The Mafia's Obsession

Chapter 16 Between Love and Fear

I walked ponderously downstairs, my hands scraping against the walls of the hallway as I reminisced about what happened yesterday evening between Mike and me.

I felt my cheeks going beetroot red whenever I remembered how he interlocked his fingers with mine. The feeling was incredible, unrivaled by any sort of emotion.

I totally felt myself relaxing, and I allowed his soft touch to soothe and calm my torrential nerves.

A giggle escaped my lips as my thoughts kept on driving back to Mike.

He made me so happy, and he had just been here for a day.

I wish he would never go. I just wish.

My flip-flops made smacking sounds as they hit the tiled floors, which irked me. The imperial living room was as busy as usual.

I held on to the railings of the staircase as I alighted from it.

Workers were cleaning, mopping, vacuuming every nook and cranny even though the house looked spotless. God. Leonardo had truly ignited fear in the minds of all of them.

Even when he was absent, they dared not slacken in their duties.

"Maya, good morning, I greeted me once I had stepped into the kitchen.

About five cooks were stationed at the kitchen counter, preparing various cuisines. Leonardo's kitchen was truly so large. It was as large as a dining room. A long kitchen table that could probably fit fifteen people stood at the center of the kitchen.

Various cupboards, kitchen utensils, and stools crafted from the finest woods were all placed at different corners of the kitchen.

The sun's rays created a cluster of rainbow colors as they hit the marble walls of the kitchen.

"Child, how are you?" She chirped happily.

Ever since Mike's visit, Maya has been happier than usual. I guess he didn't visit her that often.

She was literally radiating with a smile.

"I'm fine, Maya. How was your night?" She chortled and wiggled her nose. " Well, it was peaceful. I slept like a young child, she responded.

I laughed at her reply.

My eyes peeped outside the kitchen, trying to see if I could spot Mike in the sea of workers.

He was nowhere in sight. Strange.

Did he leave already?

My heart sank to my stomach the moment that thought crossed my mind.

Maya w-wh-where is Mike? He didn't leave, did he?I questioned with trembling lips.

Maya sighed and shook her head. "He didn't. He just had to rush to attend to some work issues early this morning.

I sighed in relief and slumped my shoulders.

I didn't even realize I had been holding my breath.

"Do you miss him?" Maya asked with a mischievous smirk. My face turned scarlet red, and I cast my eyes downwards. No…I mean yes. Well… Maya, I struggled with my words.

I heard Maya laugh, and she gave me a pat on my head, which made me raise my face to glance at her.

"I see you two are familiar with each other. It's nice. Just be careful, OK," she advised before leaving the kitchen.

Why was she telling me to be careful?

Was it because of Leonardo?

I shrugged my shoulders and disregarded the thought of having to think of Leonardo. I was happy already. I wouldn't spoil my few moments of happiness by thinking of that devil.

* * * * * *

"Selene, there you are!" Mike called out joyfully the moment he spotted me in the library.

I dropped the book I was reading and raised my head to capture his inviting gaze.

He strolled inside and pulled a chair next to me.

"I've been looking for you, Selene. I thought you left the mansion."

Well, I wish I could leave. I thought to myself.

"When did you come back, Mike? Maya said You rushed out for work duties," I asked.

I took a cursory glance at the wall clock. It was half past four pm. I had been so eagerly waiting to see Mike.

He made my world filled with light. He brought me out of the pits of darkness that were threatening to sink me into their dangerous and frightening hold.

I needed someone who had an aura of love and light around me.

"I just got back now Selene."

"So what did you go do? I don't mean to be prying, though, I asked, feeling a little nervous. "I went to drop my letter of resignation," he replied without batting an eyelid at me.

I gasped and pulled my hands over my mouth. What? "Why would you do that? I thought you loved your job?"

He chuckled heartily.

Mike was an editor for a press company. He seemed OK with his job. The pay was good. I sometimes envied him. I sought to get such a job, but I was always turned down. "I feel I'm not utilizing my full abilities. I mean, I do love my job, but I feel empty. I want to work because I love what I do, not just because of the money," he explained.

"Oh" was what I could manage to say as I paid rapid attention to him.

"So what do you want to do now?"I queried. "I want to pursue my writing career. I want to be an author. I want to write novels. I have a lot of ideas in my head, and I'm dying to begin a new exciting journey," he responded with glee.

My eyes glimmered and I grinned. I loved his high spirits. It was contagious. "Have you applied to any novel company?"

He nodded at me. "Of course. I've signed a contract with three already. I really feel this is what I should do. I feel this is my calling, you know?"

I placed my hand on his and softly rubbed his fingers. "Go for it, Mike. I know you will be a great author."

He looked at me with longing eyes and leaned in closer. "Can I tell you something, Selene? I feel this is the right time," he whispered.

I felt a butterfly havoc in my stomach and my toes curled up in expectation of what he wanted to say.

"You are so hard-working. You are beautiful. You are a good person. You are an angel, you know. Ever since you moved into our neighborhood, I have observed how you would go out and hustle to fend for yourself and your sister. I observed it all. Your late nights are coming and your ability to persevere. Selene, you are amazing," he breathed to me.

He grasped hold of my chin to intently stare at me.

I gulped, and my body tingled with hope. A million emotions were being brought to life within me as Mike and I stared at each other.

My cheeks were drained of their color, and it took everything for me not to turn my face away.

"Selene, I really admire you. I have admired you for such a long time. When your sister told me of your sudden departure, I felt so sad. But now seeing you here, it's amazing. Selene," I love you deeply."

The bomb had been dropped.

I suddenly lost my voice and I didn't know what to say. I blinked several times, trying to process what I just heard. I couldn't think or even react. Everything was at a standstill for me.

"Selene, I really do love you. And I'd love it if you could be my girlfriend, "Mike genuinely confessed.

Finally, he asked me out.

I felt fireworks explode in me. My heart raced to its summit and my knees felt wobbly.

He finally asked me out.

But why was I suddenly feeling scared? I wanted this, or didn't I?

Mike had his fixed gaze on me, his slender fingers still caressing my chin.

Suddenly, he leaned in closer and locked his lips with mine. Time froze in a collision of senses the moment his lips met mine. My lips quivered with each breath I took as Mike kissed me deeply. His lips felt so soft and warm against mine. His hand trailed from my chin to my waist, tugging me closer to him.

My heart skipped a beat and my knees gave in. His fingers moved underneath my shirt, sinking into my skin of its own accord. It trailed towards my back, running along my spine slowly.

I gave out a moan as Mike deepened our kiss, our tongues moving in sync.

No, this shouldn't be happening. It was what I always wanted, so why did this suddenly feel bad?

I placed my hand on his chest and pulled my lips away, breaking our kiss.

His lips traveled to my neck, gently sucking on it.

"Mike, please stop, "I breathed airily. "I can't..." My voice trailed off as I fought to stifle a moan that was threatening to spill out of me.

"What the f*ck!" came the exasperated growl that snapped both Mike and me out of our romance.

My body jolted as I stared at the dangerous profile of Leonardo who was standing by the doorway of the library.

Oh, sh*t.

Now I'm in trouble.