*One Year Later*

“I don’t care what you have to do, just get it done. Construction has been delayed far too long. The interior and infrastructure of the building should’ve been finished a week ago.” The door to my office is opened and Noé and Harley come striding in much to my assistant, Monica’s dismay. I wave her off as my contractor feeds me bullshit excuses for not doing his job.

I’ve done my research and questioned his crew. The truth is they’ve been lazy, taking more breaks and working slower than they should. Milking the clock and taking my money.

“This is your only warning. Get it done or you’ll be replaced.” Domino isn’t the only contractor I know. Hanging up on his standing I face the couple standing in front of my desk.

It’s been 8 months since I’ve seen Harley and a year since I’ve seen Milo. After that trip to Paris our relationship hit a brick wall. We went our separate ways and never discussed his duties to his mafia again.

I put all of my energy and frustration into my business, nights I couldn’t sleep, I worked, now my business has expanded. I’m officially one of the youngest and most successful real estate investors and conglomerates in the U.S.

“What can I do for you ladies?” Noé and I still live together so it’s no surprise if she pops up to my office unannounced. But Harley, I only see her when she stops by for Noé, our conversations are always brief.

Noé puts a small paper on my desk and I raise my brow, looking at the invitation. Milo’s wedding invitation to be more specific. It’s intricately and beautifully decorated telling me the wedding will be just as luxurious. Not that I expect anything less for a mafia prince’s wedding.

“Are you giving this to me for a reason?”

“Yes, it’s an invitation for you and me sent by Milo personally.” Noé meets my blank stare head on with defiance letting me know she’s ready to argue. She’s spent the year trying to play matchmaker between me and Milo, unsuccessfully. I refused to reach out first and he had his duties which are far more important than me.

I understand and I respect his work ethic. I felt the same way about my own business. It was clear that our goodbyes when I left Paris were different from others, so I expected something like this to happen eventually.

But an invitation, I didn’t think I’d get one.

“Why would I go to Milo’s wedding?” It’s still a month away but I don’t see why I would attend.

“Milo said it’s about business.” Harley finally speaks up and I spare the invitation a final glance, shaking my head.

“I’ll have to pass.” I push the invitation back to Noé who sighs. Harley cokes over handing me another small piece of paper.

“He told me to give you this if you declined.” I take the small note with a skeptical glare as I read it over.

Meet me at the Fresh Roast Bistro to discuss business.

“What business could he want with me?”

“If you have questions you’ll have to ask Milo.” Harley’s voice cuts threw my thoughts and I sigh, looking over the invitation and note. He purposefully sent this during the time I go to lunch and picks a café down the street from my office. My stomach growls in treacherous betrayal and I sigh, standing from my chair and discarding the note.

“Fine, I’ll meet with him, but only because I was going to lunch anyway.” Grabbing my things I leave my office with Noé and Harley following close behind me.

“Monica, hold my meetings and calls till after 2 o’clock please.”

“Yes ma’am.” I leave the building without another word, saying my goodbyes to Noé and Harley when we step outside. I walk the short distance to the café and it doesn’t take long for me to find Milo at a table, completely out of place in the small shop.

His tattoo figure sets him apart and catches the eyes of every female patron in the building. However, my attention is more focused on the 2 women on either side of him.

They’re all sitting in a tense silence and I mentally roll my eyes. What the hell have I gotten myself into?

“Good afternoon, everyone.”

“Snow, it’s good to see you again.” Milo’s voice is slightly deeper and darker than I remember. Perhaps he’s just irritated.

“Winter, it's been far too long.” Arabella’s voice sounds like forced professionalism, like she was drugged from her bed to be here. The other girl just stares off to the side as a server rushes over.

“Ms. Dixon, thank you so much for dining with us today. On behalf of the owner your ticket is complimentary today. Please enjoy anything you desire, I’ll give you a minute to look over the menu.” I look at the girl's name tag and offer her a friendly smile as she pours me a glass of water.

“Thank you, Chelsea.” She beams and saunters away while I look at the menu. I’m so hungry right now. Milo sports a small smirk, his eyes holding an impressed gleam.

“I’ve heard business is going well.”

“You’ve been keeping tabs on me?” He chuckles, not confirming or denying anything, instead motioning to the woman that nudges his arm.

“This is my fiancee, Adeline McConnell.” She throws me a smug self-confident grin that I practically disregard. Girl I could snatch Milo back before you could blink.

Keeping my thoughts to myself I stick to being professional, hoping to get this “meeting” over with.

“Now that we’re all acquainted let’s get down to business.”

