Mafia Men III: Marino

Chapter 7

We sat down eating breakfast that my chef made. He always cooked magnificent meals. I asked for seconds and Ellie was acting like she wasn't hungry but I got her another plate of food.

"Eat" I said and she groaned

"I am a big girl. I can take care of myself Miles." She said

"Please just eat." I asked and she rolled her eyes and ate more. I could tell she wanted more just didn't want to ask me.

I was nervous about telling her of my job and what happened to Damian but I knew honesty was the best policy. Soon my front door opened and I heard my name.

"Miles I know you're in here because I smell food" I heard Giovanni come inside the kitchen and looked to see Ellie

"Hi" Giovanni said looking at her then at me

"Ellie this is Giovanni, my best friend who rudely interrupted our breakfast." I said and Giovanni sat at the breakfast table

"Nice to meet you Ellie" He said shaking her hand and she looked at him

"You as well" She said smiling softly "So best friends? How long have you two known each other?"

"Since we were kids" I said and she looked at me then Giovanni

"Does that mean there are baby pictures?" She asked and I shook my head

"No. No. It doesn't mean that." I quickly said

"Sure there are. Next time I'll bring the album" Giovanni said and I shook my head

"Why are you here?" I asked him

"Oh you seem annoyed about people showing up at your house uninvited?" Giovanni said smirking and I rolled my eyes. Damn him. "But actually we need to talk"

I looked at him and nodded.
"Darling I'll be back. Enjoy your food. Take a tour of the house. Alphonso is here is you need anything." I said

"Yeah Yeah yeah" She said as I went around to her and kissed her on her cheek and she forced down a smile. I chuckled to myself and walked with Giovanni to my office. He closed the door behind him.

"So what is it?" I asked him crossing my arms and leaning against my desk

"Nothing. Angela was worried about you because you seemed so upset last week and we haven't seen you around the house. I came to check on you." Giovanni said

The guy was a big softie but he wouldn't tell anyone that. I smiled and tried to hug him and he shook his head pushing me away.

"Don't make me regret it" he said laughing and I laughed too

Giovanni had changed. I could see how happy he was. It was clear. His life was going the way he wanted it to and I couldn't be more happy for him. The guy deserves it.

"I heard about the strip club" Giovanni said and I nodded

"Yeah" I said

"Your first kill in a while. How are you?" He asked

"I'm fine." I said pouring myself a drink

"I remember what happened after your last kill. So don't tell me you're fine" He said as I took a sip of my drink

"Giovanni I'm fine okay. That asshole asked for an early grave" I said and he looked at me "He beat her Gio. Slapped her so hard her nose was bleeding and her lip was busted. She fell down and he..he kicked her in her stomach. You should see how she looked when I picked her up. She was so scared Gio. He had to die."

He nodded. "I would've done the same for Angela. They would've had to pull me off him." He said with his jaw clenched

"I know. But she wants nothing to do with me." I said downing my drink

"Well she's here now. So maybe that means something. That you're here for her at her worst and she trusted you with that." Giovanni said and I nodded

"Thanks man" I said and he patted my shoulder

"I have to go. Angel is having morning sickness. She's been having trouble trying to keep everything down. I wanted to stay with her but she told me to check on you." He said

"Tell Angela thank you. And tell her i'm sorry for all the harm that Miles Jr. has caused" I said and ducked when he threw a book at me off the shelf as he walked out

I laughed clutching my sides. He hated the joke but I loved his reaction.

——

I went upstairs to see Ellie dressed in her clothes that she came in now washed and free of her blood that was on them.

"What are you doing?" I asked her

"Going home. I'm not one for overstaying my welcome." She said and I grabbed her elbow turning her towards me as she grabbed her purse

"You're not overstaying your welcome. I want you here." I said

"For what Miles? For sex? I gave it to you already. What do you want from me?" She asked annoyed

"You" I said

"That's the only thing I can't give you." She says sighing "Thank you for all your help and what you did for me but this is done. There's no us. There won't be an us."

I let her go taking in the blow of her words. I nodded putting my hands in my pockets. I looked away from her.

"Alphonso will take you home." I said and I felt her staring at me as I texted him. "You can meet him downstairs."

I looked at her and her eyes said differently. She had a different look in her eyes. She looked away and walked out the room. I stumbled back and sat on my bed. I hadn't realized the strength it took to hold myself up after she said what she said. Why did I care so damn much? She told me to stay away from her many times but I couldn't. I kept getting drawn to her. This time I understood her warning. I had to stay away before it was too late to turn back.