"Please be careful with that."

I reminded the men carrying the paintings

towards the hotel. Over ten paintings were carried from the truck. Some can be

handheld and life-size and some are as big as walls.

"You really need to take a chill pill,

Hailynn." Amy popped out beside me, arms crossed, face held in amusement.

After telling her that I decided to finally

sell my paintings, she immediately went to support me. I am so grateful that

she’s here. I’m not sure if I can do it alone.

"Can't. You know how much I value those

paintings." I felt a tinge of regret but I know this will help those who

are in need.

She smiled at me softly. "Then you better

detach yourself with those artworks. Tonight you're not gonna be officially the

owner."

"Is it bad that I'm hoping nobody's going

to buy it and at the same time hoping that every painting will be sold?"

"It's not, Hailynn. What you're feeling

is completely normal. I mean those paintings held your memories with

Ethan." She placed her hands on my shoulders in a comforting way.

"Remember this auction will help the orphans. This has been your and

Ethan's dream to sell your works to help kids with no families." I nodded

as she smiled at me warmly.

Tonight the elites will gather for a charity

event. My paintings are the highlight of the night. Money will be donated to

charity especially to the orphanages. I'm planning to give twenty-five percent

of it to where Ethan and I grew up.

The night finally came and it was spent with

succulent food, expensive wine and drinks, random chatters and boisterous laughter.

Everyone was dressed in their most gorgeous gowns and expensive suits. I could

not help but feel nervous with the idea that the paintings will no longer be in

my care. Paintings that hold our memories together.

Surprisingly, the auction was beyond

successful. The paintings were sold. All of them. I doubt that they understood

or appreciated it. Let's be real. Those old geezers and young millionaires only

show off their money. Based on my experience, wealthy collectors who truly

appreciate works of art are rare. Either way, the children and the poor will be

benefited from their arrogance.

My apprehension though made me leave one

painting behind. The painting which Ethan and I created. We literally made this

together and it was only recently before three months ago. I broke a promise to

myself and perhaps with my longtime friend too. I simply could not sell it. I

want to at least keep one memory of him with me. Well, except for the

unfinished erotica book that he left.

I sighed heavily before opening the doorknob

to the temporary room where I store the painting. I need to ask someone to

transfer this back to my apartment.

The air was stuck in my throat as soon as I

entered the room.

I froze when a man in all black suit pointed a

gun towards another man.

I stole their attention when they heard me

coming in. The man who was holding a gun had a scowl on his face. He glared at

my sudden intrusion that had made me nervous and scared. The other guy was

somewhat relieved at their unexpected distraction. I noticed a blood smudged

just below his lower lip.

As soon as my eyes shifted back to the man

holding the gun. My eyes widened when another gun was pointed at me while the

other was still glinting against his first victim. My heart quickened its beat.

It became louder every jump of a second. My hands automatically raise in

surrender. I could feel the other man's eyes shifting back and forth between me

and the man holding the gun.

"Come here, ragazza." He said in his

thick Italian accent. Okay, the man is obviously Italian.

I couldn't move though. I was still frozen in

my spot. I was literally panicking and my loud heartbeat is boosting my fear

with the Italian dude.

"Don't make me repeat." He growled. It

was deep and guttural.

As soon as my foot moved to take a step, the

other man lunged at him. From the Italian man’s reaction, he expected him to

move. I stopped myself and in a quick second, I turned around to reach for the

doorknob for escape. The loud bang of a gun made me jump in fear. My eyes were

completely wide when I saw the dent and splinters that newly decorated the

door. I nervously turned around. The two men were fighting, fists flying on

their faces and body.

"Don't even think about it." Mr.

Italian snarled at me after kicking the man and making him fall right over my

painting.

I stiffened.

Shit. No. Oh my god. No.

I know I'm completely and undeniably scared

right now... yet I can't help but feel infuriated at the sight of my painting

ripped apart. The masterpiece was unrecognizable. I stood agape at what

happened. My jaw falling on the floor, unable to return to its original place.

He wiped the little blood that dripped on the

corner of his lower lip as he sauntered towards his enemy who was having a hard

time getting up.

