Chapter 6

I felt a warm hand touch my face and I opened my eyes, it was Mariana. She had the most beautiful eves I had ever seen. They were light brown with some specks of green that were almost not noticeable. She tried to remove her hands but I stopped her and pulled her closer towards me.

She looked at me, her eyes searching mine. I knew I shouldn't pursue this any further, I knew I had to stop leading her on but I couldn't seem to stop myself. Mariana made me feel some way I could not seem to put a pinon, an emotion that felt really strange to me. But I couldn't get distracted. I had to end this here and now.

I took in a deep breath and said, "I'm sorry if I gave you the wrong impression last night,It was just a one-night thing, nothing more".could see the shock and sadness in her face, I felt a pang of guilt in my chest. I slowly let go of her hand and get up from the bed. I needed to get dressed and leave this room, I couldn't bear to even look at her right now.and not feel my heart crack a bit.

"Wait, what? what do you mean? So you' re trying to tell me last night meant nothing to you at all?"

I pretended not to notice her and began buttoning my shirt. I had to keep a cool countenance and my emotions in check.

Lorenzo! I'm talking to you." She walked up to me and stared at me.

anger clouding her features. I buttoned up my shirt and looked at her.

giving her the most intimidating stare I could summon at that moment.

Mariana, what happened last night was nothing serious. It was a one night stand,I'm sure you know what that means."I picked up my car key sand phones."You're not the first to end up in my bed and I'm pretty sure you won't be the last so suck it up and stop being such a crybaby about it. Declan would take you back to the hostel once you re fully dressed.

I stole a quick glance at her and saw her eyes glistening, tears daring to fall, I felt a sharp pain in my chest. The moment I stepped out the door I let out a sigh of regret. I knew I shouldn't have gone that far but why did I feel that way? I had done this to countless other women and I had never felt this way. So, why was Mariana different? I pushed away my thoughts and feelings and headed out the house. I met Declan standing by my car.

"I need you to take her back to the hostel as soon as she's dressed" I ordered.

"Yes boss" he replied.

"Stand by the door until she's out. You never can tell what she's planning." I knew Mariana's defiance couldn't be snuffed out that easily.I got in my car and drove to my office.

"What,Lorenzo!"Giovanni yelled my name. I blinked my eyes in confusion.what were you saying?"I replied, trying to remember all that Giovanni had been saying.

"I've been talking for close to ten minutes now and you haven't been listening." He says. "Are you good?"

"Yeah I'm fine. I'm just out of it this morning." I replied. Giovanni didn't look like he was bought my explanation. "Lack of coffee" I added.

I had been thinking of Mariana all morning. From the night we spent together till this morning. I hurt her, I feel horrible because of that and I didn't know why I felt that way. I shouldn't care about little things like this. My confusion slowly started to turn to frustration.

The more I thought of it, the angrier I became. Why should I let Mariana under my skin? She's a nobody. Just another number to add to the list of women I've slept with. Nothing more, nothing less.

Giovanni's phone rang, pulling me out of my thoughts. "Hey, what's up?

I heard him say. He headed outside to continue his phone call.

Minutes later Giovanni returned and turned to me "The boys found Mikey trying to run away with your stash.

What? He tried to steal from me!?" I yelled, my voice filled with anger.

Where is he?" I asked calmly.

"He's at the warehouse," Giovanni replied.

"Get the car ready."

"Yes boss" Giovanni left the office. I had one rule in my business, no one and I mean no one steals from me and gets away with it. I had to make an example out of him.

As I wait for Giovanni to come back, my anger only grows. Partly from my inability to pinpoint what I felt for Mariana and from the fact that one of my men tried to steal from me. I shouldn't be surprised because this happens at least once in a while but I protected Mikey, I gave him a job.fed him, gave him a purpose when he was a crack addict on the streets of New York.

I even looked after his old mother while he was in prison. I received a text from Giovanni informing me that the car was ready and he was waiting downstairs. I headed towards the parking lot where Giovanni was waiting.

"Let's go," I ordered, my voice cold and hard.

Giovanni nodded and drove off.

We arrived at the warehouse and Mikey was tied up to a chair. He was blindfolded and his mouth gagged. I moved closer to him and signaled one of my men to take off the blindfold and the gag.

Mikey squinted his eyes, trying to adjust his eyes to the light. Once his eyes met mine, I noticed the fear in his eyes. I moved my face closer to him,staring deep into his soul. He looked away in fear.

"Please, please boss, I'm so sorry. It won't happen again" he pleaded,tears welling up in his eyes.