Riding with Desire

Chapter 5

Leo

I have to attend that asshole Kennedy son's birthday party, but not to celebrate. I'm here for business, to meet my supplier and some shareholders of the company I'm investing in. It's purely business-related. Kennedy is the biggest asshole I've ever seen, turning his own son's party into a business deal. But then again, his son is no different. I don't work for the mafia, I work for no one. Sure, they've tried to become my business partner and manipulate me into their dirty dealings, but they know damn well no one can force me into anything. If I wanted, I could create a whole new mafia community right under Kennedy's nose and he wouldn't get a hint of it. I'm just not interested.

The aim of this night is simple: deal with some people, shake hands when business deals are done, and leave. But then I see someone familiar among the faces. What the fuck is she doing here? For fuck's sake, I try to ignore her even tho - my mind is always filled with her thoughts but I had control over them, but when Kennedy's son's hands landed on her, that is it for me.

 Of all people, she has to be with that fucking mafia son? Does she know what he's involved in? I roll my eyes. I can't just ignore this—I'm sure he'll use her, fuck her like some random bitch, and toss her away. It shouldn't bother me, but my heart is burning with rage. It shouldn't be my problem, but now it is. 

She knows I'm here after I whisper near her ear. I want to yank her away from this place; she doesn't belong here. I follow her into the hallway. This time she sees the real me, without any mask or helmet. My face is exposed to her, and she stares at me without blinking. What is she trying to do? Fuck—she looks so beautiful. I want to wrap her long hair around my fist and—Stop! I'm just here to warn her and make her leave, but of course, she's stubborn as fuck.

I can't let anyone see her with me. If someone sees us together, they'll surely use her against me. I don't want her to be the centre of attention, especially at Kennedy's party. Hyenas are out there, keeping their eyes open for any chance. I clench my jaw as I walk away from her. She clearly doesn't know anything about Stephen and his father, or maybe she's just dumb, or she likes being in trouble. But I can't let her get caught in this mess. I need to protect her, even if she doesn't understand why. I glance back once more before disappearing into the crowd, determined to keep an eye on her from a distance. This night is turning out to be more complicated than I had planned.

I keep my distance from her, she can't notice that I am watching her, but my eyes are only fixed on her. My blood burns when Kennedy approaches them. Fuck, this is bad. He never leaves his space to meet anyone who isn't worth meeting. This is more than bad; she's on his radar now. Even Stephen looks nervous. What the fuck is going on? I can't hold back my curiosity, and more than that, I want her to stay away from all this. She has no idea. I saw her leaving and followed her. My feet carry me after her, and we end up in the garden. There's no one around as everyone is enjoying themselves inside.

"Why are you following me?" she turns around, facing me. I keep my cool, my hands in my pockets, letting the cool air move through my hair.

"I'm not sure what you're saying. I'm just here for some air," I say, walking towards her and stopping beside her. She takes a deep breath and wraps her arms around herself.

"Are you part of the mafia too?" she asks. My hands turn into fists in my pockets. So, she knows the truth about Kennedy and his son.

"No," I reply simply.

"How am I supposed to believe you? Why is everyone in this place involved in crime and stuff like that?" Her frustration is palpable, her voice getting louder.

"I don't work for anyone! And I have no reason to lie to you," I say firmly.

"But are you a good man?" she turns towards me and asks.