The Mafia Boss's First Love

Chapter 10

Samara could barely sit still in the backseat as they drove toward Congressman Dimaano’s residence. A sense of unease settled over her, largely due to Elijah’s presence right beside her—sitting there in stoic silence.

She found it baffling why she was in the same vehicle as the Mafia Boss of Senza Pietá, yet she swallowed her curiosity and chose not to question him.

Why did he even let me ride with him? His Consigliere should be the one beside him, not me. She thought to herself, glancing sideways just as Elijah let out a deep sigh.

“Can you relax? I’m not going to punish you just because you’re riding with me. I allowed you in, so loosen up,” Elijah remarked, his gaze fixed straight ahead.

“It’s my first time riding in a car with the Boss of all of us. If this gets out, your ‘fans’ might send me death threats. I mean, I’m just a mere associate—what right do I have sitting in this expensive car beside our leader?” Samara explained, pointing at him, which finally made Elijah turn his head to look at her.

“I don’t have any f*****g idea what ‘fans’ you are talking about. Just be grateful for this privilege I am offering you, and you alone.” Elijah said dismissively, looking away again, leaving Samara pouting slightly.

“Thank you so much, Boss… it’s not like I’m indebted to you just for sitting here,” she muttered under her breath, averting her eyes.

“Why did you join Senza?” Elijah suddenly asked, snapping her attention back to him.

“You’re asking me why I joined your organization? Don’t you have all the details of every person who joins?” she countered. Surprisingly, despite his short fuse, Elijah didn’t seem annoyed.

“Just answer my f*****g question, woman.”

“Aish. You’re not just bossy, you’re demanding too.”

“What the f**k?!” Elijah snapped, turning to her with a furrowed brow at her description.

Meanwhile, the driver was secretly stunned to hear someone speak to their Don so casually.

“Oh my god? D-Did I say that out loud?” Samara gasped, covering her mouth before flashing him an innocent smile. “Those were just intrusive thoughts, Mr. Penelton. They mean no harm…”

“…No harm, yet they are insulting, woman.” Elijah replied, wiping the smile right off her face.

“S-Sorry. There are times when my thoughts just slip out. But honestly, why do you want to know my reason? I’m sure you already have an idea.”

“Because I refuse to believe that someone like you would walk into an organization that faces death every single day… just for f*****g money. Am I wrong?” His voice was serious, commanding.

Samara stared at him, weighing whether she should reveal the truth. She took a deep breath and looked away.

There’s no harm in telling him, she thought. He is our Don. Even though we are just associates, he probably knows everything about the people under him.

“I don’t meddle with the information regarding Senza's associates. In short, I don't care whatever their reasons are for joining my organization.” Elijah stated, causing Samara to lean her head against the window.

“Then why are you asking for mine, Mr. Penelton?”

“I'm just f*****g curious.” was his only reply.

“My parents were killed. They were murdered ruthlessly inside our own home. The police couldn't identify the killers, and the case went cold because there were no leads. I need to know who they are. I need to make them pay for what they did. I met Ismael, and he brought me into Senza as an associate. He told me that being here would give me access to information—”

“—Who the f**k is Ismael?” Elijah cut her off sharply.

“Of all the things you could ask, that’s what you pick?”

“Answer me.”

“He was just another associate. But once I was transferred to the bar, we lost contact. That’s when I met Taddeo. I usually handle the information he needs, so we got close.” Samara explained.

“How close are you to Deo?” Elijah asked, his brows knitting together.

“Do you really have to ask that too, Mr. Penelton? Are you curious about everything?” She questioned, but Elijah simply looked away.

Little did Samara know, his curiosity was entirely focused on her—and it was something he had never felt for anyone else before.

“I wouldn’t say we’re friends, but we get along. He gets information from me, and in return, he helps me find leads on who killed my parents.” She found herself explaining everything to him, even though she didn’t have to.

“If you want connections to find the culprits, you need me, not Deo.” Elijah declared. His words made Samara stare at him intently.

“Wait… is this an offer for me to transfer to your underwing?”

“Yes. I can help you track down those people you’re searching for. I can do it in a snap of my fingers. You can use all the resources and connections I have… just accept my offer.” Their eyes locked, the tension in the air thickening.

“Why?”

“What?”

“Why do you want me in your underwing, Mr. Penelton? I’m just an associate. What do you gain from having me under you?”

Don’t ask me. I don’t f*****g know why either, Elijah thought. But to find out the reason, I need you close to me. He broke their gaze before speaking again.

“Let's just say I see potential in you to be under my wing. You still have one week to think about your decision, but consider my offer carefully. If you agree, you will find the person responsible for your parents' death.”

The offer was tempting. Samara knew that once she was under Elijah’s protection and command, finding her parents’ killers would be so much easier. She never expected the Don himself would offer to help.

“And I’ll find them immediately?” she confirmed.

A part of her didn’t want to wait a week. The offer was too good to refuse, especially with his vast influence as the Mafia Don.

“There is nothing I cannot do. I have every means necessary to find them.” Elijah replied. When he looked back at her, his eyes drifted to her hand, extended toward him.

“Deal. I accept. I’ll transfer to your underwing, as long as you help me find the people who owe me blood.”

“You still have one week to deci—”

“—No need. I won’t be shy about this since you’ll be of great help to me. So… deal.” She cut him off, taking his hand.

Elijah’s heart hammered violently against his ribs.

Fuck! This damned beating again! What the hell is wrong with me? He thought, feeling a jolt of electricity the moment her skin touched his. He quickly pulled his hand away as if burned.

“A deal is a deal. I’m holding you to your words, Mr. Penelton. When do I start?”

“Y-you c-can start next week.” Elijah stammered slightly, clearing his throat and looking away to compose himself.

“Okay! Next week it is. Ismael is going to be shocked when he hears I’m no longer just an associate.”

Elijah’s jaw tightened at the mention of that name again. He didn’t like it.

“Wait, if I’m under your wing now, does that mean…”

“Wherever I am, you must be there. You take orders only from me, not from anyone else in my other underwings. You listen only to me, and you obey me. Do you understand?”

It was a heavy demand, one she wasn't used to as a simple associate. But for the sake of her revenge, she would adapt.

“I understand. But… will I get a higher salary if I’m your underwing?” she blurted out innocently.

“We can discuss that once you start working for me.” Elijah replied, a strange warmth spreading in his chest now that she had accepted his offer.