♥ Chapter 43♥

Isabella Conti.

Tuesday.

15:00 '' Alessio's house. '' Bathroom. '' Portevecchio.

As I was already naked, he carefully placed me in the bath. I let out a small sigh of relief as I felt the contact of the warm water enveloping my body. I really needed a bath; although she had cleaned me, nothing compared to a real bath.

Furthermore, I missed work again... This way, I'll end up being fired. Even though I don't really like interacting with people, I need to earn money. I don't want to leave Gabi to pay the bills on her own.

I sighed as he began to run the sponge over my body. He gently took my arm and rubbed it. I watched his face in concentration, noticing the scar on his cheek.

''How did you get that scar?'' I was surprised by my own question. ''N-No need to answer if you don't want to,'' I added quickly.

He looked at me with those dark eyes that seemed to see into my soul.

''There's no need to be nervous, precious. You can ask me anything, and I'll answer. '' As he spoke, he began to wipe the sponge across my chest. ''I got this scar while fighting with my older brother.

I was surprised to learn that he had a brother.

'' You didn't get along with him? '' He laughed lightly, leaving me confused.

''He's dead, precious. Just like my other brothers. Only one escaped. '' He spoke the last word with a harshness that made his contempt for his surviving brother clear.

"I'm sorry." He threw his head back and laughed, leaving me even more confused. Doesn't he mourn the deaths of his brothers?

'' My queen... '' He looked at me, and I could see the mischievous smile on his lips. ''Those born into the mafia must fight each other to become heirs. My damn father set us a mission: to fight each other, and the winner would be the new leader of the mafia. But it wasn't just fighting; it was killing. '' I gasped in shock. ''My brothers would have killed me if I hadn't killed them first. It was a year-long war. I got this scar after fighting my older brother. As soon as I killed him and returned home, I began to learn even more about my obligations as the new heir.

'' It's very cruel. '' He just smiled slightly.

'' Maybe it is, but that's how things work around here. Some other mafias don't do that; the firstborn is the heir, and the other brothers help him by becoming assistants or right-hand men. In my case, when I killed my brothers, I didn't feel anything because we had no affection for each other. We just wanted the throne. And I got it." He spoke as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

I bit my lips nervously, plucking up the courage to ask:

''Will it be like this if... if I have children? Will they have to fight each other?" I felt my heart racing as I waited for his answer.

He looked at me for a few seconds, adjusting his posture, before answering.

''No.'' I widened my eyes, shocked.

''H-How? '' I couldn't believe it.

'' They won't have to fight each other. The one who is born first will be the heir.

'' Why? You said it's normal here. '' He ran his tongue over his lips, thoughtful.

''Yes, I did. But I don't want to make you cry. Precious, I've never had a mother's love. I haven't known maternal love, but I know our children will. I don't want to force you to watch our children fight each other. Maybe it's time to change some of the customs of the Portevecchio mafia. But I'll be honest with you. '' He held my chin, fixing his gaze on mine. ''Our children will be trained. Remember, they are my children, and they risk being killed just for that. They need to train, they need to know how to protect themselves, especially the one who will replace me in the future.

I raised my hand to his cheek, giving it a little caress.

''Thank you. I really couldn't bear to see our children killing each other. I know I'm young and don't understand much about your world, but I appreciate it. Thank you, Alessio. '' His gaze softened as he kissed the back of my hand.

''You're my queen, and the king's duty is to look after his beautiful queen. '' That made me laugh.

"You're silly." I continued laughing.

''Only yours, my queen. '' He kissed my forehead. ''Now, let me take care of you.

'' Of course. '' I closed my eyes, relaxing as he bathed me.

I was happy to have this conversation with him. Learning more about his past was both frightening and enlightening. It is scary to know what he had to do to become who he is today. It's enlightening to realize that he's not going to force our future children to fight each other.

When he'd finished bathing me, he helped me to my feet and carefully wrapped a towel around me. Once again, he held me, and I still couldn't get used to it.

"Aren't I heavy?" I asked, a little embarrassed.

He snorted, as if I'd told him an unfunny joke.

''You weigh nothing, precious. In fact, you should eat even more." He put me down on the bed as gently as ever.

My hair must have been a mess after all the movements last night, and I'm starving too. He seemed to guess my thoughts.

''I'll get you something to eat. Wait a minute.'' I quickly grabbed his sleeve, not wanting to let him go.

''I need to leave after I've eaten, Alessio. I missed work again, this way, I'll end up being fired. '' He looked at me for a few seconds, his dark eyes assessing my face, and sighed.

'' You don't have to worry. I sent one of my security guards to tell your boss you'd be absent today." I widened my eyes in disbelief.

"Wait... you know my boss?" He held my face with a gentle firmness and kissed me. It was a kiss full of intensity that took my breath away and made me forget everything around me.

''I own this town, precious. The place where this establishment is belongs to my area. He won't fire you, don't worry. Since you have clothes here, you can sleep here again and go to work tomorrow. '' I was still trying to catch my breath, but my worries began to dissipate.

Sleep with him again? I admit the idea made me anxious, I didn't want to be away from Alessio after our night. The thought of another night by his side filled me with a happiness I didn't know I could feel.

''Right, I'll sleep.'' I whispered, feeling my heart beat faster.

He smiled-a smile that made my heart melt.

''Good girl.'' He kissed my lips again, leaving me with the taste of his lips on mine. ''I'll be right back.'' He left the room, leaving me alone, but not lonely.

I lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling. A smile spread across my face as I covered it with my hands. Emotions were boiling up inside me-a mixture of happiness, anxiety and a feeling of completeness that I couldn't explain.

Ah, I'm in love with him.