Page 50 of Mafia King's Forbidden Obsession

Shit!

I can’t let myself be caught now, I just gained partial freedom.

In a flash, I close the door quietly before searching for a place to hide in case he comes in here. I duck behind a tall bookshelf, holding my breath and listening hard. The footsteps grow louder, and I press my back against the cool wood, my heart pounding in my ears.

After what feels like an eternity, the footsteps pause and then fade away, and I let out the breath I didn’t know I’d been holding. I come out of hiding and glance around. When I realize there is nowhere left to check, disappointment washes through me.

Deciding to give up for now, I creep toward the door again, holding my breath and listening for any signs of life. Silence surrounds me, urging me to move forward. This is my chance.

But just as I step out, I nearly bump into the guard. His chest is to me, so I can guess he’s returning from wherever he’d headed. He stops abruptly, his posture now stiff and eyes narrowing at me.

“What are you doing in here?” His tone is sharp.

My mind races, the shock of being caught surging through me like a bolt of electricity.

“I… I thought Ezra had returned,” I stammer, forcing the words out as if they’re the truth. “I wanted to see him.”

The guard studies me, doubt written all over his face as his eyes run wearily over me. “He’s not here.” He folds his arm against his chest.

“I know, but I heard some noise and thought—” I swallow, the lie barely holding together as I try to keep my voice steady. “I just thought he was back.”

He presses his lips into a thin line and keeps observing me. For a moment, I fear he’ll see through my act. I don’t allow a chance for that to happen.

“I’ve been cooped up for so long. Maybe I’m picking up on imaginary sounds.” I force a laugh.

The intensity of the guard’s gaze reduces slightly, but he still looks unconvinced, and his arms don't leave his chest. “The Don doesn’t allow anyone to be here, and it’s still not safe for you to be out… alone, yet.”

I briefly wonder if he'll report me to Ezra and quickly reply. “Right, you’re absolutely right.” I glance at the long hallway. “I should head back now and wait till he’s back.”

Without waiting for a response, I make my way back the same way I had come. I can feel the guard’s eyes on me the entire time, but I don't dare turn back for fear of him seeing through me.

Once I get into the room and the door closes behind me, I lean against it, my heart still racing at the narrow escape.

What would Ezra do if he found out I had unceremoniously visited his study?

What will I do now that my plan has failed?

Chapter sixteen

Ezra

I can barely feel the evening breeze on my skin as I stand by the open window in my office. My mind is filled with many thoughts as I gaze at the trees in the compound. This new mansion reminds me of my mother. She loved trees and flowers just as much as she hated me being the don.

On some nights, when Dad’s training became intense, she’d apologize for bringing me into such a life. Mother was a firm believer in leading a normal life. But she, too, was forced to live this life. A life of uncertainties, dangerous dealings, and disappointments.

Even a smoke cannot wipe away the anger in my chest. The shipment is late again.

I clench my jaw and exhale loudly. We have timelines for a reason—precision is what keeps us ahead. But Frank Paterson, the head of the new task force, has been nothing but a pain in the ass.

“Don, there’s word from the docks.” Elio’s voice cuts through the silence, and I hear him step inside.

I don’t turn around. I don’t need to. My patience is wearing thin, and even the slightest bad news can tick me off.

“Speak.”

“C’è stato un altro ritardo(There’s been another delay).”

“That’s the third one this week.” I slam my fist into the wall beside me. The pain is nothing compared to the anger boiling in me. “What I want to know is why this keeps happening. Why the fuck my shipments are getting held up from leaving the ports. Why am I being fed excuses instead of results? We’re not running a charity here, Elio.”

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