Chapter 3

Michal’s POV

“Michal, where the hell are you?” he shouted, his words cutting through the stillness of the house. It was clear that something was amiss, and Sebastian wasn’t one to overreact without reason. 

“We need to go get my sister. She and her friend Sabrina snuck out to a party again. We have to retrieve them before Dad gets wind of it.”

His footsteps pounded against the hardwood floors, a rhythmic reminder of the haste required.

I quickly set aside whatever mundane task had previously occupied me, realizing that this was a call to action. “Alright dude, where is she?” I inquired, my curiosity piqued as I stepped out from the kitchen into the hallway, my thoughts already racing ahead. 

Sebastian, his expression a mix of frustration and resolve, motioned for me to follow. "Come on, I’ll drive." His impatience was palpable, yet I couldn’t help but notice the underlying worry in his demeanor. 

As we hurried toward the door, he murmured, “I swear I’m going to spank Shelly till her ass is red for this.” It was almost comical, his attempt at frustration obscured by the obvious affection he held for her. 

I couldn’t help but chuckle at his hollow threat. We both knew that deep down, he wouldn’t dare lay a finger on Shelly; he adored her too much. Their bond went beyond the simple label of step-siblings; it was clear his love extended far deeper.

Sebastian is absolutely and utterly in love with his stepsister, a deep, complicated emotion that intertwines with his daily thoughts and actions. 

However, he's grappling with an overpowering fear of doing anything rash that might alter or damage the special bond they share. This deep-rooted fear stems from the uncertainty of how his feelings could change everything between them. 

Consequently, he decides to keep his emotions bottled up inside, never revealing his true feelings to Shelly. Instead, he confides in me, as we've been best friends ever since we both joined the Mafia many years ago. 

Our lives have always been intertwined, and sharing such a significant secret is a testament to the strength of our friendship.

Sebastian's connection to the Mafia runs deep, as his father was the formidable Mafia boss of the east coast until the day he tragically passed away.

 The mantle of leadership and all the associated responsibilities were handed down to Sebastian, placing a heavy burden on his shoulders. In accepting his new role as the boss, it also appointed me as his second in command.

 Our bond and trust became even more robust through this transition, as we navigated the dangerous waters of the Mafia world together.

During this period of transition, Sebastian's life became even more complex. His father had remarried Shelly's mother, and through this union, Shelly entered Sebastian's life. 

Shelly quickly became an integral part of Sebastian's world, capturing his heart and making a permanent place for herself. Her presence was like a light in his life, adding warmth and meaning to his otherwise turbulent existence.

The dynamic between Sebastian, Shelly, and the Mafia paints a picture of a man caught between duty, loyalty, and the yearning of forbidden love.

His silent admiration for Shelly remains unspoken, a beautiful yet painful sentiment that resides quietly beneath the surface.

 Meanwhile, his loyalty to the Mafia and the responsibility of leading weigh heavily on him, creating a complex interplay of personal desires and obligations.

It's a life of secrecy and longing, where each decision has the potential to alter destinies irrevocably.

And me? I was more than content to be along for the ride. The prospect of encountering Shelly’s friend, Sabrina, was an added bonus. 

Sabrina was stunning, with a captivating allure that made it difficult to think clearly whenever she was around. The chance to see her, to perhaps make a connection, sent a thrill down my spine.

 I couldn’t resist imagining the possibilities that lay ahead. Being in her presence was exhilarating, and I eagerly anticipated the moments when I could get to know her better. 

Pulling up to the house party, the night is already pulsing with music and shouts, the energy palpable even from the driveway. 

Sebastian and I immediately spot Shelly’s car parked haphazardly on the lawn, a telltale sign of her enthusiastic arrival. 

Sebastian shakes his head, a familiar exasperation lacing his voice. “That damn brat,” he mutters, though his eyes hold that protective warmth.

I chuckle at his reaction. “Come on, man. Let’s go get the girls before that sister of yours stirs up some chaos you have to clean up afterward. We both know how she gets with a few drinks in her.”

We step out of the car with a certain urgency, feet crunching against the gravel as we make our way to the front door, music and laughter growing louder with each step. 

The moment we cross the threshold, the party's atmospheric chaos envelops us. People weave about in a blur of color and noise, but Sebastian's eyes are laser-focused, quickly spotting Shelly amidst the crowd. 

Meanwhile, my gaze is drawn to a captivating vision of blonde hair and vivid blue eyes, a sight so familiar yet eternally mesmerizing. 

Sabrina is currently in a precarious position, being held upside down, hands gripping the keg, as some random guy supports her legs. 

My blood temperature rises immediately, turning the pounding music into a war drum in my ears. What the hell? That boy’s about to find himself in trouble he never saw coming because no one, absolutely no one, touches my girl.

My steps are fueled with intention, ready to intervene, but Sebastian halts me with a steady hand on my arm. His finger follows my line of sight before he smirks and nods toward the women. “There they are. Let’s snag them before they try to escape.”

His words act like a leash on my brewing irritation. I nod, focusing on the task at hand. We maneuver through the crowd, weaving between bodies to reach them.

 By the time we get close, Sabrina is back on her feet, laughing and stumbling slightly as Shelly whispers hurriedly to her. 

The moment they spot us, Shelly's eyes widen and they've been caught. Her instincts kick in, and she seizes Sabrina's arm, giggling as they bolt toward what looks like the kitchen.

Sebastian's tactical instincts fire up immediately, years in the Mafia honing his ability to anticipate and react. “Michael,” he commands, eyes sharp and alert, “you follow them. I’ll hit the back door and cut them off.”

The night leaps into motion as I nod, adrenaline igniting my steps. We break apart in synchronized precision, each of us taking our assigned path through the party. 

The hunt is on, and within the swirling chaos of music and movement, it's just another thrilling chapter in our bond's ongoing saga.

I make it to the kitchen just in time for Shelly to open the door but it’s too late Sebastian beats her to it and grabs her quickly hoisting her up over his shoulder while she attempts to squirm and break free until Sebastian’s hand lands hard on her ass making her still suddenly. 

“Ouch Sebastian that hurt you dickhead. Put me down right now.” Shelly insists but it falls on deaf door as Sebastian ignores her. 

As I watch Sabrina turn around quickly, her eyes darting around in a desperate attempt to find another escape route, she seems determined to get away. 

Her steps are hurried, her breath slightly uneven with the thrill of the chase. But instead of finding freedom, she runs directly into my chest, halting her escape attempt abruptly.

The moment of impact leaves her a bit disoriented, and as I swiftly wrap my arms around her to prevent any further escape attempts, her eyes meet mine. 

For a brief second, surprise and confusion flicker across her face until she regains her composure and looks up at me. With a resigned yet fiery expression, she simply mutters, “Well, fuck,” her voice carrying a mix of frustration and amusement.

Following Sebastian’s lead, who had earlier swiftly neutralized Shelly’s escape attempt, I hoist Sabrina over my shoulder. Her form fits securely against me, but her initial resistance is palpable. 

To ensure she doesn’t wriggle her way out and try once more to make a break for it, I give a firm smack to her backside. Instantly, she stills, perhaps more in surprise than compliance.

Being this close, I can’t help but notice the unique scent that clings to her, a personal fragrance that’s unmistakably hers. 

The smell of her shampoo is rich and enticing, a delightful blend of sweet vanilla and exotic pomegranate, intertwined with a subtle undertone of the alcohol from the night’s festivities. It’s a striking combination, leaving a lingering impression in my senses.