Claimed By The Ruthless Mafia

Bella’s pov.

I stirred, finding myself enveloped in a pair of strong, muscular arms. Slowly, I opened my eyes and surveyed my surroundings. Beside me lay the most strikingly handsome man, his arms coiled protectively around my waist.

He held me so tightly against his body as though he never wanted to let me go. His possessive grip made me feel a surge of unfamiliar sensations and tingles throughout my body. While we had shared a bed before, today felt different. We were different. We had crossed all boundaries, and there was no turning back for us now.

Reality crashed into my senses, and my mind replayed the memories of last night. I had begged him to take me, and now I regretted it immensely. I silently cursed myself, feeling deeply embarrassed. How would I ever be able to meet his gaze? How could I face the man who had passionately made love to me last night, who happened to be my best friend?

I recalled how he had come to my rescue at a college party, saving me from bullies when I was just a freshman. He was my knight in shining armor then, and last night he had saved me once again. But this time, it was different. Now, who would save me from falling in love with him?

I was well aware that he was the most sought-after bachelor. I never stood a chance of winning his heart. Last night meant nothing more to him than a casual encounter. He had never been in a committed relationship before. Naturally, he had a stunningly beautiful girlfriend, someone who looked like a supermodel. But I knew it was only a matter of time before he grew tired of her.

The weight of regret and disappointment bore down on me as I looked at his peacefully sleeping face. Last night’s encounter had left me feeling vulnerable and filled with self-doubt. I couldn’t shake the feeling that I had made a grave mistake, giving away something so precious in a drunken haze.

My mind was a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. On one hand, I was drawn to his handsome features, the allure of the city’s most desirable bachelor. But I knew, deep down, that this meant nothing more than a casual fling to him – one of many he had likely experienced before.

Summoning my resolve, I decided to quietly slip away from the bed, intending to face the consequences of my actions with strength. But as I began to move, Ryder’s arm tightened around me, refusing to let go. My heart raced, and I felt a mixture of surprise and uncertainty at his unexpected gesture.

“Where do you think you’re going, beautiful?” Ryder murmured, his voice laced with a hint of playfulness.

“I… um… need to use the bathroom,” I stuttered, my shyness returning with force.

Ryder released his hold on me slightly, giving me room to move. However, the pain in my body made it difficult for me to stand. As I winced and cried out softly, Ryder immediately shifted to my side, his concern evident.

“What happened, baby? Are you okay?” he asked, genuine worry etched on his face.

Struggling to find the right words, I managed to reply, “I… I’m…”

But Ryder finished my sentence, understanding my discomfort. “Sore,” he said, a hint of regret in his voice. “I’m sorry… I tried to be as gentle as possible. I knew it was your first time. Did I… Did I hurt you?”

Feeling vulnerable, I averted my gaze and answered, “Um… No, Ryder. I’m just really sore this morning.”

His expression softened, and he rubbed the back of his neck apologetically. “Do you want me to carry you to the bathroom?” he offered, his concern turning into action.

Before I could respond, he gently lifted me up in a bridal-style hold, carrying me towards the bathroom. Though grateful for his care, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of awkwardness and discomfort being completely naked in his arms.

After Ryder gently set me down and exited the room, I hurriedly closed the bathroom door behind me, feeling a wave of relief washing over me. Leaning against the door, I let out a deep breath, trying to compose myself after the intense encounter with Ryder. Once I finished my morning routine and had a quick shower, I emerged from the bathroom, wrapped in a soft white robe I found there.

As I made my way down the hallway, the tantalizing aroma of eggs and bacon filled the air, making my stomach grumble in response. The fragrance guided me to the kitchen, where Ryder was busy cooking. He turned around and his eyes locked with mine, a mischievous smile playing on his lips as he greeted me, “Morning again…”

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Ryder’s point of view:

She looked breathtaking sitting there, her damp hair adding to her allure, draped in my white robe. I could sense she was feeling a mix of emotions – perhaps a bit ashamed, as she avoided direct eye contact. The atmosphere was thick with unspoken thoughts and emotions, and I couldn’t help but feel a tinge of nervousness as I broke the silence.

“Do you regret what happened between us?” I asked, my voice revealing my apprehension as I nervously bit my lip.

“N… no, Ryder. Actually, I should thank you for coming and rescuing me,” Bella responded, her uncertainty evident.

Trying to ease the tension, I continued, “What’s bothering you, Bella? Why do you feel like you did something wrong?”

Bella hesitated for a moment, nervously biting her bottom lip. “I was thinking…”

“What, Bella?” I prodded gently, eager to hear what was on her mind.

Her words spilled out, laden with fear and uncertainty. “What are we now, Ryder?”

I took a moment to contemplate her question, searching for the right words. “We… are friends?”

Bella’s voice trembled as she suggested, “… with benefits?”

A soft chuckle escaped my lips, and I couldn’t help but be charmed by her candidness. “Hmm… we could say that. But I want you to know one thing: I’ll always be there for you whenever you need me, and I’m not going anywhere, baby girl. So stop worrying,” I reassured her, reaching out to take her hand in mine.

Bella visibly relaxed, a sigh of relief escaping her. “Thank you, Ryder, for always being there for me.”

“Always, baby girl,” I affirmed, my heart swelling with warmth for this woman I cared so deeply about.

“Come on, let’s eat, beautiful… you must be hungry,” I said with a smile, eager to shift the focus to something lighter.

“Yeah… I am,” she replied, a small smile tugging at her lips.