Hating The Mafia King

30: The Way His Heart Beats

I emerge from the cool embrace of the swimming pool, feeling the water cascade down my body. A gentle breeze rustles through my hair, and I casually flip it over one shoulder. The warm sun kisses my skin as I step out of the pool, leaving a trail of glistening droplets in my wake.

Knowing that this is my last day in Hawaii, I have to beeline for the beach. I grab a towel and start drying myself off, relishing the sensation of the soft fabric against my skin.

As I glance around, I catch Richie's gaze locked on me. His mouth is slightly agape, he removes his sunglasses to get a clearer view. His roams over my figure, and a mischievous smile tugs at the corners of my lips. It's clear that he's checking me out. He's gradually falling for me and I just love it.

Richie didn't move from his position as if rooted to the spot, his eyes never leaving me. Seizing the opportunity, I saunter over to his side, a sweet smile on my face. As I draw closer, I raise my hand and place it on his bare chest, causing his eyes to tighten with mine. A wicked grin spreads across my face as I wrap my hand around his neck, pulling him even closer until our lips are mere inches apart. I lock eyes with him, then glance teasingly between his eyes and his lips, before smirking and whispering huskily, "Stop staring."

My breath fans against his face, and I can see the desire burning in his eyes. It's clear that I have him completely captivated, and he's undoubtedly imagining what it would be like to have me right then and there. I can't help but smirk mischievously as I push him playfully on the chest with all my might. Caught off guard, he loses his footing and stumbles backward, falling right into the water. I burst into laughter, unable to contain my amusement as he resurfaces, gasping for air.

"Come on, seriously!" he groans, his voice laced with laughter.

I simply shrug, blow a playful kiss his way, and stroll over to the beach chair. Hanging my towel on the rack, I slip on my shades and settle in. As Richie makes his way out of the pool, I leisurely apply sunscreen to my legs. He grabs a towel, dabbing his damp hair as droplets of water cascade onto the floor.

Approaching me, he stands in front of the bench, his eyes locked with mine. "You just had to push me, didn't you?" he says, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.

"I'm sorry, but you were staring so intensely. It was just too much," I reply, a playful tone in my voice.

"You're mine, I could stare at you all day and still not get enough," he confesses, his eyes filled with adoration.

I roll my eyes playfully, about to respond, when my attention is drawn to Calista. I notice her engaged in a heated conversation with a blond-haired lady. Unfortunately, I can't see the lady's face as she has her back turned towards me.

Curiosity piqued, I take off my sunglasses to get a closer look. "Richie, do you know who Calista is with?"

His attention shifts to Calista, and he simply shrugs, replying, "I don't know, just a friend, I guess."

"It doesn't seem like a friend." I empathize noticing the look on Calista's face. She looks tense and it's only adding up to my worries

"You're thinking too much about this." Richie says making my attention move back to him "Forget about them, Calista is fine, trust me and besides the bodyguards are all over the place, nothing can happen to her."

"Are you sure? Calista doesn't look that happy."

"She's fine, trust me." He says

"Alright, If you say so," I say going back to apply sunscreen on my legs.

Richie sits beside me and says, "You know what I love about you?"

"What?" I inquire, "Is it the way I smile? The way I talk? The way I look?" I ask, not quite interested in his playboy words. Guys tend to say that, and it always ends up with liking one or two of the words I mentioned.

"I do like them, but those are just features that compliments you," he says. "What I love about you is your heart." He places his hand on my chest. "I love the way your heart beats for everyone around you."

As he says, his eyes bore into mine with affection, "The way you care and worry for everyone is what makes you the perfect human."

I couldn't help but blush at his words. I didn't expect him to say that, but he is right, I do have a good heart, but only to those who didn't hurt me.

My eyes are still locked with Richie's, the intensity builds between us, but the moment is cut short when Grace's voice fills the air. "Sir, Ma'am," her voice fills with concern.

My attention shifts to her and as I notice the worrisome etched on her face, I immediately stand up from the bench asking "What's wrong, Grace?"

Panicking, she replies, "Sir Abel asked me to check on Lady Calista, but I don't seem to find her anywhere."

"Ohh, that's because Calista is right there...." I turn around squinting my eyes to look for Calista but she wasn't there. "She was just right there," I say still looking for her

"She's not there Lady Rachel, she's not anywhere. I checked her suite and the lounge, and I even tried calling her but her phone.... I found her phone smashed on the ground with blood on it." Panic lace through her voice

"What!" I exclaim, fear gripping my throat

"Yes, it was completely destroyed, and her...." Before Grace could complete the sentence, Richie cuts her off asking "Where is Abel?"

"Inside the room, I think he's on a call with the cops." She sounds confused

"Go tell him to end that call and meet me outside. I know exactly what's going on." He says

"What is going on?" I ask Richie seemly surprised by his words

"It's the Russian King, he took Calista with him."

"You mean her ex-husband?" I ask my heart beating.

"Yes"

As Richie's words sink in, I can feel my heart racing. The fear and worry consume me, "Oh my god!" I exclaim "Calista was scared of this, what is he going to do to her?" Panic sets in "Is he gonna hurt her, and Liam... what's he gonna do to Liam?"

"I don't know Rach, but it's gonna be fine. Calista is going to come back home." He says with more determination than I've ever seen in him. He looks me in the eyes and continues "I know exactly how to bring her back, just trust me." he leans in and plants a soft kiss on my forehead. "I need you to stay safe, Rach. Please, stay inside with Grace and don't leave the room, no matter what happens," he urges, his voice filled with concern.

I nod, understanding the gravity of the situation. "Okay," I reply, my voice barely above a whisper.

With one last reassuring look, Richie turns around and walks away. Abel walks in and follows closely behind, their determined expressions sending a wave of hope through me.

As I watch them leave, I can't help but feel a mix of emotions—fear, worry, but also a glimmer of hope. I really hope Calista will be fine. She's always been scared something bad was going to happen and I'm afraid her worries are going to be a reality.