The Mafia King's Bargain

Chapter 8

Julian stood at the window, watching Adrian walk through the garden. His mind was spinning, calculating his plan. He needed to get it in motion, but the thought of getting closer to Adrian made him both furious and nervous. He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself.

Suddenly, Adrian’s gaze met his. Their eyes locked, and for a moment, neither moved. Then Adrian gestured for him to join him.

Julian’s first instinct was to refuse, but instead, he nodded. Surprise flashed across Adrian’s face, subtle but clear. Julian knew he’d see that expression again and again.

He sighed and left his room, stepping quietly into the garden. When he reached Adrian, he simply stood beside him, letting the warm, calm atmosphere wash over him. The air carried the sweet scent of flowers, birds chirped, and butterflies flitted around. The fragrance and serenity calmed him slightly, and his expression softened. A small part of him longed for freedom, to soar away like the birds and butterflies.

Without realizing it, he blurted out. "Would you ever let me go?''

Instantly, Julian’s eyes widened, panic rising. ''I… I didn’t mean to ask.'' He added, turning to Adrian, hoping he hadn’t said too much.

Adrian remained quiet for a moment before finally speaking. ''I have a party to attend tonight. Would you like to come with me?''

Julian looked at him, puzzled. ''Me? Why? Aren’t you worried I’d try to run away?''

''You won’t.'' Adrian said confidently.

Julian swallowed. He knew Adrian was right. Escape wasn’t possible, not now. Not until his mission was complete. Only then could he truly be free.

''I can’t come with you even if I wanted to.'' He admitted, his voice hesitant. ''I’ve never been to a party. I would only embarrass you… and myself.''

Adrian’s tone was calm, yet insistent. ''Would you like to attend?''

Julian studied him carefully. He saw the seriousness in Adrian’s gaze and finally nodded. ''Yes.'' He said. Even a brief escape from the confines of this place would do him good.

Adrian gave a small nod. ''I’ll have everything you need arranged.'' Then he left, leaving Julian alone.

Julian sank into a chair in the garden, tilting his head back and breathing in the warm air. He exhaled slowly, letting himself feel just a little calmer.

Later that evening...

Julian stood by the window, watching the sunset paint the sky in shades of orange and pink, when a knock came at his door. He turned and said calmly. ''Come in.''

The door opened, and two maids stepped in, flanking a woman dressed in a sharp business suit. One maid held a tuxedo, while the other carried a small box.

Julian furrowed his brow in confusion and walked closer to them.

The woman smiled politely. ''Mr. Julian, I’m Talia James, and I’ll be your stylist for tonight’s event.''

Julian blinked in surprise. ''My stylist?''

Talia nodded. ''Yes, sir. Mr. Adrian hired me to style you for the event tonight. Please, let’s get started.''

Still taken aback, Julian said. ''Err… sure.''

He hadn’t expected Adrian to go to such lengths. He thought it was just a simple party, but apparently, it was more than that.

One hour later...

Julian stood in front of the mirror, staring at his reflection in shock. He could hardly believe it was him. Dressed in a sleek black tuxedo, a silver Rolex on his wrist—something he never imagined wearing in his life—he looked completely transformed. His hair was neatly styled, and for the first time in a long while, he looked... unrecognizable.

''I can see you’re pleased, Mr. Julian.'' Talia said, smiling brightly.

''I am… thank you.'' Julian replied, still staring at himself in awe.

Talia nodded. ''It’s my pleasure. It’s time to go now—Mr. Adrian is waiting.''

Julian took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves, and nodded. Then, with a quiet determination, he walked out of the room.

When Julian got downstairs, he saw Adrian already waiting for him. He softly cleared his throat to get his attention.

Adrian turned, and the moment their eyes met, time seemed to stop. Julian looked so incredible, so striking, that he was left speechless.

''Adrian.'' Julian called softly, jolting him back to reality.

Adrian’s gaze softened. ''You look amazing.''

Julian gave a small smile. ''It’s all thanks to you.''

Adrian extended his arm. ''Let’s go.''

Julian stared at it, hesitating. ''I don’t think I should.''

''You’re accompanying me as my partner, Julian. Come on.'' Adrian said, firm yet calm.

Julian didn’t argue further. He walked to him and linked his hand with Adrian’s arm, and together they stepped out.

