The Mafia's Flower (ON HOLD)

Chapter Ten

"Where were you last night?"

I looked up at her, staring with my blue eyes as she stared back at me with almost the same intensity. Why did I get a feeling she would see through all my lies?

"So?" Belinda questioned further.

"I fell asleep reading a book in the study last night." I lied, fixating my eyes back on the TV. I could still feel her stares crawling all over my skin. I'd made sure I wore my purple turtle neck blouse that had its long sleeves to hide all the hickeys that lay underneath. I would have no way nor excuse of escaping that one if she'd seen them.

"Really?"

"Mmhm." I nodded, changing the channel on the TV with the remote.

"But I was in the study last night Fiona and I didn't see you there." She peered closer, scrutinising me with her eyes.

"Well, that's because I was in Michael's study."

"Really now?" Belinda eyed me and in reflex, I turned and faced her. Big mistake.

She grinned. "Got ya!" Damn it. "Where were you last night, Fiona Summers?" She asked with a slight hint of glee, smiling from ear to ear with mischief clouding her features.

"I told you, I was in Michael's study."

"You and I both know that's a lie."

"Belinda, I don't know what else you want me to tell you."

"Just tell me where you were last night!"

"I've told you already!"

"No you haven't—"

"And what's all this ruckus about?" Another voice joined in, few seconds later, revealing the image of Gregory as he walked into the kitchen.

I and Belinda exchanged looks, choosing to remain silent as the once vibrant air turned sour almost immediately. Gregory sighed. "Anyways, the house needs certain supplies and since Taylor isn't around, you need to rush into town and get the items on this list." He said, handing over a piece of paper to Belinda. Rolling her eyes, she muttered something before throwing me a weird look.

"This talk isn't over. We'll continue when I get back. Or would you like to escort me?"

"I'll stay home, thanks." I smiled awkwardly. Thankful, for the first time, that Gregory, of all people saved my butt. The old man didn't pay us any further mind before turning on his heels and leaving the same way he came. Belinda was off to the store in no time while I kept myself occupied with reading a book. But no matter how much I tried to concentrate, it was futile in the end as my mind kept replaying last night's encounter over and over in my head. I sighed and closed the book. Putting the TV back on, I tried to settle in to a channel but everything seemed boring. My eyes went up to the wall clock. It was almost mid-day, and I kept fighting the nagging feeling that I had to see Michael.

I hissed and turned off the TV. Grabbing my book, I made my way for the garden at the back of the main house. It had always been a place where I could unwind and escape my thoughts. But I paused when I saw the back of the hooded sweatshirt who was bent over one of the peonies in the garden.

"Matt?" I called out to him, wondering if Matt had always been this tall. But I sucked in a sharp breath when he turned to me and it was clearly not the house hold's chef.

His blue eyes were what stood out the most. That and the sandy blonde curls that was pulled back into a messy bun. He looked surprised to see me, as if he were not expecting to find another person here.

"Who are you?" I asked, holding on to my book tightly.

"Well, hello to you too." He said sarcastically. His blue eyes widening a bit as he gave me a once over before returning his attention back to the flowers, releasing a low sigh as if I bored him.