Mafia and his angel 2

t go. His warmth surrounded me, until the only thing I could smell, feel, and think was him. We stayed like that for what felt like eternity. And when he started to pull away, I

ingers tighten around the fabric of my suit. I didn't push for more. It was just a kiss. A small, sweet kiss. That was it. Nothing more. Yet it felt more. When Ayla let another sigh, I pulled away. We were both breathing hard. I could feel how fast her heart was beating. It matched the same rhythm as mine. Ayla's cheeks were flushed, her lips a little swollen and red from my kiss. She blinked up at me, and the look in her eyes…it took my breath away. Her eyes were warm and soft. But that wasn't it. It was the look of pure adoration there that took my breath away. In that moment, I realized that was the first time I had given her a kiss. We kissed before. Twice to be exact. But those kisses…I took them. Without considering her feelings. All I cared about was me. What I wanted. But this kiss… I gave it to her, wholeheartedly. The look in her eyes, I gave this to her. Her eyes were filled with awe as she brought her hand up and placed a finger on her lips. At her reaction, I felt myself softening even further. For years, I had lived in the darkness with no emotions. I had remained unfeeling. Yet, with one look from Ayla, I felt everything. And that scared me. Whenever I felt something for Ayla, Alfredo's voice resonated in my head. I would never forget the words he said to my mother. The best way to bring a man down is by his weakness. What I said to Maddie was the truth. This was not about me. It was about Ayla and what was right for her. I let her go, and she blinked in surprise when I took a step back, forcing her to let go of me. "We need to get back," I said, turning around, refusing to look at her confused expression. "Okay," she whispered, her small voice hinting her sadness. Both of us were silent on our way back to the mansion. As we got closer, the sound of the rushing water started to fade until we didn't hear it anymore. Breaking away from the forest, I took a deep breath as we walked into the back garden. Ayla was right behind me, her steps so close she almost tripped herself over my feet. When we walked inside, I slowed down and turned toward her. She stopped too and grabbed onto the hem of her dress nervously. "I'll see you later," I muttered. Ayla nodded and then walked away without saying anything. I felt my eyebrows furrow in confusion when I saw her walking toward the kitchen. Quickly moving forward, I grabbed her elbow, halting her movement. She gasped in shock and swiveled around, facing me with wide eyes. "Where are you going?" I demanded, letting go of her arm. "To the kitchen," Ayla replied. Crossing my arms across my chest, I leveled her with a stare. "Why?" She cocked her head to the side, as if debating what to tell me. "To help Maddie and Lena." "You are supposed to be resting, Ayla. No work for you." "But I have been resting for three days now. I can work. I feel okay." "No," I said. "But it's boring. I want to help." "No, Ayla. You are going upstairs to rest." "But—" "No. Stop arguing." Her mouth snapped shut and she cowered. The beautiful smile disappeared. I didn't like her sad expression. Frustrated, I ran my fingers through my hair and looked away. "Fine. You can go. Just don't overwork yourself. You don't want to tear those stitches," I said. But it was worth it when I turned around to see her staring at me with twinkling green eyes, and then a breathtaking smile spread across her lips. "Thank you," she said before turning around and quickly walking away. I stayed frozen, my eyes glued on her retreating back. Fvck. I was losing it. *** The rest of the day was spent avoiding Ayla. I stayed locked in my office and then went to the gym to vent my frustration on the punching bag. Leaning against the wall, I tried to catch my breath. "You are going to kill us one day," Viktor said. "You are too stubborn to die," I told him, breathless. "Well, I have to agree on that." He shrugged. I pushed away from the wall and walked to the bench, grabbing a towel. "Are Artur and Phoenix coming back tomorrow?" I asked, rubbing the towel over my face. "They are supposed to report back. We are going to Mark's tomorrow," Nikolay replied from his position at the door. "Any news about the clubs?" I asked. Nikolay shook his head. "No. Mark said he will give us the details when we meet." Since Alberto took over, he'd made it his mission to take over my clubs. So far, he had been unsuccessful, but everyone was taking extra precautions. Mark was one of my top managers, handling over ten clubs, brothels, and underground rings. Nodding toward Nikolay and Viktor, I left the gym. It was late at night, and most of the lights were off. After Ayla had played the piano and gone to her room, I couldn't go to sleep. I stayed seated for some time, staring at nothingness and feeling frustrated at myself. When I couldn't take it anymore, I went downstairs and spent more time in the gym. When I went back up again, I stopped in front of my bedroom. Instead of going in, I turned to the left and stared at Ayla's door. I knew it was late and that she'd be sleeping, but I still couldn't stop myself. I took several steps forward, walking past the piano room, until I was in front of her room. Placing my hand over the knob, I slowly twisted it and opened the door. The room was dark. Only the small lamp beside her bed was on, barely illuminating the room. Walking deeper inside, I came to a stop beside Ayla. She was on her side, curled into a ball with the comforter up to her waist. Her eyes were closed, her breathing even as she slept soundly. The lamp cast a soft glow on her face, making her look so peaceful. Leaning forward, I lightly brushed a finger over her soft cheek, moving the few strands of hair away. At my touch, she moaned sleepily and shifted a little. I froze, waiting for her to wake up, but instead she kept sleeping. Sighing in relief, I felt my lips twitch in a small smile as I stared at her sleeping form. My eyes moved from her face, down to her shoulders, and then her chest. She was holding my suit jacket against her chest, her fingers wrapped tightly around the fabric. I couldn't help but smile at the sight. So, it was true. Walking out of the room, I made my way to Ayla's, deciding to check on her. But when I saw Milena coming out, looking affronted, I stopped in my tracks. She seemed surprised to see me, but then bent her head down in respect before walking past me without saying a word. "What the fvck was that?" I muttered to myself, before resuming my walk to Ayla's room. Stopping by her door, I was about to open it when I heard Maddie's voice. "Ayla, what were you doing with Alessio's jacket?" At her words, I froze, my eyes widening in shock. What the fvck? Leaning forward, I placed my ear against the door, hoping nobody was roaming the hallway. I waited for an answer but instead all I heard was silence. "You don't have to…" Maddie said. "I sleep with it." "What?" Maddie sputtered. I had the same reaction. "I sleep with it," Ayla repeated, making my heart flip again. And then her next words were enough to bring me to my knees. My hands tightened in fists against the door and I closed my eyes. "It keeps the nightmares away," she admitted, her voice so soft that I barely even heard it. But I did. I heard it as if she'd whispered it in my ear. Rubbing a hand over my face, I paced the hall outside of her door, trying to come to