The Mafia's Jewel (BWWM)

18

I sit on the edge of my bed, staring out at the waves crashing against the Sicilian shore. The tropical aesthetic that once felt like a dream has started to feel more like a cage. It's beautiful, sure, but after being here for so long, it's starting to wear on me. 

The palm trees, the endless blue skies, the constant warmth—it's all just too much. I find myself longing for the harsh winters and busy streets of Chicago. I miss the sounds of the city, the way it pulses with life, and how the cold air bites at your cheeks.

I hear a noise from the living room and sigh. It's probably Kiwi getting into something she shouldn't be. That cat has a knack for finding trouble. I grab my drink from the bedside table and make my way out of the bedroom.

As I enter the living room, I'm not surprised to see Kiwi on the floor, but what does surprise me is seeing Leone crouched next to her, petting her. Kiwi seems to really like him, which is shocking because Leone is the reason her former owner is dead. I watch them for a moment, bemused. Well, cats are kinda dumb anyways.

"Looks like you've been busy," Leone says, standing up when he notices me.

I want to ask him what he's doing in my apartment, but instead I say, "I didn't know you liked animals."

"I love animals," he replies, "but the big man—my dad—never let me have one growing up. He thinks having pets is more for women."

"That's rough, buddy," I say sarcastically, rolling my eyes. I head to the kitchen and dump my cup in the sink, feeling the cool ceramic beneath my fingers.

Leone follows me, leaning against the doorway as I rinse out my cup. "What's the matter? You seem more bitchy than usual."

I shrug.

"Please don't tell me you are on your period because that would really ruin my day."

I stop what I'm doing and glare at him. Leone just chuckles. "Is that why you came all the way here? Because you think you're gonna get some?" I tell him, my voice dripping with sarcasm.

Leone leans closer but doesn't come too close, mindful of Kiwi nuzzling all over his leg. "I mean, that's not what I came here for, but if you say—"

"What do you want?" I cut him off, crossing my arms over my chest.

Leone straightens up, his expression turning serious. "We're having another business deal, this time with a smaller ally of the Rizzo gang. It's going to be at the seaside, so you need to dress nice."

I roll my eyes. "You could have told one of your henchmen to relay that message, or better yet, send me a text."

He steps closer, his eyes locking onto mine. "Maybe I just couldn't wait to see your face."

He leans in, his face inches from mine, but I pull away, feeling the tension crackling between us. I hear a frustrated sigh escape him, but he quickly composes himself.

"I'll see you, principessa," he says, his voice softening.

I watch him leave, closing the door behind him with a mix of relief and frustration. Kiwi looks up at me, her green eyes wide and curious.

"Well, Kiwi," I say, scratching her behind the ears, "looks like we have a seaside meeting to attend."

~

It's Friday, and despite having no urgent need for new clothes for the party, I decide to venture out to the newly opened shopping mall on the outskirts of town. The idea of exploring a new place offers a welcome distraction from the complexities of my current life in Sicily.

After a quick breakfast, I drive to the mall, finding a spot near the entrance. The building is modern and inviting, its architecture sleek against the backdrop of the clear blue sky. I step inside, greeted by cool air conditioning and the hum of bustling shoppers. The mall is spacious, with wide corridors lined with a variety of stores ranging from high-end boutiques to popular fashion chains.

I start my exploration at a trendy clothing store, thumbing through racks of dresses and blouses. Despite not needing anything specific, I grab a few items to try on. The dressing room is quiet and cool, a welcome retreat from the noise outside.

As I'm trying on a dress, I hear a voice from the next stall over. "Hey."

I freeze, startled. "Yes?"

"If I were you, I wouldn't go to that party."

I furrow my brow, confused. "What?"

"There are rumors," the voice continues, "saying there's going to be a hit on the mafia leader. If I were you, I'd stay close to a liferaft."

My heart skips a beat. Mafia hits are not uncommon in Sicily, but hearing about one in such a casual, almost cryptic manner in a dressing room is chilling. I swallow hard, trying to compose myself. "Excuse me?"

But there's no response. I wait for a moment, listening intently, but the next stall remains silent. I quickly change back into my own clothes, my mind racing with questions. Who was that? Was it a prank? Or was it something more sinister?

I cautiously step out of the dressing room, scanning the area. The stall next to mine is empty, the curtain drawn back as if no one had been there at all. I glance around, but the other shoppers seem oblivious to the strange encounter I've just had.

Shaking off the unease, I decide to leave the store and continue exploring the mall. As I browse, I can't shake the feeling that someone is following me. I glance over my shoulder several times, but I don't see anyone suspicious. Maybe it's just my imagination, heightened by the bizarre warning in the dressing room.

I decide to grab a coffee from a nearby café to calm my nerves. I sit at a table near the window, sipping my coffee slowly and watching people pass by outside. The sun is warm against the glass, and for a moment, I almost forget about the unsettling encounter.

After finishing my coffee, I make my way to a bookstore, a place where I always find solace. I browse through the aisles, running my fingers along the spines of novels and inhaling the scent of paper and ink. I pick out a couple of books that catch my eye, adding them to my growing pile of purchases for the day.

By the time I leave the bookstore, the sun is starting to dip lower in the sky. I check my watch and realize I've been at the mall longer than I intended. I head back towards the parking lot, my steps quickening with the desire to get home.

As I approach my car, the unease from earlier starts to creep back. I unlock the car and toss my bags into the backseat, glancing around the parking lot. It's quieter now, with fewer cars and fewer people milling about.

That's when I see him. A man, standing near the entrance to the parking lot, watching me intently. He's wearing dark sunglasses and a baseball cap pulled low over his eyes. My heart sinks as I recognize the same unsettling feeling from earlier—the feeling of being watched, followed.

Instinct takes over, and without thinking, I turn and head in the opposite direction, away from my car. I walk briskly, weaving through parked cars and hoping to lose him in the maze of vehicles. Fear grips my chest as I hear footsteps behind me, growing closer.

I glance over my shoulder and see the man following me, his pace quickening. Panic rises within me, and I break into a run, my pulse pounding in my ears. I don't know who he is or what he wants, but I know I need to get away.

I dart into a side entrance of the mall, hoping to find safety among the crowds inside. I weave through the corridors, trying to blend in with the shoppers around me. I glance behind me, relieved to see that the man is no longer following.

I find a secluded corner near the mall's main entrance and catch my breath, my chest heaving with exertion. What was that all about? Who was that man, and why was he following me? And what did that strange warning in the dressing room mean?

~

just got back from my vacation to Canada.  i didnt get the chance write anything since i was so busy. chapter 19 is now available.