Tangled in the Mafia’s Web

Episode Forty-one

As time passed, Leandro's appetite proved voracious, leaving Ginevra taken aback by the sight of his empty plate and glass. A playful remark escaped her lips, attempting to downplay the audacity of the vibrant green smoothie. "Seems the smoothie wasn't as daring as you anticipated," she teased, a mischievous glimmer in her eyes.

She couldn't deny the fact that since the moment he requested to join her for breakfast, there has been this calmness that followed.

Leandro's response came in the form of a hearty chuckle, his eyes crinkling with genuine amusement. "I never claimed it was bad," he retorted, his voice infused with a hint of mirth. "It turned out to be a pleasant surprise, to say the least."

Caught in the magnetic pull of Leandro's enigmatic smile, Ginevra found herself entranced, her gaze fixed upon him. It was a smile that defied reason, captivating her and momentarily erasing any lingering doubts. Lost in the depths of his presence, she could only stare, her thoughts adrift in a sea of haze.

Breaking the silence, Leandro's voice cut through the air, the timbre laced with intrigue. "Will you be remaining home for the day?" he inquired, his tone hinting at a subtle shift in plans.

Ginevra's head shook faintly, a ripple of uncertainty crossing her features. "No, not quite," she responded, her voice betraying skepticism. "I have a lecture to attend at 10, just an hour from now," she added.

She wondered about his sudden interest in her schedule. It was off the track for him to do so—but he did.

The corners of Leandro's lips curled into a reassuring smile, a glimmer of judgment in his eyes, but it was only for a blink. "In that case, you should get ready. I'll drive you," he offered, his words carrying an unexpected sincerity.

Doubt etched upon her features, Ginevra regarded him with a lingering gaze, questioning the motives behind his unusual offer.

Things were beginning to get too unusual and it bothered her for some seasons.

After a measured pause, she nodded, her voice tinged with gratitude. "Very well, that would be most helpful."

Leandro's smile widened, "I will be right back," Ginevra said, after placing the hand towel on a cabinet handle before making her way toward her room.

Ginevra approached the car where Leandro stood, holding open the door to the passenger seat for her. She found his gesture both courteous and peculiar, given their relatively new acquaintance. Nevertheless, she graciously accepted the invitation and climbed into the car, settling herself into the comfortable seat.

As Leandro entered the car and closed the door, Ginevra turned to him, a curious expression on her face. Her eyes met his, searching for answers. "May I ask why your escorts are not accompanying you this time?" she inquired, trying not to cross the line.

Leandro's countenance had shifted since they exited the apartment, his previous charisma fading into a more serious expression, yet not as the usual.

"I wanted to come alone," he replied, his voice carrying a gentle conviction. "And no one would know it's me in this car, as it's not one I typically use when accompanied by my escorts."

Well, that makes sense, she thoughts. Although the car was quite the luxurious one just like the rest of his she had seen, this had a different appearance.

Leandro smoothly maneuvered the car out of the residence, effortlessly navigating through the streets until they arrived near the entrance of the academy. With the engine purring softly, he turned to Ginevra, his eyes capturing the faint warmth and gratitude emanating from her. A fleeting, thankful smile played upon her lips, one she wasn't even away of.

"We are here," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper, breaking the silence that enveloped them.

Ginevra's gaze remained fixed on him, her eyes searching his face for any clue of his recent actions.

Uncertain emotions swirled within her, but she managed to nod, attempting to steady herself. "Yeah, thank you for the ride," she said, her voice tinged with a mixture of appreciation and bewilderment. "I will go in now."

Leandro nodded in acknowledgment, his gaze lingering upon her a moment longer, a sudden rush of nervousness gripped her, but she swallowed it down, and then reached and opened the door.

It wasn't like he expected him to go as far as opening the door for her again, especially when he doesn't want to be seen.

With a final glance, she closed the car door, sealing off the ephemeral connection they had shared within the confines of the vehicle.

However, before she could take a step away, Leandro lowered the window glass, surprising her with his lingering presence.

"I will be having dinner with you," he stated, his voice holding a tone of firm resolve.

Confusion furrowed Ginevra's brow as she processed his unexpected statement. "What?" she blurted out, though low, caught off guard by the sudden turn of events.

Leandro's eyes bore into hers. "I will see you tonight," he declared, his words leaving no room for doubt, before swiftly driving off, leaving her standing there, stunned and speechless.

A whirlwind of thoughts swept through Ginevra's mind, Leandro's actions defied her expectations, the morning's surprises now compounded by his unanticipated visits and the enigmatic invitation for dinner.

Ginevra roamed through the grocery store aisles, her phone pressed to her ear as she spoke with Chiara. The soft hum of conversation filled the air around her.

