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Chapter Nineteen - Witness
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2023-06-16 08:10:22Related chapters
The Dancer and the Mafia's Chef Chapter Twenty - Couple Performance
Lucas had wanted a performance from Amara and Declan, but hadn't let them see each other until the day before the performance. But then even that was put off because the guests decided to come two weeks later. Ridiculous. Thankfully, Lucas was finally letting them have time together. To plan for the performance. Whatever; it was time together. Declan hadn't seen Amara except in glances down hallways for two weeks now.Declan ran into her door, heedless of the security that had taken him there, banging hard until it opened and he crashed into the floor inside. "Amaraaaa," he sang, off key, looking around for her without moving up off the ground. She was in what looked like a literal dance studio, mirrors along one side partially covered with curtains, a hard floor... One corner had a rug with a bed and some nice furniture.Amara was suddenly at his side and hugging him in a moment, on the floor.Declan's arms wrapped around her waist, head burying in her hair. Safe. He was safe again,
Last Updated : 2023-06-16The Dancer and the Mafia's Chef Chapter Twenty-one - The second practice
The second practice hadn't been anything special, just dancing under supervision, letting Amara list each step and its mechanics. Declan didn't know dance jargon. He just did the steps as Amara taught him and forgot the names she'd tried to drill into his head, paid attention to her movements and loved being a part of them. Today, finally, was the performance Lucas wanted.Declan was dressed, styled, and perfected before he met up with Amara five minutes before their performance started. A nameless escort walked him to the performance room and back to a hidden corner, thanks to a curtain blocking most of the room off. Amara stood behind the curtain and Declan's heart skipped a beat, tripping over the next few until he coughed it back into rhythm. "Amara?" he breathed at the vision she had become.Her hair was curled, sprayed into place, makeup graced her face and Declan wondered if Michaelangelo himself had come down to paint a final masterpiece on her cheeks, lips, eyes, everything.
Last Updated : 2023-06-16The Dancer and the Mafia's Chef Chapter Twenty-Two - A Ball
"I'm not going to listen to you about Declan," Amara said at the start of her next session with Nyxen. "And I'm not telling you more about my family.""Why not?""Because they're none of your business!" Amara snapped. "And I don't want Lucas getting any more information than he already has.""You do know that he's managed to collect a fair bit already, right?" Nyxen asked. "That he's asked them for bail money as well."Amara paled. No. No she hadn't. They had no idea- She hoped he meant her family in France, though they had undoubtedly informed her parents in Morocco."They don't have the money, of course; but they are worried. Quite a lot.""Why are you telling me?" she asked, voice trembling a little."Just thought you might want to know," Nyxen said conversationally. "I mean, it's not like they can really blame you for not telling them you were dating a member of the mafia.""Don't bring Declan into this!" she said through gritted teeth, not looking at him."... You brought him up.
Last Updated : 2023-06-16The Dancer and the Mafia's Chef Chapter Twenty-three - Sister
Nyxen sat across from Declan. Just sitting there. Watching him. In his stupid all black outfit with crisp edges and sharp eyes like knives to match. Knee crossed over the other, hands on his free knee.Declan glared at him from his chair, arms crossed tightly and hunching backwards. He didn't have to say anything. He didn't even have to scratch the burn marks on his skin though he damn well wanted to. But he wouldn't give Nyxen the satisfaction of giving in to the stare-off and moving first. Or speaking.Eventually Nyxen broke the silence. "So, what was it this time?""I don't know," Declan retorted. "Isn't it your job to figure it out?""And do something about it." Nyxen looked at him. "You finding out and recognizing is part of that.""Ew." He scratched at a scab, wincing as it stung. Which entirely wasn't fair. Stupid skin."That's one way to phrase it," Nyxen commented, apparently unphased by whatever Declan did. Always. It was infuriating. The man was infuriating. Declan didn't h
Last Updated : 2023-06-16The Dancer and the Mafia's Chef Chapter Twenty-Four - Declan was late.