"What did you do to my painting?!" I

screeched. I walked towards him with hurried steps, forgetting about the fact

that he was holding a gun and he could shoot me in a second.

He stopped walking and turned his attention to

me. His face was blank and extremely scary. I gulped a lump forming in my

throat.

He tilted his head and raised an eyebrow. He

began to open his mouth to say something but the man lunged at him again making

both of them fall down to the ground. I gasped at the sudden action. I couldn't

see them wrestling behind the sofa.

I jumped again for the umpteenth time tonight

as a loud bang echoed in the four corners of the room. Tears started pooling in

my eyes as the thought of death crossing my mind.

Holy shit.

Oh my god.

I slowly walked and peeked behind the sofa. I

saw how he roughly pushed away the man hovering him without a struggle. Blood

pooled over his torso scattering to the floor. Our eyes met for a second before

he got up and stood at his full height. I then noticed how short I am compared

to his six foot something.

I step back every step forward he makes.

The sound of the door opening made me jumped

in surprise. My head turned swiftly at the unexpected guest but didn't get the

chance.

A white handkerchief suddenly covered my nose

and mouth.

I tried to open my eyes, blinking it countless

times, as I felt my senses finally regained. My head ached so much. It felt

like I had drunk my night away and ended up with the major hangover ever the

next day.

But it wasn't exactly a day when I realized as

soon as my eyes completely opened, I was met with darkness. The only light

present were the city lights outside.

I groaned while slowly getting up, pulling

away the softest pillow and the softest quilt. The bed was the most comfortable

I've ever lied on too.

Wait a minute. I stopped rubbing my eyes.

This isn't my room.

A pair of clear water eyes were staring right

at me.

I jumped back from surprise, my back hitting

the headboard. I covered myself with the blanket out of defense mechanism. I

realized later that what I did was in vain. He wasn't moving at all. He stayed

seated on the sofa only a meter beside me. His head was resting on his fingers,

elbow propped up on the armrest of the seat. How the hell did I not notice him

first?

And then I remembered something.

"You destroyed my painting." I spat.

I made sure that my anger was conveyed.

"How much?" He spoke finally. There

I noticed its deepness and masculinity. It was guttural and yet very calm at

the same time.

My head unconsciously tilted to the side,

wondering what he meant.

"I'll pay for it."

"And you think you can afford it?" I

retorted sassily.

He raised an eyebrow. I was surprised that he

wasn't insulted by my retort. "How much, ragazza? Name the price and I

will give it to you." He leaned his elbows on his knees, making him lean

forward towards me. His face was now somewhat visible. The lights from outside

erased some of the shadows. The curves and contour are highlighted.

"Even if you have billions, mister. You

will never be able to afford it." His once calm face was replaced with a

scowl.

"Don't test me."

"I'm only stating the truth. No amount of

money can afford memories."

He replied with a silence. He was staring at

me and I stared back. I wanted to paint his eyes. It was surreal, making my

hands itch to work on a white canvass. I haven’t been in the mood to do that

for a while. Our stares went on for a minute until he decided to break it.

"You know I finally decided on what I'd

do with you." He paused for a moment, letting the space as an opportunity

for me to question him but I didn't. And I just remembered something in

between.

Shit. I forgot that he was a fucking

criminal... and that I saw him killing a man. Fear crept back in my spine.

"You're going to be my *****,

Amore."

---

"Please, please, let me go." My

hands pressed together, praying and begging him to allow me to go out. I hope

my puppy eyes work though.

I kept following him all around his penthouse

until he stopped by the kitchen. He was putting the guns in its holster. I

gulped at the sight. Maybe it's a bad idea to pressure him with my request. One

sound of that can send me to heaven... or hell.

There was a vague smirk on his face before

speaking. "You're quite brave, aren't you?" He leaned against the

counter and crossed his arms. My sight was shifting between him and his guns.

"Please let me go just this time. I'll

behave after that. Please." He didn't answer. He was only looking at me

with no intention of answering my plea. "Look, if I don't go out and sign

those documents then those paintings won't be delivered. No paintings mean no

money. No money means no donation for the kids."

