to me, I would ask for a plate of dinner and sneak upstairs. It wasn’t like I had anything to stay anyway.

Rubbing my sweaty palms on my pants, I stood up and slowly made my way up the few stairs that led to the entrance way. The crystal chandelier sparkled in the dark atmosphere, casting unearthly shadows across the room. But it was enough light to see him.

I faltered.

In my imagination, I had always thought Mr. Romano would be an old guy with a big gut. But he was standing before me, a little older than my brother’s twenty years of age. What kind of job did my brother have anyway? I wasn’t told much about Nick’s job, only that it paid decent and involved accounting and law.

Lucian Romano had just finished shaking my father’s hand. My eyes caught sight of a bright emerald ring on his pinkie. It had a sort of crest engraved on it, but I couldn’t exactly catch what it was, especially when the man turned his attention on me. But attention wasn’t exactly the best word for it. More like a very interested air as he looked me up and down. I gave a slight shudder at the piercing stare.

“This is my son, Afton. Afton, meet Mr. Romano.” My mother placed a reassuring hand on my stiff shoulder.

I noticed Romano didn’t correct my mother and tell her to ‘just call him Lucian’.

What a stuck up.

I coldly returned the stare Romano was giving me. The man wasn’t breathtakingly handsome, but he wasn’t ugly in the least. His dark hair was cut short and arranged neatly on top his head, almost as if he had never had a hair out of place. His face had sharp planes and thin lips, giving him an aristocratic appearance. The eyes that leered at me were a dark brown, possibly a black. I had never seen eyes that dark before that could pierce like that.

Overall, his posture, his looks, and the smirk on his face, made it clear he was an arrogant bastard.

“Nice to meet the little Conti, I heard so much about you from Niccolo.” Niccolo. That was Nick’s real name.

Mr. Romano’s voice was rich and clear as he held out a well manicured hand. The hand made it appear as if he hadn’t seen a day of work in his life.

I looked at the hand frigidly. “Mr. Romano,” I greeted softly and shook his hand. His hand was cold to my warm. I slowly looked up at him, noticing a tight smirk on his face. “Nice to meet you,” I growled out and let go of his hand. Or so I tried. His grip tightened once on my hand before he was the one to let go. Fucking hell. Again, he was an arrogant bastard. My hate for the man ten folded.

As soon as my hand was free, I brushed it nonchalantly on my pants, wiping any disease I obtained. My mother cleared her throat while my father shot me a disapproving look. Oh well, I would be leaving shortly for California.

“Let’s go into the study and pour a glass of wine…” my mother bustled out of the room, her honey brown eyes glancing at me. It was all in her look. She was telling me to silently behave. No words were needed to be spoken tonight. My father followed her, leaving Romano and my brother in the large entrance way.

I stood there awkwardly, glancing at my older brother. His broad shoulders seemed impossibly broad in his dinner coat and his dark hair seemed to have grown slightly. And oh… it seemed he grew a beard. “Afton,” Nick grinned, coming forward. With a hard ‘thump’ to my back, I stumbled slightly and glared at my shoes. “It’s good to see you again. We don’t get much time together anymore.”

“I haven’t noticed,” I replied bitterly, glancing at his boss. The man was leaning conceitedly against the wall, his hands in his pockets, staring at me. Nick gave a dark chuckle. He was no longer carefree, but serious and grim. When he tried to be ‘carefree’, he came off as sinister.

With a rough hand, he messed up my hair, gripping my thin shoulder and pulling me toward the study. I noticed how his body angled to stay protectively in front of his boss and I grew perplexed as Lucian trailed directly behind me.

Even with my back turned, I could feel his eyes on me.

--TMR--

It was dinner time.

Finally.

Earlier, when my parents were toasting a glass of wine with Nick’s boss, I had escaped up to my room to watch the rest of King of the Hill. My solitude didn’t last too long as I was called for dinner.

“So, Afton,” it was Nick. “How is school going? Still getting good grades?”

