Mafia’s Broken Love

Chapter 8

Even though the room Alex built was still connected to the mansion and not away from his estate as I wished for, I can't say I hated it, it's so peaceful and beautiful here, this seems like a place I can always come to clear my head when needed. I looked out at the butterflies that had just landed on the flowers. Oh, what I would do to have those wings, I thought in my head, feeling disappointed. Alex had put a lot of art supplies in the garden room, which got me wondering how he knew I loved art.

That f*****g creep. He really must have been watching me. After my father's mysterious disappearance, I started drawing as a way to express my feelings. I couldn’t talk to my mom about it because she was always drunk and too abusive. As a way to escape reality, I started drawing and painting. I later found out that painting isn’t hard, you just need to practice because now I can paint with my eyes closed and I’ll still be able to do it well.

I sat on the couch next to the giant glass window, where the sun was shining down on me. It felt so good against my skin. I felt sun deprived of being locked up in that room with him for so long. Now being able to let my thoughts wander without having to worry about what Alex's next move will be.

I found myself thinking about my friends.

I wonder what they are up to right now. Are they looking for me? Did they call the police and have my face on every news channel? If they did manage to do that, then maybe it's not the end for me.

Somehow, someone can recognize my face from the news channel and call the police here in Italy. Then they'll take me back to America to my family.

Even though the chances of escaping Alex seem slim at the moment, I still have faith that he won't get away with this. I will escape from him. I just need an ally at the moment.

I look up from my painting and see Flora standing next to me with both her hands straight down against her sides. “Flora, you can have a seat. You don’t have to stand here, you know that, right?”

She chuckled awkwardly before pulling out a chair and sitting next to me. Flora seems like a nice girl, she knows this place. Maybe she could help me out if she knows about my situation. “Tell me about yourself, Flora. How did you end up here, working for Alex?” I inquired with a puzzled look on my face.

“There’s not much to say about me. I moved to Italy when I was 20, and went to college. I live with both my parents and my little brother. And I just recently got this job.” she said, nodding her head with a small smile.

“You applied for this job?” Does she even know what kind of people she’s working for? Does she know that one day she may be shot down for the smallest thing? I’ll be shocked to know that she willingly wants to work for these people.

“Not really, it’s kinda weird. I was going home from my job at the daycare center when I was approached by one of Mr. Bernardi's men and was told that he wanted me to work for him. They looked like they were keeping tabs on me, so I didn't fight when they told me to get in the car, and they took me here. I’m here for you. To keep you company.” She finished and turned her attention back to the butterflies. What the hell?

“I’m so sorry about that.” I apologized to her as I felt bad that she was there because of me

“No, don't be sorry. I'm here because Mr. Bernardi wants me here. And if you ask me, I think we’re going to be good friends. I was kinda feeling down thinking you would be mean, but you’re not like that. It’s not a bad job, plus I’m getting paid well.”

“So, in a way, he hired you to be my friend?” That would make sense. What would he gain from that though? Does he care about me feeling lonely or does he have something else planned with Flora involved? Can I trust Flora and share my feelings with her or would she run and tell him everything that I say?

“No, but I would love to be your friend.” She said shyly, making me smile at her softly.

I guess it would be nice to have someone to talk to other than Alex. Maybe Flora might be my ticket to freedom.

…

I spent the whole day in this art room with Flora as we got to know each other and painted, it didn’t take us long to get comfortable with each other. Before I knew it, words were flowing out of my mouth. That’s how it is when I get comfortable. I talk and joke around too much. Flora didn’t seem to be complaining though, because she was talking a lot. She was only 4 years older than me. She was born in America and after coming to Italy, she never left the country. She hopes to travel around one day, just like me. That was a dream of mine. As soon as I finished college, I would go travel around the world. I want to go everywhere because that's something I wasn’t able to do in my childhood.

Before I knew it, she was already taking me back to Alex's room so I could get ready for our "date." I was looking forward to going out. It's my only chance to go outside and I'm taking that opportunity.

