Stretching and scratching my head to shake off the residual sleep, I look around the unfamiliar room. It smells like Milo and looking to my right, the owner of the room is sleeping peacefully next to me.
Prince stands from his own bed as I slip away from Milo as quietly as I can, following me out of the room. I go down the stairs of his penthouse, going to the kitchen, looking around for a minute before finding cups.
Getting water for both of us I settle at the window, looking at the beautiful Parisian street lit up by stars and lights. I never would’ve imagined I’d be here. After my mom “died” my only focus was surviving and finding a place to live.
Then being sold to my father and being forced to become the killer I never wanted to be. My drug habits are increasing because I can’t stand the memories of what I’ve done. And being beaten by the man that helped conceive me but instead wanted nothing to do with me.
Somehow, I’ve made it here. Becoming a conglomerate, building my own empire. I’ve struggled, met a lot of people, good and bad, learned a lot of lessons along the way, what not to do and how to be better than my situations. I can’t help but be a little proud of myself. The soft padding of feet sound behind me before tattooed arms are hugging me close and laying their head on my shoulder.
“Are you alright?” Noé’s voice fills my ears and I smile, rubbing her arm with my free hand and leaning back against her chest.
“Yes, I just came to get water and started thinking.”
“What’s on your mind?”
“Nothing important, just everything I’ve been through to make it here, in Paris. With my own company, house, and people I care about.” Noé hums and I can feel her nod.
“I’m really proud of you, you know that? When I first saw you, you were a stubborn, hard-headed, smart-ass but you were the most hardworking person I’ve ever met. You adapted better than a normal person and I knew that whatever you put your mind to, you’d succeed. As long as you have an opportunity. And you have proved me right.”
The pride in my chest swells and the smile on my face is unstoppable as I soak in her encouragement and compliments. Nobody has ever spoken sweet and endearing with so much sincerity as if she’s fondly speaking of the past.
“Thank you Noé, you taught me so much and I know I wouldn’t be where I am without your help. I hope I can keep proving you right.” Noé and I settle into a comfortable silence in each other’s embrace, staring at Paris below us.
I’ve never felt so content in my life.
Five minutes later, Noé and I are having a late night snack with Prince, talking about her and Harley.
“I have no interest in going back to the mafia. I’ve told Harley this and she’s done her best to keep it all away from me. She’s different, that’s for sure.”
“Different, in a good way?” Noé smiles, taking a bite of her cookie and nodding.
“It’s weird not having to be in control. I’m usually not good at letting someone make decisions for me, but with Harley…I don’t know, I can’t help but relax and be worry-free.”
“That’s good. It’s nice seeing someone treat you right. You’re always so happy with her, it looks good on you.” She snickers, nodding towards me as Prince trots away, going back to bed, content.
“What about you and Milo?”
“What about us?”
“Oh don’t give me that, you two are fucking adorable together. You fit and work and he treats you like a queen.” My own smile decorates my face now at her words, unable to deny her claims.
“Milo and I want 2 different things. His needs and my desires don’t match at the moment.”
“Maybe but it’s clear that he has feelings for you. The man is putting off marriage because he wants you. I’m sure you two could reach an understanding.”
Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.
“Possibly, I mean if we don’t think about his duties as a mafia leader and his family. But there’s still my desire for you, what about that?” Noé smiles, feeding me the rest of her cookie before licking her fingers clean.
“Don’t use me as your excuse, Milo told you he wouldn’t stand in the way of our relationship.”
“I know but I’d feel horrible, Milo is a good guy, he deserves the chance to find a good wife that will stand by his side.”
“And if that wife no longer wants you 2 to talk, then what?” I roll my eyes at the thought, knowing how justifiable that would be, but I don’t care.
“Then I’d tell that bitch it’s not her choice.” Noé snickers at my response, shaking her head as we clean our mess. When we’re done, she opens her arms, beckoning me forward.
“Come here,” walking into her arms she loops her arms around my neck, staring into my eyes with seriousness.