“Straight to the point. I’ve always appreciated that about you Winter.” Milo smirks and I know there’s a favor lingering behind his compliment. Adeline looks less than appeased at Milo’s sweet talking, that confidence morphing into guarded displeasure.

“And you’re still the charmer you were a year ago.” My smirk mirrors the unspoken dirty memories that fill both of our minds. Moment of satisfaction and understanding that we only found in each other.

“Especially when there’s something you want. So what is it?” Milo reaches into his jacket pocket and hands me another piece of paper. This time it’s a list of features and requirements for a house.

“You remember that my sister is an interior designer. She’s been helping us find a house, however, it seems to always be lacking.” The rolling of eyes from Arabelka and Adeline’s crossed arms I assume that the bride-to-be is being picky about their new home.

“I don’t ask for much but the home has to be perfect.” For some reason I don’t believe the first half of that statement. Arabella’s scoff mirrors my thoughts and has her shaking her head.

“Compromises should be expected when buying a home.”

“Why should I compromise if I have the money to get what I want?” Adeline’s matter of fact tone almost has me rolling my eyes as the server comes back to our table. We put in our order as I look at the 2 pages worth of request.

“Milo says your company is the best so having this done before the wedding should be doable.”

“When is your wedding?” I play dumb as if I don’t know it’s a month away. This bitch is crazy off she thinks I could get all this done from scratch in a month.

“September 10th.”

“I’ll be frank with you, Ms. McConnell-”

“You can call me Mrs. Malone.” The correction has the Malone siblings rolling their eyes but they don’t say anything to put her in check. I’m honestly surprised that Milo would choose such a brat.

“Right, well, even if you were my only client I still couldn’t build you a mansion from scratch in a month.” Most of my manpower is being expended on Milo’s community center, which should’ve been done 2 weeks ago. My biggest contractor is being lazy and delayed already.

“I don’t see why you can’t do it. Money isn’t an issue if that’s your concern.”

“That’s not a concern your time frame is, it’s unrealistic. You don’t even have blueprints for the house yet.”

“Why would you have blueprints for a house that isn’t built yet.” She speaks as if I’m the dumbass and I bite my tongue as our server brings our food. I’m not even hungry anymore. This bitch ruined my appetite.

“Ugh, you said she was the best, Milo.” Adeline directs the statement to Milo’s who’s naturally relaxed aura switches to tense and annoyed.

“Having a house built in a month is unrealistic, Adeline. Either we have Ms. Dixon’s company builds you a house with everything you like, or you compromise.” Milo’s dark eyes hold a strict warning that stops whatever tantrum is set to happen. He turns to look at me while Arabella crosses her arms.

“How long do you think it’d take?”

“You want me to get the blueprints done too?”

“No, they can be sent to you in the next couple of days.” I look at what the brat wants done. I could go with one of my smaller contractor companies and be on-site to help speed up the progress.

“Why do you want me to build your house? This is all a bit random to me. Not to mention a long way to travel.” It’s kind of weird that we haven’t spoken in a month and now he shows up with his fiancee.

“I had business here anyway and it seemed like a good opportunity. You and your company were highly recommended but impossible to schedule. I also saw the progress at the community center and know you are the best.” I can see why Milo is so successful, he doesn’t give you any room to resist his offers.

“Flattery gets you nowhere, Mr. Malone.”

“It’s not flattery if it’s true.” I shake my head with a sigh, gazing out the window seeing the gray clouds beginning to cover the sky. A few fat raindrops dash from the sky as people scurry on the streets to take cover and protect themselves.

I notice a young girl run towards the alley, clearly homeless with nothing but a thin hoodie to shield her. It’s like looking through the window at my past. Waving Chelsea over I ask her to pack up my food alone with a couple more sandwiches, fruit, chips, and water bottles in separate bags.

Turning my attention back to Milo I give him the paper. “Fine I’ll do it, but make sure you have everything you want on this list. Once we start there’s no stopping or redirection.” Milo has a look of relief as he lands back in his chair, trying to hide the ganache of pain on his face. However, I notice his discomfort, along with the new tattoos, scars, and bruises decorating his body.

Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.

“Arabella will handle the interior design. I’ll get all the specifications sent to you in 2 days.” Milo says, ignoring Adeline’s mock excitement.

“We can sign the contract today.” Really I just want to be nosy and ask why the hell he’s so hurt.

“Good, there is also something else we need to discuss.” Milo looks at me like he just needs to vent. I knew it was more to this visit than asking me to build him a house. The man looks tired, rundown, and extremely on edge.

