Все главы Lethal Business: The Mafia's love game : Глава 21 - Глава 30

Xavier As I walked the stairs, my footsteps echoed through the house. Mateo was outside gathering the other men. Arturo is not going to know what hit him. I enter the kitchen to get an apple. It's busy as usual, my kitchen is a hub of activity, it's always chaotic.With over two dozen men living on the estate, mealtime is a logistical challenge. All I can hear is indistinct conversation, clinking dishes, and sizzling pans.The kitchen staff worked in tandem, it was like a well-oiled machine. I wonder how they navigate through this crowded space with ease. It's worse today because we have an event tomorrow. The sound of pots simmer on the stovetop, people chopping vegetables, others expertly flip pancakes, eggs, and bacon on the griddle. I can never get used to this. As a child I struggled with over stimulation. I hate when people talk over the television, or clink their pens or even tap their feet on the floor. Maybe it was because of the type of household I grew up in. My fathe

Ariana The bathtub is huge, so big that we both fit and there's still space for another person. Xavier's hands gently wrap around mine, guiding them to the soft sponge. His touch sends shivers down my spine, but I try to relax, letting him lead.He begins to scrub my skin, inch by inch. His fingers dance across my arms, shoulders, and back, washing away the tension. The gentle circles soothe my muscles, melting the knots.I close my eyes, letting the warmth seep into my pores. As my mind wrestles with the conflicting emotions. This was the man who murdered someone in cold blood, now he's taking a bath with me like nothing ever happened. I feel a lump form in my throat, but I swallow hard, letting the emotions simmer.I breathe deeply, feeling the weight lift. Xavier's hands pause, sensing my change. He looks at me, his eyes searching. I meet his gaze, and for an instant.The silence is thick, but it's no longer oppressive. I feel the burning in my body begin to subside, replaced by

XavierI watched Ariana try to walk away from me, her hips swaying with an attitude that only fueled my fire. Who did she think she was, walking out on me like that? Didn't she know who I was? The Don. The one who commanded respect.My eyes narrowed, my jaw clenched. I couldn't let her get away with this. I needed to show her, to prove to her that I wasn't someone to be trifled with.I stepped forward easily catching up to her. "Ariana," I warned. My voice was laced with warning. She didn't stop, didn't even flinch. That only added to my irritation.I reached out, my hand closing around neck spinning her back to face me. Her eyes flashed with defiance, but I saw the faintest glimmer of fear beneath.Good. She should be afraid."You think you can just walk away from me?" I asked, my voice dripping with disdain. "You think you can disrespect me like that?"Ariana's gaze met mine, her chin lifted. "I'm not afraid of you, Xavier."I smiled, a cold, calculated smile. "You should be."I pu

Xavier I gaze at Ariana, my heart skipping a beat. I stand, lifting her with me.Her puppy dog eyes sparkle. "Sorry about the carpet."My expression turns serious. "Never say sorry to me, Ariana. Not for this." I cup her face, my thumb tracing her lips.I grin mischievously. "Someone will take the carpet away, but hopefully, they don't ask what the stain is."Ariana giggles, her cheeks flushing.I tighten my arms around her. "You're mine, stains and all."I carry Ariana to the shower, stepping into the sprawling space. The glass-enclosed area is massive, easily fitting six people."Welcome to my sanctuary," I say, smiling.The showerhead above us rains down warm water, steam rising. Ariana's eyes sparkle as she gazes around."This is incredible," she breathes.Marble tiles line the walls, floor-to-ceiling glass doors leading to a private patio. The space is designed for luxury, every detail tailored to my needs.I set Ariana down, water cascading over us. Her hair flows like silk, cl

Ariana After what Xavier said, I slip into the bathroom, closing the door behind me.I remove Xavier's shirt. My whole body shudders anytime I remember what he did to me in his closet.Next, I run a warm bath, filling the room with the sweet scent of lavender, and soak for twenty minutes, letting my worries slowly fade away.After my relaxing bath, I dry myself with a towel. I slip into comfortable trendy clothes, perfect for a night out in the main city. As I search for my shoes, my mind wanders to Camilla. She hadn't returned and I was starting to get worried. I push aside the nagging thoughts. I grab a side bag and head downstairs. As I walk downstairs the first face I see is his. He leans against the banister. "You look stunning." He approaches me, taking my hand in his. "Shall we?" he asks, gesturing toward the convoy waiting outside the door. We glide into the sleek, black car together. He opens the door, gesturing for me to enter. I slide across the leather seat.He sits