SEVENTY-NINE

OLIVER

When I woke up the next morning, I saw Ellen sleeping soundly beside me, her head on my chest. I thought I dreamt the whole of last night, but it turned out I did not. I finally got it out. I told her that I loved her last night. Although she said she wanted to take things slow, like digest the whole Mafia thing. She was not sure it was the kind of life she wanted for herself.

I will try my possible best to keep my work away from our love life if this ever works out between us. I wanted it to work, I really do. I kissed the top of her hair and she stirred but did not wake up. I gently climbed down from the bed. However, I still do not trust her to stay back. This might be a tactic to leave again. Get me to loosen my grip on her and then she takes off again.

I was not going to hold her hostage anymore, like not letting her step out of the house any longer, but I will do my best to watch her every move. I went into the shower and washed up. I had to sign some de