The Mafia's Secret

Chapter 22 ✔️

SCARLETT

        The second he rolled off of me, so many thoughts were racing in my head. He wasn't sadistic like Nathaniel. He had focused on my pleasure instead of his own. He was gentle, slow and careful not to aggravate the bruises and cuts I had all over my body. He wasn't rough and hurtful like Nathaniel was. It felt wrong to compare them but some part of me still thought Xavier was exactly like Nathaniel.
        Turning my head to look at Xavier, he was on his side, staring at me with curious eyes. Shivers ran up my spine as his stare made butterflies swirl in my stomach. He seemed to think I was cold because he grabbed the sheets, pulling them over my shoulders before pulling my torso towards him. He wrapped an arm around me, pulling me close to his body. With nowhere to rest my head without being comfortable, I rested my head on his chest. His fingers ran up, down and around my back, sending shivers up my spine.
        "You still think of me a monster, don't you?" He asked as if he could read my mind.
        "No. I just don't know what game you're playing." I  replied simply.
        "Game? What makes you think I'm playing a game?"
        "Because you made it clear you hated me at the gang house. What makes here any different?" I asked, sitting up slightly to look at him.
        He chuckled, pulling me back down to his chest. "Oh, Scar. You still have a lot to learn about the gangs." He paused. "As a leader, you have to show you mean business. If you don't, others will challenge you. The way I treated you, revealed weaknesses in the others. Like Caleb. Any moron knows how he feels about you. He may never admit it to us but I know he already said those meaningless words to you. Your reaction to it was quite amusing."
        "You were watching." I realized, slightly embarrassed.
        "Yes. He would be able to give you a life outside of the gangs if that's what you wanted. He would do his best to keep you out of this mess and away from your father. No one would know where you went. You'd be a ghost and free to do as you wanted."
        "You really think I would just leave everything behind? I just reunited with my brother again and he's sticking around this time. I plan to keep it that way."
        Xavier chuckled. "I wasn't finished." He paused, waiting to see if I would say anything else before he continued. "Or you could stay with me. Live a life of luxury where no one could touch you or tell you what to do. You could go as you please. Anyone who dares try and harm you will be immediately wiped off the face of the earth. You will be around your brother. But the endgame is unknown. A mystery no one knows because there is no guarantee for your safety. This is the Mafia, Scar. It's a dangerous world."
        "You already know what I want."
        "I want to hear you say it."
        "You know what will happen if I do."
        "Your brother can hate me all he wants. That doesn't change how I feel about you. Besides, I've seen you handle yourself just fine. Now what do you want."
        I sighed, finally giving in to what he wanted.

*   *   *   *

        It was peaceful as I opened my eyes. There were no nightmares waking me up. No horrors I had to live through. It was just quiet. The only sound was of Xavier breathing beside me as he slept and the birds chirping outside. I hadn't felt peace like this even after I ran away from my parents. Something about his presence made me feel safe.
        Moving Xavier's arm from my waist, I slowly got out of bed. Glancing at Xavier as I grabbed my clothes off the floor, his eyes were still closed and his body was relaxed. He was still sleeping so I quickly left the room to go into the one I was supposed to be staying in. I doubted I would ever step foot in this room to sleep with the way things were going.
        Changing into light blue ripped jeans and a white long sleeved cold shoulder top that had silver stripes all along the sleeves and outlined silver hearts around the rest of the shirt. Quickly styling my hair so my wavy hair was contained and neat, I was expecting Xavier to be awake by now but with a quick glance to his room, he was still sleeping. Heading downstairs, I was surprised to see Mindy eating a bowl of cereal at the table.
       "Well, hello little lady. How long have you been awake for?" I asked, walking over to her.
       "You're not gonna tell Uncle are you? I'm supposed to wait for uncle to get me but I was just too hungry." She had a pleading look on her face as she put a spoonful of cheerios into her mouth.
        I could help but chuckle a little. She was so sweet and innocent. "Your secret's safe with me. But only if you tell me where you can get some toast around here." I teased.
        Within seconds she got up from the table, grabbing my hand. She attempted to pull me towards the kitchen but failed miserably. Following her, she gestured to a higher cupboard far above her reach. Grabbing the loaf of rye bread and popping two slices into the toaster, Mindy rushed back to her seat to finish her cereal.
        By the time I sat down with two well toasted pieces of strawberry jam covered bread, I could hear Xavier walking around upstairs. Within a minute or so, he was down the stairs dressed in a black T-shirt and dark jeans. He was shocked to see Mindy now sitting on the living room floor with blocks she had brought from the cellar.
        "Mindy, come here." He ordered her from the bottom of the stairs. His arms were crossed and there was a serious look on his face. Mindy realized she was in trouble instantly from the pouting look on her face and her droopy posture as she walked over to him. "What's mine and Uncle Z's rule?"
        She looked down to the floor, putting her hands behind her back. "I'm not allowed to come up without permission."
        "And what did you do?"
        "I came up." She admitted guiltily.
        "You wait for someone to get you. Do you understand?"
        "Yes, sir."
        "Good. Now go clean up your blocks." He waved her off before walking over to me. "Helped yourself I see."
        I shrugged, finishing the last bite of toast. "Are you going to scold me too?"
        He snickered, shaking his head. "Not just yet," He leaned in close so that  he was just millimeters away from my ear. His warm breath hit my neck as he spoke, sending shivers down my spine. "But maybe later." He winked.
        No words would form as I sat there, questioning what he meant by that. Before I could even ask, He grabbed a set of keys off of a key rack by the door.
        "Mindy, get your boots on. You're going back to your room so Scarlett and I can get more supplies." 
       "Aww. Can't I come? I promise I'll be good!" She begged with pleading eyes.
        "Mindy." He gave her a warning glance. The tone he used was harsh, instantly putting Mindy to her feet.
        She put her shoes on angrily stomping out the door. Xavier was shaking his head in frustration but followed after. I thought about asking if she could come but I knew better and knew why she couldn't. It was far too dangerous for her with my father and Darren hunting her down. Even I was in danger but with Xavier around, the chances of an attack were slim to none.
        Or at least that's what I hoped as we drove off from the property.