Chapter 3

"What the hell are you doing?" She whisper-yelled at me. 

Avery's face was stern, like a mother scolding her child. Even she knew how much trouble I was in.

"That I can explain." I answered nervously.

"That guy is dangerous, Hailynn."

"I know- wait. H-how did you know that?"

My friend sighed. 

We've known each other for a while now. It was three years ago, when Ethan and I met her in the orphanage we used to visit. The orphanage where we grew up until we're old enough to be independent. It was the day she sent her donations for the children and for the orphanage itself. 

We've met a lot of benefactors. Some would come at the orphanage personally and others just donate confidentially. It was what kept us and the others going. When we met her, Ethan and I instantly liked her. She was beautiful, kind, tough, her sassiness could go on miles but she treats everyone equally- the list goes on. 

Until now, I can't seem to get over her beauty. This woman has everything yet so down to earth. Ethan and I admire her a lot. We have such high respect for her. She was the one who gave us opportunities to live our dream. Ethan was able to publish his books and she introduced me to mentors who could guide me with my skills and talent. Last night, I was finally confident enough to auction my paintings. Avery kept on convincing me to finally sell it. I gave in finally when she said the money would go to charity. 

And the fact that my excitement last night completely shattered when my fate was crossed with a mafia boss.

"We need to talk." I returned her sigh. We walked towards where mister mafia and I sat. I made sure we sat outside of the coffee shop so if this guy does funny business, a lot of people will witness it. Who knows, a concerned citizen might save me or better yet, a cop. 

"Angelo." I frowned. So she knew this guy. This criminal.

Wow, how ironic. Angelo, huh. He must be a stray angel. Dear, god. I think you forgot to categorize this one.

Angelo playfully smirked. "Such small world, don't you think so, cousin-in-law?"

Holy shit. My eyes widened like saucers.

"Get up. We need to talk in private." Avery ignored the intentional slip up.

"Well, then, sit down." He continued to sit languidly while pointing to the two seats right across him.

"Listen here, Di Angelo. If you ever hurt her... even a single hair, I won’t hesitate to break your arm… again." I was shocked that she threatened him. But if it's true that they're cousins in law, then she must be close to him. I frowned at the thought. They don't sound close. Not when Avery is actually threatening him for my sake. She really sounded serious.

Surprisingly, he chuckled. "Tesoro, you know I simply let you win."

She scoffed. "Yeah, nice try." Avery had a steady glare on him while Angelo only smiled at their exchange. 

I glanced towards Avery. Did she really break his arm? My anxiety tripled at these two.

"Alright. Since you won't budge, we'll have our meeting here with you. I hope for your sake, Angelo, you won't open that idiotic mouth."

His lips lifted upward. "The floor is yours, tesoro. Well in this case, the table."

Avery went to sit at the empty chair and I followed to sit besides her not intending to even graze my skin with him.

Our meeting surprisingly went well. We were able to discuss the important details of the charity event last night. I signed a lot of documents that include the shipments and ownership of the paintings. Avery made sure that I don't have to do anything besides talking and signing. Although I didn't want that, she insisted. She understood my circumstances now that my best friend is no longer with me. We were practically attached to the hip. She knew how I depended on him so much.

"I mean it, Angelo. Especially now that you are in New York." Avery warned her cousin in law again. We were standing at our spot with Avery bidding us farewell but stopped short when she remembered Angelo.

"Relax, tesoro. Say hi to cousin for me, will you?" I only watched their exchange beside them. My eyes travel back and forth between him and Avery. 

"What do you plan on doing to her?"

Angelo glanced at me only for a few seconds before shifting his attention back to Avery. "She's a witness." I tensed. 

I hope she didn't understand what he meant.

Avery froze. Of course she knew. 

I stared at the ground, suddenly finding it interesting. But if she knows, wouldn't it be in my favor? She'll help me escape from his grasp.

"Is that why you're here?" He nodded.

When I looked up, I noticed he was already looking at me.

"You can't help her, tesoro. She's mine now." So much for help. I sighed. "I honor my promise to the family. I only came here because some fool tried to test my patience and steal from me. But know that I wouldn't dare break it. I have high respect for Uncle Marco and Stefano. I'm pretty sure if I even hug you right now, Stefano would have my head on a cheapest platter. Italian style of course." Avery snorted, clearly resisting a laugh while Angelo just smiled. I, on the other hand, am still scared.

"Angelo, she's my friend and she's been through a lot. Please and I mean please... do not hurt her." I held my breath hearing her plea. How did I ever deserve such a friend? She already did so much for me.

"Alright, tesoro. For you." Avery and I exhaled a breath of relief. "But that doesn't change the fact that she's now under my watch. I will not hurt her as promised but that doesn't stop me from doing anything aside from that." 

Avery and I looked at each other before she nodded in understanding. She then faced me in full height. "Hailynn... I know you already know him. You must be surprised that the Ranallo is connected to the mafia. Maybe someday I'll tell you how it came to be." She grabbed my hands and held it. "But he is family, Hailynn. He's Stefano's cousin. Marco's nephew. And I promise you that he will not hurt you because he promised me that. Family is important to us and we respect and honor our family. You have my word on that."

I stare at the mafia boss across me. He was still relaxed but the playful smirk he was always wearing was gone. I was still anxious but not triple anxious like before.

"Ask away, amore." He smirked but not quite playful like his usual. 

Somehow it looked like it was forced. I was quiet. Just because I don't know what to ask first. There's just so many questions hanging, like the fact that he was related to the Ranallos. Maybe I should've asked Avery how to handle him. I mean considering she already broke his arm before. 

Too late for that though. She already left not long ago. 

My train of thoughts stopped when he leaned towards me, elbows propping on the table. "You know you should be grateful to her. I am unable to touch you. Hell, you’re lucky we are in their territory. I intend to keep my promise to them. If we would’ve been in Italy right now, I have long buried my cock in that sassy mouth of yours." I blushed. Furiously. But I managed to scowl at him, making sure my distaste was obvious in my face.

"She said-"

"She said not to hurt you." He smirked mischievously. There's a smug look on his face. "I'm sure sucking my cock will only give us both pleasure." He chuckled when I turned away. "Shame. I can't do anything with you here... for now though."

His fingers brushed my jaw, sliding towards my chin, forcing me to face him. He was now in my personal bubble and I noticed that he already got up from his seat only to bend down and hover over me. 

"Once I drag you back to Italy with me... you will only know pain from so much pleasure, amore. I'd make sure of that."