Chapter 69 Invitation
Madison’s POV
“We don’t want slip-up like last time.”
I rolled my eyes, “There wasn’t a slip-up. I’ve repeated this story to you many times now.”
“Hmm?”
I turned to face him, smoothening my jacket. “Really? I told you it was Adrianne who suspected I was on a mission because she knows I wouldn’t willingly come to a place like that.”
“Still.”
“Suit yourself, Don.” I surfed through my school book for my least favorite.
It was easy to tell that story to him like it weighed nothing but on that very day when I heard those words, I had thought it was Russo because the bitch - forgive me, Annie - but the BITCH decided that it was best to prank me with a masculine voice.
Damn, she nailed it.
At least I know who was going to play fake boyfriend for me when I wanted to give Alessandro a heart attack.
Alessandro held my arm before I could leave the room. I raised my eyebrow at him, searching his face.
“Are you sure you’re not forgetting anything?” He pulled me into his body, holding me firmly by the waist.
I placed the back of my palm on his forehead - it was warm. “Are you sure you’re good? You’ve been acting weird lately.”
I’m talking about asking me to spend a night at the manor after we were done drafting his plan for Santiago. I’m also talking about sneaking into my room late at night just for cuddles.
Now, what was he craving?
“I - You’re just overthinking.” He released me from his grip, tucking his hand in his pocket. “If you’re not forgetting anything, you can go.”
A small smile crept to my lips, “Actually, I am forgetting something.” I tugged at his shirt, pulling his face down. When our lips were inches away from touching, I crashed my lips against his, our tongues fighting for dominance.
“Raven.” He growled, his hot breath fanning my lips, his large palms caressing my face. His eyes darkened as they opened, “We can’t fuck our plan.”
Right.
He was a Don indeed. He was still very cautious of himself while I was almost losing myself into the kiss.
Our kisses were more intense since we started this new mission. It was a miracle that we hadn’t torn our fleshes while at it.
“I should get going then before I miss Santiago.”
Today was the day for my second operation on this mission and seriously, everything was based on the right timing.
When I arrived at the cafe downtown, I alighted from the vehicle, waving Jero a goodbye. My eyes scanned the little shop for a certain black hair, 6’0 man.
Then I caught him entering the cafe, just in time. Hurriedly, I followed suit without acting or looking suspicious.
I held my book in my hand, plastering a bright smile on my face as I chatted with the waitress, watching him with my side eye as he bought his from the far end of the counter.
“I promise, you’d like this flavor Ms.” the waitress assured me. The smell of cedar and cinnamon filled my nostrils.
I don’t even drink coffee.
When I saw that he was approaching me, I waited for 5 seconds before turning abruptly.
A soft gasp left my lips when the hard body collided into me, spilling the lukewarm coffee on my book.
Alessandro was going to replace it.
His hand swiftly landed on my shoulder, holding me delicately, “don’t you look while you walk? Are you -“
My eyes widened when they met his, a look of shock in them.
“It’s You” we echoed simultaneously.
“I’m so sorry. I didn’t know it was you. Now your jacket is fucked.” Santiago tried to clean my jacket with his handkerchief
“It’s fine. It’s fine really.” I told him, removing the jacket, leaving me in my designers camisole that had v neckline that showed off little skin.
His eyes dropped down to my book, “Is that so important?”
I gasped, pouting sadly. “I..it’s my school book. I’ll just -“
“Can I see that?” He stretched his hand. I placed it in his hand. He brought out his phone, taking a picture of it and then he typed away on his phone for a while.
“I should -“
“Come with me.” He spoke up, grinning widely. “Please Madison. It’s Madison right?”
“Yes, Santiago.”
“You still remember my name.” He chuckled lowly, placing his hand on my back as he guided me out.
Like Alessandro would let me forget your name. Pfft.
“Where are we going? We could just -“
“Chill Madison, I’m not going to hurt you. I just want to fix the damage i caused.” He opened his car door for me.
This wasn’t the plan at all. I was supposed to sit inside there and have a chat with him. Try to figure out something that’d lead to something.
“Did you come with a car? You keep staring” He followed my gaze to the road. I shook my head.
When I entered, I quickly sent my location to Alessandro. He knew what to do.
My phone pinged, a message from Alessandro. It read: “Jero is following you.”
That did put my mind at ease though.
“I know it’s weird following a complete stranger. No worries, it will be worth your time.” Santiago smiled, looking harmless.
“Are… are you an only child?”
I had to keep conversations so he wouldn’t begin to suspect. I didn’t even know why I was so uptight.
I had skills. I could fight.
“A bratty sister.” He groaned. “A fucking cousin. He’s a pain in my ass. I consider him my brother though.”
“That’s great.”
“How about you?” He asked, glancing at me. My breath paused.
What do I say?
“Ah …I lost them. I was small.”
He nodded, not furthering the conversation. I was grateful for that.
“We’re here.” He said, parking in front of a big hall.
I gently came down, taking in my environment. My phone pinged but I ignored since Santiago was so close to me. I didn’t want to risk him looking into my chat.
“Auntie Ri. I brought someone.” He held my hand, pushing me forward.
The mid aged lady who had her back turned on us as she arranged something behind her, turned to face me. Her mouth dropped open slightly, her eyes wide.
“You…”
Me?
“You are real.” She smiled brightly at me. “She’s alive.”
“Oh shit.” Santiago pulled me back, speaking Italian for the lady. I still couldn’t understand so I just stood there, picking my finger.
My eyes peeped through the hallway, catching onto the books that hung onto the shelves.
Oh. It was a library.
“A bookstore. One of the biggest in Italy. Though people mainly buy in bulk. Auntie Aries is my mother’s cousin.” He leaned towards my ear, making my breath hitch. “She’s a little delulu. They say it’s because she reads a lot. It’s a crime to even be so smart.”
“Oh.”
“She sent someone to get you the book. When we’re done, I’d take you home.”
Home? Hell nah.
“Thank you for the book. You didn’t have to.” I scratched the back of my neck.
“If I wasn’t in a hurry to handle some shits, I would’ve taken you out to compensate you for your coffee.” He irritatedly glanced at his aunt who grinned at me.
Her grin was innocent but somehow it gave me this unsettling feeling. After Santiago retrieved the book, he hooked his hand around mine - protectively - pulling me out.
“Sorry about my aunt once again. She can talk about so many educational facts but not act bat shit crazy.” He pushed the book to me.
I took it, thanking him.
“Let me drop you off.”
I shook my head immediately. “I would love to explore this area a little bit. It looks lovely.”
“It is lovely.” He nodded, holding his car door. “I’ll call you later then.”
I nodded, “yeah sure”
He entered into his car, driving off.
I rolled my eyes, quite frustrated.
That didn’t go well.
What was I going to tell Alessandro? I didn’t get anything tangible.
This just meant another night of long planning and bribing people to leak out Santiago’s schedule.
Left to Alessandro, it would’ve been threats though.
“Stop calling meee.” I groaned, refusing to reach for my phone in my bag. I knew it’d be Alessandro so I didn’t bother.
I was about to cross to the other part of the road when a car blocked my path, the door flying open.
I blinked severally, my mouth open.
“I’ve been calling you.”
“Santiago? I thought -“
“I’d like to invite you to a special dinner party organized by my family.”
I bit my lips from lifting up.
“Huh?” I played along, acting surprised.
He stretched his hand, giving me a card, “This is your pass, Clums.”
Yes! Yes! Yes!