Twisted Fixation

『 Chapter 52 』

"Is it good? Look at how you are taking me in so well," Giancarlo grunted as he started to move rhythmically. She moaned in response, unable to form words as pleasure consumed her with each thrust pushed them both closer to the edge of ecstasy.

It was the first time that they did it in such a position, and Yuri couldn't help the blush that crept up her cheeks. She doesn't hate it; rather, she was surprised by how much she enjoyed it.

"I have been thinking about what we talked about last time," Giancarlo panted, slowing down his movements slightly.

Yuri thought of all the things they had talked about, but she couldn't be certain which one Giancarlo was referring to.

"Yuri, what if you are someone that I trust who wouldn't kill me while I'm asleep?"

She felt herself stiffen upon realizing his words. Her mind automatically went back to the conversation they had when they were in Manila. He asked her opinion about him falling in love.

"You do realize how dangerous your line of work is, correct? Well, if you are going to ask me for an honest opinion, I truly believe that you should take someone whom you could trust enough not to kill you while you sleep."

When she did not respond, Giancarlo completely stopped moving and sat back on the chair with her on his lap.

His eyes searched for any sign of agreement or disagreement in her expression, but she was too stunned to even react. The weight of his question hung heavy in the air, as if the fate of their relationship depended on her response.

"I am not really good with words. But just in case it's still not clear, I like you, Yuri. I'm terrified because I've never felt this way about anyone before, and I might be wrong about this, but I want to be the person you can trust, the one who will always be there for you."

It's as if another bomb has been dropped in front of her. All along, she thought that it was just a physical thing they both enjoyed, but his confession revealed a depth of emotion she hadn't anticipated.

The weight of his words sank into her heart, leaving her unsure of how to respond.

***

When she got cheated on three years ago, her perspective on love completely changed. The once optimistic and trusting Yuri became cautious and skeptical. She started questioning whether all the men who attempted to enter her life had good intentions, fearing that history would repeat itself.

Now, she finds it difficult to fully open up and let someone into her heart, constantly guarding herself from potential heartbreak. The betrayal shattered her belief in love's purity, leaving her hesitant to invest emotionally in anyone new.

So, it was supposed to be easy to reject Giancarlo, but she couldn't help but feel a pang of uncertainty.

After he confessed, she left the room as quickly as possible, desperately needing some time alone to process her conflicting emotions.

"Did you have a fight with Giancarlo? It may not be obvious to the others, but I am your mother, so I know you. Something has changed between you two ever since you went to his office the other day. What happened?" her mom asked.

Her mom's perceptive question caught her off guard, and she hesitated before deciding to confide in her.

"Giancarlo said that he likes me. He did not say that he loves me, but just by the context alone, he likes me to be his life partner," she admitted, her voice filled with uncertainty. "I don't know how I feel about him yet. It's confusing because I've never thought of him that way before."

Her mom just looked at her quietly and nodded understandingly. "What makes you think that neither of you aren't going to develop such feelings when you have been so physically intimate? You should have expected that already."

She shrugged her shoulders at that. "He's a mafia boss, mom. He even told me before that he hasn't been with anyone, so how could I expect him to develop feelings for me? Although I must admit that even I could feel a spark between us."

"It's not that I know too much, but you are aware of how the Costa family only accepts Italian women as potential partners, right?  It's also important to remember that physical intimacy doesn't always guarantee emotional connection, especially in complicated situations like this."

Yuri silently nodded in agreement. She could already imagine what hell would be waiting for her if she pursued a relationship with him. The cultural and familial expectations would surely create obstacles that would be difficult, especially for Giancarlo, who is aspiring to assume the role of head of the family.

"I know I have told you before not to involve yourself romantically with the mafia boss, but if you couldn't help reciprocating his feelings, then at least be cautious and prepared."

She knew that accepting Giancarlo's feelings meant once again putting herself at risk of her heart being broken, but the undeniable chemistry between them made it tempting to take the chance and see where their connection could lead.

"Are you going to support me in whatever decision I make?" 

Her mom smiled and gently replied, "I am here to support and protect you, no matter what path you choose."

She hugged her mom, then walked towards the door to face Giancarlo. She was about to knock on the door of his office when she heard voices coming from inside.

Curiosity got the better of her, and she pressed her ear against the door to listen in on the conversation. The voices grew louder, and she realized it was a heated argument between Giancarlo and someone else.

"Listen here, Mr. Costa. Even you know that the FBI couldn't arrest anyone without concrete evidence. I know it's frustrating that as we speak, Luigi Torricelli is still out there, but we need to be patient and gather more information before taking any action," says the other person's voice.

"But we can't afford to wait any longer! Torricelli might even leave the country or go into hiding if we don't act soon," Giancarlo retorted, his voice filled with urgency.

"You're going to put everyone at risk, especially your woman, if you choose to declare war on Torricelli now, and you know it."

Yuri balled her fist and turned back. She walked towards the back of the villa and pretended that she was interested in the blooming flowers. When Giancarlo's men were finally distracted and focused on something else, she discreetly climbed the wall, and in no time, she was already out in the streets.

Thinking that Luigi Torricelli was still out there despite the crime makes her want to kill him more. She has gone so far, and it would be unbearable to see him slip away now. If she had to do it alone in order to not put Giancarlo and the rest at stake, then she is willing to take the risk.

She then realized that aside from herself, she did not bring anything with her. She contemplated whether she should return inside, but if she did, Giancarlo would figure out that she sneaked out, so she decided to just continue and went to a place where she knew she would get the help she needed.