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Chapter 71

Author: Flicky
last update Huling Na-update: 2025-01-15 23:23:58

OCTAVIA'S POV

My eyes met Aaron's from across the room, and the buzz, the murmurs, and the quiet conversation—all of it faded to the background. He was leaning casually against the back wall, arms crossed over his broad chest, his face, as usual, was unreadable and stoic, as though nothing in the room interested him. But then, his mouth quirked ever so slightly into the faintest hint of a smile.

I blinked, taken aback by the subtle change in his expression. Something flickered in his eyes, something very similar to...pride? Approval? Whatever it was, it made my heart race. For a moment, it feels as if the weight of the day has lifted; I don't feel the stares of the people looking at me; I feel at ease. I held his gaze, the corners of my lips tugging upward instinctively. The room and everyone in it blurred into insignificance, and for a fleeting moment, it felt like it was just the two of us in the world.

Wait! What was that?

I broke the eye contact, looking around the room to make
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  • Wanted By The Mafia Lord; Attracted to the Bad Boy Nextdoor    Chapter 72

    OCTAVIA'S POVMy body moved swiftly with a practiced ease that I still find fascinating as I kept punching the bag, my fists almost in sync with the beat of the music blasting in my ear, I didn't hear the sound of anyone come in but I saw the door of the gym open through the side of my eye making me still for a brief second. My breath came out in soft pants and I looked at the entrance to see Aaron coming in still in his outfit from earlier. He walked inside and leaned causally again the wall opposite me, his stoic expression still intact as he watched my watch him, he raised a questioning eyebrow at me when I didn't do anything. I felt a bit self conscious under his steady gaze, but I ignored him and turned back to the bag and threw another punch, trying to shake the. But the weight of his presence and his silence was unnerving, and I found myself slowing down. "Are you done?" He asked flatly, his voice breaking the silence. I stopped mid punch and lowered my fists. My knuckles

    Huling Na-update : 2025-01-16
  • Wanted By The Mafia Lord; Attracted to the Bad Boy Nextdoor    Chapter 73

    OCTAVIA'S POV The first thing I remembered when I woke up was Zion's text from yesterday; I had completely forgotten to reply to his message after I got home. The sunlight streamed through the curtain, and I checked the clock on the wall, and it was already past nine am. I didn't know I still slept in till this late; it's been a while. I blinked and sat up, rubbing the drowsiness from my eyes, and groaned as I stretched out across the bed. I grabbed my phone from the bedside table, and I opened my messenger app and saw the text. I started typing a reply, "Good morning, Zion. I'm sorry I didn't," I deleted the whole thing and decided to give him a call instead. I took a deep breath, dialed his number, and pressed the phone to my ear. The dialed twice before he picked up “Octavia?” Zion’s familiar deep voice came through, and my heart squeezed slightly; hearing his voice stirred up a mix of emotions. We have spoken properly since… well, since things fell apart between us. "Hi," I

    Huling Na-update : 2025-01-18
  • Wanted By The Mafia Lord; Attracted to the Bad Boy Nextdoor    Chapter 74

    OCTAVIA'S POV Bree popped out of nowhere, startling me as Aaron and I stepped out of Lionel’s office; she had clearly been eavesdropping, and now she is practically bouncing on her toes with excitement. "Was that really Dimitri, like the main Dimitri, leader of the Russian mob?!" She gushed. I almost laughed at her facial expression and her enthusiasm. "Yeah," I said. "You know him?" Her look turned dreamy, "Well, not personally, but that can be rectified, she sighed. "Dimitri is the youngest vor v zakone there has ever been and the most dangerous too. He took power from his uncle when he was just twenty years old, and he is feared by everyone in Russia." Bree continued as we all made our way to the living room."I have only seen him in pictures; he is the most handsome man ever," she shot Aaron a look. No offense to you, Aaron, but we are talking about Dimitri here." Aaron just looked bored. "I wonder if he wants to get married anytime soon," she continued dreamily, and I burst

    Huling Na-update : 2025-01-19
  • Wanted By The Mafia Lord; Attracted to the Bad Boy Nextdoor    Chapter 75