I opened my mouth, ready to respond, until my mother butted in. “He’s doing fantastic, aren’t you Afton?”

Withholding an eye roll, I dubiously nodded. “You just said it mother.” With my fork, I played with a stray noodle. “Fantastic…” I was bored beyond tears. All I wanted to do was go up into my room, listen to music and draw.

And I was getting more annoyed that my parents insisted on calling Nick’s boss ‘Mr. Romano’ instead of his first name. But it wasn’t as if the boss was giving them any reason to call him by his first name. Actually, the man wasn’t saying much at all.

“Still planning on becoming a doctor?” Nick questioned interestedly.

“Of course he is…”

I clenched my jaw, feeling angrier as the time passed. My parents knew nothing about me. They didn’t know I would rather run far away then sit here. They didn’t realize I would rather be a poor and starving artist than a doctor. And they certainly didn’t know I got a ‘C’ on my advanced math course exam. When I had looked at the C, I had smiled goofily at the test. I should have been devastated. It would ruin my perfect 4.0…and I loved it. I hated being perfect. I hated being controlled.

I had a wild dream of running away and never returning.

But I could wait until California. But even then, would I still be under their control? Would I still stress over my exams to the point of an anxiety attack? Would I avoid the art classes because my mother and father wouldn’t approve?

“Did you want to become a doctor, Afton?” The soft, musical, voice startled me out of my hazy daydream. I slowly raised my eyes across the table at Mr. Romano. The man sipped at his wine, his emerald ring on his finger flashing at me. His piercing eyes saw right through me. I felt as if I were being scrutinized.

“It’s nothing but the-,” my mother started, only to be cut off.

“I’m sorry Mrs. Conti,” Romano interrupted silkily, his dark eyes narrowing slightly on my mother. “But I’m afraid I was addressing Afton.” There was an awkward silence and I couldn’t help but to give a grin of amusement. Those piercing eyes turned back to me, the bored spark the man had talking to my mother was gone, and in replace, an interested gleam shone. “Let me repeat myself, Afton.” The way he said my name made it sound as if he rolled it on his tongue. I repressed a blush at the intensity. “Your interest in careers is a doctor?”

I tore my eyes from him, giving a shy glance to my stern and expecting father. I stared back down to my empty plate of pasta. “Of course, nothing but the best.” I said the same words my mother was about to say before Romano cut her off. No one had ever cut my mother off.

Romano gave a bored ‘hum’ at my response and pushed his plate away. “Mind if I smoke in here?” It wasn’t a question, more of a jaded statement that told my mother to allow him a smoke.

“Of course, Mr. Romano.”

I clenched my jaw hard. Glancing up, I watched the man dig through his richly sewn jacket, a cigarette already hanging out the side of his mouth. I hated people who smoked. “Actually, I mind.” I blurted out, ignoring my family’s look of horror and disappointment. Black eyes lazily looked up at me. “My good friend died of second hand smoke.” It was true, and I’d rather not think about it.

My mother shifted in her seat, flashing the man a sheepish smile. “No, Mr. Romano, don’t pay any attention to Afton, of course you can-,”

“If it bothers you, little Afton, I’ll refrain.” Intensely, he stared at me as he took out the cigarette and placed it in his breast pocket. Beside me, Nick shifted uncomfortably. I didn’t understand why everyone licked the dirt off this man’s polished and expensive shoes. “I heard you were a fast little runner. You are in track, correct?”

This time, my mother didn’t interrupt and answer herself. I lifted my chin and gazed just as lazily back at Romano. “Yes, our season is almost at its end. A few weeks and we’ll be finished.” I paused, slightly uncomfortable with his stare. “So, what exactly do you do at this job of yours?”

Romano grinned, twirling the stem of his wine glass with his long fingers. “My father is the head Boss; I’ll inherit the company after he steps down. We do negotiating with other associations for types of drugs and weapons. Trading, more like it.” I remained silent, wondering where the hell that description had come from and why my family was so tense. I also wondered if he was serious. Drugs? I hope he meant drugs for medical usage and weapons as…well…maybe needles for the patients?

