How To Tame A Mafioso (PLAYBOOK #5)

CHAPTER 28: Promising masterminds.

HERA

Okay, it is time for the soft love approach but if that doesn’t work—we are doing it tough.

“You give Felix too much credit,” I pick up the hanger and put in the hamper when Bianca keeps frowning at it like she can see him.

I am all for making a man work for it but they are truly making things harder than they need to be. Boy likes girl, proposes, girl loves boy and says yes. Done but it is clear Bianca needs a friendly shove.

“Blood is thicker than water and whatever happened with your sister was going to happen eventually.”

“Why do you say that?” She is now putting everything in her suitcase without bothering to fold.

“Because she challenged you to combat in something called the pit for a boy she barely knows. The cracks were already there and were bound to show sooner or later. Just be thankful it is now, one day you and your sister will be okay, knowing her, she will be just fine once the dust settles but what about you Bianca? Will you be content with letting Felix go once again?”

First it was as kids, then as teenagers and now as new adults. Even fate is not as kind to offer 4th chances to even the most perfect twin flames.

“I seem to be surviving very well without him,” Bianca is satisfied but I see the small glance at the contract ring in her jewellery case.

I still can’t believe she rejected something so pretty.

“As someone who is constantly in survival mode, I swear it is not something to be proud of.” I throw a sock at her to her attention. “Felix Dominaka is an i***t for not realizing what is clear to everyone with eyes. He loves you Bianca, still give him credit as he is not completely stupid because he was smart enough to at least propose.”

Granted it could have been better planned but I can argue he learned the lesson.

“What do you want me to say Hera?” She seems frustrated but I am not giving up, Bianca may look scary but she is very soft inside.

“Say yes,” I shrug to show how simple it is. “I am not supposed to tell you this but Ivan said Felix is rethinking going to medical school this fall.”

“No…” her reaction tells me that is bad thing. “Do you know why?”

“There is only one reason Felix Dominaka will stop his life and differ what everyone keeps saying is his dream.”

Ivan didn’t think I caught on but it was clear from his reaction what was wrong.

“Odessa.” I am grateful Bianca catches on too. “That is why they left so early, she didn’t even get a second to say goodbye.”

It is true, Odessa shot us text in the group chat we created under a bourbon haze and said she would explain later.

“I am not sure what is wrong either but it must be big, if Felix wants to stop everything to help her.” I hold her shoulders to shake sense into her because I need her to get it. “If Ivan is as smart as I know he is, he will reach out for help if necessary and I hope you will say yes.”

Bianca is stubborn but it is nothing compared to Felix Dominaka from what Yaya has said. He has been defying his family since they moved to America at 8 but I could argue there is one person in the world that could take him on and win.

“Me?” Bianca doubts nervously.

“Yes, you.” I point at her chest with certainty. “Whatever the favour. Just say yes, not for anyone but for you. I promise your sister will eventually understand, she will come around.”

I still don’t care for Maria-Gloria and her attitude but I know they love each other very much. Not to sound cliché but love does conquer all.

I say this because Odessa said that Bianca has done it before when they were preteens. Felix is no match for her now because if someone was born to be a Dominaka bride, it is Bianca de Faría Hidalgo.

The woman is force not even the Russians can stop which is why I want her in my corner.

“I will consider your words if you promise me one thing,” Bianca holds my hands to keep them on her shoulders. “Don’t let Ivan go,” she looks me dead in the eye.

“What has Ivan have to do with anything?” I drop my hands but she holds my forearms to keep me close.

“I am not stupid Hera.” Bianca looks like she feels bad for saying, “you are thinner than anyone I have ever seen—kids included. You have this thundering heartbeat like you are in high alert constantly, you said it yourself you are continuously in survival mode and you hesitated earlier about this orphanage that you grew up in.”

“It’s not what it seems,” I try to assure but Bianca shakes her head to disagree.

“I promise to help when the time comes to reveal whatever you are keeping buried but I am nothing compared to what Ivan Dominaka can do.”

“What is that?” I shrink because I don’t want him near my problems.

He may be good in bed but he is still in the freaking Russian mob.

“Muscle, training, brains, money, whatever you need Ivan can provide with a snap of a finger.” Bianca snaps hers to prove a point, “whatever the history and current relationship, I caution you not to take it so lightly. He is no prince charming but he is the closest you can ever come to one because he is in your life for a reason.”

“Bianca, I can handle myself.” I try to move away but she whimpers when she is able to wrap her entire hand around my bicep

“Hera,” she breathes to blink so slowly. “Don’t do it for yourself, think about Ethan Adonis. How long will you bare it all alone?”

“Fine,” I can admit she has a point “but I can’t marry—”

“No one said marry the man sweetie.” She snorts like I sound silly. “I said do not at any circumstance let Ivan Dominaka fall out of your life. Whether as a friend or f**k buddy. Keep him close because though you have us, you need him as an ace card.”

“I do?” My brows close in because I never thought of it like that.

Is Ivan really the solution to my den sized problem?

“Yes, you do.” Bianca says with certainty I have never seen in her. “So do we have a deal?” She sticks out her pinkie and I smile to see her doing it.

I take promises very seriously and I am glad to see it catching on with her and Ivan.

“You better marry that Felix kid,” I hook my finger around hers and press my mouth together. “I mean it B.”

“We will see,” she rolls her eyes playfully and from there we take on a lighter conversation while finish packing her clothes.

Thank goodness.

IVAN

“Are you sad your friend is leaving?” I walk out to the second floor balcony which is where Hera is and currently waving at Bianca’s car weakly.

It was amusing to see them earlier as they kept hugging like Bianca was off to war or something but it did prove that their developing friendship was indeed genuine which seemed to please Yaya.

“Yeah but I have a feeling she will be back soon.” Hera turns around to face me and I can’t help but step back to take her in.

“Yeah,” I force out because it just dawned to me that I woke up to such a beauty.

She is in all cream nude today with wide leg pants that are fitted by her waist and a matching high neck cropped vest that shows a line of skin by her torso. The mane of her puffy brown hair is pushed back with a black hairband and frames her slim face that is bare of any make up.

I am not surprised to find brown sandals on her feet because her height doesn’t need help and gold accessories in a small signet ring and a thin band with loops around her bicep.

“Mh hmm,” Hera nods once. “I planted the seed, all you have to do is water it and give it some sunlight.”

I notice the small gold studs on her ears that burst out her youthful face. Due to her maturity and grace, I always forget how young Hera is but it is clear on her baby face now.

“Seed?” I push my hands into my pocket to stop the urge to touch her. “What are you on about now?”

“Ivan, I didn’t survive this long without the Dominakas by being naïve. I may not have the skills and training of a mobster but I am not stupid.”

That has been clear since the moment we met.

“Okay,” I click my tongue to compose myself because the wind is blowing her natural scent towards me. “Let’s hear the theories then.”

“Odessa and Liam, something happened last night didn’t it?” I press my mouth close when Hera stares like she wants an answer. “Fine, don’t tell me anything. I won’t offer any solutions either.”

She rolls her eyes and starts to walk away but I hold her back which chills my entire body as I pull her towards me. I really want to bury my nose in her skin right now.

“We are figuring it out,” is the best I can offer her. “We are not sure but yes, something is wrong with them.”

“Is Odessa okay?” Hera looks genuinely concerned as our hands separate due to her letting go.

“Only one can hope.” I exhale a “so what is this big solution you have tugged under your arm for Felix postponing med-school?”

It better be good because my ideas though they are not bad, they are falling short.

“Bianca de Faría Hidalgo,” she looks back to where the car has disappeared and just like that it clicks.

Of course.