The Mafia And His Angel Part 2 (Tainted Hearts)

by Lylah James

  “I have to go,” he announced abruptly.

  My heart slammed to a stop before racing again. “You have to leave?”

  Alessio made a regretful sound, his eyes sorrowful when he nodded. “I have to take care of some business. Outside the state. So I will be gone for a few days.”

  “When?” I asked, my fingers moving nervously over the comforter. I hated the idea of being without him.

  “We are leaving tonight,” he said softly, looking into my eyes.

  My shoulders drooped low, and a resigned sigh escaped my lips.

  “I want you to come with me.”

  My mouth fell open in shock, and I looked up in surprise. Alessio’s blue eyes were glimmering from the rays of sunlight showering in the room, and a small smile played across his lips, showing the small indentation in his cheek.

  “What?” I sputtered.

  “Have you ever been to the beach?” he asked, cocking his head to the side in question.

  I shook my head silently.

  “We’re going to Florida. There are some beautiful beaches there,” he murmured.

  I couldn’t leave. Alberto was still out there. The thought sent chills down my spine, and I shook my head.

  “But—”

  Alessio didn’t give me a chance to utter any excuses. “You’ll be safe.”

  I didn’t answer. I desperately wanted to go with him, to see the beach. To be with Alessio.

  Alessio made the decision for me. He leaned forward and kissed me soundly on the lips, leaving me breathless. “I want you with me. I need my Angel.”

  I had only one answer. “Okay,” I whispered against his lips.

  Alessio sent me one of his beautiful smiles before straightening up to his full height. He pulled me off the bed until I was standing in front of him. “Good. You don’t have to pack a bag.”

  Confused, I started to protest, but he placed a finger over my lips. “It’s okay, Angel. Everything will be taken care off.”

  After giving me another kiss, he left the room, leaving me alone with my wandering thoughts. I was going out of the estate for the first time since I had escaped Alberto.

  Fear slithered its way into my body, and I struggled to breathe.

  Alessio’s words resonated in my head, loud and clear, calming me just a little.

  You’ll be safe.

  I need my Angel.

  It was dangerous, yet I was willing to take such a big risk. Only because I trusted Alessio…only because I couldn’t bear to be without him. And I knew he felt the same way.

  Throughout the day, I willed myself to be strong. I told myself repeatedly that everything was going to be fine. I was safe.

  Maddie came to my room, and I told her. She was excited, deliriously happy for me. She talked animatedly about the beach and how much I was going to love it, but still the panic never left me.

  And then, finally night had fallen, and it was time for us to leave. Alessio came into the room, and I jumped off the bed, swallowing nervously.

  He made his way to me, his eyebrows furrowed at my tense expression. “Hey.” He cupped my face, tilting my face up so my eyes were on his. “What’s wrong, Angel?”

  “I—” Words failed me, and I broke off with a shuddering breath.

  Alessio quickly wrapped me into his arms, holding me tight against his body. I took a deep breath, and my muscles slowly started to relax. I held on to him for dear life and pressed my ear to his chest, listening to his beating heart.

  “Ayla, if you don’t want to go, then you don’t have to. I don’t want to force you,” he whispered gently in my ear, his hand rubbing my back soothingly.

  My fingers tightened around his suit jacket, and I shook my head. “No.”

  “What is it? Talk to me, Angel.”

  “I want to go,” I muttered.

  “Are you sure?” he questioned, his voice slightly hoarse.

  I nodded. “Yes. Take me with you, Alessio.” This time, it was my choice, not Alessio’s demand.

  Alessio pulled away and looked down at me with prideful eyes. “That’s my girl. You always leave me in awe with your strength.”

  I closed my eyes, feeling slightly relieved. His lips feathered over my lids. He kissed each one and then laid a kiss on the tip of my nose. His lips touched my cheeks in the softest kisses, and then they were on mine, kissing me slowly and deeply.

  Pulling away, he wrapped his fingers at the back of my neck, caressing softly, and then gave me a reassuring squeeze. “Ready?”

