Relationship Status: Mafia

Chapter 34

_________ Alice POV_________

Not so long after my shower, I was in bed flipping through some random magazine I found with the door open. After dinner, I hadn't found much else to do, and I'm not even the slightest tired. Sadly, I found myself waiting up for Matsuo to get back, and I began to wonder I he wasn't coming back.

What if he finally gave into Serena?

I burry my face into the magazine, groaning at the thought. Why do I even care? It's his business if he sleeps with the enemy or not. He would be an idiot of what he did, no telling what list of diseases that would be contracted from touching that vile snake.

The magazine provided little of a distraction from my thoughts, so I threw it on the nightstand before lying on my back. I clasp my hands on top of my stomach, trying to get some sleep. It's ridiculous if I think about it that I am up thinking about Matsuo. Of all people, he is yet again the source of my weariness. This habit is becoming harder and harder to break free from each day that passes. I need to get ahold of myself and fast.

The elevator dinged in the distance, and instantly, I sprang up, running to the doorway. I close my eyes, cursing myself for literally going against my own thoughts. They were easily thrown out the window the second I saw the person I was waiting for.

Matsuo had finally arrived at the penthouse just before I decided to turn in for the night. He briskly walked over to the bar and grabbed Jack Daniels to pour himself a drink.

I walked out, passing Zhen, who remained on the couch and entirely focused on his phone. The closer I got to Matsuo, the more I discovered how much of a disheveled wreck he was at the moment.

Oh god, what happened?

"How-

Matsuo glared up at me, and I instantly shut my mouth. In no way, shape, or form did he seem to be in the mood to speak. Unfortunately for him, my curiosity threw caution to the wind and tested the waters.

I got closer to the bar to take a seat in front of Matsuo and waited for him to take a drink of his whiskey. At least I can let him settle the frazzled nerves he is trying to calm.

"Did you find out anything useful from Serena?" I asked, leaning on the bar.

Matsuo watched me closely, so close it reminded me of a predator on the prowl. I can't really guage his mood entirely to know what my next move should be. He can flip through his emotions rapidly for all I know.

"Why are you out of your room?"

To my surprise, Matsuo is calm, for now at least, but his voice is dangerously empty.

"What?" With my face scrunched up, give him an odd once over.

"Don't make me repeat myself." He states quite harshly.

"What is wrong with you?"

Matsuo set down his glass. "You, you're what's wrong with me, woman."

"Pfft, me?" I get up from my seat rolling my eyes. "You can't blame me for all your problems, coward."

And that's when I wave the red flag in front of the bull. Matsuo moved around the bar so fast that I almost missed it. He towered over me, trying to instill fear by physical intimidation. I puffed out my chest against his while matching galres.

"You're getting too comfortable in your place of the arrangement." Matsuo spoke in a low menacing voice.

Zhen even tore his eyes away from the phone to watch the two of us. Even he didn't know what to do, witnessing whatever the hell was going on.

I also took note when Matsuo spoke. All I can smell is alcohol, which can be triggering this episode.

"This arrangement is mostly one-sided and against my will, but as I said in the beginning, I won't be bullied into submission." My voice carried every word with strength and matched Matsuo. "And this is not the way to go about this right now."

"We'll see about that." He challenged.

Before I could speak, Matsuo picked me up, throwing me over his shoulder, and carried me to my room. When he threw me down on the bed, he pinned me in place.

"Don't leave this room unless I tell you."

I wiggle trying to raise my knee, but the bastard catches it.

"What is the matter with you? Why are you being like this?"

I began to panic, thrashing around, and fought back tears that almost broke free. I'll be dammed if I ever cry in front of him as if he broke me.

"Are you trying to be controlling like your father!"

I yelled in his face until I ran out of breath. Matsuo became alarmingly still that I thought for a minute there was a glitch in the matrix. Maybe time has really stopped, and I was caught in the middle of it. The only indication that time was passing was when Zhen approached from the living room.

Suddenly, Matsuo released me and stood up, yet his eyes remained deadly on me. I didn't even dare to move an inch when, in his sights, he was an entirely different person right now.

When he turned away abruptly, I flinched when the door slammed shut. The breath I've been holding is finally released, and so are the tears.

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