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Twice The Trouble - Book 4

Prologue - A Few Years Ago

***Note: To read this book, you have to read the first three books of the series.

The Enrique twins, and the only Enrique daughter, are back as young adults. More adventures involving the Mafia, love, danger etc, await them.

I couldn't find the best twins with black hair (to match the ones from book 3), because they're hard to find.

The ones I found were either too muscular, or too old, too young, too short, or different head shapes 🙇. And so, I had to go with twins that have brown hair. We'll just have to deal with it. It's better than blonde***.

***

(The 18yr old twins, shortly after their return from Chicago.)

***

Writer's POV:

The twins sat quietly, waiting for their psychologist.

So far, they'd already had several therapies with the doctor after their experience in Chicago, as captives of Ricardo.

This therapy was meant for Lorenzo Enrique most especially, given how overly sensitive the teen was. He was that twin of the two that had a harder time controlling his emotions when things turned out the wrong way.

However, Anthonio deemed it necessary that Alejandro follow the same therapy. Alejandro had willingly agreed to this because he wanted to be by his twin's side. And yes, Lorenzo needed his brother with him and that was why both had refused private and individual therapies.

~

"How are you two feeling today?" the doctor asked the Enrique twins who lay each on two sofas.

"Not bad." both replied in a chorus, staring at the ceiling.

"Good." the doctor sat up, "We've had several sessions already and I want to know how you feel. Are you better? Have you gotten over what happened in Chicago?"

"I have." Alejandro replied.

"I have, too. It never really bothered me as I'd mentioned earlier."

"The kidnapping or the girls?" the doctor asked knowingly, "Have you gotten over the girls."

"Somehow." Lorenzo replied dryly.

"Maybe." Alejandro replied in turn.

The doctor nodded and noted something down.

"Why maybe, Alejandro?" he asked the twin.

Alejandro chuckled for a reason he ignored.

"I don't know. I don't think I want to get over her." he replied casually.

"Maude?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

"Maybe because she's the first girl I've ever really loved."

The doctor noted some more.

"I see." he went on, "But do you want to forget her?"

"Yes. She doesn't want to have anything to do with me anymore, so," he shrugged, "I might as well move on and live my life."

"That's positive. A step ahead, indeed." the doctor noted, "And Lorenzo?"

"Yes?" Enzo replied.

"You replied 'somehow'  when I asked about the girls. In a rather dry manner that intrigues me."

"I have gotten over her in a some way. That's what I mean." he replied firmly.

"What way?"

"What do you want me to tell you?" the twin frowned at the ceiling, "I feel like my love for her has reduced a great deal since we began this therapy."

The doctor nodded and noted. Then he spoke again.

"I hear anger in your tone, Lorenzo. Annoyance. You weren't like this during any of our previous sessions."

Alejandro looked at his twin, concerned and worried about what the doctor was now saying. Lorenzo kept his eyes fixed on the ceiling.

"Why the change? Why the annoyance? Tell me what's hurting or bothering you."

"I think I hate her." Lorenzo blurted out to his brother's surprise.

"Reena?" the doctor asked.

"Yes."

He noted down what he was observing.

"What makes you think so, Lorenzo?"

Lorenzo shrugged a little.

"I don't know. I feel like the least she could've done, after betraying me, was to stay in contact with me." the twin muttered.

"But she didn't betray you intentionally, Lorenzo. A few sessions ago, you mentioned the fact that you respected her decision of wanting to stay out of the dangerous world you live in, for good. What made you change your mind?"

"I just realised that it isn't easy to respect her decision." he muttered in reply.

"But you have to, in order to get this bitterness out and move on."

"I know."

"Then? Start by freeing yourself of all negative emotions. You need it if you have to move on, like your brother is."

Lorenzo was silent.

"I'll try."

"Don't try. Make sure you do."

Lorenzo stared at the ceiling while his twin stared at him.

"If I do," Lorenzo started.

"Yes?"

"I hope I never see her again." he stated casually.

Alejandro continued to stare at him while the doctor nodded and noted some more.

"The world can be a tiny place." the doctor said to him, "What if you see her one day?"

Lorenzo frowned in silence.

"Lorenzo I need you to liberate yourself in such a way that if ever you two meet again, it won't affect you in any way. You'll be completely indifferent."

"You're probably right." Lorenzo sighed and sat up, looking quite tired. Alejandro sat up too.

"It's definitely better that way."

"Got it." Lorenzo replied and they both stood.

The doctor checked his watch.

"We have ten more minutes." he told them.

"Oh really?" Alejandro mused a little, "I think Lorenzo needs to rest."

The doctor stared at the twins silently.

