Falling in Love With a Mafia Boss

Ch. 23

It's been two weeks. Every night, he calls me and leaves a voicemail. Like the pathetic person I am, I listen to every single word. Sometimes on repeat. I hate that I miss him. I hate that I'm still in love with him and that I so badly want to forgive him but my heart still aches at the thought. I haven't cried myself to sleep since last Thursday, which I guess is a step up. People at work can tell I'm down... I'll space out during meetings. My boss noticed and tried to confront me but Jake kept him away. He later told me he told our boss I was going through some family stuff. God bless that man... I don't know what I'd do without him.

My phone rings, right at 8. It's him... it's always him. I let it go to voicemail then play it back.

'Hey darlin... um... fuck I miss you so much. I know I fucked up and I will spend every minute of the rest of my life trying to make it up to you...' there's a pause. 'I-I I'm drowning, without you. Life just feels pointless. Everyone notices something is wrong... I couldn't tell you how many heads I've nearly chewed off. Um... anyways. Please call me. I just need to hear your voice. Sleep well, baby.'

I sniffle and listen to it again. I'm drowning too Steve but I can't. I can't forgive you this easily... no matter how much I want to. It's too much. We're better off apart. Things won't end well... example A.

I feel my eyes shut and I fall asleep listening to his voice.

—————

"Payne! My office!" Great... just what I wanted to hear right as I walk into the office.

"Ya boss?" I sigh as I walk in. He motions to shut the door so I do then take a seat.

"Tell me what's been going on with you. You're not your usual... annoying self." I scoff. Guess I should take that as a compliment.

"Just family issues. My uh... father is having some health issues." I hate how easily I lied to him but if I said I'm having boyfriend problems, he'd laugh in my face.

"Try again. I can tell when you're lying." Shit... I forget I'm an agent most of the time and therefore forget my boss is one of the best in the field.

"You're just going to laugh in my face." I cross my arms and stare at him.

"Bella... do you know why I'm so hard on you?" He asks.

"Because you're a hard ass?" He chuckles.

"No, because you remind me of myself... when I was younger of course. You're level headed, strong, a pain in my ass, and smart as hell. These past two weeks, you've only been a pain in my ass. Now, tell me." He says. I sigh and purse my lips, seemingly uncomfortable with this conversation but it has to be had apparently.

"My boyfriend... he and a friend made a bet to see how long it would take him to get in my pants. I overheard them talking about it when I went to his office last week. Apparently I was worth ten grand." I scoff and look away from him, trying not to cry.

"I'm sorry to hear that... I wish you would've told me sooner. I would've given you some time off."

"I didn't need it. I don't need it. Just let me get back to work... I won't let it affect me again." I stand, ready to walk out.

"Ok..." I give a curt nod and walk out, heading straight for my cubicle. Jake is staring at me but I know he already knows what we were talking about. I hate how Steve has affected my life.

"Cmon... you need to hit something." Jake grabs my hand and starts dragging me to I assume the gym. We silently get changed then walk over to the punching bag.

"Picture his face. Let it out." He says as he taps my hands.

"I. Hate. How. He. Has. Affected. My. Life!" I say as I punch the bag. Mm it kind of helps.

"Keep going."

"I. Hate. His. Pretty. Blue. Eyes. And. Perfect. Smile. And. Perfect. Hair." I grunt as I kick the bag. I keep punching it and after a few minutes, I just break down crying. Fuck I am such a big baby.

"Sshh you're ok. You're ok." Jake consoles me. "You need to talk to him." He says.

"I can't. I'm afraid I'll forgive him too easily." Before he can respond, someone walks in.

"Hey! Lovebirds! We gotta go! Raid on a club!" I groan and stand, wiping my face. Jake and I get dressed in our uniform and Kevlar. I seriously don't feel like going on a raid. It's the morning... who the hell raids a club in the morning?! Whatever... I just work here.

Five of us load into the armored truck. I'm quiet the entire ride, just listening to my Captain as we drive. I simply nod when appropriate. Should I call Steve tonight? I need answers. I need closure... and to officially end this. We can't get back together. He broke me... as much as I hate to admit it.

We suddenly come to a halt and Jake nudges me to get out. I mentally groan and step out, making sure to slip my jacket on before I do. Right as I step out, I immediately recognize the club. Fuck.

"Jake..." I give him a look and he automatically knows.

"Go. I'll cover you." I thank him and silently slip my way to the back. Thankfully Gary isn't there so I don't have to explain myself to him. I swing open the door and briskly walk down the wall. I can hear him talk and my heart aches at the sound. I hate how much I miss him.

"You need to go." I say when I step into view. Damn he looks hot.

"Bella? Wh-what are you doing here? What... what are you wearing?" Steve stands, Bucky along with him. His hair is all over the place and has gotten longer. He looks worn out, his eyes sunken in like he hasn't slept in days. All I want to do is hug him and tell him everything will be ok, but I can't.

"You need to go. They're about to raid this place. You have maybe a minute." I explain. He stands there, in shock.

"You're a fed?" He asks and I can see his heart breaking.

"Steven! Go! Now!" I yell. Bucky starts hitting him and eventually has to drag him. I watch as Bucky moves a bookshelf and of course, there's a secret passage way.

"I-... why?" Steve asks, still flabbergasted.

"Go!" I yell again. Bucky presses a button on the computer then pushes Steve through the secret exit.

"Thank you Bella." Bucky says before disappearing, closing the bookshelf behind him. I sigh before running out, quickly making my way back upfront and lining up behind Jake.

"Good?" He asks.

"Yea... I hope."