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Chapter nine - Officially dating
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2023-06-16 07:22:25Related chapters
The Dancer and the Mafia's Chef Chapter Ten - Tears
The second Declan stepped into the club, something was off. The music too loud, the lights too bright, too many looked at Amara, tense, and squeezed her hand. Amara didn't really seem to notice, or rather, if she did she didn't think much of it. She just squeezed his hand back with an energetic smile and started into the crowd a little. He swallowed. He could do this, just breathe. Breathe. He could do that. Declan followed her in and let his body respond to hers. Amara stayed close, but only ever brushing him, having too much fun swaying and swinging around, hands in the air at times. Declan swallowed and tried to focus on something, anything, but just holding her hand wasn't currently enough, and Shay was dancing with another group right next to him. He swallowed and tried to ignore the strobe light, all of his movements jerky and off.Amara finally seemed to notice after forever, and she toned down her moves, moved closer to him. "You okay?" she asked. "Want some water?"He nodded.
Last Updated : 2023-06-16The Dancer and the Mafia's Chef Chapter Eleven - The Charming Bad Jokes
Declan had argued that going to Paris under the Tour Eiffel was the best place to reconcile. However, Milo and Shay had vehemently - repeatedly - said that no, it was not a good idea. The only reason Declan had ceded was because Milo eventually admitted that Amara hated trains, especially trips that took over an hour. They had all agreed on Parc de la Tête d'Or and its cafe on the back left corner. An open-air cafe.Amara was already stewing over a hardly-touched drink of some kind, deliberately keeping her eyes down and unaware of much else around her. Despite the somehow-perfect temperature, the slight evening breeze, the beautiful park. She glanced at her phone now and then, but that was all.With utmost caution, Declan approached her. When he was a foot away, he could feel the anger coming off her in scorching waves like the heat off a fresh mug of coffee. He gulped, loud enough for Amara to hear him.She paused, then looked up at him from her seat. Her expression was nearly unrea
Last Updated : 2023-06-16The Dancer and the Mafia's Chef Chapter Twelve - Repairs
Declan was really making progress repairing things; he'd even invited her to come to work with him. Even though he still hadn't given her a name to the place, or his employer, or coworkers. But she did want to work on trusting him more. And he worked at night, while she worked during the day; it was almost easier to set up that than a normal date. And now here they were, walking hand-in-hand down a street in the lamplight. Amara was both excited and nervous. Her tiredness from the day didn't really matter for the next few hours. She wasn't going to miss out on this."So, I get really snappy, critical, judgemental, and straight out cruel in my- the kitchen. It's stressful, hectic, rushing rushing rushing, and exhausting." Declan grinned and squeezed her hand. "It's also beautiful, spicy, serene, and the best place on earth. Sure you want to come? I am not at my best. The intensity is very heated."Amara nodded. "I- understand. Sometimes it can get like that in rehearLeylas, practice, a
Last Updated : 2023-06-16The Dancer and the Mafia's Chef Chapter thirteen - The Bag!
The knock on the door surprised her.Declan pulled away and went to the door, instantly grinning as he opened it. She could hear it in his voice. "Pelouche! Father! No Max?""No," said an older man's voice, "I'm helping this afternoon. Max is probably taking a well-earned nap."She wasn't sure if the voice she was hearing was Hugo or Msr. Pelouche, and for some reason just that alone brought her panic rising again. Chiding herself, she took another breath and calmed, fixed her hair a little, and went around into the entryway hall, putting a calming, welcoming smile on. It was like a performance, but no dancing to get her nerves out, and no space between her and the audience.Declan was laughing and hugging two older men, one looking in his 60s though the cane added on to that, and the other looking indeterminably older. Not much, but a bit. Hugo must be the one with the cane. Slight irritation with Declan surfaced and helped her focus again, and she pushed it away for the time as she
Last Updated : 2023-06-16The Dancer and the Mafia's Chef Chapter fourteen - Progressing in Steps
"What do you mean you don't know if it's serious?" Asher asked over the video screen, the image freezing for a moment when his face was close to the screen."I mean exactly that!" Amara said just as emphatically."You've been going out for months," he began listing. "You've had arguments and at least one big fight that you both came back from—"One actual fight—"You're both working and still managing to find time for each other on a weekly basis," he continued. "You've been to his work—""Once.""I'm sure he'd take you again if you asked," Asher said, undeterred. "And, you both are normalizing.""What? No we're not.""It's becoming normal to see each other more than not, isn't it?""Maybe. Doesn't mean it happens more," she said petulantly."Doesn't mean you don't want it to," he argued back."Relationships work like that!""Yeah, but you're also not super bummed and bothering him all the time when you don't get to see him!""Because I know he has a life!" she argued back. "He works
Last Updated : 2023-06-16The Dancer and the Mafia's Chef Chapter Fifteen - Intimate Stretches and Unspoken Words
Occasionally, Amara had days off when she didn't need to be at the studio because none of the numbers being practiced included her. At times, she still liked to watch, but lately, she welcomed the time off. However, she intended to stay in shape, and Declan had expressed interest in seeing her dance. So, she convinced him to join her in stretching and a little bit of dancing at a local studio she knew.When she first arrived in France, her aunt provided information about the studio. Amara initially disregarded it and didn't think about it for at least a year.But she missed the barre and studio floors. Although they were all different, they were better than dancing on club grounds or whatever happened to be available.So she visited the studio occasionally when there was an empty room or no classes were in session. She met one of the teachers, proved her skills, and obtained permission to use the space, even though she had dropped the class.Now she waited outside the door, dressed in
Last Updated : 2023-06-16The Dancer and the Mafia's Chef Chapter Sixteen - The king cook has spoken
They arrived at Declan's apartment and he closed the door behind them. "So, what do you want to eat?" he asked as he slipped his shoes off. Habit he'd acquired somewhere and it stuck with him. At least he'd had the sense to have his own apartment for that. Giovanni may pay him they money for it, but his name was on the lease. And it would stay that way, whether Giovanni was a mafia boss or not.Amara sighed as she slipped her own shoes off. "Hmm... something savory. Surprise me."Declan nodded, going through a list of possibilities in his head. "How do you feel about raw fish?"She raised her eyebrows, but didn't pull too much of a face. "Experimental. But up for it."Declan grinned. "Excellent. Now go take a shower or something; I'll cook." There were extra towels in the guest bedroom.Amara scoffed at him. "I'd have to get back into my dirty leotard if I showered!"Declan shook his head. "Guest room wardrobe."Amara raised her eyebrow."There's an outfit for you there."She switched
Last Updated : 2023-06-16The Dancer and the Mafia's Chef Chapter Seventeen - The Music Ends
Declan looked around carefully at his kitchen, pleased with how it had turned out. It was pristine and the food on the counter tops even more so. The best part, was the fact that each dish without exception had chocolate sauce. Declan had cooked for her. In his apartment, and had invited her over in... he glanced at his watch. Ten minutes. Well. She would be here in ten looked down at himself and grinned. Chocolate was all over his cooking shirt. No matter. Declan twirled out of the kitchen and into his bedroom, out of the dirty clothes, and into Amara's favorite shirt of his, favorite pants, fixed his hair then walked out after putting a touch of cologne on his neck. There. Understated paced around his apartment, watching his phone like, well, like a Declan, waiting for Amara to ring in below.Finally, she rang. A few minutes ahead, but it wasn't like he wasn't ready."Enter!" he called out, letting her inside the building with a buzz. Declan ran out to meet her, nearly slipping on t
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
