Chapter 23 Retracing Steps

Chapter 23 Retracing Steps
Retracing Steps

I’ve seen, heard and maybe thought of a lot of things, a lot of things he could be but a mafia boss? There’s no way.

“Are you joking or what?” I scoffed, my head couldn’t be wrapped around this, maybe a secret agent or anything else but a mafia lord. He didn’t respond, his face looked stern, there was a glint of jokes or mockery in those eyes shielded by those glasses. “That’s why mother kept him a secret—she must’ve wanted me away from him, completely” I said, completing the story in my head.

“Your mother fled the country—I couldn’t track her and so we lost contact with you” why did he keep saying ‘your mother’ that could only mean that we are half siblings. In two days, I’ve gone from accountant to the daughter of a mafia don.

“I know it’s a lot to take in, it’s not pleasant news but you might need to ask your mother for answers” he advised before leaving. I sat at the edge of the bed, my body immobile. First, I was taken hostage by a set of hooligans who I don’t even know about, then I found out about my brother and now my father.

Just as I pondered about it, the door came open, it was Dante, he stood by the door. I rushed to him, taking his arm over my shoulder to support him.

“I don’t think your small body can help” he teased. I only raised a brow, slowly helping him till he got to the bed, just as his body touched the bed, I turned to have the door closed, he held onto my arm, pulling me till I landed on his thighs.

“I never want to let you go” he smiled, his eyes brimming with mischief, the same one I’ve missed so badly. I turned away, trying to loosen his grip so I can first get the door closed.

“Are you done with Claire?” I asked harshly, his grip loosened for a split second, I stood up, making my way to the door, he didn’t give up, he pulled onto me once again, this time, standing, he held me from behind, his scent lingering, it felt safe, warm, his skin on mine, his arms around me, holding onto me, it didn’t feel like a cage, it felt safe like a perfect space.

“What if people see?” I mumbled, I could feel his breath on my neck, I didn’t protest, my body had begun to react to his skin, to his warm breath.

“Is that what you’re worried about?” He whispered in my ear, letting his mouth touch my lobe, that tingled. My heart had begun to race, then it hit me, he was the same person who had left me to talk to Claire doing the banquet and the same who kept avoiding me even after bringing me here. I loosened his grip on me, thankfully, the injury to his back had given me an advantage.

“Why don’t you whisper those to Claire instead—that’s if you didn’t just do that” I retorted, heading to close the door. A smirk formed on his lips “What? What’s making you smile?” I asked, folding my arms at the door with an angry expression on my face.

“You’re jealous” he smiled, falling back to the bed, his eyes fixated on mine. How on earth can he say that I’m jealous, jealous of Claire and him? I wouldn’t, I couldn’t, they look so perfect together, dangerous looking hot man and an even hotter woman with ties with the mafia, she’s the dream.

“Jealous—I’m not jealous” I rolled my eyes, walking over to the bed and sitting at the edge so I could grab my phone. He moved to where I had sat, his scent of Sandalwood felt overwhelming, there was no mix with the antiseptic that flowed in and out of the hospital room, his scent clouded my senses, his luring gaze fixated on my lips. I looked away completely, letting him stare at me while I called mother, she has a lot of explaining to do.

I dialed the number, trying to reach out to her a couple of times? It didn’t work, she didn’t respond.

“Either something’s wrong or she’s just avoiding my calls after receiving my money” I mumbled, forgetting the man seated beside me. This just calls for a surprise visit.

I stood up, cleared my throat, his eyes went from menacing to cute puppy in seconds, they stared at me with delight and happiness “Mister Moretti—I want to make an appeal” he just smiled. It looked uncanny, “I would like to take a leave of absence” I broke the news. His demeanor shifted immediately.

“Where are you going?” He asked, tension in his tone.

“I’m going to my home town—I need to visit my mother” I answered “I need to speak with my mother and take a bit of time off work, I promise to get and do better when I get back at work” I said, crossing my chest with my arm like some pledge.

“Is that why you’re standing like a female in the force?” He chuckled, slapping onto his thighs “Alright then, you can get your leave—but under one condition” his menacing smile came on his face once again.

“And what’s that?” I asked, knowing deep down he was about to ask and say something absurd, yet, I was ready to indulge it with my eyes squinted and my heart praying to God.

“That I come with you to your home town” he revealed.

“What?!” I exclaimed. I knew he was about to say something utterly weird, maybe out of pocket and absurd but this—this is just downright crazy.

“No—no—please you can’t come with me, you uh—you need to get back to NewYork, who’ll take over when you’re absent?” I asked, hoping to put up a strong argument.

“I’ll get someone to do it” he answered casually. Is this man being serious? He would let someone else manage a billion dollar company whilst he’s away “Now you have no complaints—I’m coming with you”

“Oh yes I do have a complaint—the banquet is done, people in the company know about our admission into the hospital, Denise is heading a board meeting on your behalf, how are you going to make sure you solve these problems” I asked with perplexity, reaching out for the bed. My heart had begun to race once again. He held onto my hand instead, guiding me to the bed.

“You don’t look okay” he mumbled. He didn’t ask, he knows, my body felt distorted and out of place but he needs to get back to NewYork “I’m fine—Denise is trying to take over, you need to do something about that” I lamented, placing myself palm on my forehead.

“I’ll handle her soon—you’re a priority, you’re my priority, please—rest, I’ll follow you to your hometown, you need the rest and so do I” he whispered. That isn’t true, he looks so healthy, also if anything, he has to spend more time to in the hospital than with me, under the recoiling hot sun.

“I know you’re feeling better—just spend more time in the hospital, you’ll be fine, no need to join me” he stated at me calmly, his eyes conveying thoughts of wrong to me, his finger traced my skin, it felt enthralling.

Keep it together Lily—this is a hospital! I pulled back.

“Please sir—you don’t need to come with me, I’m fine” I pleaded, hoping to get through to him.

“I want to follow you—also, ow—my back” he yelped in a low baritone. I rushed to turn his back to me “Are you okay? What is it?!” I exclaimed.

“My back needs someone who’ll help with the bandage” I lifted the hospital shirt he was given, the white bandage went over his chest and round his waist, he was truly stabbed in places, because of me and my clumsiness to get kidnapped.

“Fine—you can come with me, just please you’ll have to promise something to me” I said, turning him to look at me, he looked responsive “You’ll have to lie” he looked at me puzzled.

“I know you want to ask why—please don’t, just lie about your identity, about who you are, you won’t tell a soul” I repeated. A smile formed on my lips, it made my face flush red from this up close.

“If that’s what you want, then that’s what you’ll get”