Chapter 21: Chapter 21

Decided to give my wonderful viewers a quick update. I don't know why you guys haven't checked out my other book. It's titled "FOR THE LOVE OF DAHLIA". It's every writer's dream to see her book progress....please share this book with everyone you come across. Together let's promote this book. Thanks in advance. By the way thanks for the almost four thousand views. It made my day. So here's your chapter 20.

Avatia's POV

Just when my day seemed to get brighter, I heard the unmistakable Russian mixed with an Italian accent. "Stop it, Jade. I don't like anyone. Stop being a hopeless matchmaker."

Ouch! That did hurt.

Then suddenly my phone burst out ringing causing two heads to turn to face me. Could this day get any worse? It just turned from being so good to bad and now embarrassing. Dear marbled floor please open up and swallow me already.

"What the heck are you doing there?" Mr. Black asked in a cold tone. Not harsh.

Just calm and cold and full of disgust.

I was speechless. I didn't know what to say. "I...I came.....I came to you know.....talk?" It came out more like a question. Oh Avatar, now he'll think you're a snitch.

He ran his fingers through his jet-black hair. He looked like he belonged on a magazine's cover not standing there looking at me. He was about to speak when Jade told him something in Italian. He just nodded in understanding and she walked away. "Follow me." He ordered leading me to the sitting room. I knew he didn't want us to talk in his study since it was full of drugs and guns.

Once we reached our destination, he sat down and looked at me like I was meat. I squirmed under his intense stare. "Why did you come here? I thought you said you won't work for me again."

I nodded like a child. "You're right. I won't work for you again. I came here to find out why I'm in trouble." I spoke up boldly.

It seemed like my words caught him off guard. But he covered it with a frown. "I don't want to talk about this now." He said and stood up to leave but I sprang to my feet as well and stood in front of him. He wouldn't leave. I realized I was facing his chest. I had to tilt my head to look at his face. This guy was tall. I mean insanely taller than me.

I didn't let the height difference distract me. "You can't just stand here and tell me you don't want to talk about it. This is my safety and the safety of my mom we're talking about. Look here mister, we're having this conversation right here, right now." I was shocked at how bold I was today. I mean this was just a facade because deep

down, I mean right in there, my heart was having a somersault in fear.

He looked down at me. "Fine, what do you want to know." I scratched my forehead. "Why am I in trouble?"

I thought he wouldn't answer with the way he looked at me but he spoke up. "There's this guy, Monthilvo. He wants half of one of my clubs. I can't give that to him. The fucker's furious. He thinks I have a soft spot for you. So "

I stopped him there. "But do you?"

He gave me a weird look then realization hit him. "No."

Ouch ouch ouch. That's so mean. I pout and look at him so he can continue with his story while my heart is hurting. I just threw away my dignity by asking him if he had a soft spot for me. Here I was thinking he had a soft spot for me. He only has a soft spot for Jade.

"So he feels like if he hurts you, it's gonna break me and I'll give him my club. It's his way of revenge cause I whooped his ass hard. He's such a loser. But don't you worry, he's gonna pay for threatening me. You're safe Avatia. Always know that. You're under Mafia protection."

I held back a gasp. Did he just say mafia protection? "Yes. Mafia protection."

Did I ask that aloud? Oh, Avatia!

"At first, I thought you were just faking it that you had no idea of who I am but then I noticed you're just a simple sweet girl from a simple background. I'm a dangerous mother fucker. I'm a fucking mafia leader. I'm an asshole and I regret dragging you into my problems. But don't you worry about a thing. I'm gon' protect you and your mom. Just trust me on this." He said sadly.

And I just realized I was in love with a man who didn't love me back. 'You're in what?'

I rolled my eyes at my inner girl.

"Don't roll your eyes at me." Mr. Black barked furiously. "Unless you want to be punished." The anger in his eyes immediately turned to one of desire as he mentioned 'punished'.

I looked away. "I wasn't rolling my eyes at you," I told him nervously and stood up to leave.

"Wait."

I turned around and came face to face with his chest again. It seemed like his chest was gonna rip off the black tee-shirt he was wearing. He always wore black. The name Mr. Black fits him. I looked up to face him and not think about how he had the best physique in the world. I let a gasp escape my lips as he pulled me into a hug. I inhaled the fresh manly smell that only he seemed to have. Mr. Black was unique in everything. I was distracted by his amazing body wrapping mine that I didn't hear exactly what he said but it sounded like 'you're just like her.'

"Sorry I didn't get you well."

His hold on me tightened. Then he set me free. "Go home."

I wanted to get angry at him for letting me on and acting like a weirdo but I let it pass. He was trying to open up. I just needed to be more patient. Out of nowhere and without thinking straight, I stood on my tiptoes and kissed him on his cheek, leaving him confused and me? Well...I was shocked as to where I got this kind of courage from. I blushed furiously and dashed out of the room running downstairs to see Leo talking in Italian to someone on the phone. Once he saw me, he ended the call. He looked angry.

"So did you talk with him?" He asked curiously.

I smiled as I remembered how soft his cheeks are. "Yeah." "About?"

Something felt off telling Leo about my conversation with Mr. Black. "It's our little secret. See you when next I come here." I said, grabbing my bag and leaving the mansion but I didn't miss the angry look Leo gave me. I shrugged it off. Everyone here has anger issues.

I took a cab and went home. Once I arrived, I got in to find the house unusually empty and quiet. Mom said she was going to be home today. "Mom," I called out but got no response.

"Mom?" This time I asked as I started searching the house. Something was wrong. I could feel it. My mind was racing as I slowly climbed the stairs leading to her room. "Mommy, are you in there?" I asked as I opened the door. My heart dropped in my stomach. I screamed. There was blood. Blood was everywhere but mom was nowhere in sight. Something caught my attention. It was a knife with blood on it. A tear slipped out. Followed by another as I took slow steps to the nightstand and picked up the knife. Beneath it was a note.

This isn't your mom's blood, but it's gonna be if your boyfriend doesn't cooperate.

By the way, your mom says you shouldn't cry. Oh my goodness. They took my mom away.

So that's chapter 22. I hope you like it. Vote, comment, and share. Also, check out my other book.