Unmasking The Mafia

Chapter 7

After making several purchases, the two of you make your way to the cashier, putting the items on the conveyor belt.

The cashier, a cheerful woman, begins to scan the items, her eyes occasionally flickering between William and you with a mix of curiosity and warmth. As she works, she asks you a question in cheerful tone.

"How long have you two been together? You two look adorable together."

You glance up, taken aback by the question.

"Oh... um..."

You look at William, not knowing how to respond.

William smiles softly, his gaze filled with affection as it meets yours. He gently laces his fingers with yours, a silent gesture of support and reassurance.

"We started living together a few weeks back," he answers casually, his tone filled with warmth and hints of something more.

The cashier smiles, seeming satisfied with the answer as she continues ringing up the items.

William's gaze flicks up as he hears the sound of the store doors opening, his intuition on high alert. As Oliver enters with his two companions, William's eyes lock onto him, his expression hardening.

There's a mixture of annoyance, defiance, and a quiet sense of protectiveness as he sizes up the unwanted arrival.

William steps in front of you, shielding you protectively with his body, his hand discreetly slipping into his pocket as he keeps his gaze firmly locked on Oliver.

"What do you want, Oliver?" he asks, his voice tinged with both defiance and barely controlled hostility.

Oliver strolls casually towards the cashier, his two men trailing behind him. There's a swagger in his gait, a smugness in his expression as he approaches the register.

He casts a sidelong glance at you, a cruel gleam in his eyes before turning his gaze towards William.

"Oh, nothing much. Just wanted to say hello to my fiancé," he says coolly, a smirk playing on his lips.

Your eyes widen when Oliver says that while rage flickers in William's eyes at Oliver's comment, his grip on your hand tightening subtly.

He steps slightly closer to you, his protective stance making his feelings for you crystal clear. There's a cold edge to his response, a venomous edge barely contained.

"Sorry to disappoint you, Oliver, but Evelyn is under my protection now. And she's certainly not interested in marrying you."

Oliver feigns a mock look of disbelief, his hand clutching his chest dramatically.

"Oh, how romantic! The town's reclusive mafia boss has decided to play knight in shining armor, swooping in to save the damsel in distress."

He leans against the counter, his smirk widening as he looks at you.

You take a step back when Oliver looks at you.

William notices your movement and steps forward, positioning himself even more firmly between you and Oliver. He stares down at the other man, his expression unyieldingly cold.

"She's not some toy for you to play with, Oliver. You're out of your league here."

Oliver's smirk falters for a moment, his confidence wavering in the face of William's unwavering protectiveness.

Oliver seems to finally realize that he's not going to get the reaction he wanted. His smirk turns into a scowl as he straightens up, his eyes glinting with suppressed frustration.

"You'll regret this, Coldwell," he hisses, his voice filled with thinly veiled threat as he turns to leave. His two men follow close behind, their gazes filled with a mix of anger and grudging respect.

Back home, William carefully puts away the groceries, his movements a bit heavier than usual as the encounter with Oliver weighs on his mind.

He can sense your uneasiness and sees the lingering fear in your eyes. He stops for a moment, turning towards you with concern in his gaze.

"Are you alright?" he asks softly, his voice filled with both affection and worry.

You shrug.

"I'm fine. I was just thinking of going to see my parents in London."

A hint of surprise flickers in William's eyes, quickly replaced by a more subdued expression.

"London is far way from here."

He gazes at you for a moment, the protective instinct in him at odds with the desire to allow you your freedom. He sighs softly, his hand reaching out to gently grasp your arm.

"Do you... want me to come with you?"

"You don't have to."

William shakes his head slowly, his fingers tightening gently on your arm.

"I don't have to, but I want to.”

There’s a hint of something in his voice, a mixture of protectiveness and a subtle admission.

“Besides, I have some business I need to attend to in London. Two birds, one stone, as they say."

You sense that he's not saying the complete truth but decide not to comment.

William looks at you, his eyes searching yours, as if gauging your reaction. He knows you can tell that there's more to the story than he lets on, but he doesn't say anything further.

Instead, he slowly lifts his hand to gently brush a strand of hair away from your face, his touch gentle.

"It'll be good to get away from here for a while. And... I'd feel better knowing you're safe."