Amara paced in the room, arms folded around each other. Nyxen had arranged for her and Declan to have some time together, to... talk. The day after talking with Declan. She hadn't been told about what, or even for what, but it didn't matter; she was getting time with Declan. And he'd been having far too much time being tortured by Serenius lately. She didn't hear about everything, but she could guess. There was no way he wasn't occupying his time further harassing Declan. But Lucas had said he'd try to keep things reasonable. Not that she could trust him. Whatever. What mattered was-Declan was late.Why? How? It wasn't exactly like they were allowed to walk around whenever they wanted to."Hello!"Declan waltzed into her room.Relief spread in a smile across her face as she saw him. She quickly went over and hugged him, letting the embrace melt her tension away. He wrapped his arms around her, kissing the top of her head. She smiled and pulled back. "How are you?" she asked. It was a
Last Updated : 2023-06-16The Dancer and the Mafia's Chef Chapter Twenty-Five - Oportunities
Declan could smell her, hear her before he saw her. Amara. Amara. Foxy. Not caring about anything, he ran through the shoppers and tourist shoppers until his arms wrapped around her and he was hugging her to him as if no one else existed. Not Serenius, not Lucas, not the crowds. Just her. Just Amara. "I love you," he whispered, and, in French fashion, kissed her on the lips, hands and arms keeping her pressed against his chest.Amara reacted to his kiss, returning it. Her arms partially returned the hug, with a bag or two attached.Until a sharp, higher amped bolt separated them with a jerk. Declan yelped then looked at Serenius, glaring heatedly at him.Serenius was watching Amara, who winced and had her mouth open, twitching slightly, obviously having felt the shock as well. She clenched her teeth and also sent Serenius a glare, one that said she would have gladly swung at him if circumstances were even slightly different.Serenius simply raised his eyebrows to himself and mumbled a
Last Updated : 2023-06-16The Dancer and the Mafia's Chef Chapter Twenty-six - Milo
BAM. Declan jolted up from his bed and yelped when the door opened and a body was thrown in, then slammed shut. He stared at the viciously swearing body lying on the ground, arms tied together, feet kicking as hard as he was swearing. Milo. Declan swore softly and lay back down on his bed, trying to remain calm. Needless to say, it wasn't working very well. When had Milo showed up? Did they find him? Because of the shopping? No, Lucas wouldn't go that far, not yet. Milo had probably tried breaking in. How had he even found the place? Ugh. Milo continued struggling and kicking out at the door, finally kicking it hard enough to kick himself away and turn. Suddenly the swearing stopped and it was quiet. Eventually, one more, surprisingly soft yet still vehement swear came out. Serenius. He did something to whatever was around Milo's wrist. Declan sat up and swung his feet over so they touched the carpeted floor, odd; Europeans didn't often have an entire floor carpeted. "Do your bonds s
Last Updated : 2023-06-16The Dancer and the Mafia's Chef Chapter Twenty-seven - Back to the cell
Milo hurried through the halls, heedless of anything else, though he did slow uncertainly as they approached doorways. "Left?" he nodded, not stopping. "Five more," he muttered as he passed Milo. No way was he letting another chance slip by. He reached the door, pounded on it. "Amara!"It was quiet on the other side of the door. He kept pounding as Milo nearly collided with him. "Amara!"Finally, he heard her muffled voice on the other side of the door. "Declan?""Amara!" Milo called as well."Milo?" Amara said, a mixture of confusion and shock."Amara which side of th-""Milo!" Amara interrupted, fury in her voice. "What are you doing here?!""Side of the door!" Milo pressed. "Left or right? Which is open?""Milo you- you get out of here right now," she continued, threatening."He tried to rescue you, Sheeds," Declan panted. "The best we can do for him, and ourselves, is to get out. Together." He grinned at her through the wall even if Amara couldn't hear it. She could probably hear it
Last Updated : 2023-06-16
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The Dancer and the Mafia's Chef Chapter Thirty-Five - They Were Free
It was a week and a half later, but Amara did manage to see Declan again. She'd been cooperative, enough. More than usual, actually. Because she didn't have the energy to fight as much. Or the will. Oh, she wanted to. But the fire behind it all was losing strength. That was probably the real reason Lucas was allowing her to see Declan; she was hardly even dancing lately.Declan was cooking now. Her stomach still churned at the thought of food, but she could deal with it to see Declan. And cooking was a way he dealt with stress, with life, with anything. If she could see him smile again, that would help her.She was escorted to a door to the kitchen, and allowed to open it herself. Declan was on his own, and didn't even notice anyone else existed. He had things on a stove, things on a chopping board, probably had some things scattered in places he'd forgotten about for the moment. And he had a spoon, was singing to it off-key as he danced between his work stations. Anyone else there wo
