♥ Chapter 8 ♥

14:40 ''Shed. ''Valley City. ''Zefinópolis.

Axel Knight.

'' Do you really think I'm going to tell Elara that I like her? When I shouldn't even like her.

'' I wonder why?

'' Because I'm older than her, Yenki. Fuck, I'm thirty-five, and she's just turned twenty-two.

'' Age is just a number. '' I roll my eyes.

'' And she doesn't even like me. '' He looks at me like I'm an idiot.

'' Are you an idiot? Don't you realize how she looks at you? Axel, that girl looks at you like you're the most precious thing in the world to her.

"You're an idiot. "I look away. She doesn't deserve to like someone like me.

'' Axel. '' We were interrupted by the new henchmen coming in.

'' This conversation ends here.

I looked at them all.

"Who's the boy Yenki hired? "I ask, already irritated.

The boy steps forward.

''It's me. ''He says it confidently, and it irritates me.

"Why on earth did you hire rapists and pedophiles? "I ask, rather curious.

''Well, this is the mafia; the mafia has to have these kinds of people.

I bite my lip hard, feeling the tension build up in every muscle of my body as I stare at Yenki. The urge to explode and take the law into my own hands is almost irresistible.

'' You're wrong; I forgot to tell you. We don't hire rapists and pedophiles. '' Yenki's voice is firm, but there's a trace of discomfort in his gaze.

''So this isn't a mafia; is that what you're implying? ''The boy's voice comes out sharp, his defiant gaze meeting mine as he questions the established hierarchy.

A wave of anger overwhelms me, but I force myself to remain calm. I can't lose control.

''This is a mafia, yes, but that doesn't mean we should hire scum like rapists and pedophiles. ''My reply is punctuated by cold determination.

One of the newcomers complains, but his voice is quickly drowned out by the silence that ensues in the face of my implicit threat.

I approach Druk, whispering in his ear with restrained urgency.

"Kill them all. They can't stay here alive. '' The order is given with a seriousness that leaves no room for dispute.

I turn to the insolent boy, keeping my expression unperturbed.

'' Everyone, Druk.

'' Yes, boss.

'' Now, Druk will tell you what to do. Yenki, we'll talk later. '' My voice sounds authoritative, conveying the seriousness of the situation.

I approach the henchmen, emanating an aura of absolute dominance.

'' Have a good night.

I glide past the group towards my car; the feeling of relief won't come until I'm at home, away from all this confusion.

****

I park the car in the garage and go downstairs. I enter the house, surprised to find everything tidy.

"Did I get the wrong house? "I mutter to myself, my eyes scanning my surroundings.

Elara emerges from the kitchen with a welcoming smile.

"Ah, you've arrived. "Her voice is a balm to my senses.

She's radiant.

'' Oh yes. '' I observe the result of her work with a mixture of surprise and gratitude.

'' I hope you don't mind, but I took the initiative in tidying up your house.

I walk towards her, my steps hesitant.

'' You didn't have to, Elara. I don't want you to worry about it. '' My voice sounds soft, although worried.

''It doesn't bother me, Axel. What bothers me is that you haven't been resting properly. '' His expression is serious, his eyes fixed on mine.

'' I could tell. '' I can't help but smile slightly at his perceptive observation.

'' Your dead face? Yes, I could tell. '' She laughs, and her laughter is music to my ears. '' Now go take a shower and then come into the kitchen to eat.

'' Yes, ma'am. '' I smile back, savoring the lightness of the moment.

'' Stop being a clown; now go.

I head towards my room, feeling grateful for her presence. As I enter the bathroom, I notice that everything is spotlessly clean, including the drawer where I keep my weapons. I'm momentarily relieved to see that she hasn't touched it.

I take a deep breath before heading for the shower, allowing the hot water to relax my tense muscles.

****

I go downstairs with my hair still damp from the shower, wearing gray silk pants and a yellow silk blouse. As I enter the kitchen, I find Elara arranging the dishes on the table.

"Sit down; you need to eat; you look pale. "She says it with a worried expression.

I obey promptly, silently thanking him for his attention.

"Is that lasagna? "My eyes lit up with surprise.

''Yes, I wanted to test my skills in the kitchen. I don't know if it's any good. '' She looks uncertain, but her smile reveals a gleam of pride.

'' Thank you, angel. That really is incredible. '' I express my gratitude, barely able to contain my excitement. '' It's been a long time since I've had this dish.

Elara seems surprised by my reaction, as if my words had taken her by surprise.

'' Elara? '' I catch her eye, noticing that she's momentarily lost in thought.

She blinks a few times, as if returning to reality.

''Oh, I'm sorry, I got distracted for a moment. Did you like it?

'' Did I like it? It's amazing here, Elara. Wonderful. '' I complimented sincerely, admiration brimming in my voice.

''I don't mind cooking for you. Next time, I can make another kind of food that you miss. What do you like?

'' You don't have to. '' I say, but she gently interrupts.

"I insist, Axel. It would be nice to do this for you; it won't be any trouble. '' Her gaze is sincere, and her determination captivates me. '' She placed her hand on top of mine.

I've never been a fan of touch or closeness, but it's different with her. Her touch is a comfort I never knew I needed. I allow myself to turn my hand over, intertwining our fingers gently.

''Thank you, Elara. No one has ever done that for me. From the bottom of my heart, thank you,'' I murmur, noticing the subtle blush coloring her cheeks.

She's beautiful, hell!

'' No problem. '' Her smile is welcoming.

I grudgingly let go of her hand, wanting to continue holding her hand. But she has to eat too. Soon, we'll be eating in silence again. A very comforting silence-just having her here with me is enough.

****

"Let me do the dishes," I offer, but she firmly denies it.

"You go upstairs and go to sleep. I'll take care of it here, no problem,'' her voice is determined.

"But...

''No more, Axel,'' she cuts me off firmly. ''You look dead; go to sleep.

Nervously, I bite my lip, trying to find the right words.

"Are you coming with me? "I say it almost in a whisper, and she opens her eyes in surprise.

''What?

Shit, I've ruined everything.

''Sleep with me? If you have nothing to do, of course. I don't want to bother you with... '' She puts her hand over my mouth, silencing me.

''I sleep,'' her reply is soft, but there's something else there, something that makes my heart race.

I take a deep breath and hold her hand, pulling it gently.

''What about the dishes?

''Tomorrow. You have college, and you also need to sleep,'' I say, without backing down.

We enter my room, and the tension hangs between us.

Holy shit, what a shame!

"Shall we go to bed?" she stutters, and my heart warms at her shyness.

''Sure,'' I agree, trying to disguise my nervousness.

We lay on the bed, not knowing what to do or say.

Fuck, I've shared a bed with some people, but this is totally different. Elara isn't like them.

''Good night, Axel. ''Her voice breaks the silence, and I jump a little.

"Good evening, Elara," I reply, trying to control my racing pulse.

She turns around, turning her back to me. I want to hug her, but I'm afraid it will be awkward for her. So I turn the other way, close my eyes and try to find sleep.