Mafia's African Rose

Conqueror or protector

"Angel!" Alexa called, holding up a white lingerie set and mouthing, Alexio would love this on you. I blushed, feeling a rush of heat flood my face. I wanted to deny it, but before I could, Alexa smirked. "Oh, please, Angel, we all know what happened. You can barely walk properly!" she teased, winking at me. My face went even redder, if that was even possible. Nora laughed from the corner, shaking her head. "Stop teasing my kid sister," she said, though I could tell she was trying to hide her amusement.

"I'm not a kid!" I retorted, looking at a white gown hanging on the rack. It would look perfect on me. I couldn't resist admiring it for a moment, wishing I could just slip into it and forget about everything else.

Soon, we were done shopping, and I couldn't help but feel a little guilty for how much I had spent—though, honestly, it was hard not to when Alexio owned the store. Alexa mentioned that he owned several boutiques around the city, and even in Italy. How rich was this guy?

I decided to store the shopping bags in Alexio's closet, not having the energy to sort them out just yet. Instead, I headed downstairs to find Nora and Alexa sitting together with a book and a pen in hand. "What are you two up to?" I asked, confused.

Alexa looked up at me with a wide grin. "We're planning a pool party for the girls," she said excitedly. "I'll be inviting a few of my friends. It's going to be fun!"

I couldn't help but smile at the thought. Of course, Alexa would be thrilled about a pool party—she loved water more than anything.

"Of course you're excited," Nora said dryly, but there was a hint of affection in her tone.

We spent the rest of the day preparing for the little party, getting everything ready for what would hopefully be a fun and relaxing time with the girls. I couldn't wait to unwind and enjoy a break from everything, especially with the Nora and Alexa company.

  I stepped out in a beige bikini, the top barely covering my chest, and the color blending perfectly with my skin tone and blonde hair. As I walked towards the pool, I noticed the guards I passed immediately turning their heads, avoiding eye contact. It was a little weird, but I didn't think much of it.

When I reached the pool, I was shocked to spot a familiar face. "Glory?" I asked, surprised to see her sitting on the edge of the tile floor, her legs dangling in the water. She looked up at me and smiled. We rushed toward each other for a tight hug.

"I haven't seen you around since you left," I said.

"It's been rough out there," she responded, her voice soft but relieved. "But I'm okay now."

"What about Zoe?" I asked, recalling the last time I saw her at Alexio's office. My stomach twisted at the thought of that moment.

"She left," Glory answered, her smile faltering for a second. "She fell in love, basically. Her boyfriend paid for her freedom, and now they're somewhere in New York."

I was relieved to hear Zoe was free and happy. "I'm happy for her," I said.

"And you?" she asked, a teasing glint in her eyes. "I've heard a lot about you and the Boss."

I chuckled nervously, not entirely sure how to respond to that. "Yeah, it's... complicated," I said, glancing away.

"I'm happy for you, Angel," Glory said warmly, pulling me into another hug.

As we broke apart, a group of girls walked in. They looked like supermodels—tall, slim, and effortlessly beautiful. One of them was blonde and wore a white bikini, the redhead had a striking red bikini, and the last girl, with brown hair, wore a pink one. Alexa waved at them, and it felt like the start of something fun, just the seven of us.