Honest

twenty-eight

Giuseppe

Weeks had passed since our little s*x-fest in the back of my car. Desiree and I were getting closer.

Which was good, because so was my appointment.

The Head of the Vitale Famiglia. I fought for that spot. Bled for that spot.

And now...finally it was almost mine. I could see it. Taste it.

After years of being the best, I can finally claim what's mine.

I talk to some of the new recruits, scout for rats that sort of thing. I've been managing a few of our businesses and offshore accounts.

I've also been going over our territory, the tribute, and different businesses who give protection money.

Everything is going perfectly.

I should've known that was a bad sign.

Desiree texted me, telling me she was coming over. She left a pair of earrings at my house she said.

That made me smile. I know she wants to see me, but doesn't want to say it.

My prickly little cactus.

I'm doing business, usual stuff when I hear a knock at the door. Assuming it's Desiree, I hurry to open it.

I'm met by arms around me, and lips on mine, and a flurry of limbs and confusion.

I know my Desiree. She would never do something like this.

Pushing the person away from me, I look at her.

"God, Melissa. What are you doing here?"

She smiles. "I'm here for you, honey."

I cringe. "You have to leave," I urge her away, "Right now."

"But sweetie," She pouts. Why does she do that? It's not even cute. It's... it's creepy, actually.

"Melissa, now is not a good time, I'm expecting someone and-"

"Is it a girl?"

I almost faceplam. "Yes. Now, leave."

She wraps her legs around my waist, jumping on me. She attacks my lips and, for a moment, I stand there a little dumb, before prying her off me.

I wipe my lips. "God damn, Melissa don't you have any pride?"

She beams, her brown hair sitting on her shoulders.

"Of course. But I miss you." she comes at me again, but I'm prepared this time. I push her out the door, shutting it behind me.

"Melissa, I need you to leave."

She looks away. "I've just been going through a lot lately and," She digs her nails into her wrist. "I need your support."

I sigh. I've known Melissa a long time. She has a lot of issues. I want to help her but...not the way she wants.

"Melissa..." I trail, looking at the scars on her wrists.

"Please just once," She begged, her eyes filling with tears.

"Promise me you won't come back here,"

She nods, smiling.

I pull her in my arms, kissing her cheek. She turns her head, connecting our lips. I roll my eyes, but I let it slide for a second, before pulling back.

I glance to the right and there she is frozen in horror.

My stomach drops.

"Wait, Desiree, it-"

She paused, turning around. "Let me guess: it wasn't what I thought?"

I swallow my words.

"Desiree, I swear I-"

"It's okay. We're not dating or anything. I mean it's not like I like you or anything. Do what you want."

I bite my lip. "If it doesn't matter," I call. "Why are you walking away?"

"Because I refuse to be anybody's extra," She responds.

Damn it! God damnit all! This isn't how things were supposed to be.

I glare at Melissa. "Are you happy now? You saw her didn't you?"

She smiles innocently. "Of course not. How could I know your s*x-friend was coming over?"

I sigh. "She wasn't my s*x-friend. She was almost my girlfriend. Leave Melissa. And don't come back. Whatever help you need, find it from someone else."

"But-"

"Go!" I shout, opening my door. "You've done enough damage."