MasukCellie’s povWe stared at each other, the silence stretched and loud and crammed the car, making it infinitely smaller. I couldn’t even bring myself to blink, every muscle and bone in my body was frozen in time.“I love you, bambina.” Demetrio said again.Shut the front door.My body functions resumed chaotiCellie like a gear that had been inactive for years, my heart pumping wildly and my lungs full of air.I began to shake my head. “No, that’s- that’s not right. Made men don’t fall in love. You said it yourself; only duty matters in your world.”Demetrio’s thumb was caressing my jawline. “Apparently I was wrong.” He said, his tone as gentle as his touch. “Which is humbling because I’m never wrong”I didn’t laugh at the obvious joke, I was not in the mood for jokes. I didn’t even know what I was feeling at the moment. My head was clogged with swirling thoughts, my heart squeezing with fear and expanding with joy.It was a mess.This was something I’d dreamed of since the moment I rea
Cellie’s povThe dark delight I was feeling died a fast death the moment I walked up to Diana’s apartment building and saw a couple men in black lining the entrance, three black cars parked not far off. My muscles tensed up and my first instinct was to turn around and make my escape.I bumped into a hard chest.“Easy there, Cinderella.” Santino said, catching me when I fell back. He steadied my footing before releasing me. “Trying to make your escape again?”I put some space between us, my eyes narrowing. “Were you sent to kidnap me?”“Kidnap is a strong choice of word,” he clutched his pearls. “You wound me.”I gave him a dry look that conveyed my skepticism.He grinned. “Fortunately, no. I’d hate to do it since we’re buddies and all.”Funny ’cause I’ve only met the guy one time and just recently.I folded my arm, ignoring the deranged pang of hurt that Demetrio hadn’t sent him to get me. “Why else are you here then?”“You won’t believe it,” his eyes lit up with a twisted kind of exc
Dominic and I stood hands in pockets on the port, waiting in silence for my latest drug shipment to dock, the sea waves clashing gently into the quiet.The shipment was oriGeorgianally supposed to be Alesky’s but since I defeated the Polish fucker, I’d taken over their cargo, territory and route control. All of West coast now paid dues to me to distribute their cargos to the final consumers.I’d never forget the expression the dipshit had when I informed him of my takeover. It was priceless. I was glad I kept him alive so far to witness his complete downfall. Maybe one of these days, I’d finally get send him to where he rightfully belongs; hell.I’d let him and that bastard Rocco breathe oxygen for too long.“I heard you got dumped.” Dominic suddenly broke the much enjoyed silence.“Not in the mood, Dom.” I drawled.He went ahead and ignored the clear warning in my voice. “Maybe it’s for the best.”I pinned him with a death glare. “What’s that supposed to mean?”He returned my gaze. “
Cellie’s pov“Cellie? What are you…” Diana trailed off, eyeing my shivering form and slung duffel bag.“Can I come in? It’s freezing out here.”She stepped away from her apartment door so I could come in. I hurried inside, heaving a deep sigh at the instant warmth of the place.“What’s going on? Why are you here? Is that tears on your cheek? Did you cry?”The girl was ever concerned. I took in her silk night robe, instantly hit with the guilt of waking her up from sleep.“Could I get a glass of water first? I’m thirsty as fuck.”Diana hesitated for a brief second before shaking off her bewilderment. “Oh… sure. Um… make yourself comfortable in the living room while I fetch you the glass.”“Thank you, Dee.” I said after her.I got comfy in her cozy living room, taking in the feminine space. Diana was the pink aesthetic type of girl and I could tell she was obsessed with succulents from the many cute cacti pots decorating her shelves, coffee table and window sill.There were wall arts of
Cellie’s povI didn’t know where I was going, had no idea where I was. All I had was one desire and it was to put a considerable amount of distance between myself and the dinner happening on the patio.Demetrio is marrying Valentina, Demetrio is marrying Valentina, Demetrio is marrying Valentina. The realization resounded so loudly in my brain I wanted to claw it off. A steel band was winched tightly around my heart, squeezing it into nothingness.I quickened my steps, basiCellie sprinting my way through until I landed in a familiar hallway. I slipped into the library, slamming the door shut before slipping to the ground as huge sobs broke out of me.I clutched at my chest, feeling physical pain, feeling my heart wrench and break into tiny pieces. The last time I felt this way was when I watched my father die before my eyes. That shattering, cloying pain of loss.I’d mourned my father then but now I mourned my heart.I wanted to scream my lungs out but my body felt numb and heavy like
Cellie’s pov“What’s this?” I stared at the multiple clothing racks all filled with clothes being trolleyed into the room by a few female staff I’ve never met before.My eyes shot to Demetrio, full of questions.He avoided my eyes when he said, “They’re all yours.”I must have been gawking at him because he added defensively, “you don’t have to keep them if you don’t want to. Just pick something you’d wear to the welcome party.”His words sounded snappy and there was a slight scowl on his face but I found him cute. Never thought I’d be using such a word to describe the man but here we are.I was suddenly in the mood to tease him. “But you said they were all mine.”He shot me a side eye. “I did. But you get to decide.”I canted my head, my lips drawing back in a teasing smile. “Demetrio DeLeon understanding choice? Is the world ending?”My words earned me a dirty look.“Well since it’s your natural instinct to reject anything and everything I give you, I figured I’ll give you a choice







