On His Knees

Chapter 12

Taking his hand off me, I gaped at him in disbelief. “H-how did you…how’d you come here?” I asked. I was clutching my chest, too surprised to see Caden in the flesh.

Grinning brightly at me, he replied, “you have tight security, but I managed.”

I couldn’t fathom how he went through that security. Just one wrong move and he’d be shot down. “i***t! Why’d you come here?! I’m still grounded!”

Caden clasped his hand on my mouth to stop me from screaming. “Sssh,” he shushed, his gaze shifting to where the door was. “We wouldn’t want anyone coming here. You have tons of guards outside. It looks like uncle is getting very protective of you.”

I caught sight of that smirk he had on his face. “W-what do you mean?” I asked. I understand the tight security but placing guards outside my room, wasn’t it that a little bit over-the-top? I messed up, I know but come on, I wouldn’t do it the second time.

I didn’t want to disappoint dad again.

“Your dad just really loves you,” Caden said, smiling at me. “Let’s go.”

He took my hand and drag me to the window, but I quickly pulled away from him. He let me go, just looking at me with those undaunted eyes. “Where…are we going?” I carefully asked.

“A date,” he replied, still smiling. “I’m sure you’re very bored staying in your room for days. I’ve come to rescue you.”

It’s true. I had been bored ever since I was confined in my room. I had nothing to do. There were no books to occupy me and I couldn’t use my phone to watch random videos. “But dad will get angry if I—”

“He won’t as long as he doesn’t know anything,” Caden said, his smile getting bigger and cheekier. “I can return you without anyone knowing that you’ve disappeared.”

I gulped. What he’s saying was tempting me but the thought of dad’s wrath increasing because of how rebellious I’m getting scared me. “But what if he knows?” I asked, my voice quivering. There might be people looking out when we get outside. The influence of the Saverio family shouldn’t be taken lightly like what Caden was doing.

“Don’t worry,” he reassured once more. “You’re safe with me. I promise you.”

I was hesitant to take his hand being offered to me but when I saw that smile, that beautiful, alluring smile, I knew there’s no other choice but to take it. “Okay,” I said, giving him back his smile. “Let’s go.”

I knew I was in for another trouble but who cared. As long as I’m with Caden, I’d be fine.

True enough, Caden acted as if he knew every nook and cranny of the Saverio mansion. The shifting of the guards, the routes they take while patrolling the area and even the security cameras planted all over, Caden knew it all. With his hand gripping my wrist, he made it possible for us to avoid getting caught as we got out of the house. Going through the thick garden just behind the mansion, Caden pulled me to him after hearing voices coming from the pool. We saw three men talking, their weapons hanging behind their back while smoking cigarettes. Glancing at me, Caden smiled. He’d be dumb if he couldn’t tell I was ready to s**t my pants. If we get caught while escaping the mansion, I didn’t even want to imagine what dad would do to us.

Hastily yet gently, Caden dragged me to a place where we could hide for a while. It was behind a wall covered with thick leaves and vines. We waited for the two people who were roaming the garden. Concluding that everything was clear, Caden continued. He had his hand on me as he traversed through the field, silently, swiftly—as if we were flying. We didn’t make a sound and soon, we were in front of a tall, brick wall looking all villainous and aggressive. Nevertheless, Caden eyed it as if it was nothing. “Can you jump?” he asked out of nowhere.

I turned to him, glaring. “Are you seriously asking me that?” My athletic ability wasn’t the best and everyone knew that. I hated gym class and would never like it no matter what. I didn’t like sweating or exerting any brute effort. What I wanted was to spend my day reading tons of books and learning about things I didn’t know.

“Well, there’s no other choice but to jump,” Caden said, his lips slightly curling into a smile. Taking my hand for the nth time, he guided me to his back. “Hop on,” he urged.

I blinked, utterly confused. “Hop where?”

“On my back.”

“Why?”

“Because we’re going to jump.”

Seconds of silence and I finally reacted. “Have you gone nuts?!”

Caden quickly shut me up by putting his hand on my mouth. “Sssh. Not so loud, babe.” My face heated up upon hearing him call me babe. Did his hand always smell this good? “Don’t worry, I won’t let you fall.”

