Seducing the Mafia Boss

Spying an Enemy

Silva’s POV

I managed to avoid Gio for the last couple of days as the semester winds down. Exams are done and it’s just the last few odds and ends that need to be taken care of.

I’m not too worried about grades. I’ve never had an issue getting straight A’s. What I am worried about is everything that happened

between my bodyguard showing up, Gio’s bullshit, and my dad selling me like I was a farm show animal.

I haven’t spoken to my father since the night of my birthday. He’s called several times, but I don’t have the stomach to talk to him right now. Glancing over to Rose, I watch as she quickly packs her stuff preparing to leave.

She bounces over to me with her usual effervescent self. I have to admire her, though. She is always in good spirits, no matter what’s going on with her.. I wish I could do that.

“Are you doing okay?” She asks, giving me a hug. “I’m sorry you have to hang around a bit longer. That really sucks.”

I shrug. I wouldn’t want to go home right now anyways. I don’t think I can even look at my father right now. And plus, It’ll be nice to get a mental break from everything. I invite the silence.

“It’s what my dad wants. It is what it is. It’s only for a couple of days.”

“I hear you,” she says, “but it’s still a drag. Especially with that creepy dude he sent to watch over you.”

Laughter escapes me at her words. But I say nothing.

“Hey listen, I have to head downstairs to the lobby. My dad is going to be here soon to pick me up and I want to get my things down there now, so I’m ready to go when the time comes. Is that cool?”

“Of course. Don’t worry about me. I’m fine, I promise. I’m gonna head into town, do a little shopping maybe. Get some coffee. I’ll be alright.”

She smiles and nods before quickly disappearing.

The room seems pretty empty without her. The silence weighs too heavily on me to handle. Grabbing my bag, I decide to head out.

The rear exit leads me to the parking lot and as I step outside, Bruno is waiting for me as if he could read my mind.

Jesus, can’t I go anywhere without this man following me?

“Miss Magliacano,” he says grimly. “Where are you heading? I can give you a lift if you’d like.”

I stop and shake my head. I really just want to be alone. The fresh air will do me some good.

“How did you know I was coming out that door?” I ask.

He shrugs, “It’s my job to know things like that, Miss.”

“Well, you know what I’d like more than anything right now? A little privacy. I’m stuck at this damn school with you while all my

friends are leaving. Life sucks enough without you following me like the plague.”

“You’re free to come and go as you’d like, Miss. My job is to keep an eye on you until we get the word from your father to head home. Be patient, It won’t be long now.” He shoots me what I can only assume is a comforting smile. But it comes off awkward.

“Whatever,” I say, not being in the mood for any of this. “I’m heading into town to shop a little. If you’re going to follow me, just keep a little distance, all right?”

He nods, but doesn’t say anything in response. On a normal day, his lack of responses usually bug me, but today, I’m thankful.

Because I’m not in the mood to deal with anyone.

***

Fifteen minutes later, I arrive in the downtown area. The warm sun feels nice against my skin, despite the cool breeze that continues to blow around my hair. Turning the corner into a more artsy district, with lots of little galleries and shops. Something stops me right in my tracks, though.

Shit…It’s Gio…

What is he doing here? Why didn’t he leave with everyone else? Leave it to Gio to even ruin my alone time at school. I just wanted a

break from all of this.

I feel like I can’t even breathe. To be honest, I didn’t know how I’d respond when I finally saw him again, but god does he look good in those tight denim jeans and black fitted t-shirt, or what? I never thought I’d be an ass person, but in those jeans he is wearing—I am.

As I watch from afar, I notice he’s talking to an older man, probably around Bruno’s age.

The man briefly turns toward me and I recognize him…he’s the second in command to Gio’s dad, If I’m not mistaken. I’ve seen him at meetings that my father dragged me along to when I was a kid.

If he is here though, that means something serious is going down. Boss Bonetti wouldn’t send his number two guy for no reason.

As I watch, he sticks something into Gio’s hands and turns to leave. After he’s gone, Gio turns towards the direction I’m in. I duck into the first doorway I see. My heart racing wondering if I’d seen something I shouldn’t have. I’m not ready to deal with Gio and all his bullshit.

Goddamnit. It’s like vixens of fate have it out for me.

“It’s not polite to spy on people.” A cool dark voice says from behind me, freezing me in my place.

Fuck… I’m done for.

Turning slowly, my eyes travel up to meet the gorgeous dark eyes of Gio. I didn’t come to town with the intention of running into him, but of course the universe had other plans for me.

“I wasn’t.” I said trying to remain calm and collected. “I’m shopping.”

“Is that right?”

I can’t read him. His eyes stare down at me with an intensity that makes my skin crawl, but my legs press together at the same time. It’s as if every inch of me is on fire and only he can calm the raging storm. “Yeah, that’s right. Now, if you will excuse me.”

I try to step around him, but a firm grasp on my upper arm stops me in my tracks.

“I didn’t say you could leave yet. We’re not done talking.”

Taking a deep breath, I clench my fist at my side and let my eyes fall to him once more. There is so much I want to say to him after everything that happened last night, but I can’t. As strong as I can be, there is something about him that makes me feel so weak at

times. So much that I hate being around him, but feel conflicted when he isn’t.

“I think we are done, Gio. After last night… I have nothing to say to you.” I finally reply, pulling my arm from his grasp.

“That’s fine, but I have stuff I need to tell you.”

It’s always the same with him. It doesn’t matter if I ask him to leave me alone, or try to avoid him all together. Over the years, Gio does whatever he wants without regard to anyone else.

“No!” I snap at him. “I’m tired of you thinking you can do whatever you want whenever you want. I’m done with these games. Are you not tired of messing with me all the time? Do you not have anyone else in the world you can bother?!”

He’s still, his eyes void of emotion as he takes a step towards me, backing me into a wall. My breath catching in my throat as he makes me feel small against him.

“Let me remind you of something, in case you’ve forgotten.” He sneers, lip curling as he places a hand on the wall next to my head. “You’re mine. Whether you want to be, or not.”