I was about to head to the master bedroom when Flora called out "I want to help you get ready, but I'm not allowed into your bedroom." really?

"Why not?" I inquired.

"Sir doesn't like people getting in his personal space, that is why only one maid is assigned to go into the bedroom and clean at a certain time."

Ohh no wonder that every time I come out of the bathroom with Alex, the bedroom is always clean, she sneaks in and quickly cleans in less than 30 minutes. One time when Alex wasn't around, I walked in on the same maid cleaning the bathroom. That was my third time running into her, and each time she always looked terrified until her eyes settled on me where she would bow and gather her things to leave. It makes sense.

I hope they don't walk in on us sleeping. When I wake up in the middle of the night, I always find myself sprawled on top of Alex, he's probably the one who put me on him in the first place. So I don't feel embarrassed about it. It would be embarrassing if someone else saw it though.

"I don't want to be alone in the room. We could go to this empty room there instead." I wonder why he had this whole floor to himself. There are 7 empty bedrooms.

“Okay,” she responded.

I smiled at her and turned the doorknob to Alex's room.

I was greeted with a clean room, not a single piece of dirt or pile in sight, the balcony door was wide open and all of the windows were open, letting the sun be the source of light in the room.

I walked further into the room and saw a beautiful light blue spaghetti strap sundress. It wasn't too short, it looked mid-thigh length, not too short, and not too long. I guess that'll be perfect for walking. Next to the bed was a pair of white sneakers to match my dress. I scoffed, looking at the sneakers. He should be ashamed of himself for giving me only one pair. I can't wait to get this stupid cast off.

I grabbed the clothes along with a pair of black lacy panties and a strapless bra. I looked around the room one more time and my eyes landed on the big mirror that he had just installed on the ceiling. I guess he has just put it off. I'll never understand this man and his motives. I don't want to stare at myself while lying down in his arms at night. Why must he torture me with that as well?

I decided to ignore it for now and headed towards the door.

I pulled it open and saw Flora still standing there by the door where I had left her.

...

I turned around with my arms open and looked at Flora with a big smile, "I'm finished." I said, batting my lashes at her.

"Oh my god, you're so gorgeous," she squealed, hugging me.

“ Thank you, thank you,” I said, laughing and hugging her back.

“And wow, ma'am, you have great time management,” she said, pulling back and looking at the clock behind me. "Flora, we went through this, call me Angel, or Gigi. Whatever is easier for you."

"Sorry, I keep forgetting," she said, blushing in embarrassment. I had a full-blown debate with her not too long ago about my name.

She claimed that Alex doesn't like it when our first name is being used. He thinks it's disrespectful. That's bullshit, she's the same age as me. Why should we have to use such formalities with each other?

"Let's go" she rushed as she grabbed my crutches and gave them to me. With a smile, I made my way outside, followed by Flora. Just as she closes the door, I notice Alex leaving his bedroom.

My god was the first thing that came into my mind as I stared at how handsome he was dressed in his all-black Armani suit.

My heart started beating rapidly as he stalked his way toward me. I wanted to take a step back and create distance but, I know he doesn't like that.

He reached me within seconds and wrapped his arm around my waist. His other hand grabbed my chin and made me look into his deep blue eyes.

“Damn baby, you're so beautiful,” he said, staring at my lips.

“Thank you,” I said timidly, looking at him.

He hummed and started leaning closer to my lips. My heart is hammering in my chest as his hot minty breath blows against my lips. I unintentionally bit my lip, causing him to groan. His lips crashed down on mine and he pulled me closer to him using the back of my neck. His lips were so soft against mine.

His scent invaded my nostrils and I stiffened from how good he smelled. I can't describe the scent, but it was doing something to me.

He brought his hand up to my cheek and pushed it back away from my lips.

After intently staring down at my lips, he finally looked back into my eyes for a few more seconds. From the way, his eyes darken with desire. I could tell that he was thinking about something disturbing. Please get those thoughts out of your head Alex. I know that one day it might happen, but not now. Please.