Regaining my sanity, I slapped his hand off me. “That’s not what I’m worried about, Caden. We’re out here sneaking and jumping over walls…this is really dangerous.”

“But you’re still here with me,” Caden said. His smirk irritated me. “Admit it, Livi. You love this as much as I do.”

I didn’t know what to say. In the end, my shoulders dropped in defeat. There’s no point arguing with Caden. He’d always win. “Fine,” I said, conceding from our petty argument. “Just make sure you’ll bring me back before dad realizes I’m gone.”

Caden grinned. “Of course.”

“And…don’t call me babe again.”

“Why? We’re going out, aren’t we?”

“…”

It’s already been twenty minutes since we left the house. Sitting inside Caden’s car felt different. It was as if we’re lovers. The way he looked and smiled at me, everything just felt…different.

“Why? We’re going out, aren’t we?”

“It’s a joke, right?” I asked out of nowhere.

Caden raised a brow but kept his hands on the steering wheel. The loud music playing on the radio didn’t stop him from hearing me. “What are you talking about?”

“About the fact that we’re—” I abruptly stopped, scared and nervous to go on. What if Caden say that it was true? That he’s really joking about the two of us going out. We’re both guys and we both belonged to influential Mafia families. If people discovered what kind of relationship we had, we’d be doomed. Nevertheless, I needed to hear Caden’s answer. I didn’t want to second guess things especially when it comes to this matter. I had to know what I truly meant for him and that what he said was real. “—going out?”

I held my breath, my sight beginning to darken. I hadn’t heard his answer and yet I’m here blacking out already. It took him a second to finally say his reply and when he did, I swore my heart almost stopped. Almost. “I wasn’t joking. I really want us to date, Livi.”

I was clenching my hands into a fist so hard, my skin turned white. “Please…please tell me you’re telling the truth,” I said, holding back the tears threatening to fall. My face was hot, my ears, my cheeks, my lips, everything. My heart was pounding out of my chest and soon I’m really going to pass out.

Caden turned the wheel to the right, driving the vehicle on the side of the road to stop. Pulling the handbrake, he turned to face me properly. “Have I ever lied to you, Livi?” he asked, looking straight into my eyes.

I did as well and mumbled with a pout, “yes, multiple times.”

He pulled out an amused smile before rolling his eyes. “Not this time,” he said. Reaching out for my face, he caressed my cheek and leaned closer. “Whenever I’m with you, I was always confused. I…want to lock you somewhere far away, somewhere people won’t be able to see you. I want you all to myself and I didn’t even know why.”

What he said had proofs. Caden had always been possessive and controlling of me. At first, I find it tedious, but I finally realized why he’d been acting like that.

“I’ve always liked you too,” I said, smiling confidently at Caden. All these years I had been hiding my love for him, scared that it could end our relationship. “I was so scared…you’ll hate me.”

Caden chuckled. “Why would I hate you?” he asked. “Ever since we were kids, you’re the only one that mattered to me, Livi.”

Oh God, was it possible for me to actually die from this? Caden’s actually confessing his love to me. If this was a dream, please don’t wake me up anymore. “I’m glad you came to like me too,” I said, leaning onto his palm and feeling his head radiating to me.

I didn’t care if we were both from a Mafia family. I didn’t care if there’s going to be a war between us or if dad and my brothers would be disappointed with me.

The only thing I cared about was Caden.

“Now,” he announced, smiling brightly at me, “let’s go? I’m sure you’re very hungry.”

I smiled back. “Okay!”

This is definitely the best day of my life.

Caden brought me to a restaurant. It appeared to be fancy based on the exterior of the building. The cozy vibe it’d been giving off thanks to the well-maintained garden out front was something that could attract customers in. Walking to the establishment, the waiter stationed at the podium greeted us almost immediately. He recognized Caden and was more than happy to assist us in our table. I briefly wondered how he knew him but remembering that the Vaccarinos had a vast amount of businesses not just in the underground world, I shouldn’t be surprised that Caden would be identified as one of the bosses.