“You know,” Romano purred, lowering his eyelids as he gazed at me. “I’d love to have you work for me, little Afton.”

Little Afton. That man was a jerk. “Sounds tempting, Mr. Romano, but I think I’d rather be a doctor.” And as much as I hated the thought of being a doctor, I hated the thought of working for him even more.

The man smirked. “Call me Lucian, Afton.” My cheeks flushed without my permission.

Looking back down at the lone noodle, I wished it would just eat me up.

--TMR--

“Your little brother is an enigma, Conti.” Nick clutched the steering wheel, glancing in the rearview mirror at his boss. Two enforcers, who had stayed around the premise during dinner, were now on either side of the boss. A lit cigarette was in between Lucian’s fingers and as he inhaled, the red hot ashes set an unearthly glow around his features.

“I apologize for my brother’s lack of respect, boss.” He loved his brother. And he wouldn’t know what to do if he was in a situation to choose between his boss and brother.

“He was a little bastard, wasn’t he?” Nick tensed. But his boss’ tone wasn’t angry, more amused than anything. “I’d like to get to know him better, Conti.”

“With all due respect, boss… I would do anything for you.” He hesitated, frowning at the road. “But I would like to ask you to leave my brother alone. He’s far too innocent for you.” There was a scoffing sound in the back seat. Nick didn’t know if it was his boss who had made the sound or an enforcer.

Lucian Romano wasn’t a typical son to the Boss. He had a decent relationship with both his parents and he had more than enough siblings. But he was the oldest and chosen child to take on the business after his father left. Being the son of the Boss, Lucian was watched constantly. He wasn’t known to sleep around easily and he treated his lovers decently, if not a little cold. And by lovers, the whole family knew Lucian would never provide an heir. He preferred men over women.

And surprisingly enough, Lucian preferred dark hair and eyes on men. And height wise, Lucian always preferred them tall. Afton was the complete opposite of Lucian’s preferred type. But Afton becoming lovers with Lucian wasn’t what Nick was frightened of. No, he knew his boss would treat Afton fairly, albeit coldly. No, he was frightened of the environment his brother would get into if Lucian decided to set his interest publicly on Afton.

Undoubtedly, Afton’s life would always be in danger. Always.

And the head Boss wanted Lucian to choose his partner for life. Soon. Lucian would need to choose a partner who would stay by his side for eternity and dabble into the shit he was into now. Afton wasn’t like that… Lucian would never pick Afton for his life term partner because his partner was expected to be like Lucian. Cold and smart about underhanded tricks.

And if Lucian dabbled into a relationship with Afton, Nick had no doubt that Afton would be shattered once Lucian left him for his real life partner.

“I think you and your parents underestimate him too much, Conti. He’s a little flame, that one. All I have to do is ignite it…” Mr. Romano trailed off, sounding slightly thoughtful. “When is his next track meet?”

“Boss, please, he’s naïve to the kind of business we attend to-,”

“I’m not going to tell him about our family or our business, until he’s ready. Really, Conti, you don’t give me enough credit.” His tone grew cold and Nick knew when to close his mouth. But Lucian’s words didn’t sit well with him. Not telling Afton wouldn’t exactly be the best course of action either.

“Next week, boss.” He replied reluctantly.

Next week is when his brother’s life would change.

--TMR--

“Tell me you’re ready for this meet.”

I rolled my eyes upward at the boy’s pleads. “I’m perfectly ready, Tony; I don’t need you nagging at me yet again.” Tony. The boy was considered to be my only ‘true’ friend. Granted, I had many friends, but Tony was the main person I hung out with after school and the only one I’ve shared my personal feelings on things I couldn’t with the others.

He grinned, running a hand through his fake beach blonde hair. “It’s our third to last meet before the end of the year…before we graduate.” I threw him a lopsided smile as I pulled off my heavy sweatshirt. “I know you’re ready to leave me, Afton, but I can’t let you go so easily.” He fluttered his lashes.

