Chapter 10

“And you’re here because?” While crossing his arms, leaning back to his chair.

“How are you, Stef? I haven’t seen you in years.” I asked instead, purposely ignoring his question.

“The last time we met was my father’s birthday, Angelo, which was last year. Now, don’t ignore my question.”

“Well, I never saw you at the party. I mean it’s hard to find each other when the Ranallo mansion in Italy is more like a palace-”

“Angelo.” He warned.

“You know just because you’re the eldest child of the entire family doesn’t give you the right to act all bossy. You are talking to the capo dei capi…” I cut whatever I was saying, seeing Stefano’s unhappy face. Some things just never changed.

“I don’t have time for your ramblings, Angelo, if you have nothing to say here then leave.”

“Jeez. I think you’re better suited being the mafia boss than myself.” I teased.

“I hope your hesitation does not mean you have killed my friend, Angelo.”

“Cazzo! When did you get here?” I turned to see my cousin-in-law having the same unhappy face with her husband. She was glaring at me with her arms crossed while standing behind me in all of her glory.

“What did my wife mean, Angelo? Did you kill anyone we know? A friend? I swear to you if you break our oath-”

“No, of course not! Dio, stop overreacting. I didn’t kill your friend. She’s completely safe and fine and still under my watch.” Avery walked towards her husband’s side. She stood beside him like a queen. Her eyebrow raised, urging me to continue telling them the real reason why I was here.

“Look. I came here to tell you that I plan to build a club here. You know I didn’t have to tell you this but I respect our family and of course my promise not to wreak havoc here-”

Avery’s snort cut me off. “Glad you do. I assume you did as well with our very own promise.”

I nodded. “You have no worries about that, although I don’t have any control over her mourning her friend.” I stated with a roll of my eyes. Avery nodded in understanding. I noticed Stefano eyeing us inquisitively.

“I appreciate you letting us know your plans but what makes you want to build a club here? As far as I know, doing business here never crossed your mind at all. You made sure to stay away to avoid any conflict.”

I shrugged.

I felt Avery’s weird stare on me. I looked at her and asked, “What?”

She then gave me a knowing smirk. “How’s Hailynn, Angelo?”

I unconsciously cleared my throat. Something imaginary clogged in between.

Stefano looked up to his wife with a frown. “Your painter friend? Is she what you two are talking about?” Avery looked down and met his eyes lovingly. She nodded, answering her husband’s question. “Why are you asking him about her?” His tone was soft and affectionate. She and his sons are the only ones he shows his warmth to. And here I am, known to be the king of the mafia, treated by him with severity and coldness like I was an annoying little brother of his. On the bright side, he treats everyone coldly. But I like pestering him so his coldness is usually served with extra.

“Because, my love, he’s been keeping her in his penthouse.” Stefano glared at me.

“There’s a perfect reason why she’s there.” I eyed Avery skeptically as I defended myself. “Have you been in contact with her?” Avery just shrugs.

“You know what, this isn’t about her. Let’s get back to business.”

“Angelo.” He warned again for the second time since my visit. I really am like an annoying little brother to him. He only says my name and I unconsciously follow him and shut up. Ever since we were kids, it’s always been like that. Although his age which was older, was an upper hand. It’s no doubt he is a Ranallo. I swear they are all dominant creatures. I won’t deny that I do love to be dominant too. And in came Avery, a female alpha.

“I know, alright. I’m sure she’ll let you know if I ever hurt her which is impossible because I’m not brainless.”

My cousin nodded in understanding. “I still need your explanation on why the hell you’re keeping her in your penthouse. We’ll talk at dinner. I want to hear what my cousin has been up to for the past year.” Although he had a straight face, there was a faint emotion in his voice towards his pure blooded Italian cousin.

I smiled. “See, I knew you missed me, fratello mio.”

A forced scowl appeared on his face. “Sei un idiota.”

---

Hailynn

The sound of the door clicking signified Dante's arrival. I immediately stood meeting him halfway.

He eyed me curiously. “Were you waiting for me?” I nodded.

Amy called me this afternoon, telling me her plans this weekend. It was her birthday today but since it’s a weekday tomorrow, she didn’t wake up with a hangover and still go to work. She invited the girls and I to go clubbing this Saturday. Her treat. Forgetting that I wasn’t in charge of my life anymore, I said okay excitedly.

I waited the entire day for him just to put my mind at peace. Amy will be so disappointed if Dante refuses this. And then she’ll wonder why I didn’t go and she’ll find out that I’m actually living with a mafia. Dante will be furious and kill me.

He grinned and sauntered towards me. I frowned when he suddenly reached out, resting his hand around my neck and pulled me towards him. With no warning, he pressed his lips to mine.

The kiss went on for minutes until he pulled away hesitantly. His face was still hovering mine, one eyebrow raising. He looked at me suspiciously, eyes studying me as if something was out of place.

“You kissed back.” He said, well, more of a question.

“Why? You don’t want me to?” He slowly pulled away from me.

“You never kissed back willingly.” He crossed his arms. The look of suspicion was back again.

“I want to ask you something.”

“Ah-ha. There it is.” He smiled playfully.

I rolled my eyes. Of course he’d know something might not be right. And I did kiss him back because I didn’t want to anger him while I’m asking for permission.

“My friend invited me to hang out this Saturday.” He raised his brow. “Can I come?”

He chuckled. “This sounds like we’re in a relationship. I like that you’re asking for my permission, amore.”

I rolled my eyes. “It’s not like I have a choice. You’d probably destroy the whole city looking for me.”

“Is that why you’re acting submissive?” He teased.

I glared at him. “I was tolerant, not submissive.”

“I’ll let you go on one condition. You will initiate the kiss. You will lead the kiss… while I sit on that couch, you straddling me.” I knew it. He starts walking towards the couch but suddenly stops and faces me. “And oh, make sure you grind. Use that plump ass of yours, eh.” He winks and proceeds to the couch.

Oh mon dieu. This is going to be a long night.