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Chapter thirty-four - Knock knock
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2023-06-16 08:57:02Related chapters
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
Last Updated : 2023-06-16The Dancer and the Mafia's Chef Chapter One - Dancing in the Misty Morning
Amara used to take ballet. She'd even learned ballroom, salsa, tango, swing. Now she just listened to the beat, bouncing and banging her head and hips to the sounds surrounding her. Clubs were the only places she felt alive, like she could be something, someone. Even if she was just another face in the crowd, another body swaying and skipping, she existed. Language, color, race, clothing, nothing mattered once the lights went out and the neon came up. Everybody grabbed glowsticks and got covered with paint. It didn't matter that she was far from home and living with her cousins, that she was in a different country where she still had problems with the language at times. Everyone was just there to dance and be a mindless mass of music together. She could do that.What she couldn't do was mornings. That was why she always had afternoon or evening shift at her cousins' bakery. She would walk in the house and shower the party off at 4 AM, then sleep while everyone else worked til noon. Th
Last Updated : 2023-05-22The Dancer and the Mafia's Chef Chapter Two - A Rainbow Collision
Declan hated Police Officers. Gendarmerie. Despicable word. No one at the place could take a joke. Too often any he crackedlanded him warnings. Honestly. Other people around him with light skin could say things without warning. He made a face at a Gendarme without thinking and received a glare inreturn. "Pfft á toi aussi!" he called after the officer."Eh, garcon. Troubadour! Un appel au teléphone!”Blinking, Declan turned to the voice with a shocked expression, wounded. Why, why were people so mean to him all the time. Garçon was especially rude. Merxx. He took a deepbreath and gave the gendarme a bright smile as he stood up. "Jarrive!" I'm coming. Declan walked over and into a room. Grabbing the phone, he said in English, "Declanspeaking, how can I help—""What in the hell were you thinking, pulling a stunt like that? Declan, sometimes I don't even know why I bother to ask you to help.”Declan sighed. "Mal, it's fine. It got settled, M. Dupont will be out tomorrow morning.” Mali
Last Updated : 2023-05-22The Dancer and the Mafia's Chef Chapter Three - Early encounters
Amara had been planning on putting off telling Declan where she actually was for at least a day, to give herself time to recoup and actually look more decent when he came. But Milo had changed that. Now she had less than two hours before Declan showed up and—"Bonne après-midi!"The greeting sounded a bit louder than it needed to be. People. Amara continued working and thinking about how she would make things work for her. She could finish decorating this batch of cupcakes and slip over to the bathroom, and make sure her face didn't look too tired. She'd put on foundation upon waking, but that was it, and it had mostly been to hide the dark circles. That had been hours ago now, too. She hadn't even bothered with mascara or eyeliner, considering she was just working in the back anyway. If necessary, she could dash upstairs and grab her purse and put at least those on."Amara!"Her hand slipped and she stabbed the cupcake she was working on. She swore and covered it up with icing. "Wha
Last Updated : 2023-05-22The Dancer and the Mafia's Chef Chapter Four - Unexpected Antics
Amara finished putting some lip gloss on; she wasn t going anywnhere crazy, probably, but It was a step up from Carmex. She 'd cleaned up from work, put on some light makeup, and wore capris and a loose semi-sleeve shirt that almost fell off one shoulder. She was going to be comfortable, and she was going to look nice doing it. She could put forth the effort of looking prettier when she had gotten more sleep. And if he actually asked her out. First, to see if he was still around.Checking to make sure her phone was in her back pocket, she popped down to the bakery. There wasn't anyone left other than her uncle Don checking inventory again. She glanced out the front window; Declan wasn't at those tables either."He left a while ago," Milo said behind her, making her swear and jump. "Want to text him?”Amara scowled at him as she reached for her phone. "I was just—" Her phone wasn't there. She checked her other pockets.Milo grinned and held up her phone. Again.Amara glared at him an
Last Updated : 2023-05-24The Dancer and the Mafia's Chef Chapter Five - Lunch Plans
"Amara!" a female voice demanded in French over the phone. "You should tell me these things sooner!""Oh my gosh Shay," Amara responded, with a wince from her friend's tone and a small smile anyway, "it just happened!""No, it did not 'just' happen, it was planned and I was not informed."Amara rolled her eyes, leaning back in the seat in the café. "Technically, Milo planned it. I didn't even find out about it until I was working, you know."Shay huffed over the phone. "Well; I guess I'll save my tirade for him then. But still."Amara chuckled. "Why the big deal? You know I usually don't tell you about meeting people until at least the second time, unless craziness happens.""Um, you met outside of the police station, he kissed your hand, and he speaks Arabic. Not only that, but he wasn't a total creep about it. I think that's pretty crazy."Amara giggled. "It was 5 AM! I wasn't going to text you then!""I would have seen it when I got up.""And called me in the middle of work.""Not
Last Updated : 2023-05-24The Dancer and the Mafia's Chef chapter Six - Shadows of Destiny
Amara washed her hands briefly. "Hey I've clocked out for break for an hour," she said to Don.He gave her a nod. "Don't forget for too long, alright?"She rolled her eyes with a smile. "I will watch the time.""Hey," Milo said genially as he strolled in from the front, picking up some more deliveries. "There's some shady character with a backpack out back."Amara elbowed him. "Be nice." Their back door wasn't exactly unknown to the neighborhood, although it was likely Declan he was talking about."Well he wasn't exactly kind in return, you know!" Milo returned, offended.She wasn't sure if he actually was serious or not. "Oh?""Yeah; I yelled at him, and he yelled right back."Amara pursed her lips, relaxing again. "Well duh; everyone yells at you.""Only because everybody wants me." He sang the last bit a little and grinned at her as he picked up the boxes to go.Amara would have shoved him if he hadn't been holding the boxes, and she knew he knew it. She rolled her eyes. "Yes, to l
Last Updated : 2023-06-16The Dancer and the Mafia's Chef Chapter Seven - Late-Night Conversations
Amara grabbed her headset, then closed the door to the room she shared with some of her cousins. She was the only one in there, for now, and it would stay like that for at least an hour. She had her time to Skype Asher, her cousin back in Morocco. Even though they spoke in Arabic, and hardly any of her cousins even had a partial grasp on the language, the closed door made her feel better, more secure in talking.It rang, and before long she saw her cousin's face briefly freeze on the screen before moving again. "Hello!" he said cheerfully, waving.She grinned. "Hey! How are you?" Asher honestly felt more like a brother to her than a cousin; they had grown up together after his parents died. In some ways, they were even closer than she was with her actual brothers, but that may have been an age thing. Asher was just a year older than her, while her brothers were both at least four years younger."Good, great to see you again. Well, in a way." He chuckled."Yeah, sorry about last time,"
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
