Amara's PoV
As I walked out of Donte's office, the stack of business trip letters clutched in my hands, I felt a strange mix of curiosity and anxiety brewing within me.
I handed the letters to the appropriate people, watching their reactions as they realized they were selected for the trip.
Some were excited, others indifferent, but it was the last letter in my hand that made my breath hitch.
My name was stamped across the front, clear as day: Amara Petrova. I swallowed hard, my mind racing as I quickly skimmed the contents.
The letter detailed what we would be doing on the trip, the itinerary, what we could do in our free time, and what we were allowed and not allowed to bring.
My eyes widened slightly, a knot of apprehension forming in my stomach. This was no ordinary business trip.
Days passed in a blur, and before I knew it, Thursday morning had arrived.
I groaned softly as the sunlight streamed through my curtains, pulling myself out of bed.
A long, hot shower helped shake off the drowsiness, and I took my time brushing my teeth and drying my hair.
As I slicked my raven locks into a neat bun, I couldn't help but wonder what exactly this trip would bring.
Returning to my bedroom, I slipped into a lace black bra and matching thongs, the familiar ritual of dressing grounding me as my thoughts spun.
I stood in front of the mirror, contemplating my outfit.
I wanted to wear something that would stand out, something that would make me feel powerful, even on a day like this.
With a wave of my hand, clothes began to float out of my wardrobe, hovering in mid-air as I carefully selected what to pack.
Each item folded itself neatly and floated into my luggage, followed by another and another.
I took a bite of the apple that was also suspended in the air, chewing thoughtfully as I packed the last of my things.
Once my luggage was ready, I grabbed the handle and made my way out the door.
The train ride to the company was uneventful, my mind too preoccupied with what lay ahead to focus on the scenery passing by outside the window.
As I arrived at the company building, I saw a coach parked out front, waiting for the other employees.
One by one, they arrived, chatting and laughing as they gathered around the coach.
I stood to the side, observing quietly, until a sleek black BMW pulled up.
Donte stepped out casually, but with that firm presence he always had, and I couldn't help but notice the man who exited the car with him.
My eyes widened slightly in recognition-he was one of the men from the night I had healed Donte and his crew.
The man caught sight of me, his expression shifting from surprise to a soft smile.
I returned it, feeling a strange sense of connection despite the chaos of that night.
The coach driver began loading our luggage into the storage compartment, and I exchanged a glance with Donte.
Our eyes met, and for a brief moment, the world seemed to narrow down to just the two of us.
But then the man, Donte's friend, cleared his throat, breaking the moment.
He gestured for us to board the coach, and I quickly nodded, making my way up the steps as carefully as I could in my high heels.
I found a seat at the back, by the window, hoping to stay out of the way while the rest of the employees continued their excited chatter.
As I settled in, I noticed Donte and his friend making their way to the back of the coach as well.
They took seats across from me, and just as I thought I might be able to retreat into my own thoughts, I heard a male voice.
"Hi, I remember you from the-" the man started, then paused, likely realizing he shouldn't mention that night in front of everyone.
"Right, can't talk about it. Well, anyway, my name is Marcel. What's your name?"
"Amara," I replied, a small smile playing on my lips as I looked at him. Marcel's eyes widened slightly as he turned to Donte, who gave him a stern look, but Marcel leaned forward and shook my hand enthusiastically.
"It's a pleasure to meet you. Boss never talks about-" he began, but before he could finish, Donte smacked him on the back of the head.
I couldn't help but chuckle softly. "So, he's talked about me?" I teased, raising an eyebrow at Donte.
"I didn't. He's speaking nonsense," Donte quickly denied, though his tone was a little too defensive to be convincing.
I smirked. "Yeah, right. If you didn't, why did you hit Marcel on the head?"
Marcel chuckled at that, rubbing the back of his head. "Finally, someone stands up for me against your violence."
I smiled at Marcel's playful demeanour. Despite the fact that both men were part of the Mafia, it was clear they shared a bond that transcended their violent world.
It made me think about how, even in the darkest of circumstances, people could still find friendship and camaraderie.
If I had a friend like Marcel, I'd cherish them, protect them, and do anything to keep them safe.
Marcel's next question caught me off guard. "Have you ever considered, you know, joining our thing?" he hinted, obviously referring to the Mafia.
I shook my head, still smiling. "I don't think I would. First off, it contains too much violence, and you saw what I did the other day.
And second, I want to live as a normal person, you know? The relationship between humans and supernaturals is already complicated enough without me getting involved in... all of that."
I shrugged my shoulders, trying to make it seem like a simple choice, though the truth was far more complex.
Marcel nodded, seeming to understand, though there was a hint of curiosity in his eyes that mirrored my own.
The conversation drifted away from the heavy topics, but I could feel Donte's gaze on me throughout the ride, as if he was trying to read between the lines of everything I said.
It was clear that this trip was going to be more than just a business trip.
There were too many questions, too many secrets, hovering just beneath the surface.
And I had a feeling that before it was over, we'd all have to face some truths we'd rather keep hidden.
YOU ARE READING
The Mafiaso And The AD 1024
RomanceIn the heart of New York City lies "Elysium," a bar that serves as a safe heaven for supernatural beings who live hidden among humans. The establishment is owned by Donte Blackwood, a ruthless yet surprisingly merciful mafia boss who rules the city...