    OCTAVIA'S POV My heart raced slightly as I stepped into the restaurant, and my eyes immediately scanned the room until they landed on Zion. He sat at a table at one corner of the resturant doing something on his phone and nursing a glass of water. My heart clenched as I drank in the sight of him, he still looks almost exactly the same, the same messy brown hair but he now has a faint stubble along his jaw. It made him look darker and more mature and his piercing green eyes popped even more. It suited him though because I can point out why but he has gotten even more handsome. I quickly reminded myself that this is not a date. Yet, as I watched his gaze move upwards and his lips curve in a smile as he looked at me, i felt my heart squeeze again. Memories of everything we used to have flooded my mind, the late night talks, our share jokes the laughter, even when we used to fight, the way he used to look at me like I was his entire world, the memories of the hurt and betrayed look on

    Huling Na-update : 2025-01-20
  • Wanted By The Mafia Lord; Attracted to the Bad Boy Nextdoor    Chapter 76

    My heart skipped a beat, but I kept my face neutral. “Zion—”“No, let me finish,” he interrupted, holding up a hand. “I know I messed up. What happened between us...it was my fault. I was stupid, and I let my loyalty to my brother blind me completely, I know it might be too late to fix anything but I really hope you can forgive me. I came to my senses the next day but by then it was already too late."I swallowed hard, his words hitting me like a punch to the chest. “Zion...”“I miss you, Octavia,” he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. His green eyes searched mine, and for a moment, the world seemed to fade away. “I miss you so much, I miss you in a way that I never knew would be humanly possible. "I looked away, unable to handle the intensity of his gaze. My emotions are a tangled mess, and I don’t know what to say. Part of me wanted to believe him, to let myself fall back into the comfortability of what we once had but times have changed now we can't just go back to before,

    Huling Na-update : 2025-01-21
  • Wanted By The Mafia Lord; Attracted to the Bad Boy Nextdoor    Chapter 77

    AARON'S POV I watched as Octavia closed the car door and walked up the steps to the house, her curvy figure illuminated by the soft orange glow of the evening sun. Her long, black hair bounced lightly with each step, catching the golden light and shimmering like silk. She moved with her usual quiet confidence, but I wasn’t fooled. I've spent enough time around her to know when something was bothering her, and right now, she was troubled. I gripped the steering wheel tightly, my knuckles turning white as I forced himself to stay seated. I have already lost control once tonight, and I can't afford to let it happen again. What is it about her that makes me want to lose my composure?When she said she wanted to go out earlier, I had assumed she was meeting her friend. At first I tried to convince myself that I don't care, she is a grown woman and whoever she meets is not my business, my job is just to protect her but when I saw her her approach that man, Zion, the taste in my mouth tur

    Huling Na-update : 2025-01-23
  • Wanted By The Mafia Lord; Attracted to the Bad Boy Nextdoor    Chapter 78

    OCTAVIA'S POVThe morning after my meeting with Zion passed in a blur of preparations, I didn’t even have the time to dwell on what happened. As much as I don't want to admit it, my nerves are a mess as I went it my room to get ready, as nervous as I am I can't afford to let it show, I am supposed to be the one leading the rest of the team and Mikel is definitely going to have a field day if I show any sign of weakness. Mikel wasn’t subtle about his displeasure. He doesn’t trust me, and he made no effort to hide it I don't trust him either but I refused to let him or anyone else get in my head.By evening, everything was set.I was startled when Bree bounded into my room without knocking"Are you ready," she asked"Almost," I said trying get my hair in a bun."I can't imagine how nervous you must be right now, are you okay?" She asked. “Want me to tag along for moral support?” she asked again,

    Huling Na-update : 2025-01-24
  • Wanted By The Mafia Lord; Attracted to the Bad Boy Nextdoor    Chapter 79

    OCTAVIA'S POVThe cold, salty breeze from the port hit my face as we stepped out of the car. The place was quiet with the sound of distant waves crashing against the docks the only thing breaking the silence. The port was dimly lit by a flickering streetlights that cast long shadows across the worn concrete and old containers.Aaron stood at my side, while Bryon and the others flanked us as we waited for the russians to arrive. My heartbeat thrummed steadily in my chest from anticipation, I tightened my grip on my mother’s knife that I had already moved to my hand, the comforting weight helped me feel more grounded.The Russians arrived a few monents later, three black SUVs pulled up in front of us and they stepped out with air of danger and authority. They exactly like I imagined, huge and dangerous, the also held weapons that matched the ones that we were holding, the only person that appeared a but normal was the man that appeared to b

