My Childhood Bully is a Mafia Boss-Chapter 105

Aidan

"What do you mean they are not home? Where are they?" I barked at the guard at the door.

The guard’s expression didn’t change. "Capo took Signorina Ellie and the children to the park," he said.

To the park? What was this bastard’s game? Was he playing house with my sister? I thought in annoyance. "And where is this...park?" I asked dryly.

"I am afraid I cannot tell you," the guard said flatly.

"Why not?" I snarled.

The guard’s eyes hardened slightly, but he maintained his professional demeanor. "It’s a matter of security. Capo’s orders."

I clenched my fists, my patience wearing thin. "Listen, I don’t care about your security protocols. Ellie is my sister, and I need to know where she is."

The guard didn’t flinch. "I understand your concern, Signor, but I cannot divulge their location without direct orders from Capo."

Taking a deep breath, I tried to control my temper. Losing it here wouldn’t help. "Fine," I said, my voice cold. "I will call Giovanni and find out."

The guard nodded. "Of course, Signor."

I pulled out my phone and dialed Giovanni’s number, pacing back and forth as it rang. After a few moments, he picked up.

"Aidan," Giovanni’s voice came through the phone, calm and collected.

"Where are you, Giovanni?" I demanded. "Your guard says you’re at the park with Ellie and the kids. What’s going on?"

Giovanni sighed. "Yes, we are at the park. I thought it would be good for Ellie and the children to get some fresh air. Is there a problem?"

"No," I said, my voice relaxing a bit.

"Good. I am glad you approve. Is there anything else I can do for you?" he said in a sarcastic tone.

I gritted my teeth, irritation flaring up again. "Just make sure they’re safe. Ellie’s been through enough. She doesn’t need any more drama."

Giovanni’s voice softened slightly. "Aidan, I understand your concern. I assure you, they are safe with me. My priority is their well-being."

I took a deep breath, trying to keep my emotions in check. "Fine. But if anything happens to them, you’ll answer to me."

Giovanni didn’t miss a beat. "Understood. Is there anything else you need?"

I hesitated, feeling a mix of frustration and helplessness. "What park is this? I want to come see them myself."

Giovanni paused for a moment before answering. "Botanical Gardens near the old town square," he said.

"I am coming over," I announced.

"Sure, join us. Maybe bring your beautiful wife alone," Giovanni said.

"I’ll be there soon," I said, and hung up before he could respond.

Driving to the Botanical Gardens, I couldn’t shake off the unease. Giovanni’s tone had been calm and reassuring, but I knew better than to trust him completely. I needed to see Ellie and the kids with my own eyes.

As I arrived at the park, I spotted them near a play area. Ellie was sitting on a bench, holding Elora, who was sleeping peacefully in her arms. Lucas was running around, his laughter filling the air. Giovanni stood nearby, keeping a watchful eye on them.

I approached, my steps quickening as I neared. "Ellie," I called out, my voice betraying the relief I felt.

Ellie looked up, surprise evident on her face. "Aidan! What are you doing here?"

"I needed to make sure you were alright," I said, my gaze shifting to Giovanni. "To make sure everything was as it should be."

Giovanni gave me a nod, his expression unreadable. "As you can see, they are safe and happy," he said, his tone neutral.

Lucas ran up to me, his face flushed with excitement. "Uncle Aidan! Look at me! I’m climbing so high!"

I forced a smile, ruffling his hair. "You’re doing great, buddy."

Ellie stood up, carefully adjusting Elora in her arms. "Aidan, we’re fine. Giovanni has been very kind to us."

I looked at her, searching for any sign of distress. But she seemed genuinely relaxed. "Alright," I said, my voice softening. "If you’re sure."

"I am," Ellie replied, giving me a reassuring smile.

Giovanni stepped forward. "I told you so."

"If you had a sister, you would understand why I am worried," I snarled at him.

Giovanni raised an eyebrow, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of his lips. "I do understand, Aidan," he said evenly. "Family is important. That’s why I’m taking care of Ellie and the children."

I narrowed my eyes, still skeptical. "We’ll see about that," I muttered, my tone still sharp.

Ellie stepped between us, her eyes pleading. "Aidan, please. Let’s just enjoy the day. The kids are having fun."