“You can always come to California,” I suggested, bending down to touch my toes, clutching the rim of my shoes. We were on the infield, field events going on around us while running events took place on the track. “There is no way in hell I’m staying here.” I denied hotly, glancing at the audience. The stands were full. Many of the onlookers were against the fence, getting as close as they could to the events and finish lines.

“Conti, you’re up. 400.”

I gave a deep breath, standing up. “I’ll be waiting at the finish line,” Tony winked.

The sprinting coach, Burns, stood with me as I stripped down to my shorts and top. He favored me among the track team… but he had a sharp tempter if I messed up. He reminded me strongly of my parents…always expecting so much of me. But running was an exception. I loved running. I expected too much of myself as much as Burns did. “Can you beat 49.2 this time, Conti?” It was my personal record, and by all means, I intended to break it.

“I won’t let you down, Coach.”

The man grunted and I settled into the starting blocks. I was in lane two and the boy in lane one was slightly behind me. The rest of the lane’s runners were scattered in front of me. We were meant to go the same distance around the track, hence the reasoning why we were at different starting points. I always enjoyed starting further back then the runners; it gave me drive to push forward.

To my left, I could see Tony stand with a few other teammates. But I couldn’t get distracted. Not now. Now was the time to focus on the run, not people around me.

Adjusting my feet in the blocks, I positioned my fingers on the track.

I don’t even know why I did what I did, but I glanced into the crowd. I knew my parents wouldn’t be there, they never were. But I saw my brother. He came on occasion…but not the man next to him. I swallowed. I had thought I would never see Lucian Romano again. But there he was, dressed in finery and arrogance.

A clipboard came down on my head, startling me. “Focus,”

The starter lifted his gun, and I wasn’t as ready to go as I would have liked. And I was right. As soon as the gun shot, I stumbled on my feet, barely keeping my balance. It would cost me a few marks…

But then the gun shot again, signaling a false start. I felt my cheeks burn as I turned back to my frowning coach. At least I hadn’t been the one to false start… To the side, I heard Tony burst out in laughter at my start, not helping the situation in the least. “Terrible, boy, that was pathetic.” Coach Burns scolded as I went back down in the blocks. The runner who had false started got a warning and I pressed my fingers into the track, setting my focus on the run.

As the gun rose once more, I took a deep breath, calming my racing heart for just a moment…

And then I was off as the gun shot.

It was a great start- better than the one before it. That was for certain.

I pushed myself forward, knowing I had to run as hard as I could for at least 300 meters and then sprint the remaining 100. Already, I passed the runner in lane three, inching closer to the curve. The smell of fresh grass hit my nose as I inhaled deeply. This sense of freedom was something I would never forget. Running, pushing myself to the furthest…it was freedom. The wind tugged at my body, and I was pulled along with it, rivaling it in speed.

When I was running, my father and mother’s expectations were nonexistent, as well as their disappointment.

Everyone faded out as I finally caught up with all the other runners. We were inching closer to the last 100 and then I could really let myself loose. My coach always marveled at how I could continue on with such a fast pace the whole distance. I think if I wanted to, I could run forever at top speed until I collapsed.

As soon as my spikes slapped the last 100 mark, a grin spread across my face as I shot ahead of all the runners. My hearing came back and I vaguely paid attention to my teammates’ cheers. All that mattered was the run.

The thick white line beckoned me, and I picked my pace up even more considerably. I didn’t look back at the other runners, but I knew they were more than a few paces away from me. And with a long stride, I crossed the finishing line.

My senses all came back to me as I slowed to a slow jog. I could feel my heart race in my chest and throat, I could feel the sweat make an appearance on my face, and I could hear the other runner’s behind me. Nothing could compare to this moment.

“Damn it Conti!” My coach prowled over with a stopwatch in his grasp. At first, I thought the worst. I had thought I did good, surprising all the runners in quite a distance- but maybe they were slow.

“You broke it! 48.2!” I gave a grin, too pumped on adrenaline to do anything else. He patted me on a back again, a pleased smile on his face. “Proud of you son,”

“Thanks coach,” I breathed.

