Lia has secrets that she's been hiding for six years and only three people know a small amount of them, most know her as a designer while the underworld knows her as a completely different thing.
What happens when Luciano the Italian Mafia Don dives...
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While Lia slept, I ran my fingers through her hair as questions swirled in my mind, keeping me awake.
Vincent sent me multiple text messages while I was in the meeting, explaining why Lia moved offices, and knowing she stayed at the office after what happened, alone, made my blood boil.
Tracing the ink decorating her skin, I carefully examined the Medusa tattoo on her side.
Mia Valentine 03/06/2019.
"She was my everything, you know" A whisper brought me out of my running thoughts. Lia shivered, covering herself with the thin sheets I still had to change.
"Who was she to you?" I asked pulling her closer before she decided to build up her walls and cut me out again. I'd take the smallest amount of information I could get out of Lia, the more she shared the more I felt closer to knowing every single detail about this strong woman.
"My daughter" she whispered, a single tear rolled down her cheek falling onto her lips as if it was enough to wash away the truth she just spoke.
Taking in the information I waited for her to continue but she didn't, leaving me surrounded by silence. The pain her eyes portrayed made me refrain from asking any more questions, she'd tell me more when she was ready but the Lia in front of me was holding onto her past to remind her of the pain and suffering she went through, to punish herself for as long as she lives instead of using it as a reason to live.
"How did you find out he was at my office?" the question held no urgency as of now, leading me to believe that she knew I would answer any of her questions right now.
Taking a deep breath I continued running my hand along her spine before answering truthfully "I asked Vincent to figure out why you moved your office and to find you're building better security". The day was slowly fading into night which meant that our extra activities and the nap Lia took kept me away from work much longer than I would've liked to be, but the moment we were in right now makes everything worth it.
"I don't like the fact that you asked him to snoop around for a reason to my actions".
"I wouldn't have needed to if you called me the second it happened" I countered, keeping my voice as low as possible to avoid this turning into an argument again, but memories of how we resolved it a few hours ago flooded my thoughts which made me rethink my decision.
I could go for a second round.
"This is my problem to solve Luci, I didn't need a knight in shining armor then and I surely don't need one now".
Changing our position, I pulled her on top of me so she'd have no choice but to take my words seriously while seeing how serious I was about this topic.
"I've never been a knight in shining armor Darling, but make no mistake, I'll be right in front of you the whole way making sure you don't get caught in the crossfire. I know you don't need anyone to protect you, all I'm asking, is for you to give me a chance to take care of you. It doesn't mean you have to rely on me, just let me in".
Staring into her distant eyes, I knew she was weighing the pros and cons of my request, I just hoped that she wouldn't make this any more difficult than it is.
In the short time I've known Lia, I felt more alive than ever before, this stubborn woman makes me want to wake up every morning with determination.
I want her, no, I need her to understand that I'm here to stay, with or without her approval. I'll spend every second of what's left of my life to prove to her that's she capable of being loved, and I'd make bloody damn sure to be the best man I can be for her.
If she just gave me a chance to prove it.
She's turned me into a needy bastard, without my permission.
God, what have I turned into?
With one single word, she turned me into the happiest mother fucker alive. With a simple nod, she whispered "Okay" and I could feel my heart growing in my chest, at that moment my subconscious decided to enter the chat adding useless banter.
'Who the fuck are you man, the Grinch'
'if she could hear your thoughts she'd be running away from your cheesy ass'
'Did the big bad wolf turn into a fucking lap dog!'
Rolling my eyes, I placed a kiss on her head before moving her back to my side. I wish I could spend a little more time in bed with her but I have a mafia to run and a dumbass to hunt down.
I had to find him before he got tired of playing his little game with Lia.
"I have some work to do but you have to get some more rest, you can continue working tomorrow, okay" I knew she wouldn't listen and I'd probably come back to her working again but I'm hoping that our little extra activities tired her out enough to make her go back to sleep.
"Okay, have fun!" she sang as I made my way out of my bedroom.
Chuckling I called Enzo and Vincent making sure they were aware that we'd be leaving for the warehouse in a few minutes.
Vincent called back to inform me that the little tiger was a little grumpy after her vet appointment therefore he'd be staying back which worked perfectly for me. He could keep an eye on Lia while I was gone and keep her pet happy in the process.
I don't think I'd ever understand the relationship he has with the big cat but she seems to be keeping him in a happy mood, which is rare.
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