He smirked as if he knew what I was pleading for.

“Let’s go, my love” he murmured, wrapping his hand around my back, he started guiding me to the elevator.

Alex was patient with me as I took slow steps to the car. Not once did he complain.

I mean, why should he? It's his fault that I can't walk properly anyway. We got to the car and he opened the passenger side to the shiny black and expensive-looking car for me to get in. Once I was comfortably seated inside, he closed the door and ran to the driver's side. As soon as he got in and started the engine he wasted no time and sped off.

Everything on the tour went well, as much as I didn't want to show the excitement I was feeling, I ended up showing it and my face was lit up with smiles when Alex took me to different events and showed me different parts of Italy. It was such a beautiful country and even though the sun was setting, I had so much fun. At some point, I tried to avoid Alex and tried to enjoy the tour, but he didn't let that happen, he would wrap his arms around my waist, or he would stand behind me and bury his face in my neck. He refused to let me forget about him.

Right now, we are currently in a restaurant on the rooftop about to have dinner. The roof was beautifully decorated with lights and flowers and it had a breathtaking view of the city.

We were the only ones on the rooftop, which I'm guessing is Alex's doing. I wasn't too comfortable sitting close to the roof with Alex, who I believe is f*****g crazy. Who knew what he might do to me up here? I don't trust him one bit.

As we waited for our orders, I constantly felt his penetrating gaze on me. I chose to ignore it, which was kinda hard, but I choose to be happy today. I heard him chuckling as I quickly turned my head away from him.

"Look at me," he commanded. I hesitated at first but I slowly turned my head and our eyes met. A shiver ran down my body from the intensity of his gaze. "Why do you seem so terrified, baby?" He asked with an arch of his left brow. the nerve of this guy. Is he trying to mock me or something??

He literally broke my leg and beat me unconscious in the middle of a road because I tried to escape. He locked me in a bedroom with him for weeks and forced me to act like I was enjoying his presence. In reality, I wanted to be as far away from him as possible. He's keeping me here against my will. Why would I not be terrified of him?

I forced back the scoff that was threatening to come out and the urge to roll my eyes. "You broke my leg and kept me against my will."

"Oh, that's what you're afraid of?" he chuckled darkly before shaking his head and smirking "You're still able to use both legs sí?"

"You broke my bone Alex," I claimed, staring into his blue shiny orbs.

"I am aware," he responded, eyes musing at me.

"You stomped on my face and nearly broke my neck" I continued.

"Whose fault was that?" He replied stoically.

"You could've killed me," I said, as he showed no feelings of remorse.

"Just in case it has not clicked on you yet, Angelina, you are mine. You belong to me and I suggest you accept that quickly. Because I could do much worse. If you're terrified of me right now because I broke your leg, you can't imagine what you will feel for me when I do worse. I have some good plans for the next time you go against my commands." My eyes stayed glued on him as they darkened from his promise. The promise to hurt me and the intensity in his eyes made my eyes tear up.

" Do my feelings on this not matter?" I whispered.

"You can either choose to accept willingly or I will have my ways to make you accept. I'd suggest you accept willingly because there are far worse things than a broken leg. You're not getting away from me. So I do suggest you drop whatever plan you got in your head. You belong to me." He claimed in his dark tone, crushing the little hope I had of escaping.

His sharp orbs observed my trembling body with glee. I almost jumped from my seat as the server popped out of nowhere next to me with a food cart. Without wasting another second, he carefully and gently went next to Alex and placed down his food. My eyes were fixed on Alex, from the corner of my eye I could see the server's body trembling. He too seems intimidated by Alex's presence.

The server walked back to me and slowly placed the food. I looked down to see his hands trembling. I was afraid that he would drop the hot food on me due to how hard he was shaking. I felt content as he carefully placed the food down, poured our drink into the glass, and left. That's one less problem I had to worry about.

...