Chapter 6: Raelyn
Raelyn pov
The private jet hummed softly as it fly through the skies, leaving behind the cozy small town I had grown up into . I sat stiffly in a fancy leather seat my hands clutching a mug of hot chocolate a air hostess had handed me when we entered the jet, though it felt surreal sipping it in the presence of the man who had just turned my life upside down.
I stole a glance at him. Rafael De Ross sat across from me, his tailored suit fitted him perfectly, a dark contrast to his sharp features.
He was so engrossed in his phone, barking commands in Italian to someone on the other end. His tone was firm and commanding which sent shivers down my spine not from fear this time, but something else.
Dante had sat down two seats Infront of us, scrolling on his phone, and occasionally throwing me nasty glares.
“What?” Rafael sharp question pulled me from my thoughts.
I blinked. “What... what happens now?”
He put down his phone, his dark eyes locking onto mine. “Now, we go to my villa. You’ll stay there, under my protection.”
“Protection?” I repeated,my voice turning small.
“Do I need to spell it out, dolcezza? You’re a witness,why the fuck do you want to irritate me every time?! If you step out of line, there are men who will make sure you disappear. Permanently.” (Sweetness )
My chest tightened at his words, and instinctively i clutched the mug closer, seeking the warmth it provided. “I didn’t ask for any of this,” I murmured.
He sighed, leaning back in his chair. “And yet, here you are.”
Silence stretched between us, only the hum of the jet filling the void. I turned to the window, watching the endless expanse of clouds. I missed my home town already,the flower shop, the comforting smell roses, lilies and my cozy little apartment.
I bit my lip and dared to ask him quietly. “Why me?”
He raised an eyebrow. “Why not you?”
“I mean... you’re a mafia lord, right? Surely you have people who could’ve handled this without dragging me into it.”
Rafael's lips twitched with a hint of amusement breaking through his stern and cold demeanor. “You’re braver than you look, questioning me like that. Aren't you afraid of me Amore ”
“I’m not brave,” I muttered. “ I'm just... confused, why not just end this without you dragging me with you.”
For a moment, Rafael studied me, his expression was unreadable as always. Then he stood up,straightening his jacket. “You’ll understand in time. For now, get some rest. The villa isn’t far once we land.”
When we arrived in Sicily, i felt like I had stepped into a movie. The villa was located on a hill overlooking the sea.
“This is your home?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper as I took in the sprawling estate. This wasn't a house, this was a palace or a white house!. The house was all alone at the top of the hill, with trees surrounding it, and a huge stone wall.
Rafael smirked. “Impressed?”
I didn’t answer because I was too busy staring at the fancy house. The villa was a mix of old world charm and modern luxury, with tall archways, marble floors, and twinkling light decorations that felt both festive and out of place for someone like him.
A woman in her sixties bustled out to greet them, her apron was dusted with flour. “Signore Rafael! Finalmente!” she exclaimed, her face lighting up as she hugged him. (Lord Rafael! Finally)
Rafael allowed the hug, though he looked mildly uncomfortable. “Nonna, this is Raelyn. She’ll be staying with us.”
“Staying?” the woman repeated, her sharp eyes narrowing as she studied me.
I only offered her a weak smile, unsure of what to say. Maybe she thought I was a new maid, maybe that would have been better than the situation I was in right now.
Nonna clucked her tongue. “She’s too skinny and small. Come, I’ll make you something to eat.”
The days that followed were... interesting. I quickly learned that Rafael De Ross was a man of contradictions. He was gruff and intimidating, yet oddly meticulous about his surroundings. He ran a criminal empire, yet scolded me for leaving crumbs on the counter after breakfast.
“You’re worse than a child,” he muttered one morning as he wiped the crumbs with a precision that bordered on obsessive.
My cheeks burned. “I’m sorry, I didn’t...”
“Save it,” he said, waving me off.
Tears pricked my eyes as I turned away quickly, hoping he wouldn’t notice but he did.
Rafael froze, the cloth in his hand was long forgotten as he watched how my shoulders shook. He looked angry all of sudden,his face went pale, and I realized my mistake as I roughly removed my tears from my cheeks to not anger him anymore.
“Stop crying,” he said, his voice was softer this time.
“I’m not crying,” I sniffled.
“You’re terrible at lying,” he muttered, tossing the cloth aside.
When I didn’t respond, he sighed and reached out, his hand hovering awkwardly before settling on my shoulder. “Look, I didn’t mean to upset you. I’m just... not used to sharing my space.”
I turned to face him with my teary eyes. “You could try being nicer about it.”
He stared at me for a moment, then smirked. “Where’s the fun in that? You're practically my prisoner now, do I have to treat you like a proper wife? I don't think so” He added then disappeared upstairs.
I dropped down on the chair, wiping my tears and took out the dirty dishes to the kitchen.
As I scrubbed the dishes, my mind wandered to the contradictions of my life with Rafael. One moment, he was scolding me like a child and hate my existence and the next, he was gentle. It was confusing and I couldn't help but wonder which version of him was the real Rafael De Ross.
Just then, Nonna walked into the kitchen, with a warm smile on her face. "Raelyn, cara, come sit down. I'll make you a cup of coffee." She gestured to the small table by the window, and I obeyed, feeling a sense of gratitude towards this kind woman.
As she handed me a cup of coffee, she asked me "How are you finding life here, cara? Rafael can be... intense, no?"
I hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal,I couldn't possibly tell her that Rafael kidnapped me right? but Nonna's gentle tone put me at ease.
I took a sip of the coffee, enjoying the rich flavor, and wondered how much I could trust this woman who seemed to care for Rafael like a son. And I didn't see anyone here except her,I wondered if his parents were living here.
Just as I was starting to relax with Nonna's warm company, the kitchen door swung open and Dante strode in, his eyes went scanning the room until they landed on me.
His gaze was cold and his expression was disapproving, and I felt a shiver run down my spine. "Rafael wants to see you before we leave," he said curtly, his tone dripping with hate. Dante has never failed to show his hate towards me, only if he could get a chance to kill me that night.
Nonna intervened respectful, "Dante,mio figlio, let Raelyn finish her coffee. She's still getting used to our ways." (My son)
But Dante's expression didn't soften, and he repeated again, "Rafael wants to see her now."
I sighed inwardly, knowing I had no choice but to follow Dante's orders.
Rafael was waiting for me outside, his eyes narrowing as he took in my appearance "You heard Dante," he said,
"I have business to attend to, and I don't want you leaving the villa. Do I make myself clear? Luce del sole" (Sunshine)
I nodded, feeling frustrated at being locked up. "Yes, I understand."
Rafael's gaze lingered on me for a moment before he turned to Dante, and together they left the villa.
Nonna's warm hand was on my shoulder as she whispered, "Don't worry, cara. You'll get used to this life." (Dear)