“Why can’t you two “discuss” things here?” Adeline scoffs, crossing her arms, jealousy rolling off of her in tidal waves. I don’t pay her the slightest bit of attention as I text Monica to get a contract ready for Milo.

“This is business and not for you to worry about.” Oop, he just put her in her place. Chelsea comes back with my bags of food and I stand from the table. Milo does the same and I watch the concern in Arabella’s eyes, her irritation forgotten as she looks at her brother.

“It was nice seeing you again Arabella.”

“You too, we’ll get together later to discuss…things.” I snicker because I know she wants to vent about her future sister in-law, nodding in agreement.

“I’ll join you.” Adeline makes a move to stand but is quickly shot down by Milo.

“It’s fine, stay and eat. I have work to take care of after this anyway.”

“But Milo…” is this girl really whining right now?

“Ryland will be here to pick you up later.” Poor Ryland. I leave a tip for the cafe before walking out and away from the arguing couple with my bags. Ignoring the rain drenching my clothes I go to the alleyway where I see the girl from earlier. She’s curled up in a ball on the ground, hugging her knees to her chest as if it’ll cover her from the rain. Stopping in front of her, she scurries back, a wary look on her face as she peers up at me with distrust.

I hand the bag out to her and she gives me a skeptical look.

“I know you’re hungry just take it.” She frowns and I see more of a reflection of my younger self.

“Thanks.” She mumbles taking the bag, attempting to suppress her smile as the smell of food wafts in the air.

“Mm, that smells good girl.” A man on the other side of the alley sits up from his spot on the ground, staring into the girl's soul. She shivers and huddles further into the brick wall behind her. I don’t know how she’s survived this long with that fear covering her like a blanket.

I toss the man my uneaten leftovers before settling next to the girl on the ground. His stare continues to stay on us, probably thinking of how best to take advantage of 2 girls in front of him. I sit with my knees up, pulling out the gun resting in the holster attached to my hip.

“Be content with what you have.” I stare at the man until he turns away, eating his food and not sparing us another glance.

“Who are you?” The girl looks between me and the gun, still reeking of fear.

“Snow Dixon.” Her eyes widen and I know that despite my efforts to stay out of the media, my name has still gotten around.

“You own that big building down the street.” I nod, leaning back against the brick as thunder cracks against the sky. Rain is coming down harder and we’re both doaked at this point. Monica is going to fuss at me again.

“What’s your name?”

“Lyric.”

“Well, Lyric, you have 2 options now. You can stay here or come with me to my office and get the bell out of this rain.” I stand dusting my wet pants off as Milo comes to stand beside me, umbrella in his hand. I tuck my gun away as Lyric looks around weighing her options, glancing at the intimidating tattooed man next to him.

“Don’t mind him, he’s a teddy bear in disguise.” She laughs a little as Milo gives me a mock insulted look, still ensuring not a single drop of rain is my head.

She stands from the ground, grabbing her backpack and food. “I guess I have nothing to lose.” Milo makes room for Lyric under the umbrella and I notice him wince again. Since I’m in the middle I take the cover from his hand, ignoring his protest.

“Don’t be stubborn, I can tell you’re in pain. Are you even okay walking?” I can’t help but fuss at the prideful man next to me, undoubtedly with a rib injury.

“Of course I am.”

“Sure you are.” I don’t argue with him as I pull out my phone and call Monica.

“Yes ma’am?”

“I have 2 guests joining me. Can you get 3 sets of changing clothes ready: a man's suit, a half complete wardrobe for a junior female, and whatever is in my closet for me. Also towels, toothbrush, shampoo, the works.”

“Yes ma’am.” I love Monica. She never asks why, just makes sure everything is done. I glance at Milo one more time, “and a first aid kit.” I hang up and we walk the short distance to my office, answering the barrage of questions from a suddenly talkative Lyric.

When we get to the office Monica hands us all a towel before escorting Lyric to my private room for the nights I sleep here. I lead Milo to my office ignoring the curious stares of my employees and close the door.

“Take your shirt off.”

“I didn’t think I’d ever hear those words from you again.” Milo smirks as he sheds his wet jacket, unbuttoning his shirt slower than necessary.

“Cheeky, though I doubt your fiance would appreciate your joke.” Milo rolls his eyes as he sits on my desk.

“She wasn’t like this at first. It was clear this would only be business but the closer we get to the wedding the more she’s changed. She got clingy and I ignored it, bratty and I put it off as she was used to being spoiled. But I’m not sure how much longer I can go before I kill the girl myself.” Milo sighs, finally shedding his shirt. I try my best to ignore his toned tattooed frame, so damn sexy. To say sex has been mediocre is an understatement.

