Chapter 37

*Angel*

It has been three weeks since we arrived in Sedona and we are now in our final week of stay here. I have spent most of my time with Gray during these last few weeks, and they have done the same. I asked Gray to teach me some essential skills that one would need in the mafia such as using a handgun, basic manipulation skills, and basic close combat skills. In return, Gray invited me into their world and introduced me to their high-ranking associates, teaching me the inner workings of their complex organization.

During all of those practices it was fun, we laughed and joked around. Sometimes it was hard to take it seriously because I was with Gray and they would get very touchy during our practicing time. It was Monday, early afternoon now. Me and Gray had been in bed spooning each other since we woke up around ten in the morning. Their body pressed close to mine, warmth spreading between us as sunlight streamed through the window.

I had a leg coiled around Gray's as they hugged me tight, and closely with their strong arms. Our bodies are as close as can be with only our clothes to keep us separated. Their face was buried into the crook of my neck and I could feel the rhythm of their heartbeat in their chest accompanied by my own. It was nice, calming, and soothing to the feeling. Although we both knew the dangerous game we were playing, at that moment, everything felt perfect, as if the world outside didn't exist. "Gray?"I whispered, feeling their breath against my skin. Interrupting the feeling that devoured us in full. That made us feel as though it were only just us to occupy the world within, and outside.

"Yes mi amor?"Gray lifted their head from the crook of my neck and gazed deeply into my eyes, a tender smile playing on their lips.

Gray kissed the surface where my collarbone met with my neck as they answered me, sending welcomed chills to run down my spine. *They are mine.* Was all I could think at that moment. As Gray's lips left a trail of tingling sensation, a sudden realization washed over me. I was falling for Gray. Deeply, completely, and without any intention of holding back.

"My mother says she wants to throw a big feast Friday night. And she hopes that you will join us?"I looked into Gray's eyes, searching for any sign of hesitation or doubt, but all I found was warmth and affection. Gray took a moment to answer, being too busy teasing the skin on my neck. "I'd be honored to join your family, mi amor," Gray finally said, their eyes filled with sincerity and warmth.

We both began to rise into a sit-up position against the headboard of the bed. Our backs pressed against the black bumpy cushioning of it. The leather of the cushioned headboard was considerably cold through the fabric of my cotton shirt, due to the AC being on and cooling the headboard in advance. I giggled as I clung to their torso. As Gray planted a tender kiss on my forehead, I shifted to slip my fingers through theirs, feeling comfort and contentment flood through me. Gray just smiled softly at me. After a few more slow, prolonged minutes of sitting in bed spooning one another, Gray decided it was time to get out of bed. They informed me that they put off their work long enough and that they'd be gone for the remainder of the week. Until Friday at least. For once, I managed not to argue with them. They were finally mine, and I was happy. They'd always come back to me, and this I knew without a doubt.

Watching Gray as they began to get dressed, I couldn't help but admire their effortless elegance. Their movements were smooth and deliberate as they selected a crisp white shirt and tailored trousers, paying close attention to even the smallest details. Gray always looked immaculate, exuding a quiet strength that drew people in with their confident demeanor.

At the moment, it was noon, and Gray had left me alone in the room for an hour. During this time, the realization of Cayla's intentions against me had returned, flooding my mind like a tsunami. Despite Gray's departure, I couldn't shake the feeling of impending trouble. I paced around the room, attempting to distract myself from the creeping unease.

As time passed slowly, I managed to dress myself in an orange and white sundress, along with matching orange slippers embellished with silver jewels. I left the room and descended the stairs, where I found Josh smoking a fat cigar while staring at their phone. "No Smiley Today?" I asked, exhaling a gentle, confused smile as I positioned myself in front of Josh.

Their head slowly rose, and their eyes met mine in a captivating way. Their eyes were similar to Gray's, so much so that I wondered if they were the same person in disguise. "No Smiley today, Hermosa. He told me he'd be away for a few days, doing solo business. I have no idea what that means. Shall we go?" Josh bowed formally and gestured towards the open door beside them, one arm placed against their back.

Since day one, Josh has always been kind and gentle with me. "I can't thank you enough for your kindness," I said, my voice filled with gratitude as I stepped forward to pass by. I curtsied playfully before walking past them entirely, letting out a small giggle. Josh chuckled in response, following me out of the house as the door closed behind us. I got into the SUV which was parked on the driveway curve. Josh climbed into the back seat behind me and closed the door. They knocked on the tinted window that separated the back seats from the front, signaling the driver to start the drive. The journey was a brief one, taking only 15 minutes to reach house B.

I found my mother waiting outside on the porch. Her hands were clasped in anticipation against her chest. A wide smile captured her lips as she watched me climb out of the SUV alone, with Josh staying behind in the vehicle. "Mama!" I greeted, my arms sprawled out against the wind as I hurried up the stairs and onto the porch. I then pulled my mom into a tight embrace. "Oh how I have missed my beautiful bumpkin, I almost want to beat up that girlfriend of yours for stealing you from us." My mother cooed playfully, giggling as she made a threat that held no real weight. I finally pulled away from our long embrace, my arms still loosely wrapped around her waist as I looked at her with an even wider smile. I was so happy to be in her presence again; it would be an understatement to say that I had simply missed her.

We quickly entered the house, where my mother went to the kitchen, while my father and brothers played a game on the luxurious TV in the main area, using the provided PlayStation 5. It appeared that Gray might have also been interested in video games. I sat on one of the stools near the island table located in the center of the kitchen, sipping on a glass of white wine. I made sure not to drink too much, as I needed to be alert to help my mother prepare the grand feast she had planned for the week.

The day seemed to fly by, and my mother and I took some time to bond while we cooked. We chatted and gossiped about our time in Sedona, and I shared all the events that had happened while I was away from them, including my time with Gray. It was heartwarming to see her smile and be happy. She looked like all the worries that had been weighing her down had disappeared, allowing for that beautiful smile that our family loved to see to return. Her features glowing like never before. Our time together was so special that I even shed a few tears.

Although today was fun, it was time for us to hit the sack. We still had a lot of cooking and other tasks to do, but now we were all exhausted and just wanted to take a shower or go straight to bed. As I made my way around the island table stationed in the center of the kitchen, a yawn escaped me. I washed the dishes that needed to be washed, including the wine glass I used for my white wine and some of the silverware we used for tonight's dinner. After giving my mom a loving kiss on the cheek and a warm hug, I let her go back to her room and told her goodnight. Finally, I did the last few checks on the food that was going to cook overnight, making sure they were wrapped securely and at the corresponding temperatures.

I was back in my room, lying on the king-sized bed that I had only slept in once since I arrived. Although the bed was very comfortable, I felt like I needed Gray to be next to me in the same bed. I let out a heavy sigh, closed my eyes, and drifted off into a deep slumber.