Chapter 19: Chapter 19

ESTRELA

When I get home, I go straight to the bathroom to take a shower. As the warm water patters over my body, I think hard. Was it really too hard to blame Kian for that? But I mean, in the end he admitted it himself. Damned! That nice feeling of lying in his arms yesterday, the way he looks at me every time, I can't let go of him - even if I could. I wish Kian wasn't the player I think he is. That would make some things easier and yet again so complicated.

I remember the party he was throwing on Friday and I was there to meet the guy from the publisher. Now I feel weird showing up there. But if I don't come, I might miss a great opportunity. Summer and Jason will come too, then it will be much easier for me. I don't know if Kian still welcomes me. But that's debatable.

After a long shower, I spend the rest of the day writing. Unfortunately, I still don't have a laptop and I can probably get rid of Kian's laptop now. That's why I'm temporarily writing on my cell phone. It takes a lot of getting used to, but as soon as I don't have a new one, I have to do it and I don't want to take a break. I've been writing all my life. Stories have always fascinated me. I hope one day I can captivate others with my book like I always do. A broken laptop doesn't get in my way. But if I'm going to be without it for much longer, I'll have to call my mother and ask her to send me the guarantee. The salary from the club would certainly be enough for a new one in a few months. But the remaining months without one

***

Late in the afternoon my doorbell rang. I wasn't expecting anyone, so I hit the intercom. "Yes?"

"Hello, Estrela. This is Gabriel, I would be happy if you open up and we can talk a little." How the hell does he know where I live?

"Gabriel... I don't know what you want to talk about?" I would prefer to ignore him if it weren't for the fact that he's a mafia boss. And you certainly don't say no to a mafia boss.

"My beauty, there's a lot to talk about. So, are you going to open up?!" His voice sounds harder at the end. I sigh and push the door system. Gabriel comes up the stairs, closely followed by two men. Once again Gabriel looks stunning. He could be more like a model than a cold mafia boss. But behind every facade there is something sinister.

Before Gabriel goes into my apartment, his men run ahead. I watch them search my apartment for whatever. "Do you think I hid your enemies here?" I ask him confused.

"You can never be too sure," he grins.

"All secured, boss," explains Men in Black 1 - as I dubbed him. Since Gabriel makes no move to introduce them or at least give their names. Gabriel smiles at me and walks past me into my apartment. I would almost laugh at the picture that presents itself to me now. Gabriel's two men each stand in a corner and look at one point without emotion. While the big mafia boss of Nevada settles down on my sofa. The whole scenario is so bizarre.

"Would you like a drink ... or your men?" I ask him tentatively. He shakes his head.

"Manners, I like them. Have a seat." His tone of voice can instantly shift from amused to a serious command. How does this man do it? I'm realizing more and more how well he fits into this role as a mafia boss. I sit down and look at him uncertainly.

"What do you want to talk about?" I start. Gabriel leans back, blue eyes fixed on me.

"Your father. You mustn't be too angry with him. He hid this to protect you, even though he knows I have the means to protect you no matter what. But your father was strictly against it. He once told me it would be better to keep you in the dark," he explains. His explanation is plausible and I can understand my dad a little bit why he didn't let me in on it.

"I know my dad just wants to protect me, but I'm not a kid anymore and I want to know what you guys are really doing – what my dad is doing for you." Gabriel nods understandably.

"I know, my beauty, but some things you really shouldn't know." God, again someone who can think what's best for me. When will it finally stop?

"You think I can't take the truth?" I raise an eyebrow. Gabriel crosses his long legs while grinning mischievously at me.

"Estrela, you are a strong, smart woman and beautiful at that. I saw that when I first met you... You won't believe me, but when you lived here with your mother we knew us already." What? I don't remember Gabriel. I must have been very young when I met him.

"What? So you mean my father already knows you..."

"Since I was born, yes," he finishes my sentence. "Your father worked for mine before."

"And where is your father now?" I ask curiously.

"Dead. Why do you think I'm sitting here?" He smiles, but it doesn't reach his eyes.

"Sorry. When did he die?"

"My curious Estrela reappears, that's what I like about you so much" He winks at me. "My father was murdered by people I've been tracking for years. Of course I want revenge because they not only murdered my father, but also my mother." He presses his lips together and a storm flares up in his eyes. A very angry storm.

"That's terrible," I say.

"My father left me his post. It was clear from the start that if he died, I would take over the empire." He makes a face. "Unfortunately much too early," he adds, and slowly the pieces of the puzzle begin to fall into place in my head.