  I simply nodded. We walked down the stairs, my hand clasped in his tightly. He was my strength.

  But when we reached the main door, my steps faltered. I saw Nikolay, Viktor, Phoenix, Artur, and two other men standing there, waiting for Alessio and me.

  As we neared the doors, I started to sweat heavily, panic clawing at my throat. I was frightened that this would end in tearful hyperventilation. I cast a fearful look at the door, and my hands tightened around Alessio’s.

  He gave me a squeeze and slowed his steps to match mine, giving me the time I needed.

  My stomach rolled and twisted. My head was pounding, the blood rushing in my ears until it felt deafening.

  I wanted this…yet I was still scared.

  Alessio gave my hand another squeeze. There it was. His silent support as he sent me his strength. I could do this. I had to do this. I had to overcome this fear.

  As soon as we stepped out of the door and into the night, my breath stuttered and my legs almost gave out, but Alessio quickly wrapped his arm around my waist, supporting me.

  “I got you, Angel.”

  I can do this. I can do this. I can do this. I have to do this. For Alessio. For me. I can’t live with fear anymore. I have to be strong. I have to be fearless.

  We walked to the car, and Viktor opened the door. I slid in the backseat first, and Alessio joined me seconds after. The door closed, and darkness enveloped us. Alessio pulled me onto his lap and placed a kiss on my forehead.

  “I got you,” he repeated again.

  Placing my head over his shoulders, I breathed out a sigh of relief. “Thank you.”

  “Never thank me for taking care of you,” he muttered in my ear. Alessio slid a hand around the back of my neck, beneath my hair, and squeezed gently.

  I heard the door slam close, and then Viktor’s voice filled the car. “Ready?”

  Alessio didn’t answer. Realization slowly dawned to me that they were waiting for my answer.

  I can do this. Taking a deep breath, I gave them the words they needed. “Ready.”

  The car started moving, and I opened my eyes, looking out of the window. I saw us leaving the estate, and the gate closed behind us.

  I was out. Panic started to make its way into my body again, but Alessio’s firm hand around my neck calmed me. I buried my face into his neck and closed my eyes.

  This was going to be a long drive.

  “Sleep, Angel,” Alessio whispered.

  And I did. I slept soundly for hours, and the next time I woke up, it was morning already, the sunlight brightening the inside of the car.

  “How much longer until we reach there?” I asked in Alessio’s chest. I was no longer on his lap; instead I was seated beside him. Still, I was wrapped around him like a vise. I was using his chest as a pillow, and my arms were around his waist.

  “Eight hours or so,” he replied, his chest rumbling with his voice. “We have to make a few stops along the way.” I must have slept for some time.

  He chuckled low. “You must have been tired, and the stress you put yourself through last night has weighed heavily on your mind and body.”

  “Alessio?”

  “Yes?”

  “I need the bathroom,” I said as quietly as I could.

  “Nikolay, take the next exit. We need to rest for breakfast,” he ordered.

  “Boss,” Nikolay acknowledged Alessio’s demand.

  When the car came to a stop, Viktor and Nikolay stepped out
first. They guarded our door, and then Alessio stepped out, pulling me behind him. We walked into a coffee shop, and after Alessio handed me a small bag, I quickly went to the bathroom to freshen up.

  After I deemed myself presentable again, I walked out and almost bumped into Nikolay’s back. He turned around. “Boss is waiting for you there.” He nodded toward the entrance. We joined Alessio and Viktor and walked back to the car.

  “Viktor got you donuts and muffins,” Alessio said, handing me a brown bag.

  “Thank you, Viktor.”

  “You are welcome, baby girl.”

  I giggled at the name while Alessio growled beside me. “Don’t call her that.”

  It had been a few weeks since Viktor gave me the new nickname. After several attempts at flirting with him, he also joined in the fun to make the brooding man sitting beside me jealous. Viktor found the best way to push Alessio’s button.

  His new nickname for me: baby girl. Alessio hated it and looked like he was murdering Viktor multiple ways in his head every time the name was uttered.

