THE MAFIA’S CAPTIVE ANGEL

“Oh my God, Mani, it feels like ages since I last saw you.” Stephanie screamed with excitement.

I know you are wondering when all this happened. When Sin and I got home, we did make out, but nothing else happened because of nature, if you understand what I mean, so we just showered and cuddled together to go to sleep.

The next day, which was the beginning of the weekend, Stephanie and I chatted and really missed her and wanted to see her; it was the same for her too, so we made plans to see her on Monday, which is today. I didn’t give her a definite answer yet because I had to ask Sin first before going out of the house.

Now that was a difficult task, seeing how stubborn Sin gets, especially when it comes to my safety. I just don’t understand why, when I asked him to let me go shopping with Samantha, he agreed without any persuasion. I did my best to change his mind until he agreed on Sunday and we made a deal. If I were going out, I wouldn’t be going alone; ten of his men, along with Mateo, are going to go with me, and I promised to spend the next day with him, which is tomorrow. I agreed with no complaint because today I get to spend a day with Stephanie and tomorrow with Sin; it’s a win-win.

That brings us to this moment. Two men were standing securely around the premises of the cafe, with Mateo a good distance behind me.

“I know right, I have missed you so much.” I said, with equal excitement as Stephanie,

“You look good; your skin keeps glowing.” She complimented.

“Thanks, and you look fabulous. I have really missed hanging out with you.”

“Thanks babe.”  A smile crossed her face for just a little bit as her eyes wandered around and then settled behind me. “I have got to ask Mani because I am dying here with curiosity.” She brought her head forward from the other side of the seat, and I did the same. “What’s up with the men in black? It’s obvious they are here for you,” Stephanie questioned.

I knew there was no way for me to avoid this, which is why I asked Sin if they could keep him outside, but he bluntly refused.

“Yeah, they are here for my protection,” I told her truthfully.

“What’s going on? You left the day of your graduation. We went two months with no contact from you, and now here you are in fancy clothes, shoes, and accessories, looking posh, with men protecting you,” Stephanie asked sceptically.

“They are my bodyguards.” I told her.

“Yeah, I know, but why? What is going on? I didn’t even know you were in New York,” she asked again, all at once.

“I met someone during my travels. He didn’t want me going out alone, so hence the guards.”

“No way!”  Stephanie exclaimed, her jaw dropped to the floor.”

“Yes, way.,” I replied, amused at her expression.

“Where did you meet him?”

“Hmm, Paris.” She looked at me, waiting for more information. “You know how much I wanted to visit Paris, so I went, and that is where I met him. He was there for a business meeting,” I say, spitting out more lies.

“Wow, that’s so romantic; I am really happy for you, Mani. You are able to find love again after so many years.”

“Thanks, Steph. Enough about me; tell me what you’ve been up to.” I quickly changed the subject before she asked his name, not wanting to lie anymore.

“There is not much to tell, but I can give you a rundown,” she says, leaning forward with her hands placed on the table.

I can’t help but listen to everything she has to say. “I just have one more semester and am done; after you left, I got a new roommate, Cassie. She is really great and a wonderful cook, unlike some one I know,” she teased. I stuck my tongue out childishly and we both laughed.

“Anyway, like I said, she is a marvellous cook and a wonderful friend, but no one can ever top you.”

“Aww, thanks, Steph. And no one can top you either.” I stretched my hand to take hers in my hold, giving it a light squeeze. “anything fun.”

“Like you, I have started seeing someone. I met him a week after you left, and I didn’t like him at first because, despite his looks, he was arrogant to the core.”

“Reminds me of someone I know,” I whisper lowly to myself.

“What did you say?”

“Oh, nothing; continue. I want to know more.” She blushed like she was recurring something. “His name is Luca, and he is Italian. We are getting to know each other more; I can see this becoming something great.”

Did she say Luca? It can’t be the same Luca, I know right, but she said she met him a week after i left.

