DeLuca (Mafia Romance)

Mia

“Elena?” I called out as I entered the empty kitchen, searching for her. When she didn’t appear I glanced at the clock on the wall, it was two o’clock on a Wednesday so she must be running errands. She would be home soon to start dinner but I’d skipped breakfast. My stomach rumbled as I made my way to the fridge in search of something to tide me over.

Pulling out the ingredients I started to fix myself a salad, one of the only things I could actually cook myself. When I was younger I was so focused on staying hidden I’d never hung out in the kitchen to watch my mother cook like so many other girls. After that I’d never really had the opportunity or desire to learn. Elena had handled all of the cooking when I’d moved here with Carlo. In college, well, I ate like a college student. Ramen noodles and take out were my main food groups.

As I assembled my snack I thought back over the past two months. My relationship with Carlo had progressed, in fact, he was sleeping in my room every night now. At my request we kept the new development in our relationship a secret from the men. I knew it wouldn’t last long. Carlo would put his foot down sooner or later, if we didn’t get caught before that. My excuses were wearing thin on his patience.

I had just began establishing myself in my new role in his business, I didn’t want people to think that I’d only gotten my job because I was sleeping with the boss. Also the men were starting to see me in a different light. I was finally starting to gain some respect. I’d noticed the men sat up straighter when I entered a room and seemed to actually listen when I spoke or gave instruction, not that our interaction was frequent, but still.

There was also the uncertainty of my relationship with Carlo to consider. We were still so new and I held on to some of my old insecurities. I wasn’t stupid, I knew he wanted me, but for how long? Carlo was a decade older than me, and while I had my fair share of life experience he had so much more. What if he got bored with me? Carlo had never had a serious relationship before. I constantly had to remind myself to keep a level head because when I was with him all reason flew straight out the window.

“Mmm, that looks good.” I jumped and whipped my head around coming face to face with a smirking Carlo.

“You scared the shit out of me.” I had been so lost in my thoughts I hadn’t heard him sneak up on me. He chuckled and moved behind me, snaking his arms around my waist and burying his face in my neck.

“What were you thinking so hard about that you didn’t hear me come in?”

“Nothing,” I said too quickly. He pulled back and inspected my face and I stared back. His brow was furrowed in concern causing a line to appear between his eyebrows. I trailed my gaze down his face. He had stubble on his cheeks, as if he’d forgotten to shave this morning. It was out of character for him, Carlo was always dressed and groomed to perfection. I liked it. “I was just daydreaming.”

His eyes cleared of worry and that sexy half smirk of his appeared. “Daydreaming, huh? About what?”

“Why didn’t you shave?” I asked, changing the subject.

“I must not be doing my job if you don’t remember.”

“What do you mean?”

“I had some company in the shower this morning and I was just a little distracted, forgot to shave.”

I grinned remembering that morning when I had snuck into the shower with him. Turning in his arms I reached up and placed a hand on each side of his face feeling the whiskers prickling my palms. “I like it, scruffy suits you.”

“Dully noted,” he said. Gripping my wrists he pulled my hands from his face and cradled them to his chest. His eyes got heavy and he leaned in closer as if to kiss me, but then his grip tightened and he rubbed his stubble against my cheeks. I squealed loudly and struggled to break free from his hold. Carlo laughed loudly, “How do you like it now?”

“Ugh!” I craned my neck, “Stop it!” I demanded, but my laughter drowned out my protests.

“Boss?” We both turned at the sound of Angelo’s voice and loud footfalls. I broke away from Carlo and took a few steps back just as Angelo rounded the corner into the kitchen.

“Is everything okay?” He asked.

“We’re fine.” Carlo gritted out, obviously annoyed we’d been interrupted.

“I’m making lunch, do you want some?” I asked, diverting Angelo’s attention.

“Uh, well,” he stammers, “I already ate.”

I narrow my eyes at him, “Bullshit.”

“Mia, come on. You burn ramen.”

“That was one time!”

“I’m good, I need to do rounds anyways. See you at dinner.” He says from over his shoulder as he hurries from the room.

“Unbelievable.” I shake my head and turn to Carlo but instead of sharing my frustration he’s silently laughing at me. I cover the short distance between us in two strides and smack his arm.

“You burnt ramen? How is that even possible?” he asks when he finally catches his breath.

“Don’t you have somewhere to be?”

He just shook his head at me and kissed the top of my head before leaving in the same direction as Angelo.

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