As I walked slowly back on the infield Tony came running toward me. I knew what was going to happen before he came in contact with me. With a scream of pleased joy, he hunched over and flipped me over his back. As usual I fell hard to the ground, not even attempting to break my fall. I was too tired. At least I landed safely enough.

“That was awesome, Conti.” Tony breathed; his eyes light. Before he could say anything more, Coach Burns came storming over, the vein in his forehead pulsating at witnessing his star runner being attacked.

Tony, knowing what was coming, winked at me before running off. The coach at his heels. I grinned, watching the two disappear further down the infield.

Suddenly, remembering the presence of Nick and his boss, I turned to spy on my brother. Nick caught my eyes, waving me over. He didn’t seem too happy and I wondered if something happened. Nodding, I stood, heading over to my bag and pulling on my loose drawstring pants. I wouldn’t need any more humiliation by wearing my shorts over toward the two.

I approached my brother’s grim face, wondering at his expression. Beside him, his boss stood. Their relationship they had was odd, even I would admit that. I don’t think a boss and coworker should be this close, but how would I know?

“Is everything alright, Nick?” I addressed him, not satisfying Romano with a glance. From the corner of my eye, I watched the man smirk. My avoidance only seemed to amuse him. “You didn’t tell me you’d be coming today.” Usually, he’d send me a text message, saying he would be arriving. It always brightened my day because he would bring me out for dinner later. We’d pig out on fries and burgers.

But those times had been…distant…almost nonexistent for two years.

“Sorry, I…” Nick faltered, his eyes dark. He cleared his throat. “Everything is fine.” He glanced pointedly at his boss as if he was trying to tell me to be respectful.

I acted oblivious and continued to ignore the other man.

“Your parents aren’t here?” Romano questioned lightly, his sharp voice cutting through my retrieve.

Unfortunately, I had to look at the man. I hated how confident he was as he gazed down his nose at me. He was tall, but then again, everyone was taller than me. But he was shorter than my brother, which was a positive thing. My brother was a giant.

“No,” I said dully. They were never here. Never supporting me. Turning back to Nick, I looked at him expectantly.

“You did a wonderful job,” the voice continued. I studied the silent Nick before turning back to Romano. My brother looked pained and his mouth was tightly shut, looking resolved not to talk. “Amazing, really.”

“Thanks,” I muttered, not glancing at him.

Fingers reached out and grasped my chin, turning me toward Lucian Romano. The man’s sharp eyes studied me intensely, no longer looking amused. “You don’t take compliments well, do you? Either that or you are disrespecting me. I don’t take kindly to being ignored when I speak.”

I licked my lips, unable to look away from the onyx stare. He was intimidating, completely so, but I couldn’t find it in myself to be frightened. My knees did become slightly weak, but with his hand on my chin, he was literally holding me up.

“I apologize,” even I could detect the sarcasm in my voice.

“Afton,” Nick warned.

There was something going on… and I didn’t understand what it was. Was…Nick and Romano an item? Was that why they were acting so odd? Was it the drugs they were selling? Hell…was Nick the one taking drugs?

The possibilities were endless and I didn’t know what to think. I decided to let the situation unfold itself.

Still, the man’s fingers were clutching my chin. His thumb suddenly stroked my skin before he let me go. I shivered, willing myself to stay under control.

“I’d like to take you out for dinner, if you don’t mind.” Romano continued. “After your meet of course. Your brother shared with me that you two usually go out after your track meets.”

From across the field, Coach Burns called me over. Well, more like screamed for me to hurry my ass over. I became distracted and tried to pull away before answering the man. His hand closed threateningly over my arm, holding me back. “Please, Afton,” Romano spoke fluidly. “Say yes.”

“Yes?” I agreed distractively, glancing at Nick. At least he’d be there to put a buffer between the man and myself.

I missed the smile that spread across Lucian Romano’s face and the crestfallen expression my brother attempted to hide from his boss.

Right then, I didn’t know what I would be getting myself into.