    Huling Na-update : 2025-01-25

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  • Wanted By The Mafia Lord; Attracted to the Bad Boy Nextdoor    Chapter 90

    OCTAVIA'S POV I woke up sore the next morning, every muscles in my body seemed to protest as I swung my legs off the bed. None of the training we had was anything compared to what happened last night. The first thought that came to my mind was Aaron, I quickly washed up, got dressed and hurried down the hallway to his room, I didn't even remember to knock as I pushed the door open and stepped inside. There he was, he was awake and sitting up with his back resting against the headboard. The sight of him looking so alive filled me with so much relief, I hadn't realised how scared I was till now. A lot of improvement has happened within the night, it seems. He looks significantly better compared to yesterday, I noticed as I walked up to him. He is color is almost completely back now and the way his lips quirked in a smirk confirmed that he is feeling better. He torso was completely bare save for the bandages covering his middle section and the sight of his bare chest made me pause for

  • Wanted By The Mafia Lord; Attracted to the Bad Boy Nextdoor    Chapter 89

    OCTAVIA Mikel gave a slight chuckle but it held no real humor. “Of course, I am scared to imagine what would have happened if he wasn't there, what were you doing in such a place anyway. The don't already own many casinos and club if you wanted to experience night life, you didn't have to do all the way there, see what happened." I clenched my teeth, this feels like a scolding, he didn't let me respond before he continued, "It was a reckless situation. But then again…” He paused, his gaze sharpening, and I braced myself for whatever he was about to say. “You are woman trying to play in a man’s world. Things like this are bound to happen.”I stared at him, the air leaving my lungs for a second. My temper flared. “What’s that supposed to mean?” I asked, my voice icy.Mikel shrugged, as though he were simply stating facts. “You know how it is, Octavia. In the mafia, women don’t usually involve themselves in these kinds of affairs. They get married and help to secure alliances and repa

  • Wanted By The Mafia Lord; Attracted to the Bad Boy Nextdoor    Chapter 88

    OCTAVIA'S POV I woke up sore the next morning, every muscles in my body seemed to protest as I swung my legs off the bed. None of the training we had was anything compared to what happened last night. The first thought that came to my mind was Aaron, I quickly washed up, got dressed and hurried down the hallway to his room, I didn't even remember to knock as I pushed the door open and stepped inside. There he was, he was awake and sitting up with his back resting against the headboard. The sight of him looking so alive filled me with so much relief, I hadn't realised how scared I was till now. A lot of improvement has happened within the night, it seems. He looks significantly better compared to yesterday, I noticed as I walked up to him. He is color is almost completely back now and the way his lips quirked in a smirk confirmed that he is feeling better. He torso was completely bare save for the bandages covering his middle section and the sight of his bare chest made me pause for

  • Wanted By The Mafia Lord; Attracted to the Bad Boy Nextdoor    Chapter 87

    OCTAVIA'S POV The ride home is not supposed to take more than one hour but it feels like I have been driving for hours and we have only covered half of the journey. My finger gripped the steering wheel so tightly that my knuckles have started to turn white.I kept glancing at Aaron, he couldn't sit upright anymore and he is now slumped on the sit. He has gotten even paler, I didn't that is even possible, his usually olive-coloured skin now looks ashen. “Aaron,” I said, my voice breaking the tense silence. “Hope you are still awake." “I’m not sleeping,” he muttered, though his eyes are barely open. “You look like you’re seconds away from passing out,” I couldn’t hide the worry in my voice and I didn't even bother to try. “Talk to me. Say something. Anything.” “Fine,” he grunted. “You’re terrible at driving.” I glared at him, though I knew he couldn’t see it. “That’s not true.” “Stop lying to yourself,” he said, his voice sounds weak but his statement is still laced with infur