The waiter smiled at me but quickly reattracted, seeing Caden’s warning glare aimed at the poor guy. “Do enjoy your evening, gentlemen,” he said nervously and with shaking hands, he handed us the restaurant menu.

I looked around to observe the place. Only a few people were eating, a sign that this place was exclusive. Either that or it’s just not doing good. But judging the men and women dining at the restaurant, I doubt it was the latter.

“I’ll order you steak, medium rare,” Caden informed while browsing the menu.

I wanted to look at the selection, but he had already chosen for me. I had no problem with what he ordered, I liked steak. After telling the waiter what we wanted for dinner, I relaxed on my seat. The classical music softly playing across the hall soothed my soul. If only there was a book that could accompany me, it’d be perfect.

“How’s the detention?” Caden asked to start a conversation while waiting for our food.

I shrugged my shoulders. “Boring. Dad hasn’t visited me yet. He’s busy with stuff.” Again.

“It’s my fault you were grounded.” I looked up to see the regret on Caden’s face.

“It wasn’t your fault!” I exclaimed. I decided to lie to him just to get to the party and be with Caden. “I-I’m sorry. It was my fault. I should have told the truth.”

His scowl deepened. “I also want to apologize for that.”

I blinked. “That?” What’s he talking about?

“When I said that do I need to like you to kiss you bullshit. It was really…stupid and douchey and dumb. I’m sorry.” Caden’s cheeks flushed a little and he lowered his head to hide it. “I was an asshole. Sorry.”

I laughed a little. I had never heard him apologize this much. “I was very upset that time too but at least we managed to clear the air.” The misunderstanding between us was a thing in the past.

“I was really nervous…and I got desperate to answer you when you asked why I kissed you.” Caden sighed, shaking his head in disappointment. “Very stupid.”

I wouldn’t lie, he hurt me big time when he said those words. But right now, it didn’t matter anymore. He wasn’t lying when he said he liked me. We’re finally going out as lovers…childhood lovers. What more could I ask?

Fiddling my thumbs, I shyly looked at Caden. I still couldn’t believe this was real. We’re out here on a date, acting like those perfect couple I had been reading in hundreds of romance books I borrowed from the library. If Yassy was here, I couldn’t even imagine the look on her face once she realized I’m going out with the person I had been in love with for years.

“Thanks for getting me out,” I said, my smile turning crooked as I find it hard to look at Caden for a long time. Was he always this handsome? His jewel-like eyes were practically shining! “Dad was acting very strange the past few days.”

“Strange?” Caden asked, his brow raised with interest. “How?”

“He’s been talking about how the Vaccarinos might be on the move to betray us.” I eyed Caden and continued. “We’re practically families. There’s no way you’d betray us, right?”

Caden chuckled. “That’s impossible. Dad is very loyal to the Saverios. And he treats you like his real son. There’s no way he’s going to do that.”

“That’s what I told Dad,” I said, nodding in agreement. “But I guess thinking like that is very normal when you’re in the Mafia, huh?” Trusting people was hard, what more if you belonged in an underground society? Dad must have been feeling the burden as one of the most powerful groups in the Mafia. Leading the Saverios to success, earning millions of money in a day, seizing territories and widening the group’s influence—dad had been handling the family for decades, it’s amazing.

Caden jolted. He took his phone vibrating in his pocket and answered the incoming call. “It’s a friend,” he said, smiling apologetically at me. “Do you mind if I—”

“No, it’s fine,” I said.

He stood up and walked out of the hall to talk to whoever was calling him. A friend, huh? It’s probably about work or something like that. Unlike me, Caden was expected to be the next leader of the Vaccarino group. They might not have been powerful like the Saverios, but they had pretty active since the very beginning. Their group continued to prosper along with my family. Only in a matter of time would they get past us. If that moment comes, what would dad do? Would uncle Dom allow that to happen? Or would he stay under the Saverios to preserve our family’s friendship?

It’s such a complicated situation and I didn’t want to think about that anymore. Caden already assured me that we could trust them. And I trust him.

A minute after and Caden came back. He sat in front of me, a strained smile pasted on his face. “Is something wrong?” I asked.