That’s too great a coincidence, or was I just thinking too much about things? If it was really the Luca I knew, why was he hanging around Stephanie, and does Sin know?

“What is Luca’s last name, Steph?” I needed to be sure if he was the one or not.

“Strangely, I don’t know; I didn’t think to ask him since I kind of like his mysterious vibe.”

“But you both have been hanging out for close to five months, and you don’t know his name.” I was surprised and even more suspicious. “What if he was a serial killer or a criminal? How would you know?”

“He is not; I would know.” Stephanie answered, clearly convinced by this Luca guy.

“How would you know? It’s not like they imprint criminal on their forehead.”

“I know; don’t worry, Mani,” she replied adamantly.

“I’m just worried, that’s all.”

“I understand, but it’s nothing for you to be worried about. We are just tasting the water for now.”

“Be careful.” I need to ask Sin. There was no way Luca would do something like this, and Sin wasn’t aware.

After leaving the café, we went to the movies. We watched the new Fast and Furious movie, then went to the karaoke bar to sing our favourite songs. From Ariana Grande to Nicki Minaj to Beyoncé, we had a blast. I really missed our girl’s day out and the fun we always had

After we left the movies, I wasn’t ready to part ways with her, so we went into a bakery because she was craving something sweet. I could smell the different cakes and treats as my taste buds tingled, and I couldn’t wait to have a taste of the aromatic cake as it melted in my mouth. I moan at the thought of it.

“Since when did you start eating strawberries?” Stephanie asked what I was doing when I put a slice of cake in my mouth and my eyes shot close.

“I don’t know; you know how much I hate eating strawberries, but this day I like them more.” I answered, shrugging off my shoulders and taking another bite of the very tasty cake.

“And you don’t find that strange.” What was she getting at?

“What’s strange about liking something you once disliked? My taste buds changed, and now I prefer strawberries to vanilla.”

“Oh my God! Why didn’t I figure it out before?” Her eyes widened, staring right at me.

“The guy you are dating-have you slept with him?” I choked at her question, not expecting it.

A blush crept up my face. “Why are you asking?”

“Answer the question. Mani. I need to know something.” What could she possibly want to know by asking me this question?

“Yes, we have, Steph.” I whispered, not wanting anyone to hear.

“Are you on birth control, or does he use protection when you guys do the deed.?”

I feel my cheeks blush even more at her question. “I am not pregnant if that’s what you are asking, Steph.”

“Come on, Mani, the clues are there. The glow of your skin and the way you eat, especially foods you hated before,” she stated with a matter-of-fact tone.

“It’s not possible, Steph, because I just finished my period a few days ago. So no, there is no baby in the bum.”

“Are you sure? Why don’t you see a doctor?” She is definitely not going to give up.

“I’m not pregnant, Stephanie; if I really was, I think I would know. And besides, I might not be a doctor yet, but I did go to medical school,” I tried to convince her. I can’t be; I think I would know. I don’t feel pregnant.

“Mani…”

“I’m not, Steph,” I told her sternly.

Stephanie let out a sigh before speaking again. “Okay, I won’t ask again. But do take the test just to be sure.”

“I will, Steph,” I said, rolling my eyes playfully at her. I put the plate of cake away, not really into it anymore. “I think I am going to leave now.”

“why… ” Stephanie asked, not wanting to have our time together end. “Where exactly are you staying?”

“Nikolai has a place here in New York, so I stay with him.”

“That’s nice; maybe I can come visit.” A smile stretched her face.

“That won’t be necessary; we will be leaving tomorrow,” I quickly said. I don’t want her involved in the mafia.

“oh.. That’s sad. When are you coming back to New York?”

“I don’t know yet, but I promise to come to your graduation.”

“Okay, then, see you when I do,” she says.

“Be careful and call me when you need anything,” I tell her, standing in front of her.

“I will,” she says, hugging me before we go our separate ways.