As she picked up a sealed fruit, her eyes trained on the price tag, and she couldn't help but let out a sigh. The upcoming dinner with Leandro seemed to haunt her thoughts ever since he had mentioned it. She wryly shared her concerns with Chiara, hoping for some clarity amidst the confusion.

"Maybe Leandro has feelings for you," Chiara suggested through the phone, her voice filled with intrigue.

Ginevra chuckled softly, dismissing the idea. "No, that would never happen," she replied, her tone tingling with doubt. "He was married, with two children. Besides, he hasn't shown any signs of remarrying since his wife passed, let alone showing interest in me. If anything, I think he's just trying to read me, to find out if I have any secrets."

But Chiara being Chiara didn't go with her perspective. "No, girl, it's the opposite. From what you've told me, he doesn't seem like he's doubting you. It's as if he's genuinely interested in getting to know you on a deeper level."

Ginevra contemplated Chiara's words as she placed the fruit in her shopping cart, the weight of her thoughts heavy upon her. "You know I can't engage with him other than my assignment," she replied, her voice laced with resignation. "I'm just patiently waiting for all of this to be over so I can disappear, hoping none of Leandro's men ever catch up with me."

Chiara let out a deep exhale. "When will you ever know when a man really wants you?" she pondered, her voice filled with her usual frustration and concern.

It was there in front of her, why was she making it seem like there has been no signs?

Ginevra shifted to another side of the aisle to pick up a few more items, her gaze focused yet distant. "I know when a man wants me, Chiara," she replied, her voice firm and resolute.

"Leandro isn't thinking in that direction. And even though there comes to be some truth to what you're saying, it would only give me more opportunities to gather information quickly and get out of this city."

Chiara let out a weary sigh before speaking. "Well, just don't get caught, Ginevra. And remember, don't push yourself too hard if it becomes suffocating."

Ginevra groaned softly as she picked up her last item, dropping it into the cart. "I won't," she reassured.

She began heading toward the cashier, her mind unsettled with thoughts of the event and the weight it pulling on her.

Chiara's voice echoed in her mind. "Don't get lost during the dinner, Gin. Remember why you were there in the first place if you don't want this to escalate, okay?"

"I know," Ginevra replied.

Just as she was about to end the call with Chiara, a message notification flashed on her cell phone. She swiftly glanced across the screen before placing it back to her ear.

She stared at the screen for a moment, her thoughts racing. Exhaling slowly, she tucked her phone back into her bag and turned her attention to the cashier, placing her items on the counter.

As she finished paying for her groceries, Ginevra gathered her bags, and shortly she was out of the store.

Ginevra left the store, her grocery bags in hand, and began to walk down the dimly lit night street. It was only a few minutes past 8, and she hoped to finish up with the meal before Leandro's expected arrival at 9. As she made her way, lost in her thoughts, a car pulled over to the curb ahead.

A sense of unease prickled at Ginevra's skin when she recognized the man stepping out of the car. It was the same man she had encountered at the club and later followed to a hotel. He wore a malicious grin as he approached her, his presence unnerving.

"I've been searching for you," he declared, his voice laced with a sinister undertone.

Confusion and caution filled Ginevra's eyes as she questioned him. "Why would you be? I paid you. What's your reason?"

His grin widened, revealing a glimpse of his true intentions. "Oh, we did have a great time, didn't we?" he taunted, attempting to get closer to her. She instinctively shifted away, keeping a safe distance.

"Why are you being so mean? We had our fun before you took off," he sneered, his demeanor growing more aggressive.

Ginevra gazed at him, her expression a mix of confusion and disbelief. "What are you? A s*x maniac who can't seem to stay away from his clients?" she retorted, her voice laced with disdain.

His demeanor shifted, revealing a twisted, psychopathic side. He grinned sadistically, taking another step toward her. "Don't act tough, Ginevra,” he called her name, though that still wasn't her actual name.

“I know the b***h in you. You were once Russo's b***h before he sold you out. Tell me, how much did he sell you for? I'll buy you from your current boss," he spat, his words dripping with venom.

The situation escalated quickly, tension mounting in the air. Ginevra's gaze hardened as she maintained her composure amidst the chaos. "You must be crazy to think any of this makes sense," she retorted defiantly.

But suddenly, he lunged forward and grabbed her, his grip tight and aggressive. Ginevra pushed back, desperately trying to free herself from his grasp. His anger flared.

“Damn you f*****g b***h!” he cursed at her, his aggression intensifying.

Just as the man pulled Ginevra roughly—he was abruptly yanked off her in a blink and Ginevra found herself fighting to regain herself as she staggered back and was much relieved when the intruder came out to be Leandro.

Leandro's movements were swift and precise as he landed a heavy blow against the man's face, sending him reeling. And without giving him a chance to even breathe he took hold of the man's throat and roughly shoved him against a nearby wall, his grip firm and unwavering.