"Ciao, doc." Alejandro added and grabbed Lorenzo's arm before leading him out of the office.

--

They walked up to their car on the parking lot.

"You okay?" Al asked his twin, unlocking the car with its control.

"Yeah." Enzo smiled to reassure his twin.

Both opened their doors and entered the car. They fastened their seatbelts and Alejandro started the car.

"What's this issue about hating Reena?" Alejandro dared to ask as he drove them out the parking and into the beautiful streets of Rome.

"You heard what I told the doctor, Al. I don't wanna talk about it." Lorenzo replied calmly.

"Well, I didn't like the sound of what you told him." Alejandro said firmly, "It's like you still don't realise that when you're down, I get down too."

"It's fine, Al." Lorenzo looked at his twin, "I've taken the psychologist's words into consideration. I'll follow his advice cuz he's right. Don't worry."

Alejandro nodded and looked ahead, again.

"If you don't, I'll break your nose. I mean it." he threatened rather seriously, "That'll force some common sense into your head."

Lorenzo stared at his twin and then turned to look out his window, amused and hiding a smile.

He would've definitely said and done same if he'd been in Alejandro's shoes. Use sympathy and calmness at first, but if the other remained stubborn to what was supposed to be good for his wellbeing, the other twin would then use threats or force. Amusingly, it'd worked more than once.

They were very alike, yet very different.

*

Noemi on the other hand was the only one who'd not really been affected by the issue with Ricardo. She was able to get back on her feet and focus more on finishing highschool.

The only regret she had was Dino. They'd not even had the time to talk seriously and he'd already been sent to Belgium. Though the twins were still in contact with him, she decided not to be because she really just wanted to finish school and to her, speaking with Dino would distract her because she had real feelings for him. She'd explained it to him on phone once and got to see that the feeling was mutual.

However, Dino had understood her not wanting to stay in contact but never failed to send a greeting through her cousins.

***

To his family's relief, Lorenzo with time completely got over the hating Reena stage. Even before they turned nineteen, the boys were done with Maude and Reena for good. They left it to their past and focused on getting their degrees and training in the Mafia.

So far, everything was perfect.

~~

By twenty, the boys had had their degrees while Lèaina, who had been sent to college in Pisa, was close to getting hers.

It was at this time that the boys were finally sent to take care of missions or businesses for their fathers. They were always accompanied by one more person, most of the time an older member of the Mafia, just in case. They were still very young in the business and their fathers would only let them handle business solely when they would turned twenty four or so. Then, Lèaina would begin hers when she would turn twenty and with time, be given sole responsibilities.

Her father had wanted to keep her out of the dangerous family business but the girl had decided to follow in her mother's footsteps. She'd promised to herself that she would never be as helpless and defenseless as she'd been, back when she and her cousins had been kidnapped by Ricardo.

~

And so it was. By twenty, the twins had began proving themselves to be capable of handling mafia businesses, though under supervision.

It was only a matter of time before they would handle things on their own.

Episode 1 - Heritage

...ΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩ...

Writer's POV:

Anthonio was in his office working when a stern looking Alejandro walked in and leaned against the glass door, staring at his father.

...

...

Anthonio who'd noticed his presence, took his expensive cigar out of his mouth and stared back at his son with concern.

"What is it?" the charismatic mafioso asked in his usual calm manner, leaning back into his chair and brushing his big hair backwards with his fingers.

Alejandro stood straight, still frowning.

"Dad, where's Lorenzo?" he asked and Anthonio immediately knew what his problem was.

Anthonio sighed a little and rubbed his eyes.

"He's gone to take care of some business, for your uncle and I." he finally replied, going back to typing whatsoever on his Mac.

"With whom?" Alejandro asked more questions.

"Luckie." Anthonio replied, looking at him again.

~

This time, Luckie had accompanied Lorenzo to see how good or how averagely the twin could handle mafioso business. Luckie was an old member of the Italian Mafia. He was in his 60s now and had lived to know and be good friends with Lorenzo Enrique, the grandfather, years back. He was one of the good and trustworthy members. But above it all, he was Lodovica's new man. Her previous relationship hadn't worked out as the man she used to date realised that her family was way to dangerous to deal with, and so he left.

She was saddened at first, but then came someone who'd always been there, Luckie Escobar. Plus, she'd known him for years given that he used to be the grandfather's good friend.

~

"Dad, you know I don't like it when you send any of us on a mission without the other at his side." Alejandro complained.

"I have to." Anthonio replied firmly, "You both have already learned how to fiend for yourselves when together and that's wonderful. But life is funny at times and there might come a time when your brother might not be with you and you'll have to survive on your own. I want you to learn to be strong as individuals because you are already very powerful, together. Do you understand my point, dear?"

