𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐌𝐞 𝐀𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞 ❦ (𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐝)

Chapter 26

Some fingers gliding on my cheek along with sweet sunrays make me open my eyes. Square chin, strong jawline, thin mustache following the curve of his smile, the man lying face to face with me stokes my cheek gently. His hair isn't well-combed as it was yesterday, but a bit tousled. I would know why.

"Did you sleep well?" he asks.

"...I did. Did you?" I grin. He sits up, revealing his hairy, naked chest, and lights a cigar. The smoke rises above his head.

"Like a log."

He starts to put clean clothes on. I mindlessly stare at the gigantic window, hesitating to do the same as the other man, though I know I can't stay hidden in the covers forever, nor do I actually want to... then I feel a piece of clothing being set on my shoulders. Solazzo helps me put on one of his shirts. It's clearly oversized and covers my hips, but it's immaculate and smells like lavender.

I hear a faint knock. "Come in," Solazzo says and I quickly put on my boxers before a maid comes in.

"Don't you know how to read the time? Go make breakfast for my prince, presto!" Solazzo vociferates annoyedly at the maid. Terrified, she bolts out to make breakfast. Breakfast? I'd rather say it's lunch time...

Soon after, an incredible Italian breakfast is served on the large, varnished table in the bedroom. Solazzo asks the maid to turn on the radio. It is set to a news channel. Solazzo motions for me to sit at the table, but before I can sit down, he brings me to his lap.

My breath is cut and my cheeks go red. I try to stay standing but his hold is strong. I stop squirming when he pats my lower back. "Mr. Solazzo, I..."

"That's not what you called me yesterday, beautiful," Solazzo tucks a chestnut strand of hair behind my ear.

"...Angie, I am really hungry. Let go of me so I can restore myself."

"Oh, but you can eat right here." Ang- Solazzo smiles at me amusedly. He takes a piece of sausage and feed it to me. I feel uncomfortable, but I accept to eat without a word. My face is flushing, I avoid his devouring gaze hooked on me as I chew.

To my surprise, he keeps feeding me, bit by bit. He seems to be enjoying it, but I can't wait for it to stop.

The NYPD is currently investigating the case of the murder committed before the Silky Sky Club, five days ago... the radio announces. Solazzo interrupts what we are doing and l starts listening. Then he resumes feeding me once he hears that the investigation is seemingly leading nowhere for now.

I frown; Feeling that I have an occasion to ask questions, I wrap my arms around his neck and pretend to simply be curious. "What's wrong, Angie?"

"Don' worry. Let's continue."

"If you need to go out to handle your business, I can take care of myself," I tell him.

"Hm. Someone took a quick decision and that could be bad for my business. But I don't need to take care of that myself."

"Your business?" I tilt my head. "You have other businesses besides the Sparrow Hall?"

Solazzo sets down his silverware and grabs my chin. "I am a businessman, my dear. Didn't you know?" 

Is he suspicious? He doesn't look like it... "I beg your pardon, Sir. Please ignore the countryside boy's ignorance." I chuckle.

"Aw, poor boy." He strokes my cheek with the pad of his thumb. "Be good and I will give you a wonderful life."

I sigh in relief. But I must not ruin an opportunity to get info, even if  I have to raise suspicions. "I will be good, I promise. But as to your other businesses, are they the same kind as the Sparrow Hall?"