  • Wanted By The Mafia Lord; Attracted to the Bad Boy Nextdoor    Chapter 86

    OCTAVIA'S POV My heart is pounding so loudly in my chest that I won't be surprised if Aaron can hear it. I pressed my back against the cold wall behind me, and held my breath as the guy in the mask approached us. Aaron’s hand that was holding mine tightened around my wrist, at first glance, he looks so calm but I can see from they way he back is tensed as he crouched in front of me. The man grew closer and every step he took felt like a hammer strike to my heart and I tightened my grip on the gun in my hand. I know these people are here because of me, I am not stupid, I saw that the man had pointed the gun directly at me earlier, not Aaron, not anyone else but me. Our eyes had met for a brief second before chaos ensued. But why? Why would anyone want me dead? I tried to think of anyone that I have met that would want me dead, apart from Allister who is already dead now, I can't think of any reason why someone would want me dead.Nothing makes sense, it is obvious that this is not

  • Wanted By The Mafia Lord; Attracted to the Bad Boy Nextdoor    Chapter 85

    AARON'S POVI turned to Octavia, who was still swaying to the beat, oblivious to the scene I’d just caused. I contemplated dragging her off the dance floor myself but then I hesitated.I know what she is doing right now is some sort of coping mechanism, it is her way of dealing with her pain and as much as I hate the way she is being reckless and putting herself out there like this, I kind of understand it.After making sure no idiot was close making any move towards her again, I turned and was about to retreat to the bar when I felt her hands suddenly wrap around my biceps, I turned back to her her see her looking up at me with a hazy, drunken smile.She looks so innocently gorgeous and my heart did that jumping thing again. This girl is really testing my self restraint. I didn't show any emotion and responded with a questioning raise of an eyebrow.“Dance with me,” she said, her voice slightly slurred, her fing

  • Wanted By The Mafia Lord; Attracted to the Bad Boy Nextdoor    Chapter 84

    AARON'S POVI killed the engine in front of the club and leaned back in my seat, I didn't sat anything throughout the drive, I doubt there is anything that i could have said that would make her feel better. I glanced a her through the rearview mirror, her eyes are puffy and red from all the crying, our eyes met for a brief second before she turned away and faced the window. The tears had finally stopped, but the silence isn't any better, I can almost taste her sadness in the air. I hate seeing her so vulnerable, I know she would never let herself cry in front of anyone else but she sobbed like like baby throughout the ride here. As much as it pains me to see her hurting there's hardly anything that I can do about it and it makes me feel so useless, as much as I hate to admit it, she clearly loves that batsard, Zion and I do not see why, it is very obvious he is just a spoiled asshat. Maybe I am being a bit bias but I can't bring myself to care. I can decide who she loved and I can'

  • Wanted By The Mafia Lord; Attracted to the Bad Boy Nextdoor    Chapter 83

    OCTAVIA'S POV My head felt heavy this morning, I spent the whole night thinking about, I know what I have to do, as part of me wishes I can ignore the past, bury the truth forever and let myself fall back into what Zion and I once had made, but what happened is too huge to just pretend it doesn't exist, it will eventually come between us. What happened is not something that can just truly fade. I decided to bite the bullet and dialed Zion's number. My heart has since become numb and I sat wordlessly as I listened for the phone dial. He picked after a few rings."Hey Octavia," he said "I am glad you called,"“Can we meet today?” I asked."Uhm sure," he agreed immediately. "Should I come over, " I could feel my heart break at the barely concealed hope in his voice.“No it's fine, I’ll come to you.” I answered.We decided on the park not too far from our, or well what used to be my apartment building. For a one hour drive, it felt like forever before we arrived, Aaron drove me as usua

  • Wanted By The Mafia Lord; Attracted to the Bad Boy Nextdoor    Chapter 82

    OCTAVIA’S POVThe sunlight filtered softly through my bedroom window as I stretched my arm, I have finally been allowed to take off the cast and it feels amazing to have my freedom of movement back.Rose had come over earlier this afternoon, she almost had a heart attack after hearing what had happened. She went from yelling at me for not calling her immediately after the incident to hugging me so tightly that I thought she might send me back to the infirmary. Bree found the whole scene hilarious as she sat down watching us while munching on popcorn.“Honestly, Octavia,” Rose ranted, pacing back and forth in my room, “I wanted to storm over here the second I heard what happened. I would have if it wasn't for work. Isn't preventing this the whole point of having a bodyguard? Let me tell you, if I meet him—”“Rose,” I interrupted, laughing. “It’s fine. Really. Aaron does his

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