Alejandro swallowed a little. Anthonio went on.

"Your uncle and I are feared greatly by our enemies when we're together. Irony is, they fear us even more as individuals because we can be even more ruthless in business when each is on his side."

Alejandro's frown disappeared a little as his father started talking sense into his head.

"When alone, I run out of patience and show my enemies no mercy at all. I don't even give them a chance to explain, most of the time." he started, "Same for Leandro. And that's what makes us even more feared as individuals. But when we're together, sometimes Leandro calms me down so we're able to get information from the enemies and I do same to him when the tables are turned. Though we're still harsh, at least from time to time, we give the captives a break. I want you and your brother to gain that type of respect and fear from the enemies because we'll always have rivals, Alejandro. You are twenty and soon enough, Leandro and I will send you two on very risky missions, whether together or not. Understood?"

Alejandro who was now sitting on the little couch in the corner, nodded.

"Yes, father."

"Good. You'll both be fine. Trust me."

"Alright."

~

"I think I'll stay a little after I get my degree."

"Why?" Noemi's parents asked in a chorus from their room. They were face timing with their daughter.

"I want to do two more years of education and get my masters. I'll be twenty two by then. I just wanna do all I can and then come back home and start working with all of you."

"Stubborn kid. You're still determined aren't you?" Leandro mused.

"I learnt it from you both." she giggled and it made her parents smile.

"You're gorgeous, darling." Kloe said with a proud smile.

"Thank you, mom. You too. Where's Roulian?"

"At school.".

"Oh okay. Please kiss him for me when he returns. I miss him so much. I miss all of you."

"We miss you too, love." Leandro blew her a kiss and she happily blew one back. She sure still was her father's little Princess.

"I have to go now. We'll talk later. Bye bye."

"Bye bye, sweetheart."

They waved and then hung up.

"I can't wait for her to finally return." Kloe said, "Though I'm worried about her wanting to join the mafioso business, I'm all the while glad that she's that brave."

"I wonder where she gets that from." Leandro replied, smiling knowingly at his wife and making her chuckle.

"You think it's from me?" she mused.

"Mmhmm. You adapted to this life faster than I could've ever imagined. Even before we got together. You're the strongest woman I know, Kloe. And that's definitely what had me at your feet."

"Aaaw." Kloe chuckled and kissed him, then they hugged tight.

After, she went to sit on the bed.

"I know it's useless bringing up the past, but I realised something this morning." she started.

"What?" Leandro asked, sitting too.

"Tyler really was a jerk. Putting the playing of money, aside."

"It's no news. Why bring it up and what did you realise."

Kloe looked at her husband.

"His daughter." she said simply.

"Reena."

"Yes. I didn't think of it until now."

"What?" Leandro wondered.

"Remember that she was older than Noemi. A year older." Kloe explained.

"Yes?" Leandro was a little confused.

"I had Noemi with you, a few months after I left Tyler. Her, his daughter we discovered the existence of, was a year older than Noemi?"

Leandro's eyes widened a little as he realised.

"He cheated on you." the mafioso gasped.

"Exactly. This means that while I was still confused between the both of you, he already had a girl pregnant somewhere else. And when I left him and he was threatened to leave, he surely took the woman along and then married her before she gave birth shortly after."

Leandro realised the evidence and it made him laugh and clap in surprise.

"You see? And you wanted to marry that dweeb? You would've had the shock of your life when after getting married to him, some other woman suddenly appeared with a child that was his."

"For real." Kloe gasped, just imagining the annoying fact.

"And I was the bad guy, trying to steal another's woman." he laughed and clapped again.

"You did, though." Kloe mused and he looked at her.

"Yeah, but it saved your ***." Leandro replied with a tease and she laughed.

"Hopefully he's a better person today. That issue with Ricardo taught him one more lesson."

"True. " Leandro agreed, "I can't forget that day, you know. And I'll probably never get over the fact of the that girl, a teenager, played us." he laughed.

"I know right. But she had no choice. I would do same for my father, without hesitation." Kloe admitted, "I really liked her. Both of them. They seemed perfect for the twins."

"They were." Leandro replied, "It was maybe too early but Anthonio and I had once discussed the possibility of the twins settling with them for as long as possible. Each had their own vibe and stuff. Maude made Al a little more responsible and sensible while Reena made Lorenzo a little more social and open. Something that no girl had done before."

"But now they have Luena and Sophia."

"Mmm. They're good too but I don't feel their chemistry as much as I felt it when they were with the other girls. The twins looked quite appeased and happy. I'd never seen that."

