Craving the Mafia Prince

Chapter Fifteen | Kiss And Tell

I stared out the window at my father's parting gift, the house on the right. A place where no one would ever suspect Marcus Lane's daughter of living such a normal life—in the suburbs of the mafia capital of the country, minutes away from his adversaries. It looked innocuous enough, a charming, two-story colonial with a well-manicured lawn and white picket fence.

Yet, it held so many memories and emotions, both good and bad. The day he showed it to me, I had almost lost my vocal cords from screaming. He had purchased it after one of our worst fights, right after I told him I didn't want that life anymore. I didn't want to have to sneak around everywhere I went, constantly looking over my shoulder because I always had a target on my back.

The decision to move four hours away from home had been impulsive and rash, born out of a desperate need for change. But as I settled into my new life, regret began to gnaw at me. My career had advanced tremendously, but my life felt empty and monotonous. I missed my family. I missed the thrill of constantly being on edge, the adrenaline rush that came with the life I had left behind.

But fate had always been kind to me. Conrad Maxwell. I never imagined going back to the same lifestyle, living on the edge. Yet, here he was, offering the very thing I had been craving for a while now.

I looked down at my fingers and tapped my bare feet against the floor of the car. I hadn't said anything after he'd confessed. Neither did he. It was a twenty-minute silent drive through the night to my house. The most painful twenty minutes of my life.

I liked him, maybe a little more than it is healthy for me. If I went along with his plan, my father would come to know the second someone even thinks of pulling a gun to my head. He would then cage me like a bird in a golden cage in the name of safety, a punishment for my decision and keeping it from him.

On the other hand, I could continue this cloak and dagger style. He'd never come to know, if I was careful enough.

God, this is so difficult!

The car finally came to a stop in front of my house. I hesitated before opening the door. I sighed and pulled my lips in. I needed to say something. Anything.

As I'm lost in my train of thought, I didn't notice when Cornad opened my door and bent down placing my glittering heels on the ground for me to wear.

"Madame." He knelt gracefully, motioning for me to slip my foot into the heel. As I did, his fingers brushed against my skin, sending an unexpected shiver up my spine. He took an extra moment, his touch lingering on the delicate anklet that adorned my ankle. It was one of a pair, a cherished gift, but its twin was lost somewhere in the bustle of the week.

He held out his hand for me as he straightened up, holding the door wide open.

"You're being quite the gentleman tonight," I said, placing my hand in his. As I imagined, my fingers barely reached a third of his.