Chapter 30

Chapter 30

“Dude, what gives?” Miles had a frown on his face as he assessed me for being late again for the umptenth time this week, plus last week.

I heaved a sigh, flopping myself down on my chair. I rubbed my face with my hand as I already knew he noticed my-- as always, disheveled look.

“Hudson will so take advantage of this. He’s probably grinning right now, planning of ways to torture you.” Though he was joking, I still heard the concern in his voice for me. His face morphed into that of worry and amusement.

He suddenly wheeled his chair closer and leaned to me with obvious interest. His eyebrows that were knitted together, now immediately raising when his eyes bulged in realization. “I knew it!”

I shushed him when heads turned to us in curiosity. Thank god, Aiden wasn’t in his seat. I met him minutes ago when he’s out to get coffee from the pantry. The two will probably wreak havoc here.

“I fucking knew it, bro. You smell like roses again. What the fuck! Who did you sleep with?! I knew there was something off about you when you always walked in late and looking thoroughly fucked.”

He was blabbering nonstop. I shushed him numerous times just to get his voice down. I face palmed at the embarrassment I was facing. I am so glad that Aiden’s not here yet or I will never hear the end of it.

“Look, I’ll tell you later.” I said as I booted my computer.

“No way, man. This dragged on for too long. I’ve been zipping my mouth on this and respected your space when you’re nothing but obvious about it.” He said in amusement. His lips lifted upwards trying to contain his laugh.

I sighed.

“Tell me. Is it Amilia? Are you two finally together?” His voice perked up at the mention of her name.

“Later, man.”

“Dude, fuck. Your ears are red.”

I swat his hand away who had its index finger pointed at me.

“Shut up.” His wide grin only proved that my entire face had become redder.

“Come on, man. Swear, I won’t tell anyone about it. That includes Aiden. But if you and Ami are together, I’m sure the entire office would know. Heads up on that so you won’t put the blame on me.”

“It’s not Amilia.” I whispered, cutting his fantasies.

“What?!” His eyes were bulged and in disbelief.

“Ross, Sullivan. In my office, now.” Hudson’s voice instantly made the whole department silent and still.

I scowled at the gaping Miles who had now put us into trouble.

---

The first morning of the weekend, I was woken up with Cara straddling me on my hips. The sun had just risen and it was normal for her to wake up early. She was probably the first person I’ve ever known who was indeed a morning person. I appreciated the fact that she doesn’t pressure me to prepare something for her according to her demands. Ironically, she lets me do things at my own pace.

Ironic because it was out of her character for someone who was known to be the boss- slash, the queen of the mafia. She’s ruthless when she needs to be but outside of that, though she’s far from normal and ordinary, she’s just… I guess simple in her own unique ways.

She was dressed up in tight workout clothes. Her breasts almost spilling from her top, her abs and curvy waist on full display. Thank god, she’s wearing leggings rather than those really short ones that show off half of their butts.

“Buon giorno, tesoro mio.” Her sultry voice pulled me out from my daze. I fixed my gaze and met her beautiful gray eyes. Her lips raised in a small smile.

“You hungry?” I asked while still processing my brain.

Cara replied with a chuckle. I thought she was hungry so she woke me up. “Get dressed. You will start your training today.”

“What?”

---

Cara made the extra empty room in her penthouse to be our little gym. There was a huge mat on the floor which I already guessed what it was for.

“Why am I here?” I asked, rubbing my neck out of habit.

“I assume you should get it by now.” She stopped her pacing and crossed her arms in front of her chest.

“Ugh… to be your punching bag?” I deadpanned.

She chuckled. “Well… that depends.”

I heaved a tired sigh.

“You’re here because you will learn to defend yourself.” Her stance and expression are now serious. Before I even protest, she raises her index finger to shut me up. “You must not forget. Despite your laxed circumstances, you’re still part of the mafia.” She then nods her head, signaling me to follow her. “Come.”

We warmed up before she started explaining and showing me moves on how to defend or counterattack in particular situations. I told her that I already know since it wasn’t long ago that I went to the gym for boxing.

Her smirk was playful and her eyes had a glint of mischievousness. “That explains your sexy ass despite being a nerd.” Her comment made me flushed.

There was no denying that I was on the bigger side. It was probably because I was a bit chubby back then and my bones were thicker. Before Cara came barging into my life, my form of exercise was early morning jog and sometimes I do push ups and curl ups. I feel very stiff and unwell after hours and days straight of facing the computer so I need to have a habit of maintaining my physique by exercising every now and then. I was far from Cara’s men though. Those guys were rippling with muscles.

“I know everything about you, tesoro. No need to explain yourself. I need you to know what to do regardless of your knowledge so when I strike, we’ll know whatever needs to work on.”

She started explaining again and showing me moves. And I quietly follow her even though there are some that I already know what to do.

“Let’s see what you can do then.”

I watched her in awe. “With you?”

She nods. “Yes.”

“I… I’m not hitting you nor am I going to fight you.”

“I can manage.”

I frantically shake my head.

“Then, Franco will.”

As if on cue, Franco stepped inside the room. He wasn't wearing workout clothes though. He was still in his black suit. From that moment on, I knew this man was going to beat that shit out of me.

I lost count how many times I kissed the ground and groaned in pain. I swear I’m going to be bedridden tomorrow. My body was completely in pain. I could tell Franco was going easy on me but still, his jabs fucking hurt. The dude was fucking professional. I didn’t even land a single blow.

“Well… maybe you should consider my offer then, yeah?” Cara stood in front of me as she watched me on the ground, writhing in pain.

I didn’t fail to see Franco’s faint smirk as he offered me his hand to help me get up. I took it with great effort.

Yeah, I may not hit women but I don’t think I could take another blow from him or any of her men.

“Just one hit and we’re done.” She said nonchalantly. Franco already went back to his post.

“I told you I don’t hit women.” I said exasperatedly.

“You’re not hitting just any woman, tesoro. You’re hitting the leader of the most powerful mafia.” That shook me out of my thoughts. I almost forgot about that.

But she’s still a woman.

“Okay.” Still unsure. I started to do my stance and she calmly did as well. I tried to do a fake jab at her but then, everything went extremely fast. The next thing I know, I was already on the floor again, writhing in pain. For a moment, I thought it was a dream.

She managed to incredibly hit three blows at me. Two in my stomach, one in my chest and it fucking hurts. She was so fast that I didn’t even notice it coming. My fist didn't even rich mid air and she already managed to bring me down.

“Let this be a lesson then.” She said as she kneels down to my front. “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” She laughs knowing the quote was as cliche as it could get but it still hit home for me. “On the bright side,” She reaches to my cheek, caressing it with mockery. “I love your face so I intended not to put my signature on it.”

“Cara…” I groaned, arms hugging my torso in agony.

She giggles. “It’s boss for you, tesoro.”