"And it sure was hard to let go after the controversy. I understand that the girls didn't want to continue with them, you know. Maude was way too fragile and unaware of who we really were, which shocked and traumatised her. On the other hand, Reena didn't ever want to take such risk again or hurt Lorenzo. She feared that something might happen again and she would be forced to hurt him a second time and so she preferred to leave with her father and stay on the low for as long as possible, not wanting to be related to the Mafia anymore and live a normal life like anyone else."

"Sad fact. I'm just happy that the twins are over that stage now. Let's forget the past."

"Indeed."

...Ω...

Lorenzo and Luckie watched the man count his drug money.

...

...

"Here you go." he smirked awkwardly and handed the money over to the twin, who took it, "Count. Everything's there."

Lorenzo did just that and the money was okay. He nodded and the guard that was with them, gave the other mafioso a briefcase with the substances. He opened and checked.

"Alright." he said, satisfied, "You have your money, I have my merchandise. Good doing business with your family."

They all stood.

"Just don't come with your babysitter, next time." the man mocked Lorenzo, expecting him to react some type of way. But he didn't.

Lorenzo simply stared at him, blankly and intensively. The man who'd been smiling provocatively, blinked a few times.

"This one doesn't talk much, aye?" he chuckled in a slightly nervous manner, speaking to Luckie. "Very much like his padrè (father)."

"See you next time, Pablo." Luckie simply said and they shook hands.

The man then turned to shake hands with Lorenzo but Lorenzo didn't move and inch. He didn't even raise a finger to touch the man's hand. He just stared in his usual intense and rather creepy manner.

"Fine." Pablo cleared his throat with both feelings of amusement and nervousness. With that, he left their meeting place, followed by his men.

Luckie and Enzo eventually did same.

"Hope he didn't get to you." Luckie told Enzo as the headed for the jeep.

"He's not important enough." Enzo replied casually and it made Luckie smile in amusement.

"That's what I like about your brother and you. Your unaffected ways of being. Perfect to survive in this business. In three to five years, you'll finally have your autonomy."

"Indeed." Lorenzo smiled a little, "I'll show them what I'm made of." he chuckled and Luckie laughed.

"That's more like it."

~

It sure was a fact. When the twins would turn twenty five and Noemi twenty three, they would definitely stand their grounds and defend their heritage.

Episode 2 - Grown

...ΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩ...

Writer's POV:

And so the time came. Roulian had turned seven, the twins had turned twenty five and Noemi was fast approaching her twenty third year on earth.

She had just two weeks to finally receive her diploma and degree and her family was already impatient to have her back home. Soon they would all be reunited as the strong and feared family they were. The Enrique kids were soon going to make a name for themselves. The only person they were waiting for was Leàina.

~

Lorenzo had matured some more, grown taller and muscular. The same for Alejandro.  The boys had developed more of the same charisma  evey other male member of that family had. Though they were identical, their styles differed from time to time. Most of the time, Lorenzo grew a little mustache while Alejandro liked to stay without facial hair most of the time. However, from time to time, he grew a little mustache as well while Lorenzo shaved it off. And at times, both remained with facial hair or without.

Lorenzo had developed a preference for boots, turtles necks, sweaters, ripped jeans and long jackets, just like his uncle Leandro.

Alejandro too had something for boots, jackets and turtlenecks but most of the time, he kept it chic and simple like his father. However, the twins were usually very comfortable in sneakers, jeans, shirts and t-shirts, especially when they did nothing but hang out. Whenever they went out, whether on missions or on dates with their girlfriends, their style would return to the usual chic and classy type.

It was same for Noemi. The teenage girl had grown into a gorgeous young woman and the guys who wooed her seemed to be increasing in number. She was beautiful. The prefect balance between Leandro and Kloe. Her style was simple yet hot, even when she did nothing but stay at home or hang around. Not to talk of when she dressed to go out on dates or with friends, it was a different story. Evey outfit she wore, fit her perfectly well just like they did with her cousins and the rest of her family.

...

...

They had danger and charisma running through their veins, alright.

***

Alejandro's POV:

"You're late. Again." Luena complained the moment she opened the door for me.

"I know. I'm sorry, sweetheart." I flattered, stepping in and trying to kiss her. She dodged and it amused me, "What, you're angry?"

"Yes." she rolled her eyes and walked into her apartment. I followed, closing the door behind me, "I cooked dinner and it's already cold because I don't fucking know what you were doing to come an hour late."

"Business, Luena." I rolled my eyes, "You know how busy we are in what we do. Your father used to be a member and you used to see how busy he would get. It's not my fault. I got important things to attend to."