“Don’t keep yourself from someone who cares for you, alright? Just keep an open mind and don’t be afraid to communicate with him. That’s what I told myself and so far it’s been working out for me. Either way, you’re the boss now, do what makes you happy and don’t worry about anyone else.” I nod at her advice, thinking over what she said. Noé holds my face, placing a few chaste kisses on my lips before the sound of footsteps has us separating.
“I don’t mean to interrupt.” Harley says a small smirk on her face as she walks past Noé and I and gets a glass of water.
“You’re not. Remember what I said okay?” Noé says with a smile, giving me a final kiss before going to Harley. I watch them talk for a second longer, the relaxed demeanor of Noé has me smiling and bidding the couple goodnight. Happiness really does look good on her.
Going back to Milo’s room, I find him sitting up, petting Prince and looking at his laptop with a deep frown on his face. Hearing me he glances up with a smile before turning his attention back to his computer, patting the spot next to him and Prince. Chuckling, I settle back into bed, lying next to Milo as Prince comes to lie on my chest.
Petting the large puppy, Milo and I relax in a comfortable silence, only the sound of his typing is heard around the room. A few minutes later Prince jumps down, satisfied with the attention he’s received and returning to his bed.
Reaching to the side, I grab the hand sanitizer, cleaning my hands before grabbing Milo’s free hand and doing the same, being careful of his bruised knuckles. Noé’s words replay in my mind as Milo chuckles and thanks me for cleaning his hand while I examine his hurt skin.
“Is this from fighting with your dad?” Milo stops typing looking down at where I’m tracing his tattoos avoiding the tender skin.
“We fought when I rejected that last girl off of his extensive list.”
“Why does he want you to get married so badly?”
“Mainly tradition and carrying on the family name with an heir.The more successful you are the bigger the target on your back. Not just from enemies wanting to take you out before authorities wanting to lock you up. Children ensure that the mafia will continue in the family. Also, the older generation believe that if you cannot handle your own family, there is no way you can run a mafia.”
“Do they really believe that?” My frown and appall is evident as I stare at Milo’s hand. Fighting with his father daily because he doesn’t want to follow old men’s tradition is ridiculous. As ridiculous as him putting it all off because of me.
“Unfortunately” Milo speaks in a distracted mumble as he types away on his computer.
“I think you should get married then.” His typing comes to an abrupt stop as he looks down at me and I stare up at him. He frowns and I sit up, crossing my legs and turning to face him.
“Why?”
“From what it sounds like, it’s inevitable. Right?” He slowly nods, keeping his face composed and unreadable. He doesn’t like what I’m saying, even if it is the truth.
“In that case, why not just treat it like a business. Find a girl who’s cool with luxury, make your appearances, then let her do as she pleases. Wouldn’t it be one less fight you have with your dad and the rest of the old heads? Their words are obviously still taken into consideration.”
“So I should give in to whatever they want?”
“No, you should pick and choose your battles.” I take his hand in mine, looking pointedly at his bruised knuckles. He sighs, kissing the back of my hand, before gently pushing me back on the bed.
“Let’s not talk about that this weekend.” Milo hovers over me, silently pleading for me to agree with him and ignore reality.
“So, what will we talk about?” I can’t help but give in, feeling sorry that he has to be faced with a decision like marriage for business. Never having a chance to be with someone he loves. Love and relationships aren’t my thing, however being forced to make that choice is a different form of brutal.
“Anything, tell me about your business and how you became a conglomerate in a week. That has to be a business world-record. Or you can tell me about your dreams and aspirations. What would you want to do if you had a normal life?” Milo’ curiosity only fuels my lack of an answer. I’ve never thought about things like that. I’m just good at making the most out of any skin opportunity.
I don’t know how to answer him and part of me doesn’t want to stop that marvel he has in me. So I do what I know how to do best. Change the subject.
“How about we don’t talk at all.” His brows crease in confusion before his eyes widen in understanding as I slip my hands under his shirt. He doesn’t stop me from lifting his shirt over his head, slinging one hand around his neck while the other caresses his shirtless frame. I urge him to come closer and he doesn’t fight me, pausing to hover over my lips.
“Are you sure?” The sweet question of assurance tugs a smile at my lips and I nod as my desire for a distraction morphs into desire for him. And soon our previous conversation is forgotten.