~This is the original version of the story. Check out "The Mafia's Doctor" for the edited version. --- Kimberly Stratus was a doctor working at one of the best hospitals in America. She loses her license and ability to practice due to, as punishment, taking full responsibility of the 'walking patient' incident. On her search for a new job, Kimberly runs into the 'walking patient'. Knowing her situation caused by his actions, he offers a once in a lifetime opportunity. ----- "Look, you're a doctor-" He started. "Was." I corrected. "You can still be." He said, running his fingers through his dark hair, "Look, you can work for us and I'll pay triple the amount you were earning at that lousy hospital." "Us?' I asked. Who was he? How exactly does he plan on paying me triple? He grabbed my wrist and pulled me inwards, my face inches away from his chest. With his free hand, he gently tucked my hair behind my ear. His breath tickled on my exposed skin as he whispered two words that sent shivers down my back. "The Mafia."

*Heighest ranking 26th in Love, 1st in General Fiction, and 1st in Tragedy, as well as no#1 in mystery* When you're the most feared and powerful Italian Mafia Boss, you cannot have the world know of your existence or of any personal ties you may have. Otherwise bad things tend to happen, and this man learned that lesson the hard way. Now, he refuses to allow anyone close to him, much less get anywhere past his cold exterior. Their story wasn't meant to begin like it did. They weren't meant to meet the way they did. After all, she was only a university student and he was a ghost. Nonexistent, a rumor, a story you told your children at night. But when the most unforeseen circumstances cause their paths to cross, not once, not twice, but thrice--an encounter that ends with the vow of discretion and avoidance. They have no choice but to acknowledge they have to stay away before one of them gets hurt. Which is exactly what happens. This causes another encounter between the two, but this time with a promise of safety and security, because he owes her his life. *** "I say what I mean, and I do what I say." He assured in a low rumbling voice that had her transported back to older times. "And when I say I will keep you safe, believe me, that not even a hair on your head will be touched." (The full story can be found on the following link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NPSKL6W)