Mafia's Princess(Under Editing)

Chapter 28

Anastasia Rose

I strode back into the house, my steps echoing faintly through the vast hallway as droplets of rain trailed behind me. I had just reached the foot of the stairs, ready to climb up, when I froze. Standing halfway up was Leo—still, imposing, and utterly unreadable. His arms were folded across his chest, a deep frown etched onto his face as his sharp eyes scanned my drenched state. My clothes clung to me, my hair wild and dripping, and I suddenly felt like a child caught red-handed.

His lips pressed into a thin, displeased line as he raised a brow at me. For a moment, I swore I could see steam practically rising from him.

Though Vincenzo was undoubtedly the scariest, Leo was no less intimidating. He carried that same dangerous aura—quiet, controlled, but capable of snapping at any moment.

"Acchuu!"

The sneeze burst out of me suddenly, my eyes squeezing shut from the force before I looked back up at him—only to find him fuming.

"Who gave you the permission to leave your bed? Why were you out in the rain? Did you even see the weather outside?" he started, his voice calm but laced with unmistakable anger as he descended the stairs.

I shifted awkwardly under his gaze. "I was getting bored..."

"For God's sake, if you were bored you could have done something inside the house. Why did you even go out when you know the harsh weather? What if you get sick now?" he continued, his tone still controlled, which somehow made it even scarier.

I pouted, looking up at him as he approached. "I have always enjoyed playing in the rain since childhood, so I thought I could go outside for a while."

He sighed heavily, pinching the bridge of his nose as if trying to contain himself. Then, without another word, he pulled me into a warm hug, not caring in the slightest about my soaked clothes.

"What am I going to do with you, hmm?" he murmured dramatically.

I snuggled into him, giggling softly at his tone before pulling back slightly. "You won't tell Enzo, will you? I swear he becomes a possessed bull..."

Leo chuckled, shaking his head as he gently booped my nose. "If you promise you won't do something like this again, then maybe I'll think about it."

I whined, which only made him laugh again.

"Well, come on. Up to your room. You need to change or you'll catch a cold." He placed his hands on my shoulders and guided me toward the stairs as another sneeze escaped me, followed by a small cough.

We made our way through the hallways, heading toward my room. Just as we turned a corner, Viktor crossed our path. He and Leo exchanged a brief smile, but then his gaze landed on me.

Our eyes locked.

Instantly, my mind flashed back to what had happened earlier. Heat rushed to my cheeks, spreading down my neck as I quickly looked away and hurried my steps. My heart beat unevenly in my chest.

We entered my room, Leo settling himself on the bed while I slipped into the bathroom. A warm shower later, I changed into a white cotton shirt, black baggy pants, and slippers—something comfortable for being at home.

As I stepped out, Leo was still seated on the bed, a towel in his hand.

"Come here," he said, motioning for me to sit beside him.

I obeyed, and he turned me so my back faced him, gently rubbing the towel through my damp hair. I blinked in surprise—he knew I preferred letting my hair dry naturally rather than using a dryer.