What She Doesn't Know

Chapter 5

It was Saturday morning and Leonardo could not help but stare at his wife's face as she slept in his arms. It was the first time in many months where she had initiated any contact with him, albeit the rotation of her body to his so that her arm was over his waist was initiated in her sleep.

A smirk arose slightly on the edges of his mouth as the predator inside of him grew ecstatic with the revelation knowing his wife craved him even when she refused to admit it. His fingertips lazily played her hair, his fingers extricated themselves through the knots. He was careful so as to not awaken her by pulling too harshly.

Her soft breath fanned the curls of hair and flesh of his chest. He watched her back rise up and down as her breaths came out evenly. As his eyes raked her body, he noticed that her tank top moved to the side, revealing the ample flesh of her breast.

The thought of flipping her over having his way with her crossed his mind. As quick as it came, it flew away like the whisper of the wind. He needed to get a grip, and not on her body. Although his hands itched to brush over her exposed flesh, he knew better than to initiate any sexual sensations with her.

Instead of listening to his primal instincts, he abated them. His attempt to remove his body from the bed was halted by the strong grip of his wife. She snuggled deeper into his chest and placed a soft kiss to his chest. He could have sworn he saw a small smile appear on her lips, but he rid himself of the thought.

His hand gingerly removed her fingers from his side and he was able to leave the bed and take a shower for the day ahead of him. He knew her schedule by heart so he knew she did not work Saturday's. He surmised she would visit Janice for the day.

In all honesty, he was not concerned with her intentions for the day. She could go skydiving and he would be holed up in his office for the entire day. A scowl crossed his features at the thought of returning to another day sitting behind a desk.

He needed to accomplish some field work before he sat down for hours as he listened to his employees type away at their keyboards and associates gripe and groan of a hard day ahead of them.

If they desired to groan about the workload, he would give them a workload.

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Rafael's chest felt as if it was caving in as he stared down the man in front of him. With gloves covering his hands and a lonely pair of shorts to accompany his body, he glared into the eyes of his opponent.

The ferocity in his eyes resonated in Rafael as he understood the meaning of winning. Saturdays were for the boys, and this particular morning was no different. It was in his determination to continue his winning streak. His boss sat outside the corner of the ring as he measured Rafael's steps and learned his movements.

He blocked a hit and jabbed his opponent in the side of the ribs which was accompanied with a kick to the same side. He put his gloves back up so as to black the next hit that came for his head.

His feet bobbed up and down as they readied themselves for the next attack and next strike. Sweat bounced off of his nose and some drops dripped onto the mat by his feet. His mind was set on defeating his opponent as his sight zeroed in on the other man's rugged appearance.

it was clear to Rafael that the man standing before him was out of breath; however, he needed to remain in the match or else he would be set aside, another loser who could not defeat Rafael. Rafael was astonished, albeit impressed by this man's motivation to continue.

The man attacked. Rafael suspected it and as he stepped to the side, he sent a forceful punch to the bottom of the man's back. The man crashed down like a tree in the forest. With the thought of timber, Rafael waited until the seconds ticked down until he could exit the ring as another winner.

After the seconds counted down to zero, his opponent got up and they shook hands. "Good work, Raf. You gotta teach me those moves."

He let out a laugh. "Derek, you're gonna need to get into shape first."

Derek scratched the nape of his sweaty neck as a warm blush warmed his cheeks. "Yeah. I've been goin' to the gym on the regular. My girl's been goin' with me too. She kicks my ass."

Another laugh escaped Rafael. He wrapped his arm around the teen's shoulders and pulled him in close. "As long as you keep getting better, you're gonna get there. Don't get down on your luck."

A smile appeared on Derek's lips. "Thanks, Raf." He turned to leave the ring when he remembered what his mom commanded him to ask him. "Hey, your boss is here, right?"

Rafael pointed over to the corner of the ring where his boss resided outside of. Leonardo was speaking in a different language in a harsh tone to a person on the other end of his phone call. Derek puffed out his chest a little to appear confident. Rafael shook his head in amusement as he took a swig of water.

Just as Leonardo ended the call, he saw Derek approach him. "What do you want?"

Being this close to Mr. Moretti caused him to faltered in his confidence level. His hands came together in front of his torso, his thumbs twidling together. He had been told by some kids at his school that Mr. Moretti's stare was like looking into the eyes of death. They hadn't let him down.

"I want a job?"

Leonardo's eyebrow rose as he evaluated the kid before. He looked to be still in high school. There was muscle there as obvious signs of him working hard to attain his image. "As a dumpster boy? Sure. You got it, kid."

Before Derek had time to react, Mr. Moretti stepped away from him. "Wait, no! Mr. Moretti, I need an actual job."

Leonardo turned his back away from the kid and looked him straight in the eyes. His eyebrow quirked up once again. "A real job?" Derek nodded vigorously. "Do you know what I do for a living, kid?"

"You sell things."

"What kinds of things?"

Derek shrugged. "I think drugs and stuff." When Mr. Moretti turned away to continue walking away, Derek ran in front of him. He put his hands up as a symbol to stop Mr. Moretti's pathway. They both knew Moretti could kill him in an instant, but this was a chance of a lifetime.

"Mr. Moretti, my mom wants me to get a job to help pay for rent."

"There are other ways."

Derek sighed. His fingers ran through his matted hair. "Yes, but this way is easier."

"I don't think you realize what you could be getting yourself in to." He side-stepped the kid. Derek's front deflated in defeat.

Leonardo walked over to Rafael. "Give the kid a ride to his house to shower and then bring him to my house."