“I’m fine,” he quickly replied. “But we need to leave after we eat dinner. I’m sorry, Livi.”

“It’s okay,” I said, understanding why he needed to go soon. Besides, I had to go back as well. Dad wouldn’t be happy if he realized I’m disobeying him.

Our dinner was cut short, but I didn’t mind. Spending time with Caden, no matter how short it was very worth it. As promised, he drove me back home and brought me back to my room without alerting anyone in the house.

“I’ll see you tomorrow,” Caden said, kissing me on the forehead before flashing me his signature smile that could make anyone melt.

I touched my forehead, the sensation of his warm lips tingling me. “Y-yeah…see you.”

Everything would have gone well. I could have slept with a smile on my face after this day and remember all the sweet words Caden had said.

But no.

Of course, it wouldn’t be that easy.

Dad just had to barge in.

Fuck.

We’re so f****d.

“Livi?!” he screamed my name, his eyes wide open. “What are you—?” His gaze moved to where Caden was and he was horrified to see him in my room. “What the hell are you doing here, Caden?!”

Caden laughed nervously. “Hey, uncle. I was just…visiting Livi?”

“Did you leave the room, Livi?” dad asked, walking further inside my room. Guards were waiting outside.

I backed away, fearing for my life. Dad was angry, there’s no doubt about that. “I-I…dad, I can explain…!”

“Did you leave the f*****g room?” he asked again. His voice was like a roar and it was scaring me.

I didn’t know what to say. Should I lie? But if I lie, wouldn’t it just bring me more trouble? Not only me but Caden as well. “Dad, I—”

A heavy slap on the face stopped me from stammering. It strung. It really did. It wasn’t the same slap he gave me back when I lied about the party. He was fuming in anger and he wanted me hurt for it. Tears welled in my eyes, but I bit it back, afraid that it’d only make dad even angrier. “D-dad, I’m sorry! I left the room but only because—!”

“I thought you’d be a good influence on my son, Caden,” dad said, diverting his anger towards Caden who stood still beside me. “We talked about this, didn’t we?”

Caden’s hands closed to a fist. “Yes, we did, uncle. And you also promised not to hurt him.”

“Tell him this is your fault and I want you punished for it,” dad said, his face red from outrage. I had no clue what they were talking about, but I didn’t dare speak a word. My cheek was still stinging. “And as for you, I no longer allow you to get out of this room or this house for the rest of the month.”

I gasped. “Wait…dad!”

Dad’s eyes narrowed. “This will teach you not to disobey me again, Livio. And if I have to lock you up so you won’t be able to leave this place again, I will.” He turned his back on me and ordered his men to stand guard in front of my room. Two men came inside to escort Caden out.

I could only watch him in despair. This isn’t happening.

Caden stopped but before the guards could hold him down, he evaded them and walked back to me. “Hey!” they screamed but was ignored. Standing in front of me, he whispered in my ear. “Don’t worry, I’ll be back.”

I shuddered. His voice drastically changed and the air around him turned dangerous. “Caden, what—?”

“I’ll get you out of here. I promise.”

Ever since that day, dad’s behavior towards me turned even colder. He looked at me as if I was nothing but dirt and it hurt me so bad, painful than the slap he gave me before. I couldn’t understand why he was so angry about the fact that Caden was with me. Yes, I understand that I disobeyed him but was it a good reason enough to lock me in my room for a month? I always thought dad was a tolerant man. He didn’t let me join the group, he made me go to school like a normal kid, let me out like I wasn’t someone who belonged to a dangerous family…all those things served as evidence that dad cared for me. He might have not loved me like my brothers, but he’s always been accepting.

Was dad always this…scary?

Soon after, my bedroom turned into my prison. The guards stationed outside tripled. No one had visited me except for a maid who brought me my food. Every movement I had was reported to dad. One mistake and it’d be over for me.

“Yes, we did, uncle. And you also promised not to hurt him.”

I don’t understand. That conversation dad had with Caden, what did it mean? I had to know what they had been hiding from me.

For the sake of my sanity, I had to.