3

Iris Saint was stunned totally by what just took place between her and her new neighbor whom she knew nothing about. Either it could be call love at first sight or pure lust. She knew vividly well that he felt whatever it is too. He wouldn't have ran out that way if he hadn't.

Iris set the table beautiful and lighted the dinning room. Thanks to her Italian neighbor, she wouldn't be eating alone tonight after many years of loneliness. After getting everything ready, she took a quick shower and dressed up in a short simple dress, scolding herself for not possessing something more clingy and seductive. Anyway the one she had on will do.

She combed her hair throughly and pulled out some strands to make a few bangs. With face devoid of make up but only light lips stick she headed towards Maximo's apartment.

After knocking for couples of time without receiving response she pushed open the door and luckily for her the door was unlock. Iris took a walk into the tidy living room, nodding in acknowledgment at the neatness of the fine man. Suddenly she stopped abruptly when she saw him standing over the window, staring out. He was smoking the last cigarettes of the pack. Multiple of cigarettes butts was left in the cigarettes receptacle container that was beside him. He seem lost in thought that he failed to notice her presence.

" I heard smoking cigarettes is bad for the health especially when it is so much " She said gently, trying to get his attention. Maximo stopped midway from puffing. He turn slowly towards Iris and sigh.

" I have been smoking cigarettes even before I learn how to speak. I doubted if it would do me any harms by now "

Iris suddenly laughed heartily at his words. " You are kidding, how would you be smoking when you're just a baby? "

Maximo didn't mean his words as a joke because it is the Truth. His father, the former Mafia Boss had taught him a lot even when he was just a toddler. He smiles softly at Iris, wondering why she seem so much beautiful and well rested now that she had changed her dress.

Awkward silence stretched between them and tensed air suddenly build itself.

" The food is ready, I'm ... I'm here to tell you that " She stuttered breaking the silence as she become uncomfortable under his intensed dark gaze.

Maximo didn't feel like eating anymore. After smoking all the cigarettes in one pack , he felt somehow sleepy and tired. It has been a long day for him and He never thought he would be in new York at the end of the day, being invited to dinner by someone whom he plan to use as bait.

" I would be right behind you " He said softly and iris offered him a sincere smile before walking out to tidy up something that doesn't need anything. She was aware of her heart tinging for unexplainable joy. She knew why she was feeling that way but she's not just ready to admit it.

It can't be call love. It's too sudden. She thought.

About twenty minutes pass since Iris sat down waiting for Maximo to arrive but he didn't show up. Just as she was loosing hope, thinking she has been ahead of herself.

Who am I to think a classic man like that would eat in my poor home? She thought bitterly to herself. Maximo's absence brought tears in her eyes, making her heart bleed.

Just when she was wondering why she is crying for a man she only met just about two hours ago, a firm knock came through her door. For some seconds she couldn't move as she wanted to be sure if it isn't an imagination. The knock came again and this time more firmer.

Swiftly Iris rose from her seat and dash towards the door. She took a couple of breathe while smoothing her dress before opening the door for Maximo to enter. The Italian Mafia Boss stride into the room and stop to steady his breath.

Iris couldn't seem to take her eyes off him. He was dressed in an expensive white shirt and jean. His hair was neat and styled backwards. Iris caught a glimpse of his solid chest as he left some few buttons undone. He was breathtakingly captivating, alluring, gallant and sensuous.

Staring at eachother, Maximo saw iris's stained tears face before she managed to lowered her head.

" Were you crying? " He suddenly asked confusedly.

" Ah.. I ... Uh was carried away a little bit " She started, thinking Maximo would walk into the dinning room already but no, he seem interested in her words than any other thing. This act only aroused Iris the more. She Felt precious and fragile because his gaze was making her feel so. " I was sad thinking you won't come " She finished abruptly , avoiding to look at him by dropping her eyelids.

Maximo walk towards her after some minutes. He couldn't believe her word at First. Did she love him already? Has his charm work it's wonder already? Somehow, deep down in Maximo he knew iris wasn't the type of lady he should be messing with. According to her name iris Saint. She is a Saint, someone who had lost all in her life , living a boring poor life is a bitter torture to some people. He reached out to graze her cheek with his thumb and forefinger. Lifting her head up with it so their eyes would meet.

" mi dispiace bello " He whispers softly in Italian. Iris heard his words and smile despite the fact that she doesn't know it's meaning. It only add to her heartbeat racing.

" Care to translate? " She asked softly.