At the party…

Julian and Adrian had just arrived. The moment they stepped inside, Julian was left in awe. The place was enormous and breathtaking, every detail screamed luxury. The decor was immaculate, the chandeliers glittered, and elegantly dressed men and women mingled, chatting and laughing softly. Julian felt a wave of nervousness hit him, and he began to tremble slightly.

Adrian noticed immediately. His hand, still linked with Julian’s, gently released his grip and moved to hold Julian’s hand in his own. He leaned close and whispered. ''It’s okay. Relax.''

Julian swallowed hard. ''I… I don’t think I should be here. I’m not fit for this.''

Adrian’s gaze hardened, unwavering. ''You have as much right to be here as anyone else in this room. Nobody would dare look down on you. And if they do…'' His voice dropped, deadly serious. ''I’ll make sure they pay with their life.''

Julian’s eyes widened, and he knew in that instant that Adrian wasn’t joking.

Adrian softened, adding. ''It’s okay. I’m right here.'' He gave Julian’s hand a reassuring squeeze, and together, they stepped fully into the room.

As soon as people saw Adrian, the fear was visible in their eyes. Most subtly distanced themselves, careful not to draw his attention. A few approached, smiling, but Julian could see the tension beneath the forced politeness, they were Adrian’s business partners, nervous yet trying to mask it.

They greeted Adrian respectfully before asking if they could speak privately to discuss certain matters.

Adrian didn’t want to leave—leaving meant leaving Julian alone. He looked at him, concern etched on his face.

''It’s fine.'' Julian said quietly.

''Are you sure?'' Adrian asked, searching his eyes.

Julian nodded.

Adrian’s lips pressed into a thin line before he finally said. ''I’ll be back soon.'' Then he left with the men.

As soon as they left, Julian looked around. The grandeur of the room, the chatter of the guests, the glittering chandeliers—it all made him feel small, like a frightened little mouse. It was as if everyone was staring, judging him. He didn’t even know where to begin or what to do.

His eyes landed on the mini bar across the room. Though he didn’t drink, he figured a small glass might calm his nerves. Slowly, he walked over, trying to blend in while keeping his trembling under control.

When Julian got to the bar, he ordered a glass of whiskey. The bartender poured it and slid it over to him. He lifted the glass, took a cautious sip, and immediately felt the burn of the alcohol slide down his throat—sharp, warm, and bitter. His face scrunched instinctively at the unfamiliar taste. After that single sip, he dared not take another; he simply didn’t like it.

He knew Adrian had only been gone a minute, but Julian turned the way he had earlier, hoping to see him coming back, yet there was no sign. A heavy sigh escaped him.

Just then, a man slid into the seat beside him. ''I hope you wouldn’t mind me sitting here with you.'' The man said politely.

Julian shook his head.

''I’m Randy.'' The man said, extending his hand.

Julian shook it. ''Julian.''

Randy let out a small sigh. ''Well, Julian… you look like you’re about to bolt from here any second.''

Julian smiled faintly. ''It’s a good party, but it’s not for me.''

Randy nodded. ''Are you here alone, or did you come with someone?''

''I came with someone, but he isn’t here right now.'' Julian’s gaze swept the room again, scanning for Adrian.

''Your partner? Like a boyfriend or husband?'' Randy asked.

Julian chuckled nervously. ''No, no… it’s… complicated. And I’m straight.''

Randy raised an eyebrow. ''Ah, I see.''

Julian tilted his head. ''What about you? Are you here with someone?''

''My parents.'' Randy said with a wry smile. ''They dragged me here to play matchmaker. I had to escape.''

Julian laughed quietly.

Leaning closer, Randy said. ''Come on, let’s get out of here for a bit. Go get some fresh air. I think you’ll agree that it’s a little suffocating in here.''

''I… I don’t think I should.'' Julian replied hesitantly.

''Don’t worry.'' Randy said, a mischievous glint in his eyes. ''I’m sure your friend wouldn’t mind. And what kind of friend leaves you all alone like this?''

Before Julian could protest, Randy grabbed his hand and pulled him to his feet. Julian barely had time to react as Randy guided him toward the exit. All the while, Julian’s eyes darted back nervously, searching for Adrian.