SHE IS THE MAFIA (BOOK#2)

Chapter 10

Malachi offered to have dinner together. It was a sweet offer and any other day I would have given in to sit and catch up with him. But today wasn't one of those days, and I kindly asked to reschedule.

Elias did not waste time texting my number.
I was driving Malachi back to the office when my phone lit up with an unknown number. I caught Malachi take a glimpse and I was grateful that the message wasn't displayed. I played it off cool even though my insides were doing neverending flips. Elias wanted to know why I discretely gave him my number. I replied with a location for him to meet me at.

It's getting dark. 
I had no other plans but to go home after helping Malachi pick his suit. 
But no. My life can never be normal anymore, can it?

I walk over to the metal bench alongside the large park. The trees sway back and forth fighting the breeze that rushes through their branches. It's oddly quiet, with no kids running around. The swings creak in lonely cold seats. The streetlights begin to turn on, making the joyous scene into an ominous one.

I hope Elias gets here quickly. I didn't bring a jacket and this dress is not protecting me from the cold air. Goosebumps line up on my arms as I take a seat and wait.

He should be here soon.
and I will ask him why he is here? How long he is staying? and if we ever have to see each other during the time he is here?
Simple and easy questions for simple and easy conversation. 

Ugh. Knowing Elias, that is impossible. He is going to redirect it into something entirely different and I will be put in a difficult spot again. 

I hug my body and lean forward onto my lap.
There is so much going on all at once. I was notified on my way here that Carlos has arrived, and I wonder what he has to say when he finds out his nephew is also here. Carlos and I rarely ever argue... and surprisingly the only thing we have ever argued about was Elias.

I used to be so curious as to why Carlos saw Elias as "a bad guy". I knew him and lived in his home, Elias never gave off a negative vibe. He was sweet and childish, but also serious and stubborn. So I always asked for a reason not to befriend him. When I was visiting Sicily, I would go around town sometimes and see him doing his daily activities. I would hesitate to approach him and never did actually. I just stood far away and saw him do regular things like shop in the same store I was, walk on the other side of the sidewalk, or even eat at the same restaurant. We practically coexisted with each other without him ever noticing I was there. 

One day, I had enough. I asked Carlos to tell me what Elias did to make him earn the title. 
Carlos was not happy at my sudden outburst of curiosity. So he told me.
And I slowly understood why he was keeping me away from him this whole time.

I feel something lay over my shoulders, and I quickly look up.

"It's freezing out here and you are sitting without a jacket?" Elias asks, taking a seat next to me, "You don't want to catch a cold, do you?"

I scoot a couple of inches away from him to create some appropriate space. Though I know I shouldn't, I allow my arms to slip through the armholes of his leather jacket. 

"Thanks," I say quietly, as his cologne seeps into my skin, "I was hoping this would be a quick meeting so I didn't think too much on the weather,"

He raises his brow, "A quick meeting? You make it sound so professional,"

I want to laugh considering how unprofessional it really is.
He smiles at me and his eyes wander across my face.

I look away, upset at the flustered feeling that is bubbling inside me, "I know you are here on behalf of your family, for condolences of my late grandfather. I know that you are here to help me adjust and all, but what if I don't need you here?"