" I'm sorry beautiful " He replied easily. He bent down , against his will and place a light kiss on her hair and pulled back " It mean I'm sorry beautiful "

He then left her standing, left her heart tinging for an unfamiliar feelings call love and walk into the dinning room where he sat on a chair staring down at the dish before him. He bit his lower lips for some seconds, thinking about the food before him. It doesn't look like anything rich as the one his numerous maids always cook for him but he knew this one right there was prepared with much love and care. That alone delighted him and restore his lost appetite.

Iris arrived minutes later and lowered herself across him. Okay! Done, let's dig in. Maximo thought but suddenly Iris said.

" Let's pray "

" What? " Maximo asked. He didn't even bother to hide the surprise in his face and voice. He had never been the praying type. Never indulge in anything that has to do with religion. Iris Saint didn't wait for his response before she clasped his hand in hers and shut her eyes.

Iris started praying , waiting for Maximo to respond with " Amen " but the answer never came so she took that upon herself too as she makes the prayer. All through the time she closed her eyes, Maximo was there staring at her, her lips, her face and her belief. He felt strange and somehow uncomfortable.

I shouldn't be here. He thought to himself.

Maximo had thought Iris whom Konstantin love would be one of those shrewd lady who has nothing to show for their waywardness but for the first time he was wrong. Here is the iris Konstantin had love and the same woman who had started growing on him just within two hours of meeting her physically.

What is this? Love? It can't be.

They started eating their meals. Maximo isn't much of a eater so he left his food almost untouched as he was busy staring at iris who gulped down every morsel happily.

Maximo had never been fascinated by someone like Iris ever before. His taste in woman ran to women with sweet words but Iris isn't the type, he had love women with black hair but iris's hair was of chestnut color, he had love elegant women but Iris isn't none either so why is his heartbeat drumming in his ear just by seeing her smile?

It is a peaceful dinner, silent but undoubtedly peaceful so when iris's cellphone rang out the latter was confused.

Maximo was quick to notice the frown and fear on her face when she stare at the screen of her phone to check the caller. No doubt, he caught her fingers shaking when she answered the call.

" Please excuse me " She begged Maximo softly and the latter nodded.

Iris stood up and walk into her bedroom to answer the call , arousing Maximo's suspiciousness. Whoever had called isn't a friend. He thought.

The food became sour in his mouth after iris left to pick her call so he drops the cutlery and waited for her to return but she seem to be taking forever. Maximo sat for another many minutes without iris showing up.

What is wrong? He thought to himself. Giving in to his curiousity and tired of waiting, Maximo stood up and walk towards iris's room to check on her.

" Iris? " He called softly so he could alert her that he's on his way but no one replies. He frowned in confusion as he neared the room but he didn't hear anything. Something is definitely off. He thought to himself.

Swiftly he dashed into iris's bedroom. Air left his lung when he saw her sprawl on the floor, gasping for air.

Cardiac arrest! He thought to himself in horror.

Maximo swiftly went towards Iris and lifted her up by securing a hand at the back of her neck and the other at the back of her knees. He lifted her up as though she weigh nothing less than zero pounds and headed for the shower. Luckily she had a bathtub unlike him. He pulled off her dress , panties and bra then placed her inside the bathtub carefully while filling it with cold water. This , he did swiftly, rushing and breathing hard as though his life depends on it.

Minutes pass very slowly, making it an eternity for Maximo Santino, the Italian Mafia Boss who seem to have fallen for a random normal lady.

Finally Iris breathing seem even and she relaxed completely. Maximo tidy her up and carried her into the bed where he covered her body with the bed coverlet, allowing her to fall asleep.

He stood staring at her white, pale face for a while wondering what has caused the shock and how many disease a fine innocent lady like Iris must possibly possessed.

The cellphone. Maximo thought suddenly.

He turned towards the cellphone that was on the floor and he swiftly picked it up. Going through it , a dry smile curled up at the corner of his lips.

Konstantin! The caller ID provided. Konstantin had called Iris, probably threaten her or something and she had fainted.

This will do for today. Maximo thought. He turn towards Iris who was sleeping peacefully and he sighed.

I need to rest too, if I don't want to collapse at anytime. He turned towards the door but iris's weak voice stop him from walking out.

" Max... Max "

She is the very first person who had address her as Max. Everyone called him boss while some would call him Maximo. Her weak voice melted his heart somehow and he , again throw caution to the wind. She seem so much vulnerable to him and his heart doesn't wish to leave her for any moment. Peering closely he noticed she was crying. Was that even possible? For one to cry when asleep?

Ask Iris that question when she wakes up and you will get your answer my sadistic mafia Boss. His heart told him. She alone knew what she had passed through with no one by her side.

Slowly Maximo walk towards the bed and sat down at the edge. He reached out and wipe away iris's tears with his thumb then he sit back and watch her beautiful pale face till dawn.