Chapter 1

(Present day)

Mia.

The deep brown eyes are like piercing daggers.

It's like he is staring right into my soul and for a reason unknown to me, I find it intimidating.

Damn, I rule over men who are more dangerous than anyone can guess. But this single man has my palms sweating. To make the matter worse, I can't look away from him either.

As my body slowly moves to the loud hip-hop beat, my heart intensely palpitates with anxiety.

I have never felt self-conscious when dancing nor found any man appealing to my eyes. But him.

The cute stranger is harshly biting on his lower lip as he stares at me like it will hurt to look away.

Who is he?

He is a bit older than me. The same age as Alessio if I'm not wrong. The white shirt he is wearing has its arms folded showing thick and veiny arms. He is wearing a Gucci golden watch on his right hand, and a silver bracelet on the other.

The three top buttons of the shirt are undone, allowing me to peek at his clean chest, with only a gold chain hanging low.

His black slacks are a bit tight making his physique appear enchanting. I can see why women around are going crazy over him. They are trying so hard to get noticed but it appears his attention is on someone else . Me.

I think if something is good, it deserves praise, and this man is good.

He looks strong, the kind of a body you will want to be engulfed with or wake up to every morning. A body that spends enough hours in the gym.

I'm envious of his long hair. It looks radiant and well-kept. No doubt it will feel so damn soft on my fingers.

Damn, Mia focus. I'm sure he is used to being stared at by the females all the time.

What is even wrong with me?

I'm behaving like it's the first time I'm laying my eyes on a man.

Well, he is the first male to catch my interest, so no one should judge me.

I know in this world, I'm not allowed to admire anyone though. It's highly risky and not recommended.

It's a weakness I shouldn't let devour me. But also, a human heart is weak as it is. It makes the strongest fall without a fight. So with a cautious mind, I slowly exit the dancing floor.

I know if I stay, I will continue having the crazy unwanted thoughts. Distracting thoughts.

"How was work? " He asks as soon as I enter the living room, but his eyes don't waver from the window. He is still in the same place I left him four hours ago.

"Same old same old" I mumble as I walk to him and place my hands on his shoulders. He likes my massages, and I don't fail to offer them at every chance I get.

Anything to make him happy.

"A cute guy was at our club today"An involuntary smile stretches on my lips when I remember those deep brown eyes. They were so beautiful and I was scared they would pull me in.

I had to run.

"Mmh, that is a first" he teasingly chuckles and lifts his head to look at me.

"So when am I meeting this cute guy? " he gestures 'cute' in quotations, and my face burns in embarrassment. The amusement on his face proves my skin turned a pink shade of blush.

This is the part where I hate my complexion.

"We didn't talk, I left" The disappointment I am feeling is so incredible. It was just a mere crush anyway.

My first crush.

Wait, how did Alessio know him? I know all of his friends. Especially his second in command. The guy always stares at me with heart eyes and I find it creepy. He doesn't even hide what he feels for me. It's a pity because I feel nothing for him.

"Baby, I keep telling you, if you like something, go for it. Don't ever let any chance slip away from you. I have never seen you smile so real like you just did right now, he sure got your attention did he?" he observes with a laugh and I reluctantly nod.

No way Im chasing after a man, despite how appealing he appears. What if I'm not his type? It's only right for a guy to make the first approach. Also, I'm so inexperienced. I would embarrass myself so badly if I tried.

"Did you find anything? " He breaks through my thoughts again, and I sigh looking outside the window, where his gaze has been lingering since the moment I walked in. I have never disappointed him but I'm scared I'm about to.

"No. Everyone seems to be careful" I defeatedly whisper.

"You should be a careful princess. Remember, no one is your friend. Those you trust the most are the ones to easily bring you down. Be vigilant, and have enough trust in yourself. You can do so much more than you imagine baby, you make me so proud every minute" his words always warm my heart, and they make it swell with pride.

He is my only person. The only person that makes this life bearable. The reason I push harder every day.

Every time I'm with him, he makes me understand that I don't have to be a man or 40 years old to run a mafia.

This person always reminds me that I'm capable, and I trust his words because he never lies. My only goal is to make him proud and I live to do that.

He is the only person I will go to any lengths for. The only thing that I don't joke with.

"I love you so much" I mumble kissing his hair and he gives me that cheeky smile that he only preserves for me.

"I love you more baby," he says back and I lay my chin on his head. Together, we silently stare at the setting sun.

Content that we find solace in each other.

But,

For how much longer?

Please stay. Don't go.

I silently pray placing another haste kiss on his temple.