The Mafia who loved me

Episode3

She was still talking to him when she suddenly paused and looked at him quizzically.

"What's wrong?" He asked noticing the creasing of her brows. She studied him closely like little sisters do sometimes.

"Nothing. You just seem a little distracted that's all, like something is on your mind. I mean you were literally smiling to yourself when I walked in and have this half sheepish grin on your face. What's going on? Did something happen at work today?"

"Nope"

"Sure?" She quizzed him.

Sigh.

She was young but very intuitive.

"Yes, I'm sure. Now darling sister, do you mind, I have some reports to finish before the day ribs out. Run along."

"Ok. But whatever it is, keep thinking about it. It becomes you."

He winced. Dang. He was being careless. Imagine his sister nearly finding out that it was a woman that made him grin that's at. Her brother. The tough, ruthless man who made other men tremble. That would do. Besides , she'd harrass him about it and may even tell their mom. Truth be told, when his sister had been talking his mind had wandered back to Mariah. He unconsciously found himself imagining what their next meeting would be like, how she'd look and if she'd agree to go to dinner with him. He bet she would. No matter how strong or tough she was, she was still a woman and no woman had ever turned him down for long. The challenge of it thrilled him

It appealed to his shark nature. To get things that others found difficult or impossible and to break down barriers. It was good for business and it was good for enemies but it sometimes proved costly for long-term relationships. Gladly for him, he wasn't looking for that. But still, her wavy auburn locks and deep eyes and eyebrows crewed slightly with worry filled his mind. He had smiled and his sister had noticed.

His mother and sister were on a mission to get him married at all costs. She wanted grandchildren. He understood. But he wasn't going to venture into something he didn't believe in.. marriage was off he limits for him.

He was slated naturally to take over his father's Empire but unlike his father, who he respected so much, he intended to go it alone. No wife or woman to cloud his judgement. If he was in need of female company, her get what he could and briefly experience that. Nothing lasting.

He sat down and compiled his report. Then he took a long shower and settled in bed for the night. He finally drifted off to sleep and dreamt about building, money, power and bright-eyed women.

Mariah was in the middle of pouring herself another cup of cheap coffee when the phone rang. It was her landlord again.

She sighed and reached for the receiver. She was going to have to find a way to pacify him for a little while longer

"When do I get my money?" He began.

"Soon Larry, I am working on it. You know how much I've been putting in to make the rent. Have I ever been this late before?"

"No but you've been late many times. I've always been patient with you because of your situation and your aunt and I used to be friends but I cannot keep covering up for you. My arrangement with you is not even supposed to happen and I could get fired as caretaker for letting you pay by the month."

"I know Larry and I'm grateful for your help, I really am. I'm working on something and if it comes through, it would be wonderful for both of us and you'll finally get off any back..."she laughed lightly, hoping to make the mood lighter.

It worked. Larry as a softie when it came to her. She had met him through her late mother's sister who had gone to high school with him and they had become fast friends. He treated her like a niece or younger cousin and was both professional and friendly with her. She appreciated it but he was also a business man and he had money to make. She had used up all the charm to get him to this place but in order not to rile him up, she had to deliver on her promise to pay soon.

She had only one more option. Simon Bantè. Gosh, how annoying it was that she practically had to beg and plead for that arrogant man to help. She owned she had a magic wand that she could have an wave and all her money problems would disappear. She disliked being poor. It made everything harder than it should be.

There was so much she wanted to do, especially to help her community.

She never had parents to begin with so she wasn't doing it out of rememberqnce for them or anything but she loved the people of this town. They had become the closest to family she ever had fun she had had to rely on their benevolence many times over the years.

Growing up in foster care was hard. Her siblings had been adopted together with her and later split up. They had a love hate relationship. The fought as teenagers but always knew that they could call on each other in serious situations. He only issue was, they were all broke. So she couldn't ask them for help now. Her brothers were thing to make it in the real world and adding any extra burden on them would be unkind. She would deal with this herself. Afterall, if she was anything, she was determined and resolute.

3b

There was a quick knock on the door

"Come in" Simon answered.

The door was cracked open and his secretary peeped in.

"Sorry to interrupt you sir, but she is back."

He didn't need to ask who it was.

The official line for the office had been ringing off the hook since he met Mariah and she had called wanting to schedule an appointment to meet him again. He had intentionally told his secretary to postpone it. Let her wait. It wasn't that he couldn't make the time but the longer he drew this out, the more likely she was to press harder to see him

When he was good and ready, he'd give the time on his own terms. For now, he ignored her.

He had a file on his desk her had her details and some background about her. His investigator had dug and gotten all he could. He wanted to know more about her behind her request for extended stay in his apartment.

He wondered why she was unable to afford it and if it was beyond her paygrwde how she got it in the first place. She spoke well at their first encounter, educated and intelligent. He didn't see her as someone who lived off others. He wondered if she was single. He'd find out soon.

"Tell her to return in a week, I'm busy and all my appointments have been filled."

"Yes sir."

His secretary left and he activated the external camera to see the results of the encounter. His screen beeped and she appears on it, clearly agitated and irritated but under control. She used her hand and her face was full of expression when she spoke. Bit she didn't tell or throw insults. Casting a withering glancwt the general detection of his office, she turned and left.

He opened her file and perused it..