The Dancer and the Mafia's Chef Chapter thirty-four - Knock knock
Declan sat in the chair, eyes closed, shaking. Nyxen had asked a question. Something about how he was feeling, how the evening went the previous night. In one word, horrible. Declan couldn't even stand to think about it, though his nightmares had been about the marriage night with Serenius. Declan shuddered and clenched his fists. Nyxen could read body language. Therefore, Declan let his actions speak louder than words ever could.Nyxen was quiet for a bit, maybe writing. "Was there anything positive you can think of? Even just one thing?""Amara looked absolutely stunning. Dupont was there. The food was delightful. I had gorgeous clothes on, so soft. I was able to dance. I got to help Amara get ready. I got a head massage." Declan opened his eyes and looked up at Nyxen, slowly unclenching his fists.Nyxen nodded encouragingly. "Good, that's quite a few things. Why were they good for you?""Amara sparkled. I didn't think that was possible in here. That was wonderful to see. Dancing, w
The Dancer and the Mafia's Chef Chapter Thirty-three - Dancing. Lucas. Declan. Serenius.
Amara woke up, on her bed, hearing a soothing tone of baladi music in the background. Relaxing. What? She had been angry... And she was sore—Dancing. Lucas. Declan. Serenius.Anger flaring, she jolted upright."Careful. The dosage my father gave you may have been off. You could be dizzy." Aurora."Yeah, really?" she snarked. Aurora. Amara did feel dizzy but she swung her legs over anyway, not about to stay down.Aurora sighed. "Your funeral. There's a thermos of hot chocolate for you."Amara scoffed at her and stood, and instantly fell to the ground, swearing."Do you want help?"She didn't have time for this. She exclaimed and kicked out, somehow not hitting anything. She exhaled irately. "Where."Aurora sighed and knelt in front of her on one knee, hand held out. "C'mon. Up you get. Back on the bed. I'll bring it over."Amara took her hand and pulled herself up, standing with the soreness which woke her more, but did not help the dizziness. She scowled. "Where is he?" she got out t
The Dancer and the Mafia's Chef Chapter Thirty-two - Damn Serenius
Amara had socialized and avoided the food, even though it looked amazing, but she did not avoid a bit of dancing here and there. It was wonderful, and the only thing really missing was Declan. Who should be there and was and she knew it. And she wanted to see him. And not. But not— She did. And she missed him and she didn't want to think about things— It was fine.She breathed out. Really, as soon as she actually saw him, it would be fine."Nienie!" Arms wrapped around her, warm arms, young arms, tight and muscled, attached to a young, fit torso and a voice that made her [body plus verb]. Declan. "Nienie," Declan whispered, voice terse, likely at breaking point and trying not to because they were in a room full of villains.She relaxed into his arms anyway. "Declan." She moved her head back and rested it against him, realizing that even without seeing him he could comfort her, help her. He was amazing and wonderful and she had missed him."You're alive. I-I missed you."She grinned ag
The Dancer and the Mafia's Chef Chapter Thirty-one - children in a fairyland
Eventually, Lucas came and escorted Amara to the ballroom. She was in a good enough mood that she almost didn't mind. She could certainly pretend it was a fine time, though. She entered the ballroom, smiling, and immediately was set upon by Lucas introducing her to scores of famous people. Dancers, actors, actresses... some of them she only knew from magazines, some she knew from movies or shows. Some she knew had been in various theaters. She never expected to ever even see them in real life though, let alone meet them.Lucas continued the introductions for a short time, and then left her on her own. She started to panic a little, but the people were very friendly, and those who weren't didn't stick around to sour the mood.After at least a half hour or more of this, her head was reeling. She loved it, but it was a lot. Laughing, wishing she had something for autographs, wishing she knew where Declan was... but knowing he was there, probably meeting actors and maybe even chefs. Amara
The Dancer and the Mafia's Chef Chapter Thirty - It's over
The time for the ball had finally, finally, come. Amara hated the fact that Lucas was willing and able to flaunt his power like this... but it was a chance to see other people. Possibly a chance to escape. Although, she didn't want a repeat of what had happened with Milo... She hoped he was recovering alright.Maybe it would be better to just play along and participate in the stupid flaunting Lucas wanted, and maybe he would be more lenient later. Either way, he hadn't asked her to choreograph another piece; that was one less pressure to worry about. Since Declan would be there, she could focus on him, simply dance in the moment, talk with people... forget that she was trapped for at least a short time.Knocking came at her door. "Amara!" Declan. "Amara Amara Amara Amara! The door's open, just open it! Amara!"She was at the door, but hesitated taking the handle. It was always locked, and sometimes shock-enabled. But Declan's voice spurred her to take it, and miraculously it was safe.
