CHAPTER 5

It felt like I'd seen her before.

The aura that she was giving me was very familiar. In fact, it gave me the impression that we had already been introduced to each other before.

Both the quality of her voice and the look in her eyes left an indelible impression on me. Her reaction to me holding the gun to her head shocked me. She licked it and gave it a kiss. Her actions surprised me. It turned me on, and it wouldn't surprise me in the least if gunplay was something she enjoyed doing in her spare time. She had an aroma that reminded me of vanilla, and it was so alluring that I wished I could put myself into her completely.

Once, while she was sneaking around the gym, I saw her. My best friend and personal bodyguard, Zeke, was engaged in combat with me. I was only able to catch a short glance of her, but that was enough for me to recognize her tall stature.

"It's Connor! Get down here right away." I overheard my dad yelling at something. I heaved a sigh and then made my way downstairs to his office.

My grandfather, Conrad Zulueta, is a member of the Italian Mafia, and he has declared me as the heir to the family business. I've proven myself countless times, unlike my brother Christiano, who usually acts like a child. Sooner or later, he'll make me the don, and I've proven myself countless times. When I finally arrived at his office, I spotted the girl from earlier. Because of what she did earlier, I could not shake the memory of what she had done. I sat down after my grandfather signaled me.

"I asked you both to come over here because I want to get to know you better. It's been a while, and I'm hoping that you both remember one another, but just in case you don't, this is Connor, my son. This girl's name is Bora."

"Hello, Connor, my name is Bora," I said.

"You two have collaborated on projects in the past," Grandfather added.

She seemed startled and was staring at me with slightly widened eyes. I was, too; I hadn't seen her in person since we were both 13 years old. There were several occasions when we butted heads. She managed to get on my very last nerve, and as I had noticed before, her mouth was far larger than it was the last time we met. Even though she has a harsher attitude than before, I still find myself attracted to her.

Her eyes, which looked like honey, would not leave me alone. I extended my hand, and she did the same, and we shook one another's hands.

"Nice to see you again," she said with a gentle grin on her face, but I knew in my heart that she intended to suffocate me.

"Feeling's mutual love," I smirked as I slowly pulled back my hand. "She is going to be residing here in the meantime. It's her father's request, so we ask that you make her feel at home."

I showed my agreement by nodding, but inside, I wondered what she had done to earn her dad's permission to continue living here. We were given our dismissal after a short chat, and then we left.

When I was on my way to my room, I noticed that she was following me.

"Stop following me, pumpkin."

"I'm not. My room is right there." She pointed to the room that was directly opposite to mine.

Fuck.                    

"So what brings you to New York, love?"

"None of your business."

"It is if you live here."

"It doesn't matter."                      

"My dad kicked me out, basically."

"I saw that coming," I mumbled to myself.

"What did you say?" She asked, giving me a wide-eyed look, and began staring at me while furrowing her brow.

"I said I saw it coming." I advance toward her while she steps back.

"I don't care. Do you have any thoughts about why I am here?" She slammed me against the wall while giving me the evil eye.

Her eyes were showing signs of displeasure. That foul-mouthed attitude of hers always leads her into trouble.

But at that moment, my mind wandered. Her stunning honey eyes, her wavy, long hair, her tanned skin, her adorable perky tits, which she is also sporting, and, God, the way that she smells like vanilla and beans.

"I know, pumpkin. As fast as I can let you in, I can also take you out. So you better watch your mouth."

"Please, you didn't bring me in," she said. "Who gives a flying fuck if you're going to be the next boss because your dad already held that position? I just want you to know that I won't stand in front of you, treating me like one of your regular whores. Now, let me go to my room."

It made my blood boil. I was very irritated. I can't believe she thinks she can talk to me like that. It makes me so angry.

"You remain the same emotionless whore who disobeys her father and believes she controls the world."

"Pay attention to how you speak." As she shoved me off the wall, I spat at her and said, "I'm not your father, so don't think for a second that I will tolerate the disrespect."

"We could chat about anything that interests the both of us. Also, I'm not a whore. And because you're not my father, don't tell me how I can and can't talk." She shoved me towards the door, and just as she was about to shut it, I had another sight of her face before she slammed it shut.

 Bora

You are a jackass. When I arrived, he was a complete jerk for no apparent reason. You can question why I'm here, but fuck that.

I disregarded my thoughts and decided to go take a shower.

I changed into pajamas with a polka dot design. I also grabbed a pink top with a cropped long sleeve. Then I applied dry my hair.

Afterward, I went downstairs to the kitchen, where I saw a maid preparing the food. As I get closer, she spins around to face me.

"Oh my! You took me by surprise." She was clutching her chest and gasping for air.

"Sorry."

"Bora, my dearest, how are you doing? You are quite attractive." She rushes up to me and hugs me. Her strong French accent is clearly audible.

"Hi Catharina, I'm fine. And no, look at you. You're gorgeous." I reciprocate by hugging.

Catharina Zulueta. She is a very kind lady. When I used to come here to go on missions with, you know, she cared for me like her real daughter she never had and served as my other mother. This place felt like home to me. She is Conrad's sister, yet she raises Connor as if she were his own mother.

"Honey, you are so ridiculous. The years have made you seem very stunning. Please take a seat. I just finished preparing the meal. How are your parents doing?" She questioned me as she set the plates down in front of me.

"My mother is doing great as usual, and my father, well, you know."

She gives a slight nod before returning her attention to preparing the food. "How long are you here for, or do you live here?"

"Oh no. I have returned to my home in Italy. I have just arrived here for a visit. I will be leaving tomorrow." I gave a slight nod.

After eating, I asked her where the fitness center was. Because I am so lazy, the last time I went to the gym was quite some time ago. I walked upstairs, changed into black leggings and a sports bra, and put my hair in a bun before going to their fitness center or the gym.

I walk into the fitness center, and it is enormous. There was a boxing ring, boxing equipment, and the other standard amenities one would expect to find at a gym. I get up and go get myself some wraps and gloves. When I've finished putting on my wraps and gloves, the first thing I do to warm myself up is to start hitting the bag.

After pounding the bag for forty minutes, I removed my gloves and put them away. I noticed someone burying gazes in my back. When I turned around, I saw Connor sitting leaning against the wall.

"Stalker much?" I remove my wraps and walk over to a bench to sit down. "No, just admiring," he smirks as he pushes himself off the couch and walks towards me, but I reach my feet and move toward the exit instead.

"Lol. What exactly are you up to?" I turn around, and he is standing so close that I can smell his minty breath.

"Like I said, admiring," he smirked as he confined me to the wall. "How fake. What exactly are you up to?" I asked, attempting to escape the situation.

"Love, you're intimate with me, aren't you?" He mutters in my ear while simultaneously biting it, and I have to stifle a groan. I reached out and grabbed the doorknob.

"You're wrong, babe. You irritate me so much. Now, I hope you have a pleasant day." I smirk as I turn the doorknob and dash out of the room.