Chapter 35 First Kiss
“B-But that man is—”
“Just call him. I am ordering you as your boss, Rudy,” I said in a stern voice, surprising him as a shocked expression appeared on his face. In the Mafia hierarchy, Rudy is a step below me, and he doesn’t dare talk back when I use my authority. This was the first time I had spoken to him like this since I took over as the leader of the Blade Clan.
“O-Okay…” Rudy replied in a low voice. He pulled out his phone and called the leader of Blackjack. After a few seconds, Rudy’s eyes widened slightly, as if the call had been picked up on the other end. He then put the phone on loudspeaker.
“I guess you know who’s talking,” Rudy said.
{Absolutely. After all, I created this number just for you. Once this call ends, I’ll dispose of it. So, what is your decision?} The voice said over the phone. It wasn’t the thick, rugged voice I had expected. I was surprised when I heard it. It sounded more like an average car salesman than a notorious Mafia boss.
“My boss has agreed to the gun duel. Where’s the location?” Rudy replied.
{I’ll text you the location with another phone number. Who knows, maybe our call has already been tapped. Either way, I’m glad you made the right decision, boy.} The voice said before hanging up.
After the call ended, Rudy dropped the phone and let out a loud sigh, then gave me a strange look, as if indirectly telling me to rethink my decision.
Before I could say anything, his phone pinged loudly. He checked the notification.
“He sent the location where we’ll host the duel. It’s one of our hijacked turfs,” Rudy said, clenching his fists and biting his lower lip until it bled.
“Layla~” Rudy suddenly said, holding my hands and looking into my eyes. Seeing him like that made my face burn red, my whole body heating up. I felt strange, and for some reason, I couldn’t refute him.
“No matter what happens, whether you win or lose, I’m going to stand by you. I believe you’ll win because I trust your ability. I’m sorry for doubting you earlier. I just forgot how talented you were at aiming back then, haha. It was really scary,” Rudy laughed lightly, a smile forming on his face.
“T-Thank you for your kind words,” I stuttered, unable to find the right response.
Suddenly, Rudy glanced toward Anne. “Ahem… Anne, could you please excuse us for a minute?” he asked politely.
‘Please don’t accept. Please don’t accept it,’ I prayed inwardly, hoping Anne wouldn’t agree. For some reason, my voice wouldn’t come out. I wasn’t used to being this close to a man.
“Okay,” Anne said with a slight bow as she headed for the exit.
I raised my hand to stop her, but the words stuck in my throat as Rudy continued holding my hand. With a click of the door, Anne was gone.
My heart began pounding so fast it felt like it might burst from my chest. I swallowed hard, trying to push away all the dirty thoughts flooding my mind.
“Why are you so flustered, Layla?” Rudy asked, leaning closer. He gently grabbed my hand again and looked at it.
“You haven’t been fixing your nails lately. What’s the problem?” he asked.
“I-I just have a lot on my mind,” I stuttered, unable to meet his gaze. I had to admit, Rudy was very handsome, strong, charismatic, with a domineering aura around him. Every woman wanted him, but it was something I couldn’t wish for. Rudy was my step-brother.
I was aware of all the subtle glances and feelings he harbored toward me, but I couldn’t bring myself to consider it because of our relationship. Yet Rudy kept putting me in difficult situations. And as a woman, I had my own desires, even though I suppressed them. But as a twenty-five-year-old virgin, my body was reaching its limit.
Suddenly, Rudy stood up and sat beside me, still holding my hands and looking into my eyes.
“Tell me… why are you ignoring my feelings, Layla?” he asked in a hushed but serious voice. I could see the pain in his eyes, as if he were about to cry. This was the first time I’d seen this vulnerable side of him.
“I-I just can’t, Rudy. I tried to avoid you enough. Stop putting me in a tight spot,” I said, avoiding his gaze. But he only made it worse by lifting my chin and leaning closer.
“Wait… Rudy… wait—we can’t—mmgh~”
He suddenly pressed his lips against mine, his tongue invading my mouth. I couldn’t resist his allure and allowed myself to kiss him back, our tongues intertwining.
‘What am I doing? I shouldn’t be doing this… but I can’t stop.’
Rudy’s hands moved to my shoulders, holding me gently. My body shuddered at his touch. He pulled back slightly, a thin string of saliva connecting us as our eyes locked.
“I love you, Layla. I want you to be my woman.”