My Safe Place A Mafia Romance

CHAPTER TWELVE

NICO

We spent so much time beating the shit out of one of the thief's, now we're late to the party. As we get to the gates. I see everyone's cars already here. We're 45 minutes late and I hope we won't get reprimanded by our mothers who threw the whole thing together.

We're at the back entrance when I hear the end of Amelia's father introducing her to everyone. I see her walking across the dance floor and being stopped by a guy. I recognize him immediately as one of my father's associates son, an annoying rich kid who blows through his daddy's money. When I see his hand on his arm and leaning down to her ear, all I see is red. I march over there and pull her back against me. Growling, "touch her again and I'll cut off your fingers. Knuckle by knuckle." My tone is threatening.

He backs up, apologizing and running away like a coward. I watch him until he's out of sight. My anger simmered. I look down and find Amelia's already looking up at me with a smile. "Hi, you're late." Teasing more than she is reprimanding me.

I turn her so she's facing me, I smile back, "sorry, got caught up with our last job. But you have me for the rest of the night. I promise" Looking down, I finally see what she's wearing. My favorite color is wrapped perfectly around her tiny curvy body. I involuntarily let out a groan and tighten my fingers on her waist.

"Do you not like it?" I see a little apprehension in her eyes.

"No, I love it. You look beautiful Angel."

She beams at me.

"Want to dance?"

She nods her head and I lead her to the center of the dance floor. My hands still on her waist pulling her closer. One of her hands on the back of my neck playing with the ends of my hair, the other hand laying on top of my chest. I'm too focused on her to notice our surroundings and how many songs we've already slow danced to. She's looking at me with her big brown eyes with a soft smile on her face.

"What do you have planned for while I'm gone?"

"Leo's going to continue to teach me everything he knows, and Elena said we'll hang out more. That's it." She says with a pout.

"It's okay, you'll find something to do to keep busy."

"I'm going to miss you." She says, leaning her head into my chest.

I hugged her tighter, "I'm going to miss you too."

"I'm scared the nightmares will come back." She murmurs into my chest.

Pulling her back to look at me, I brush a strand of her hair out of her face and keep my hand resting at her neck. "You will always be safe. I promise."

"How are you so sure?"

"Because I know. When you're doubting yourself, remember you're a survivor and a fighter, Amelia. No one can hurt you anymore."

She nods her head. I pull her in closer and kiss her forehead. I'm resting my chin on top of her head and I'm holding her close to my body with my other arm. My fingers are drawing soft circles on her spine, feeling her soft skin that's revealed in the back. We stay like that for the rest of the night. I feel her getting tired in my arms so I whisper, "want to say bye to everyone and head up?" Wanting to just spend time with her alone without eyes on us.

She nods her head. I pull back, taking her hands and we look around to see everyone already looking at us. Our parents are smiling at us and our brothers are smirking at us. Amelia is already flushing bright red from all the attention. Wanting a quick getaway, I nod my head and wave, "thank you all for coming, I'll see you guys in a year." And lead Amelia to the back entrance without a backward glance.