The Dancer and the Mafia's Chef Chapter Twenty-nine - little freedom
Declan paced around his room, heart beating quickly. Nyxen had said that they might be able to go through Declan's cooking method. Which meant shopping. Fresh air. A taste of freedom. Nyxen hadn't come yet. Which worried Declan. If the man took any longer, he'd have less time outside.A knock came at the door.Nyxen. Instantly, Declan opened the door and waited, breath held for the verdict."Can we?"Nyxen smiled at him and gave a small head nod. "Have your list?"Without thinking, Declan hugged Nyxen, tightly, nodding on his shoulder, throat to filled with gratitude to answer verbally.Nyxen tensed, set his hands on Declan's arms, and firmly pulled him off."I am sorry, sir. Very unprofessional. Shall we go?"Declan grinned and skipped. Nyxen walked so quickly, skipping didn't even upset their pace. "How'd you do it?""What?" Nyxen asked flatly."Never mind. I didn't know you hated hugs. Thank you for not murdering me when I gave you one." Declan was walking now; skipping, apparently
The Dancer and the Mafia's Chef Chapter Twenty-Eight - We shall see, Msr. Chef
Amara was sitting in the damn chair again. It had been five days since Milo had been captured, sent home. She'd been allowed a brief texted picture to see that he was, during the day she'd spent recovering with Declan. She'd had two sessions, or attempted sessions, with Doctor Nyxen since then. The first she'd cowered, cried, swore, accused, and ended up on the floor under his hands again. The second, she'd been compliant and listened to his words, advice, treatments.She wasn't sure what to do now. She couldn't stand being so… non active, easy to deal with. Especially when nothing she did seemed to make a difference to him anyway. She fought; he subdued her. She cowered; he coerced her. She sat there numbly; he prodded her into some sort of reaction. It was ridiculous. Her legs bobbed madly as she looked down, up, around, everywhere. And since when was he late to a session?Suddenly Nyxen was in the room, by the door; apparently slipped in soundlessly. Amara actually jumped when she
The Dancer and the Mafia's Chef Chapter Twenty-seven - Back to the cell
Milo hurried through the halls, heedless of anything else, though he did slow uncertainly as they approached doorways. "Left?" he nodded, not stopping. "Five more," he muttered as he passed Milo. No way was he letting another chance slip by. He reached the door, pounded on it. "Amara!"It was quiet on the other side of the door. He kept pounding as Milo nearly collided with him. "Amara!"Finally, he heard her muffled voice on the other side of the door. "Declan?""Amara!" Milo called as well."Milo?" Amara said, a mixture of confusion and shock."Amara which side of th-""Milo!" Amara interrupted, fury in her voice. "What are you doing here?!""Side of the door!" Milo pressed. "Left or right? Which is open?""Milo you- you get out of here right now," she continued, threatening."He tried to rescue you, Sheeds," Declan panted. "The best we can do for him, and ourselves, is to get out. Together." He grinned at her through the wall even if Amara couldn't hear it. She could probably hear it