"My father promised you something..." Gabriel sighs.

"I was only 17 when he and Mom were murdered. I don't have any uncles or aunts to carry it on. Your father promised me that when he died he would stand by my side and help me keep the empire going . That was my father's last wish. He wanted our family, the power we have, to live - for generations to come." It's scary what Gabriel has been through. I mean, it's almost impossible to play such a big role at 17.

"You mean my dad worked for the mafia before you did?" He nods.

"Your father is a good man. If he hadn't helped me, I would be dead now and so would my sister. My father had enemies, many of whom are still around and when they realized there were only two Callahans left, they wanted us completely wipe out. Thanks to your father, he helped me prevent that. He taught me things my father would have taught me. Your father made me a fighter and a survivor. I owe your father a lot, so would I protect you - as his daughter, with all my power." I see Gabriel and my father with completely different eyes now. Behind Gabriel is a boy who wasn't ready to take over his dad's job and my father helped him and made him who he is now.

"Thanks for telling me that, that explains a lot." I smile shyly. He raises his hand and puts it on my cheek. I look surprised into his eyes, which sparkle with interest.

"If Kian didn't already have you in his hands, I would certainly have fallen for you," he says suddenly. I stare at him confused.

"Kian doesn't have me in his hand!" I shake my head in bewilderment.

"Yes, my beauty. You just don't want to admit it to yourself. I've seen the looks you guys give each other. To be honest, I'm amazed that Kian has fallen for a woman and that she drives him crazy that he doesn't can think more clearly. It's not very beneficial when he has work to do, but I guess that's love." He laughs heartily. I beg your pardon?

"The love?" I ask, puzzled. Gabriel is about to tell me that kian and I are in love? "Kian is an asshole! He's already proven that to me several times." I cross my arms in front of my chest.

"Yes, Kian messes up a lot. He can't deal with what you do to him and that you have him by the balls."

"Are you speaking from experience?" I ask, out of curiosity. Gabriel laughs.

"Me? No," he laughs, then he suddenly stands up and straightens his suit. Okay, so he's probably indicating that the call is over. "It's time for me to go." He smiles at me. I get up too and follow him. "It was nice to see you." Gabriel leans in and kisses me on both cheeks.

"Um... yes, you too." I smile uncertainly. He winks at me, turns around and leaves my apartment with his men. I close the door behind me and then lean against it.

***

"Hey, Dad," I greet him.

"Hello, Ela. It's so nice to hear your voice."

"I know..." I begin. My father sighs.

"Ela, I..."

"No, Dad," I interrupt him. "Gabriel explained to me why you're doing it."

"When did he tell you that?" he asks confused.

"He came to me today and told me his story. I now understand why you are doing all this... you are like a father to Gabriel."

"Yes, but I'm your real one and I want to protect you from everything, my angel." My dad doesn't sound relieved at what Gabriel told me.

"I know, but I'm not a kid anymore, Dad." He sighs.

"No, you're not... I just don't want to lose you." I lower my head and consider his words. It must have taken a toll on him when Mom and I left him. Had I not been so young at the time, I would certainly have objected. Because my dad was always my hero. And I certainly wouldn't have let my mother take me with her. But at the age of 12, unfortunately, there is little you can do.

"I'll be fine, Dad," I assure him. Gabriel gave me the impression that he keeps what he says.

"Fuck! He's there too?" Jason says, also looking at the men. Seems he knows Gabriel. Does he also know who he is exactly? The men look at us. When they just nod at all three of us, Jason walks in, followed by Summer. I follow them too and am surprised that they didn't frisk us this time. The house is already full of people, none of whom I know. The music is loud, but not so loud that you can't hear your own words. I follow the two closely followed. Watch Aiden and Dillan do this and wave at them. My gaze falls on Gabriel, who has made himself comfortable on Kian's couch with two girls. One of them whispers something in his ear while the other caresses his chest teasingly. Gabriel grins sexy while his hands are on the girls' bodies. Behind him some more of his men, watching everyone and just waiting for anyone to appear suspicious. Would they also risk their lives if someone messed with their boss? Our eyes meet and he gives me a big grin, then he gets up and walks straight towards me. As always, he wears a perfectly fitting suit on his tall frame and towers over quite a few people here. He ignores the girls, who look at him in confusion. I still haven't gotten used to Gabriel's gaze, the way he looks at me like I'm his next prey. Would they also risk their lives if someone messed with their boss? Our eyes meet and he gives me a big grin, then he gets up and walks straight towards me. As always, he wears a perfectly fitting suit on his tall frame and towers over quite a few people here. He ignores the girls, who look at him in confusion. I still haven't gotten used to Gabriel's gaze, the way he looks at me like I'm his next prey. Would they also risk their lives if someone messed with their boss? Our eyes meet and he gives me a big grin, then he gets up and walks straight towards me. As always, he wears a perfectly fitting suit on his tall frame and towers over quite a few people here. He ignores the girls, who look at him in confusion. I still haven't gotten used to Gabriel's gaze, the way he looks at me like I'm his next prey.