  “What type of name is baby girl, anyway?” he snapped.

  Viktor laughed and winked at me. “Look who’s talking. The one who calls his woman Kitten.”

  “Fuck you! She loves it,” Alessio said, raising an eyebrow at me.

  “Ayla, you like when I call you baby girl, right?” Viktor asked, just to taunt Alessio.

  “I love it,” I said, hiding my giggle behind my hand.

  Alessio’s hand came to rest on my thigh, his fingers pressing into my skin in warning. He leaned into me and whispered in my ear, his voice taking a huskier tone. “You are going to pay for that, kitten.”

  Oh, I know.

  Smiling innocently at him, I gave him a quick peck on the lips. Alessio’s eyes turned molten with desire, and I bit down on my lips. I shook my head, giving him a warning look.

  I must have fallen asleep on Alessio’s shoulder, because the next thing I knew, someone was shaking me to wake up.

  My eyes opened to meet Alessio’s smiling blue ones. “We are here.”

  My head snapped up, and I looked outside the window. We were here. I made it without a nervous breakdown or panic attack.

  Alessio opened the door and stepped out first. He took my hand and pulled me out of the car. The first thing I heard was the sound of the waves. And then I felt the wind on my skin. Everything was quiet except the ocean waves. The smell of the ocean filled my nose, and I smiled.

  Peace. It felt like peace.

  I looked up at Alessio to see that he was already staring down at me, his gaze filled with adoration.

  “Where are we?” I asked.

  “I bought this beach house yesterday. This place is ours. And the beach is ours, too. It’s a private beach. Nobody is allowed here except us,” he explained.

  “We are the only ones here?” I asked in astonishment.

  He nodded and started to pull me away from the car. But instead of walking us toward the house, we walked the opposite way.

  The sound of the ocean grew closer, and the smell of it hit me harder. Excitement and anticipation filled my chest.

  As soon as I saw the first glimpse of the ocean, my breath came out in a whoosh. The beauty of it stole of my breath. It looked unreal.

  Alessio let go of my hand. “Go,” he urged. “Feel the sand under your bare feet.”

  I quickly took off my flats and took my first step on the sand. The softness tickled my feet a little, and I wiggled my toes, my feet sinking deeper into the sand. I looked back at Alessio, and he smiled encouragingly.

  I took another step…and then another. Each step, my heart grew fuller with love for the man who gave me this.

  I bent down and scooped a handful of sand before letting it slip free between my fingers. A tidal wave of emotions crashed through me, and my eyes stung. Was it possible to be this happy?

  I lifted my head to the sky and closed my eyes, letting the sun kiss my face. After the longest time, I stood up and walked toward the water. I felt Alessio at my back. He wasn’t far, but he also wasn’t stopping me.

  Alessio was letting me explore…on my own. He was giving me freedom to do what I wanted as he kept watchful eyes on me.

  The sand was wet as I drew closer to the tide. The first step I took and the water passed over my feet, I let out a small gasp. I stood there, letting the water wash over my feet.

  When I felt an arm wrap around my waist, I smiled. Alessio pulled me into his body, and I placed a hand over the arm that rested possessively and protectively over my stomach.

  As the tides crashed gently around us and a smile spread across my lips, I could only think of one thing.

  The words ran through my mind, but I didn’t say them.

  The words were a mere whisper in my thoughts. Words that were meant for only Alessio.

  I love you.

  Chapter 24

  Alessio

  I watched her wander toward the ocean, watched her experience the feel of the sand for the first time. Ayla’s steps were almost feather light, as if she was floating toward peacefulness. As she grew closer and the water rushed around her feet, I saw her shoulders relax further, and she tilted her head toward the sky.

  I’ve been to many places with beaches but never cared about it. Never thought of taking the time to feel the sand or the ocean. But watching Ayla experience this, it showed me that sometimes we needed to be grateful for what we have.

  And I was grateful for her. My Angel.

  Rolling my slacks up above my ankles, I walked over to Ayla. When I was close behind her, my arms instinctively went around her waist, pulling her small body to mine until her back was pressed against my front. She rested a hand over my arm, and I smiled.