He still kept his silence. The only respond

that I got was him adjusting himself against the counter.

"I'll do whatever you want."

A smirk that holds a lot of plans breaks his

face.

"I'll do whatever you want but nothing

sexual." I added.

"Ah, amore. You have ruined my

plans." My face gave nothing away. I intend to let him know that I am

serious with my decision. "You are my *****. It's only fitting that I do

you like my very own puttana." His fingers brushed my cheeks towards my

lips and chin. His thumb pressed my lower lip. His skin was grazing my teeth.

"I am not your *****." I gritted my

teeth and clenched my fists, holding back my displeasure. He withdrew his hand

and went back to crossing his arms against his chest.

"Were you the one who made those

paintings?" He asked, changing the topic.

"That includes the one that you

destroyed." I scowled at him.

He only chuckled. "You really have the

gall to stand up against me." He pulled away from the counter and stood

straight to face me. His height devoured mine and I ended up looking up at him

and him looking down at me. "Do you even know who I am?"

I replied, not intending to withdraw my glare.

"Someone who deserves to live in jail."

He chuckled. Deep and throaty. "You have

no idea, amore." He stepped towards me, closing our distance but I didn't

stand back. I know he has two guns to kill me but I can't seem to shake off the

memory of how he ripped my painting. Ethan and I's painting. Something that we

both made before he died.

He leaned down. His left cheek pressed against

my right. His pink plump lips hovered against my ear. I could feel it grazing

it.

"Have you ever heard of the Mafia?"

I think I just gulped down an invisible apple.

---

So apparently he's in the mafia. Not only that...

he's literally a mafia boss. A fucking Italian mafia boss.

I am toast.

I am screwed.

I am fucked.

Holy shit. Ethan, please come and get me. I

don't think I can stomach the thought that I'm hanging out with a crime boss.

"You seem nervous, amore. I thought you

are just going to have a meeting with your friend." He had a mischievous

smirk right in his handsome face.

Yeah, unfortunately the italian mafia boss is

a god. A greek god. A greek italian god. Am I even making any sense?

He was sitting right across the table. He was

annoyingly relaxed and here I am freaking scared of his existence. I wish I

didn't know. I wish he didn't tell me who he really was. My bravery flew right

out the window when I realized that he's the very top of a crime list.

At least he was nice enough to buy me a coffee

paired with blueberry cheesecake.

"What do you plan... on doing with

me?" Gulping down my fear while asking. I couldn't even have the guts to

drink or eat the treat he ordered for me.

"Eat now, amore. You haven't eaten

anything since last night."

Hello, my name is not Amore. "Why do you

even care?"

"I care cause as I said..." He put

his elbows on the table and leaned towards me. "You are now my *****. I

will not enjoy my puttana all skins and bones. You will not be those women I

came across who would defy me by thinking I would care if they don't eat. I

will not hesitate to kill if I find you unnecessary, ragazza." His italian

was thick yet he spoke perfect english.

I swallowed an imaginable lump. I adjusted my

seat as if to settle my uncomfortable and anxious self. "Can you just let

me go? Please just let me go. I would even forget about the ruined painting. I

promise that I never seen you kill anyone." I plead.

He chuckled. It was mischievous and cunning.

"And you think that is the reason I'm keeping you?" He leaned to me

even more. Our noses were inches apart. I could see those eyes that reminded me

of clear waters. It was near grey. My hands were itching to draw him and paint

him right after. The wave of his hair had specific direction. It was almost

curly and though it looked black, highlights of brown could be recognized under

the sunlight. He was truly beautiful.

"The moment you walked into that room,

you have surrendered your life to me. No one and I mean no one gets away from

these eyes, ragazza." He was no longer smirking. His eyes held depths of

seriousness and I knew. I knew that I'm in the deepest of trouble.

Ethan, I take it back. I don't want to follow

you. Not like this. I don't wanna follow you in the afterlife, killed by this

crime boss.

"Hailynn!"

Our yearlong gazes were suddenly broken. He

leaned back to his seat while my head turned to the source of the voice.

Shit. Avery's already here.

"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."