"Estrela," he almost purrs. "Wow, you look amazing!" His eyes wander over my body. Summer and Jason give me and him questionable looks.

"Hello, Gabriel." He grins and kisses me on both cheeks.

"I'm amazed to see you here." He turns to Summer. "Summer! You look beautiful. So seductive and sexy." Jason's eyes sparkle. Summer blushes while also looking at Gabriel.

"Long time no see, Gabriel." She seems a little unsure. He laughs and kisses her on both cheeks as well, which Jason reluctantly allows.

"Jason, you old stud! The two most beautiful women by your side." He winks at us and pats him on the back. Suddenly I feel this warmth behind me. I know immediately that he is behind me, and without having to turn around.

"Is there a problem here?" His voice sounds so close behind me, as if he were only a few inches behind me.

"We just talked," Gabriel replies. "Well, there are two women waiting for me who still want to be spoiled by me today." He nods to us before turning to return to his previous occupation.

"Conceited asshole," Jason snarls once Gabriel is out of earshot.

"Just ignore him," Kian says behind me.

"Why are you even inviting him over?" Summer asks him.

"I didn't invite him, he practically invited himself," he replies cynically. Jason hisses in annoyance.

"I'll get something to drink," Summer says.

"I'll come with you, baby." Jason doesn't seem to want to leave Summer's side today and now that he knows that Gabriel is here, he certainly wouldn't take his eyes off her. Great, now I find myself indiscreetly alone with Kian. I can still feel that he has my back. This time also his gaze on me, which bores into my neck.

"Are you coming up with the number where you ignore me?" I hear his voice, way too close to my ear. I turn around slowly, with the conscience that I have to look straight into those ice-gray eyes. I meet his angry sight. As his gaze wanders over my body, his eyes widen a bit and his Adam's apple moves violently as he swallows. What the hell are you wearing? his eyes speak as he meets my eyes again. I look at him too. He's wearing a black shirt that hugs his muscles and jeans that are ripped at the knees, turning him into that quintessential badboy. Also, this time he's styled his hair a bit, in a sexy tousled look. In one sentence: He looks hot and I'm really screwed again.

"I'm not ignoring you..." I say matter-of-factly.

"I wasn't expecting you here today," he replies, crossing his arms over his chest.

"I know. But remember? You invited me and offered me something... The publishing guy. Does it ring?" I say. Kian critically bows to my tone of voice.

"Yes, that's right. That seat out there..." He points outside to where the pool where partygoers are swimming is located. "With the short blond hair and the nerd glasses on the nose." I spot him right away because he doesn't fit into this scene at all.

"I see him," I say.

"Good. Enjoy yourself." Kian turns around so abruptly and disappears. I look after him, then shake my head and head outside.

I stop in front of the one Kian meant. You can see immediately that this party isn't much fun for him. "Hey," I raise my voice. He looks up and gives me a friendly smile. "I'm Estrela Clark," I introduce myself.

"Ah yes, Hi. Kian enlightened me about you." He seems glad I came. I also get the feeling that he just came to the party because of me. He just doesn't strike me as hanging out at parties like that. And I really can't imagine that he is friends with Kian.

"I'm Max. Nice to meet you." He holds out his hand and I shake it. "Sit down." He scoots to the side to make room for me.

"Thanks." I `m smiling. I have a good feeling about Max. He seems nice and I'm sure I can start a good conversation with him.

"I know it's not the best place to have a conversation like this, but Kian talked me into coming because he said he knew a great author who wants to publish her first book and is looking for a publisher. That got me curious. I'm always on the lookout for newcomers and I'm always happy to help them advance." Behind his glasses his eyes really sparkle with interest. I figured Max wasn't here for the party. Apparently, Kian just took advantage of the whole thing to have me at his party. That asshole!