I looked at her suspiciously. Why was Ellie acting all soft toward Giovanni? Was she starting to care for him?

"Fine," I said, forcing myself to relax. "For now."

Ellie smiled in relief, her eyes grateful. "Thank you, Aidan."

Lucas, oblivious to the tension between the adults, tugged at my hand. "Uncle Aidan, come play with me!"

I forced a smile, ruffling his hair. "Alright, buddy. Let’s go."

As I followed Lucas to the playground, I kept an eye on Giovanni. Despite my misgivings, I had to admit that he seemed genuinely attentive to Ellie and the kids. Maybe, just maybe, he was sincere. But I would stay vigilant, ready to step in if needed.

Toward the end of the day, I asked to have a private conversation with him.

"Okay, what’s your true intention against my sister?" I went straight to the point.

Giovanni looked at me steadily, his expression serious. "Aidan, I understand your skepticism. I know our past interactions haven’t exactly built trust between us, but my intentions are genuine."

I crossed my arms, not convinced. "Spare me the diplomatic answers. I want the truth."

He took a deep breath, glancing briefly at Ellie and the kids playing nearby before meeting my gaze again. "My intentions are to protect and care for Ellie and the children. To make her my wife."

My jaw tightened at his words. "Your wife?" I repeated, my voice low and dangerous. 𝕗𝕣𝐞𝐞𝘄𝐞𝚋𝚗𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹.𝚌𝕠𝚖

Giovanni nodded, his expression unwavering. "Yes, Blackwood. I want to marry Ellie. I care deeply for her and the children. I want to provide them with everything they ever want in life."

I took a step closer, my eyes narrowing. "And how do I know this isn’t just another one of your power plays? A way to control her, to keep her under your thumb? And a way to have power over me?"

Giovanni’s gaze remained steady. "You don’t. But I am calling a truce between us, Blackwood."

"And Ellie...does she want to marry you now?" I asked.

Giovanni’s expression softened, and he glanced over at Ellie and the children. "She doesn’t trust me yet, but I will make sure she does."

I clenched my fists, trying to control the surge of protectiveness that washed over me. "If you ever hurt her—"

"I won’t," Giovanni interrupted, his voice firm. "I know you don’t trust me, and I don’t blame you. But I’m serious about this. I’m serious about her."

I studied him, searching for any hint of deception, but his eyes held a sincerity that was hard to ignore. "Alright, Leones," I said slowly. "But I’m warning you, I’ll be watching every step of the way."

Giovanni nodded. "I wouldn’t expect anything less, Blackwood."

We stood in silence for a moment, the tension between us palpable but softened by the shared concern for Ellie and the children. Finally, I turned to rejoin them, feeling Giovanni’s gaze follow me.

As I approached, Ellie looked up, her expression questioning. "Is everything okay?"

I forced a smile, trying to hide the turmoil of emotions inside me. "Yeah, everything’s fine. Giovanni and I just had a little chat."

Ellie seemed to relax, and I could see the relief in her eyes. "Good. I’m glad you’re here, Aidan."

I sat down next to her, watching Lucas play with a carefree joy that was infectious. "Me too," I said quietly. "Me too."

For the rest of the day, I stayed close, observing the interactions between Ellie and Giovanni. Despite my lingering doubts, I had to admit that he treated her with a gentleness and respect that I hadn’t expected. Maybe, just maybe, he was sincere in his intentions.

As the sun began to set, the park’s atmosphere grew calm and peaceful. Lucas, exhausted from all his playing, finally sat down next to me, leaning his head against my shoulder. Elora stirred in Ellie’s arms but quickly fell back asleep.

Giovanni approached, his hands in his pockets. "It’s getting late. We should probably head back."

Ellie nodded, standing up carefully to avoid waking Elora. "You’re right. It’s been a long day."

We all made our way to the parking lot, Lucas dragging his feet tiredly. Giovanni opened the car doors, helping Ellie settle the children in their seats.

Before getting into my own car, I turned to Giovanni one last time. "Remember what I said, Leones. I’ll be watching."

Giovanni met my gaze, his expression serious. "I know."

With a final nod, I got into my car and started the engine, watching as Ellie and the kids drove off with Giovanni. The unease hadn’t completely vanished, but there was a small flicker of hope.