10

CLEOPATRA

We were getting too close. I rewind the crazy moment with him, my chest shuddered. I was treading on a dangerous path. I was getting tangled with a world I don't understand. I should take the reins before I get hurt.

His brows snapped together. He rose to full length.

My chest betrayed me. My chest skittered. Heat curled around me. I bet he could see the desires flickering to life in my eyes.

I wanted to push him away but my body wanted otherwise.

“What is going on with you, Cleo?"

“Cleopatra.." I stood up, quivering with indignation. Not at him but myself for trying to deny my heart its longing.

“I will be back. I think you need to rest," He jammed his hands in his pockets with a hard set jaw.

He turned around and stormed out.

I collapsed back on the bed and let out all the bottled up rage. I laid on the bed letting my tears fall freely for longing for the wrong person. For letting myself get carried away with his huge masculinity.

Those seven days he never visited made me burn with longing and fear at the same time. I was in the wrong place and at the wrong time.

I will do whatever he asks for and leave at once.

"Hey, Cleopatra,” A voice called with a gasp following.

Two firm hands gripped my shoulders and pulled me up from my sombre state.

“What is it? Did anyone say something?" Adelina asked, curiously coated in her voice.

I waved my head and hugged her rather letting myself slump more into tears.

“Was it the Boss, Rossetti?"

I shook my head and sniffled in, I dabbed my eyes clean with my thumb, "It was Valentine.”

"Valentine? What… What did he do?" Adelina cocked her head sideways trying to get a peek at my face.

“Why can't I leave?" I blurted, looked up to her with reddened eyes.

Surprisingly, her lips jutted in a smile.

“Leave? That is out of question, Cleopatra. Do you know where you are?" She rubbed her hands together and sat next to me

I waved and looked askance at her.

She inclined her head to my ears and whispered, "Don't tell the brothers, okay?”

I nodded, drew a sharp breath and willed myself for a little chitchat.

"Have you ever heard of the Corenza family?” Her eyes glinted as she spoke in a low tone.

I waved but then I quickly recalled, I had heard my uncle talk about the family. According to him, they were notorious men who made their money through the sales of firearms, assassination and illegal gambling.

My eyes widened in realization when she threw a cocky grin at me.

“But we are not as bad as people say. Valentine isn't at least," she tittered.

"I found out the man that owned you was Don Rossini,” My eyes widened at the revelation, I pressed my hands to my chins. A cold flush course through me.

I knew Don Rossini. I have heard of him but never seen him up close.

"I think he is protecting you,” Adelina stated.

Obviously.

"Not from his brother this time. But from Don Rossini,” She cut through my thoughts.

"What? He doesn't work for him?”

"No. They are rivals.”

I bobbed my head in understanding. Valentine was trying to keep me safe from that man, Don Rossini.

Adelina's face had wrinkles and she averted her gaze looking unsettled, “But, then I am trying to find out why he is protecting you?" Her voice sounded distant.

"There must be a reason, right?” She mumbled out loud and turned to me. Her eyes glowered with something fierce and deadly.

I froze. My breath stilled. My toes curl. My blood ran cold at her deadly gaze, “Is… Is there a pro… problem?”

The corners of her eyes crinkled, she flashed a smile, "No problem, Cleopatra. You don't deserve to be here.”

She scooted closer. I jolted upright.

"I can help you escape tonight.”

Warmth filled my chest. My eyes sparkled, “Really?"

She nodded and rose up, “Just a tiny favour," She winked.

I jumped to my feet and drew her into an embrace. I embraced her warmly, “Thank you very much."

We disengaged from the hug. She stroked my hair with a smile covering her face.

“See you tonight. And, make sure no one knows about this," She whistled again.

“Sure, Adelina," I beamed.

The door burst open. Our eyes flew to the door. Valentine stood at the door, flames of anger shot through his eyes.

He shot Adelina a once over and looked at me. My knees turned to water. My body sizzled under his intense gaze.

"Why are you here?” He thundered and loomed closer to us.

My feet dragged slowly backwards. Adelina stood her ground, she flashed a wide toothy grin, “I was just having a chit chat with Cleo…"

His solid hands gripped the rest of the words in her throat. His hold around her neck became tighter that her eyes rolled back.

My breath quickened, “Valentine.."

He shot me a glare and my lips snapped shut. He held her neck aggressively, his forehead throbbed in rage. He jerked her off the ground and slammed her hard against the wall.

Adelina let out a groan. I gasped, my eyes dilated. I ran to her sides and helped her up.

“Stay away from her!!" He warned sternly, glazing at us.

It felt like he was talking to me but Adelina had her eyes on him. She held her neck, her eyes were red as she coughed hard. I rubbed her back.

A thud fell on the room. "Pack up,” He ordered and turned his back against us.

My chest jittered. I looked down at Adelina, she looked as confused as me.

“Get up, Cleopatra and start packing!!" He yelled.

I rose to my feet and picked the bag. I walked into my closet and gathered the clothes he had bought for me. Adelina managed to get on her feet. I entered the bathroom to take my toiletries.

"Don't try anything nasty around her,” I heard Valentine's voice. I hung around the door, inched my ears close to the door.

Adelina chuckled, "Do you think I am that evil?” She retorted.

"My thoughts don't matter here. I trust no one,” Valentine said with possessiveness in his tone.

"Why do you keep her? She isn't even good enough to be saved,” Adelina sneered with a snort.

My chest burst open in raw pain hearing Adelina's comment about me. I opened the door and walked out. Both parties turned away from each other. Valentine combed his hands through his hair. Adelina sighed.

I packed up. Adelina's words kept ringing in my head. I couldn't just let it slide.

I marched over to her. “Adelina…"

She turned to me. I flashed her a sweet smile.

I saw Valentine move a foot through my peripheral vision, “I would like to speak to her," I flashed him an airy smile.

I caught her rolling her eyes.

"What?” She sassed.

"I don't know what Valentine is planning but…” My hands swung hard against her face. My wrist contracted at the impact.

She gasped. Her face shone red. It was as though I was staring right into the devil's eyes. I can't believe I had almost trusted her words.

“How….”

I did it again. I slapped her again for the second time.