His eyes narrowed at me, looking me up from head to toe in a slow almost seductive manner. I tried my best not to shudder from the intensity in his glassy blue orbs. I watched as he slowly licked his lips, curving them into a sly smile.
"Mr Villanu...
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I looked over at the beautiful woman sleeping beside me. She looked much more peaceful and calm. I was glad that the dinner from a few nights ago went smoothly despite its rocky start. I wanted Stephanie to feel happy and for her friend's to trust me.
I slipped out of the bed, making sure not to wake her up. After placing a gentle kiss on her forehead, I slipped on my undergarments and pants. I grabbed the white t-shirt on the floor and walked out of the room. It was still quite early. The staff was just beginning breakfast as I made my way down the stairs.
"Sir, you're up early. Would you like me to tell the chef to cook something for your real quick?" Loretta asked as she spotted me.
I shook my head with a grateful smile.
"Just tend to the princess when she awakens," I replied.
"Her royal highness has already been up since dawn, sir. I know it's not my place, but she has been having nightmares and waking up very early to train with her guard. Whatever happened back in Italy must have really traumatized her," Loretta explained.
"If Lorenzo is anything like his father, I am surprised she made it out alive. That either of them made it out alive." I rubbed my chin thoughtfully.
I should have asked Julian what he knew about that night. If Julian was after the destruction of crown, he would stop at nothing. Hayden's world was not much different from mine. He also had enemies. From what I heard, the Queen was not very fond of Flora and I could only assume the same could be said for the other members of court. I owed it to Hayden to make sure his wife would be alright after her return.
"Have the chef prepare the usual breakfast and alert me when Stephanie wakes up. I will be in the gym," I told Loretta before making my way there.
As I neared the private gym, I could hear the loud banging of gloves against the punching bag. The punches grew louder and quicker.
I leaned onto the doorway and watch as the petite woman used all her strength. Various emotions appeared on her face—anger, sadness, and revenge. Whatever Lorenzo had done to her had sparked a fury inside the young brunette.
"That is a mean right-hook you have," I said. Flora and Micaela turned to me with startled expressions. "However, one thing I learned after spending so many years in this mafia business is to always have a back-up weapon."
"Like a gun?" The naive princess asked and I bit back my chuckle.
"I was thinking a more discreet weapon..." I walked over to the drawers that contained our weapons. I pulled out one of my favorite ones. "Like this."
"A pen?" Flora asked confused.
"Is she supposed to poke her enemies to death?" Micaela sassed.
I let out a soft chuckle as I walked over to the young princess. "It's not just any ordinary pen."
I clicked the black ball point pen and instead of the pen tip, a dagger popped out from one end. The princess looked startled. I handed it to her and she took it nervously.
"You keep it," I said with a small smile.
"Really?" She asked and I nodded. "Thank you!"
"You are very much welcome," I replied as I began walking back toward the exit.
"Where do you get gadgets like these?"
"If I tell you, I will be beheaded for corrupting the princess," I joked and Flora giggled. I looked at the dagger in her hands and smile. It was a small object, but it would make all the difference. "By the way, Stephanie and I will be headed to New York due to a minor problem. Would you care to join us?"
There was no immediate emergency. That part was a lie. However, Stephanie and I had planned to go to New York for Samantha's baby shower, so it was a good excuse. I also knew that Hayden met Flora in New York. Maybe if she saw some of her old friends it would help her, just like it did for Stephanie.
"Hayden told me to stick with you until I could return, so yes." The princess nodded.
"Very well, we will be departing this afternoon." I replied before walking out of the room.
She reminded me so much of Stephanie. Scared and naive to the world her loved one belonged to, but she had the same potential to become a fierce warrior. She just needed a little push.
As I neared the kitchen, my phone began ringing.
"Hello?" I answered.
"Hey stranger," Samantha's voice greeted from the other end.
"I am glad you called," I said as my lips curved into a grin.
"Everything is all ready. Just the way you asked. All you have to do is get your butt over here and do the rest," Samantha said in a teasing tone.
"We should arrive there tonight," I replied. "Is it normal to be this nervous?"
"Duh," Samantha replied. "Just be cool and everything will be fine."
Samantha's baby shower was also a divergent. New York was the place where I had suffered the greatest heartbreak, but I wanted to change that. I wanted it to represent a new chapter and hopefully, be the place where I became the happiest man alive.
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Author's Note I know, I know. It's a little bit of a shorter chapter, but I did not want to make it longer and be filled with crap. Sometimes it is better to keep it short and simple, right? What do you guys think will happen next? What is Dante planning? Let me know your thoughts in the comments down below. Next update will be on Monday. I will see you then my lovelies. I hope you all have an amazing weekend! Adios for now. Xoxo, Liz 💋💋💋
