THE MAFIA’S CAPTIVE ANGEL

As I moved over in bed and buried my face even farther in the pillows, the soft sheets tickled my bare legs. Just another five minutes of rest and sleep were all I needed. My stomach grumbled in protest at this desire, and I moaned before rolling out of the plush warmth.

I stumbled over to the door of the restroom and entered. I yawned till the fatigue and dryness in my eyes subsided before pulling my thick hair into a rather sloppy bun on top of my head.

Blinking a couple times, I washed the sleep from my eyes before slipping on some really fluffy slippers that also did match my sleepwear that I had put back on. I exited my room and walked down the stairs. I moved mindlessly in the direction I had spent the majority of my day.

Zoey has been a source of company and entertainment for the past two days. Sin has been out of sight since the morning after my graduation, and I admit, I did wonder where he was.

A part of me couldn’t help but get curious as to where he had been these past two days, while another was thankful not to encounter him.

Putting out yet another yawn, I walked through the door of the kitchen before coming to a halt, having run into a large, solid wall that I was aware hadn’t been there before.

Crashing backwards, I almost landed on the floor when a strong arm wrapped around my waist and prevented me from gaining a new bruise. A deep chuckle reverberated through the hall, and I slowly pulled open my eyes that I had subconsciously closed.

“We seem to be meeting for such a droll cause.” My mouth dropped open as the wall spoke.

“I’m sorry.  I wasn’t paying attention to where I was going. I stuttered out, and he helped steady me on my feet.

He raised a dark eyebrow just slightly and tilted his head, and I watched his eyes flicker across my face. I was suddenly self-conscious, making my cheeks red. My heart started racing in my chest as he smiled at me. It wasn’t a grand smile, more one of curiosity and interest.

“You’re heading for breakfast, I assume?” He asked, and I nodded.

“I’m going to hang out with Zoey while having breakfast with her.” I answered, running my finger through my hair nervously.

Luca stood in front of me, looking very put together, just like the last time I saw him. He had on nice navy blue dress pants and a button-up that was rolled up to just below his elbows. I tilted my head as a sleeve of tattoos peeked out on his left arm, trailing down to cover even the back of his hand.

“Why don’t you have breakfast with us instead?” He asked, giving a charming smile.

“Us…”

“Yeah, Sin, I, and a couple of men.”

“Hmm, I… don’t…” I stuttered out, not really up for the idea of eating with a bunch of strangers. “I think I’m going to pass on that.”

“You know you can’t keep running away from him. He might be giving you some space now, but he is going to get tired eventually.” He says this with a solemn tone and a wiped-away smile. I didn’t get a chance to respond when the ringing of his phone ended our conversation.

Luca gave me a smile before taking his phone out and walking towards the direction of the stairs.

I stared at the direction of the kitchen then towards the path of the dining hall before retreating my step, not sure if I was going to regret my decision.

Entering the dining hall, I found Sin seated at the long, custom-made table. A few gentlemen I didn’t recognize were seated with him, and Sin had this look of both annoyance and amusement on his face.

He raised his eyebrows at me as I sat down three seats away from him, and one of the servants brought me a plate of eggs and waffles.

It was complete silence, with eyes on me, making me nervous, but attention was soon diverted to the doors when they opened. I turned around to watch Luca walk in and head behind Sin at the head of the table to the empty chair directly next to him. He slid the heavy seat back and placed himself down before resuming to eat the half-empty plate.

I could still feel Sin’s eyes on me. His dark orbs watched me the entire time as I remained frozen with my fork halfway to my mouth.

Luca picked up small talk with the other men, but I couldn’t seem to comprehend the words despite them being in english until Luca spoke my name.

“Mani,” he said, and I blinked as the egg flopped onto my plate. My cheeks burned red as I closed my eyes.

“Hmmm?”  I replied, now refusing to look up from my food and trying to stick a bite of waffle that I had soaked in a little too much syrup as per usual.

“I’m glad you took my advice and decided to join us today.” He said, and I was finally able to get some food to stick to my fork.

“Sure.”  I mumbled in glee and then let the smile drop from my face, red caressing my cheeks instead. Glancing up from my plate, I saw Sin discreetly raise an eyebrow in my direction but continue to munch on his food.

“You don’t mind that I asked her to join us, do you?” Luca turned to Sin. “I just thought she might need more company instead of hanging out with Zoey in the kitchen.” He says this as Sin finishes his last bite of food.

“Not at all, though I’m surprised she did listen to you.” He replied and glanced at me, his eyes holding a hint of desire in them.

Luca and Sin both excused themselves and left with the men, leaving me alone. As Sin passed directly behind my chair, he paused.

His men, unaware of his halt in movement, continued out of the dining hall. Sin leaned down close to my ear, and I shuddered as his body heat enveloped mine. “I still haven’t forgotten about our little bet, little temptress.” He whispered and then proceeded out of the hall without another sound.

My heart quickened, and I could feel the goosebumps grow through my skin.

Why does he have this sick notion that I would ever beg for him to have his way with me? It was never going to happen. This was a bet I planned on winning; maybe I can talk my way out of here.

I decided not to dwell on his words but instead carried on with finishing my breakfast before deciding to head to the library.

I plodded down the hallway, passing Sin’s office, and my footsteps slowed down. My curiosity, which seemed to get me into trouble too often, overwhelmed my sense of allowing privacy, and I listened. As I pressed my ear closer to the door, stern voices reached my ears.

The familiar voice of a man reaches my ears first, and the more I tried to remember where I heard the voice from, the more I was left blank.

“I don’t see why it’s such an issue.” His tone was cold and full of anger, but Sin’s extremely calm and cool response sent ripples of apprehension down my spine.

“Because I am very aware of your reputation.”

“which is why I think thirty percent is reasonable. I spoke with Fernando, and he takes thirty percent.” The man responded.

“Fernando has also been with me since my father was the boss. We start at 10, which does not change what you’ve been taking currently, and go from there”. Sin sounded way too in charge, like he had the upper hand.

” Ten?  Is that it? The man whined back.

Why does his voice sound so damn familiar?

“Would you rather I say fifteen because that’s where I normally start my new investments?” He countered, and I shuddered at the force behind his words. “You are aware I don’t need you, but I am offering you a chance, which will also provide you with more growth in the future if you do well.”

“Ten works.”  The man responded, and I heard footsteps shuffle across the floor. I quickly made my escape to the library before anyone exited the room, knowing I shouldn’t have been eavesdropping. But it left me with so many questions.