The Mafia King's Virgin Healer

Unwelcome encounters

As they drove toward Pedro's mansion, Maya was unexpectedly in a buoyant mood, unlike her previous gloominess. She gazed out the window with a small smile playing on her lips, her heart lighter than it had been in weeks.

Alex glanced at her sideways and chuckled. "That excited?" she asked, noting the dramatic change in Maya's demeanor.

Maya nodded enthusiastically. "I can't believe the difference in Mara. She said the crushing weight in her chest just disappeared, and that burning sensation that kept her awake at night is completely gone. She actually smiled, Alex—really smiled—for the first time in so long." Her voice grew thick with emotion. "Thank you. I know I was harsh earlier, but what you did... it means everything to me."

"Like I had a choice but to do something," Alex rolled her eyes, though her tone held a hint of warmth.

"I still don't understand why you can't heal her completely," Maya said, her curiosity getting the better of her.

Alex's expression grew serious. "Nothing goes for nothing. Are you ready for the consequences?"

"What consequences?" Maya asked, turning to face her fully.

"You're better off not knowing. We're here," Alex said abruptly as they drove through the imposing gates of the mansion.

Maya decided not to pester her anymore. Perhaps with time, she could convince Alex to change her mind, regardless of whatever consequences she spoke of. Her sister's life was worth any risk.

As they walked into the opulent sitting room, Beatrice instantly welcomed them with her usual gracious smile.

"Welcome back, ladies," Beatrice said warmly.

Maya deliberately sat down on the plush couch, her eyes roaming over the lavish furnishings of the room. Crystal chandeliers, expensive artwork, and marble accents—everything screamed wealth and power. The first time she was here, her heart was in her throat. Now, she could calm down and take a good look around.

"Where's Pedro?" Alex asked, settling into a chair nearby.

"Oh, he left for a business trip. You can return to the hospital if you'd like. Maya will be taken care of here in the house," Beatrice replied.

"Oh, praise the Lord," Alex blurted out, quickly standing up with obvious relief.

"But you have to return early in the morning, Alex. The two of you will travel to Italy together for the old boss's wedding party," Beatrice announced, causing Alex to grumble as she reluctantly sat back down.

"Why? I mean, why must I go with her? How many times do I have to tell Pedro that I'm just an ordinary doctor with no fighting skills?" Alex complained.

"You're obviously important too," Beatrice smiled knowingly at Alex.

"Why do we need fighting skills to go to a wedding party?" Maya raised her brows at the ladies.

Alex just sighed, while Beatrice looked away.

Just then, the roar of an expensive sports car echoed from outside. Through the window, they watched as an expensively dressed man in his late thirties stepped out, his movements confident and predatory.

Both Beatrice and Alex suddenly went silent, their faces draining of color. Maya furrowed her brows at their sudden change in demeanor.

When the front door opened, Maya could hear them both gasp as heavy footsteps approached the sitting room.

"Oh, it's a ladies' meeting? Where are the men?" came a smooth, arrogant voice.

"Alex, did you miss me?"

"How's your wife, sir?" Alex threw back.

"That's why I hate you," Lucius sneered. "Should I divorce her for you?"

"I'm not into men, sir!"

"Oh, Alex," Lucius sighed, knowing nothing he said would change Alex's mind about him. Unless he applied brutal force, but he didn't want to provoke his little brother yet.

"Where is Pedro?"

"He's gone out on a business meeting, sir," Alex replied, omitting the trip part. It was better not to share that information with Lucius.

"Who is he?" Maya whispered to Beatrice.

"Pedro's elder brother, Lucius," Beatrice whispered back, her voice tense.

"Oh," Maya nodded, looking unbothered while the others appeared as if they'd seen a ghost. She could see the resemblance between the brothers. Lucius was utterly handsome with killing features and physique, just that he had nothing on Pedro.

Pedro still remained unbeatably handsome, Maya noted, snickering.

However, the heated gazes from the others had her realizing herself. She scolded herself silently for her crazy thoughts.

"Oh, it's a new face. Who is this cutie?" Lucius asked, his attention settling on Maya. He approached her with calculated steps, leaning closer and brushing his fingers across her cheek before grabbing her chin. "What's funny, honey?"

Maya immediately grabbed his hand and pushed it away harshly. "Don't touch me."

"She's Pedro's new employee, sir," Alex quickly interjected, her voice strained.

"An ordinary employee has the audacity to push my hand away?" Lucius asked, his teeth gritting as his expression darkened.

Alex frantically gave Maya warning looks, but Maya wasn't backing down.

"So you're just an employee? What could someone like you possibly do for Pedro?" Lucius taunted.

"I don't know either. He's your brother—you can ask him when you see him," Maya responded coolly.

Lucius suddenly grabbed Maya's chin, his grip so tight she thought her jaw might shatter. "You have quite the audacity to talk that way to me."

"Even after knowing who I am," he added, his grip tightening further.

"Well, I don't care who you are," Maya said through gritted teeth, grabbing the hand on her chin and standing up defiantly.

In one swift motion, Lucius spun her around, his arm snaking around her neck with her back pressed against his chest. He leaned down and licked her earlobe before whispering in her ear, "I like feisty ones."

"I doubt you'll say that after this," Maya gritted her teeth before stomping harshly on his foot and driving her elbow into his ribs with brutal force.

Lucius winced in pain, immediately releasing her. "You're not just feisty but brutal too," he whined, clutching his side.

"Want to try again?" Maya was already balling her fists, ready for a fight. However, Alex quickly pulled Maya behind her, stepping between them.

"I'm so sorry, Mr. Lucius. She's new and doesn't understand—" Alex began apologizing profusely.

Lucius smirked menacingly. In the next moment, a loud slap echoed through the room. Both Alex and Maya gasped as Beatrice held her reddened cheek, tears threatening to spill from her eyes.

"We shall see next time," Lucius said coldly before walking away.

"You're an asshole!" Maya screamed, trying to rush after him, but both Alex and Beatrice held her back.

"I'm so sorry," Maya turned to Beatrice, her heart breaking at the sight of the older woman's pain. "This is my fault."

"It's nothing. I'm fine," Beatrice smiled weakly, though her hand still pressed against her cheek.

"Why do you guys act like what he did is normal?" Maya asked, her voice filled with indignation.

"Because it actually is normal. It's not the first time. It's only when the boss is around that he tones it down," Beatrice said matter-of-factly.

"Next time, please refrain from acting rashly around Lucius. You don't know what he's capable of," Alex warned, her voice serious.

After ensuring Maya understood the gravity of the situation, Alex entrusted her to Beatrice before walking out of the room, leaving Maya to contemplate the dangerous world she had truly stepped into.