She folded her arms and stared at me.

"I'm not important?"

I fought the urge to roll my eyes.

'I knew that was coming.'

"Luena, I didn't say that." I approached her, wrapping her up in my arms.  "I'm sorry okay?  I didn't  do it on purpose. Lorenzo needed me for–"

"I knew it." she mumbled, "You're dating me.  Not Lorenzo. You're always dissing me for him."

"Are you hearing yourself?" I mused, "You want me to stay away from my own twin? Are you serious right now?"

"I didn't say that." she pouted and hugged me tight,  "I'm just saying that I need more of your affection and time, Al. That's all I ask.  Sometimes I feel like you are just being careless with me."

"Don't say that, love." I pecked her lips.

"You love me, don't you?" her question surprised me and my brows shot up a little.

"Yeah..., of course." I cleared my throat for a reason I ignored.

"Then show it a little more."

"Alright." I nodded and hugged her, "Now where's that delicious dinner?"

~

Luena and I had met five years ago but started dating three years later,  when I'd turned twenty three and was about to get my masters degree. We got along immediately we met. She wasn't really my type,  given that I'd suddenly grown a preference for brunettes, redheads and black girls. Blonde was suddenly off my list.  I didn't even know when the preference came about. Before meeting Luena, I'd been dating Ida, a girl from Kenya who'd come to Rome for studies but returned right after she was done. Shortly after she left,  Luena told me about her feelings and that's how our own story began.

When we started dating,  I realised that I was back to having no type after all.  All girls were my type again, just like when I was a teen.

What made Luena and I to grow closer was the fact that her late father had been part of the mafia too and now her family was handling the businesses he left behind. It was perfect because we were part of the same criminal world.

Though she could be clingy and very demanding most of the time,  we were good together and as mentioned earlier,  got along very well. Yes we had arguments from time to time, but it was normal. Our couple was less tumultuous than Lorenzo's and Sophia's. The thought amused me. Lorenzo was still very complicated and so was Sophia in a type of way.  They argued most of the time but still adored each other.  They really liked each other and it was great. I was happy that he'd started dating again.

*

Lorenzo's POV :

..."You're not answering?" dad mused when they all noticed I wasn't picking my call. ...

We all sat at the table, having dinner.

"Nope." I replied and continued to eat.  Uncle Leandro reached out and grabbed my phone before I could take it away.  Everyone laughed. He checked the screen.

"But it's Sophia ." he chuckled,  "You don't want to answer her."

My lips twitched to the side in amusement and I shook my head no.

"Let me guess," mom rolled her eyes, "You two argued again?"

"They did for sure." aunt Kloe laughed.

"Hey,  can we not concentrate on my private life, please?" I mused, "You always do that.  Uncle Lee, my phone please."

They laughed a little and my phone was returned.

"If you're not okay with her,  then breakup, Lorenzo." Meema said, "Seems you guys argue more than you **** ****. Do you even **** ****?"

I face palmed myself and everyone laughed.  Meema never used a filter for the things that left her mouth.

"Mom, there's a child here." my father chuckled,  referring to Roulian.

"The words already left my mouth.  What do you want me to do now?" she  laughed out and we joined her.

"I said that because whenever I see them together , Lorenzo seems irritated about something or is even frowning."

"That's not true." I mused.

"Whenever I see them, they're either smiling at each other,  chatting or holding hands." aunt Kloe defended and I nodded in amused approval.

Meema rolled her eyes.

"Oh, how romantic. Romeo and Juliet could never." the sarcasm! Everyone literally burst out,  including me. I rarely laughed out loud, but whenever I did,  it had to do with my family.

"Mom, you are terrible." my dad laughed.

"I see no chemistry. That's my opinion."

"There is," I stated, "You don't have to see it.  I really appreciate her,  Meema.  We have something,  whether it's visible on the outside or not."

"If you say so, sweetheart." she shrugged and I chuckled.

"Alright.  Please let's change topic." I mused and we laughed a little.

"I saw Jorge today.  Says Dino will be back from Belgium soon?" mom asked.

"Yeah, in two weeks." I replied.

"Oh, he'll be back here at the same time with Noemi. Or same week, rather." aunt Kloe said.

"Yeah, probably."

"It's great. Everyone will back and we'll all be together again. I missed that boy.  I wonder what he looks like now." Meema said.

"He sure is grown. We're in contact endlessly. I can show you a pic."

"Nope. I'll see him when he gets here." she laughed and we joined her.

"Same here." mom and aunt Kloe added in a chorus.

Soon we would all be together again and things would be a lot more fun for sure.

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