Page 35 of Mila: The Godfather

“I’m not going anywhere until I have concrete proof that Gus is okay and that you’re not fooling me.” I lean closer and speak loud enough that he can hear me over the plane’s noise. I focus on the silver chain on his neck this time instead of his tattoos. It’s weird. I’ve seen that specific piece of jewelry on another person. This giant’s younger brother. Suddenly he reaches inside his jeans pocket and pulls out a phone, hits a button, and waits for the person on the other side of the line to answer. A few seconds later, a voice I know well sounds from the phone’s speakers.

“Boss.” Gus. I narrow my eyes at the use of the term boss. My sister is his boss.

What is happening? What a mess, and I greatly despise messes.

I feel Riagan’s eyes on me, but I ignore him staring intently at the phone in his hands. “G-Gus?” Anxiety creeps in when I realize nothing is as it seemed. My sister didn’t tell me much about the gruesome side of our family’s business, but she did warn me that rats come in all sizes and most traitors hide behind a friendly face. I didn’t dwell on that fact because my sister understandably only sees the bad in every situation and in people. Did Gus fool my sister? Did he fool me too?

Was every moment we shared a lie?

The line goes silent for a long moment before he finally speaks. “Princess…” The way he says doesn’t feel any different from all the times before. “I know this all is confusing, but I need you to know that nothing has changed, yeah? I am still your mate, and I would still walk through fire for you. All will be explained to you, but it’s not up to me.”

Gus has never failed me…

Foolish girl… you shouldn’t trust so easily. Haven’t you learned the hard lessons by now?

“Are you okay?” I ask, instead of lashing out. I dislike confrontation. I am not good at it. What I’m good at is being kind and understanding. Maybe that’s a fault of mine.

I notice Riagan’s knuckles turn white as his grip on the phone tightens. I’ve read that reaction is caused by anger. Is he mad? Did I say something out of line? I don’t have much time to dwell on it because, a moment later, he hangs up on Gus.

“What is really going on? Does Gus work for you too?” I look over his broad shoulder and focus on the plane behind him. It’s huge. I’ve never flown before. Never thought I would either.

“He works for you.” He answers roughly.

Taken back, my eyes meet his, and then fall to his bearded cheek. “That is untrue.” I frown. Is he trying to take me for a fool? He confuses me tremendously, yet he doesn’t laugh.

“I will tell you everything.” He says fiercely. “But you need to come with me.”

“You could be the bad guy,” I whisper.

A moment of silence passes between us before he speaks again. “I would rather cut my own heart out with pliers, sweetheart, than cause you any harm.”

There’s a weird sensation in my stomach. As if a million bugs are dancing in my stomach, and at the same time, I can’t seem to find my breath. What an odd reaction to words.

To this strange man.

Do it, Mila.

Your ’one day’ might not be so far out of reach.

I don’t think, I feel. “Okay.” I nod and take his offered hand. When I grasp it, he effortlessly pulls me closer, and I stumble into his chest. “Okay.” His voice. The sudden closeness. I’m a little breathless. I’ve never been this close to a man before. A boy, yes. But not a muscular, inked-up, wearing sandalwood-scented-aftershave, grown man with hands the size of my head. I should’ve let go of his hand as soon as I was on my feet, but I didn’t. I hold on to it for a few seconds, liking the warmth and the feel of his calloused palm against mine. After a few seconds, he gently squeezes my hand, then pulls it from mine. It’s a tiny, affectionate gesture, that squeeze. But even I know what it is.

A hand hug.

Bad idea.

This is a bad idea.

Something deep down in my soul tells me bad ideas and all… this is where my heart belongs.

I pride myself on being the ultimate bookworm.

I should’ve known the biggest plot twist in my story was yet to happen.

Because Riagan O’Sullivan was not the soft hero in this story but the over-the-top alpha with villainous ways. And a kind heart that no one but me got to know.

Riagan’s Secret Thoughts

One week.

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