I shake my head, focusing on his injuries, the worst being a deep dark porker bruise covering the side of his ribs. Along with gauze that bloody on the opposite side just under his ribs.

“How did you get injured like this?” I focus on the bloody gauze first, changing the dressing to reveal stitches. It looks like a stab wound. Milo sighs as I patch up his wounds like old times. We easily fall back into the same flow we’ve always had together as if nothing has changed.

“My half-brother, Vico has not so subtly been trying to usurp my position.”

“You have a half-brother?”

“Our father sent him to Italy when he turned 13 after he got kicked out of his 4th school. He was trained by our uncles and handled business for the mafia there. It’s a small position, lower than Harley’s and naturally that made him furious. He’s got his own soldiers and assassins so if we don’t fight ourselves he can feign innocence.”

“Is that how this happened?”

“Some of them. We always have enemies, and being married only brings out more. It means that your family is growing and you’ll have an heir. That means your mafia can continue for generations.”

“I never knew weddings could be so dangerous.” Milo’s chuckle is dry as I rewrap his stab wound before cleaning my hands, turning my attention to his bruise.

“An assassin broke into my home last week. They got past my security and almost took me by surprise. That’s why I want you to build this house. I don’t trust anyone else to handle the layout of my security. I also trust that your workers can keep a secret, for the right price of course.” I get the bruise cream and Milo gingerly raises his arm making his muscle bunch and him groan.

The spicy musky scent of his deodorant and cologne fills my nose, sparking memories again. I carefully rub the bruise cream on his skin, ignoring the temptation to do more than I should. The body of this man somehow got better with time.

“Why do you trust me? We haven’t spoken to each other for a year.” Milo is quiet for a moment but I can feel his eyes staring at me. I finally look up, raising my brow.

“What?”

“You’re here, patching me up. I didn't have to ask or tell you that I’m hurt. You simply noticed and acted to ease my pain.” Milo sighs again, the deep resounding soul scorching stare has me frozen in place.

I forgot how good Milo is with his words.

“My family and even Adeline all know and only Harley got the doctor to patch me up. Yet here you are doing it yourself, when you have no reason to at all. That alone proves that I can still trust you.” I clear my throat awkwardly, tearing my eyes away from Milo and returning to my task.

“I’m not sure how soon I can get the house done. I know you noticed the slow progress at the community center. I’ve spoken to the contractors but I planned on visiting Italy myself.”

“I was sure you had it taken care of.” Milo’s trust in me is clear, meaning I have no choice but to put all my effort into his new home. Looking over the list I already have a rough idea of the size and structure of the house, but I'd like to see the land.

“You’re thinking about something, what is it?”

“If there’s nobody you can trust to take care of your house, then how about I do the blueprints myself.”

“I thought that was too much work.”

“It’s a lot but…” I don’t want to risk assassins getting to you again. I don’t voice my thoughts as I shrug, wrapping his ribs.

“But?”

“It’d be better if it doesn’t get back to your half-brother right? Besides, I already have an idea, I just need to see the land.” Milo tries to reach over and grab his phone, making him wince. I tsk, lightly smacking him on his chest.

“Don’t move, I’m almost done.” I reach around his body, wrapping the gauze around his ribs. He doesn’t move until I’m done, grabbing my hip and moving me to stand between his legs. His hands caress my hip and he leans his forehead on my exhaustion seeping from his pores.

“I think Vico is planning to start a war.” Milo sighs, clearly stressed as he closes his eyes, moving to lay his head on my chest. I run my hand through his curls as he hugs my close, putting half of his weight on me.

“Can he do that?”

“Vico is well liked in Italy and he has enough money to start his own small-scale mafia. If that’s what he’s done then he’ll be challenging to go up against. Especially with all of this wedding bullshit going on. Harley and my security is spread thin and the constant demands don’t help. I barely have time to work. If Vico attacks right now, I’m not sure we’d come out on top.” I don’t say anything because I’m not sure how I could help. I’m not part of his mafia. I'm not sure what I could do.

However, I want Milo to be safe. That much is certain.

“I want to help you.”

“This helps.” Milo mumbles and we stay like this until the door to my office opens.

“Ooh are we interrupting?” Noé’s teasing voice sounds through my office and I look back to see her and Harley.

“No.” “Yes.” Me and Milo speak at the same time and I snicker, shaking my head. I rub his head a little more before stepping back and giving him the change of clothes waiting for him on my coat hanger.

“Did you really have to request a suit?”

“You said you have work to do and don’t mafia men wear suits?” I text Monica my idea of an outfit because I know Milo hates wearing suits the most.