  This…this was what I needed. Her. Us.

  As the tides crashed gently around us, I could only think of one thing.

  I was never letting her go. Now that I had had the taste of true happiness, I didn’t think I could live without Ayla. She was everything and more.

  Placing a kiss next to her ear, I let my lips linger there. Ayla sighed and then turned around in my arms. Her hands went to my waist, and she tilted her head up.

  Ayla beamed up at me, her smile so big, her green eyes lighting up…actually her whole face lighting up. It was enough to make me catch my breath as I stared back in awe at her beauty.

  “Thank you for bringing me here,” she said, her eyes trained on mine.

  “Do you like it here?” I asked, my fingers brushing against her cheek lightly.

  “Yes. And you still have to show me the house,” she murmured. Leaning forward, she placed a kiss in the middle of my chest and then laid her head there. Seconds turned into minutes, and I had no desire to move.

  Finally, I gently pulled away. “Let’s go. I’ll show you around the house. And then I have to take care of some business.”

  “Okay!” She stepped back and grabbed my hand, pulling me toward the house excitedly. We walked up to the porch that overlooked the ocean, but instead of going inside, I froze on the steps.

  “Right. I need to do something first,” I muttered, looking down at Ayla’s confused face. Without giving her a chance, I bent down and swept her off her feet, cradling her to my chest.

  “Woah. What are you doing?” Her arms went around my neck, but I just smiled, walking inside the house with her in my arms.

  “Carrying you over the threshold,” I announced, almost too proudly. Thank fuck the guys weren’t present or I would never hear the end of this.

  “Why?”

  “Maddie said I had to do it. Don’t know why. She said it’s important.” I rolled my eyes, remembering her order and murderous intent if I didn’t do as I was told.

  “That’s weird.”

  Agreed. I didn’t know why we had to do this either, although I wasn’t complaining. I would carry Ayla anywhere, and having her in my arms was enough to make me a happy man.

  Damn, I really was pussy whipped.


  Putting Ayla back down, we walked around the house, showing her everywhere. Ayla loved it. If I wasn’t mistaken, she loved it more than the estate. It was a simple beach house.

  Our final stop was our bedroom. Ayla pushed open the door. “Wow. We can see the beach from here.” She ran toward the balcony and laughed. “Alessio, this is gorgeous. I love it!”

  “Glad you love it.” I watched Ayla bounce on her tip-toes as I made my way to the closet. “Ayla,” I called out, bringing her attention back to me.

  She swiveled around, and her eyes went wide. “How?” She walked toward me in astonishment.

  “I hired a maid when I bought the house. She made sure it was clean, and I told her to buy some clothes for you.”

  “That’s not just some clothes. That’s a lot!” Ayla mumbled, looking at the closet and then back at me.

  I shrugged, suddenly finding myself fidgeting under her intense gaze. Ayla stepped forward and slipped her hand into mine. A breathtaking smile appeared on her face. “You are so sweet.”

  Great. I was now sweet.

  “We’ve been over this before, kitten.”

  She nodded furiously. “And I’m sure we came to the conclusion that you are sweet.”

  “No. You came to the conclusion that I was sweet.”

  “And what’s so wrong about being sweet?” she argued, her smile now a frown as she glared up at me.

  I felt my lips turn up in a small smirk. Grabbing her waist, I pulled her to me, her body molding mine. Soft against hard. She bit on her lips nervously. “Do you want me to show you why I’m not sweet?”

  “You’re teasing me now,” she muttered. “I take it back. You are a beast.”

  “Oh, kitten, I’ll show how much of a beast I am when I get back home,” I promised before pulling away. After kissing her soundly on the lips, I sauntered out of our room.

  As I made my way outside, I saw Nikolay, Viktor, Artur, and Phoenix standing next to the car. “Viktor, I want you to stay with Ayla. I don’t want to leave her alone.”

  Viktor nodded and went inside. Without a word to the others, I got into the car. I didn’t have to say anything. They already knew the routine.