“That’s a stereotype.” I snicker as he slips on the tight white t-shirt, before undoing his pants. We keep our eyes fixed on each other. I don’t dare look down and his smirk never leaves his face. He changes into the plaid Burberry fitted suit pants before adjusting himself and fixing the belt around his hips. Instead of dress shoes I got him all-white converse to change into instead.

He fixes his jewelry and I nod in approval. “Not bad.” I don’t bother being shy either as I strip out my clothes and go to the clothes Monica has waiting on my desk.

“Are you two here for a reason?”

“Damn harsh.” Noé’s smirk stays annoyingly planted on her face and I know she wants to say something.

“Not when you’re just being nosy.” I slip on the black jeans and black button down shirt, doing it up and passing Milo the contract. He reads it over as I put myself back together, ignoring Noé’s dumb ass faces. A knock sounds at the door and a nervous Lyric steps in, cautiously scanning everybody in the room before setting her eyes on me.

She steps in barely past the door, her now full backpack slung on her back.

“Um thanks for all this. I’ll pay you back.” We both don’t believe that but I don’t call her out on it.

“Don’t worry about it. Where do you plan on going? It’s still raining outside, you'll just get soaked again.

“Um, I don’t know but I’ll figure it out.”

“Well I can give you another option.” She folds her arms defensively over herself looking at everyone.

“I’m not a charity case.”

“I didn’t say you were. I just happen to have a job opening and if you don’t perform well, I will fire your ass.” She uncrosses her arms but the skeptical look never leaves her eyes.

“You happen to have a job opening? Don’t you have to have some fancy degree or something to work here?”

“That’d be hypocritical since I don’t have a fancy degree.”

“Really?”

“Seriously.”

“Well, what’s the job?”

“You met Monica right?”

“Y-yeah she’s really nice.” Lyric starts relaxing little by little and I settle back into my chair.

“The busier I get, the busier she gets and there are things she needs help with, mainly running errands, taking calls. It may seem basic but the pay will be worth it.” Lyric gnaws on her lip, looking around the room again.

“Don’t worry about them, they’re just friends of mine, they don’t have anything to do with the business.”

“I guess, yes.”

“Good, I own an apartment down the street, you can stay there rent free for a year. That should be enough time to get you on your feet.” Lyric stares at me in disbelief, shaking her head.

“Why are you doing this? You don’t even know me?”

“Honestly, I would’ve wished someone did the same for me when I was your age and had nowhere to go. And I could tell you’d barely last another night on the streets.”

“You could tell?” I nod, leaning back in my chair and offering her to come in and take a seat.

“I didn’t want to poke around in your business.”

“My parents kicked me out 2 weeks ago. They kind of…caught me in bed with my dad’s boss's son.” I see Noé shaking her head but she doesn’t say anything, likely thinking her parents are assholes like I am.

“Are you still in school?”

“I was, but it doesn’t seem as important these days.”

“I’ll have my driver take you to and from school.”

“Do I have to?” Lyric has the nerve to whine and I roll my eyes at her.

“Don’t whine that shit is annoying. You’re going to finish high school. What you do after that I don’t give a damn. You can work part time.”

“Fine, thank you Ms. Dixon.” I wave her off and text Sonny to take Lyric and get her settled at the apartment near the office. I’ll get all her school and personal information later. Lyric leaves my office and I sigh as everyone looks at me.

“You took somebody’s kid in?”

“I saw her in the alley when we went to lunch. She reminds me of myself, I couldn’t just ignore her.”

“You’re so sweet, you know that?” Noé smiles and I just wave her away as Milo signs the contract.

“Are you sure you don’t want a spending limit? This shit can get expensive.”

“I just need it done and secure, as quickly as possible.” Milo hands me a picture of the land, telling me about the plentiful acreage we have to work with.

“Will Vico be at your wedding?” Milo stands and nods as his phone goes off in his pocket.

“Yes, more than likely. He is still family until there is evidence of his betrayal, everything is considered speculation.” I don’t say anything as he answers his phone. Whatever he’s told has him clenching his jaw and his eyes darkening.

“Understood.” He hangs up and grabs his things.

“My home was set on fire, we need to go.” He tells Harley who’s on her feet in an instant, kissing Noé goodbye.

“We’ll talk more later, I promise.” I nod as Milo kisses my forehead.

“Stay safe.” Milo leaves with his signature smirk and Noé comes over a knowing look on her face.

“So we’re going to the wedding.” I roll my eyes at her wide smile, not bothering to answer since her question is more of a statement.

“Shut up and help me draw these blueprints.”