My Childhood Bully is a Mafia Boss-Chapter 38

Ivy

Oh, how this man tested my patience...

He was truly unhinged, holding me captive in his house for the sole reason of his own loneliness. Or maybe there was something more to it?

Could Aidan be in love with me?

No, that wasn’t possible. It just couldn’t be true. After all, we hadn’t seen each other in over a decade.

How could he possibly be in love with me? And back in high school, there was no indication that he had any romantic interest in me either. Yes, we shared some sexual experiences, but that was merely out of curiosity, right?

I desperately tried to rationalize the situation, but deep down, a small part of me couldn’t help but wonder if there was some truth to his supposed affection for me.

I lay there, watching Aidan sleep, and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of longing. Despite all the chaos and uncertainty surrounding our situation, there was a part of me that craved his touch.

But then reality would hit me like a ton of bricks. This man had held me against my will, manipulated and twisted my emotions, and showed no signs of remorse for his actions.

How could I even consider giving in to any desire I may have for him? No matter how charming he may seem at this moment, he was still dangerous.

Aidan looked so handsome, even in his sleep. His chiseled features were relaxed, but there was still an aura of dominance about him that made my heart race.

The warmth from his body seeped into mine as we shared the bed, making me feel both safe and scared at the same time. His strong arms were wrapped around me protectively, almost like he was trying to claim me as his own.

The sound of his breathing was deep and rhythmic, echoing in the silent room. The sheets rustled softly as he shifted slightly in his sleep, unintentionally pushing me closer to his chest.

I closed my eyes tightly, trying to ignore the butterflies fluttering in my stomach every time he moved closer to me. The temptation to run my fingers through his dark hair or trace the outline of his jawline was almost overwhelming, but I fought against it. I didn’t want to wake him up. He looked so peaceful and sweet.

I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to will myself to fall asleep, and eventually, I slipped into a deep slumber.

However, the peacefulness of sleep didn’t last long. I was awoken by the sound of a gunshot and the scent of gunpowder. Don’t tell me we were under attack again!

I screamed and shot up in bed, my heart pounding and my breath ragged. I gasped as I felt someone’s hand on me.

"It was just a bad dream, Ivy," I heard Aidan whispering in my ear, his voice husky from sleep. "You’re safe." His words did little to calm the panic building inside me as images of blood and violence flashed before my eyes.

"I... I’m fine," I lied through gritted teeth, looking away from him. I couldn’t let him see how much his concern affected me. "Just a nightmare."

"Want to talk about it?" he asked, concern lacing his voice.

"No," I snapped back before softening my tone. "I... I’ll be fine."

Aidan nodded and wrapped his arm around me again, pulling me closer to him. "I’ve got you, Ivy. It’s just a nightmare, nothing more." He kisses my forehead softly.

Was this my new normal now? Living in fear?

I couldn’t imagine living like this for the rest of my life.

"Aidan, I need to start going back to work again. The company can’t run by itself," I said, trying to make my tone as firm as possible.

"Sure. You are not my prisoner, Ivy." Aidan chuckled.

"Oh, well, that’s a relief," I retorted, my voice dripping with sarcasm. "I was starting to wonder if I’d need to send out a distress signal from this luxurious captivity."

Aidan chuckled softly, his arm still draped around me. "Ivy, you know I wouldn’t keep you here against your will. You’re free to go whenever you want."

I scoffed, rolling my eyes. "Gee, thanks for the generous offer. Remind me to write you a thank-you note when I escape."

He grinned, squeezing me gently. "You know you love it here, Ivy. Admit it."

I glared at him playfully, unable to deny the slight flutter of warmth in my chest at his teasing. "You wish," I shot back, though the corners of my lips betrayed a hint of a smile.

"Come on, let’s go back to sleep. We can continue fighting tomorrow," he laughed and pulled me toward him.

I melted into his embrace, inhaling his intoxicating scent. I wanted to stay like this forever.

~-~

When I finally woke up in the morning, he was already gone. I got up, took a nice long shower, and headed to the living room. Molly had put out the breakfast and the sight of freshly cooked eggs made my stomach growl.

I’ll focus on what’s in front of me, I told myself as I dug into the delicious breakfast prepared by Molly. Just enjoy the peace while it lasts.

I tried to push away the lingering thoughts of last night’s nightmare and focus on enjoying my meal. Aidan was gone, probably off doing whatever it was he did in his line of work. And I was here, safe and sound in his home.

"Do you need anything else, Ivy?" Molly came in and asked.

I smiled at her. "No, this is great, Molly. You are a wonderful cook."

Molly smiled back at me, her warm eyes crinkling at the corners. "I’m glad you like it. Anything for Mr. Blackwood’s special guest."

I blushed at her words, feeling a warmth spread through my cheeks. "Where is Aidan?"

Molly shrugged. "I am afraid I am not told about his businesses."

"How could you work for him after knowing who he is?" I asked suddenly. "Aren’t you scared to be here, Molly?" A thought suddenly crossed my mind, and I let out a small gasp. "You aren’t here against your will, are you!?"

Molly shook her head. "Oh, dear, no. It’s not like that. I was hired properly and Sir pays me quite well to compensate for the um...dangerous situations."

"So you are here on purpose, knowing everything?" I looked at her in shock.

Molly straightened her apron. "Mr. Blackwood, he...he saved my daughter and me from a terrible situation. I owe him everything."

"Oh! I didn’t know you had a daughter," I said.

"Oh yes. She is away in college right now. I don’t talk about her much. It’s for our safety," Molly revealed, her voice tinged with a hint of worry.

I nodded, the weight of the situation sinking in. "Well, if you ever need anything, let me know," I said, my voice strained with the unspoken urgency.

"Thank you, Ivy." She gave me one last motherly pat on the shoulder and left the room.

Safe in the silence once again, I finished my breakfast in peace, wondering what exactly Aidan had done to earn such fierce loyalty from his housekeeper when all I could think of was how to get out of this mess unscathed.

After breakfast, I called the office. Who knows what’s happening over there in my absence?

"Miss Williams! I am so glad you finally called," my assistant Maddy chirped as soon as she picked up the phone.

"Maddy, hi," I greeted, trying to keep my voice steady despite the turmoil swirling inside me. "I’m sorry for being out unexpectedly. Is everything okay at the office?"

"Everything’s been chaotic without you, but we managed to hold things together," Maddy replied, her voice filled with relief. "Shall I update you on all the latest developments now?"

"Yes, please. I need to catch up as soon as possible," I said, mentally preparing myself for whatever mess awaited me.

Maddy proceeded to give me a rundown of the urgent matters that needed my attention, and as she spoke, I felt the weight of responsibility settling on my shoulders once again. Despite my predicament, work was my anchor, my refuge.

"Send Carlos with the car," I instructed Maddy. "I am coming over."

It was time to take back control of my life, starting with my return to work.

Carlos arrived just a few minutes later and waited for me until I was ready to go.

"Good morning, Miss Williams," Carlos greeted me with a respectful nod.

"Good morning, Carlos," I replied.

Carlos opened the door for me, and I strode toward the car. I needed to get out of this house as soon as possible.

As soon as I arrived at work, I got to work.

Stupid Aidan. He made me miss out on a lot of important things. I groaned as I started to catch up on file after file.

But just as I was sinking deeper into work, the sound of my phone ringing interrupted my thoughts. I picked it up quickly.

"Miss Williams, you have a visitor."

"Tell him I am busy. I have a lot to catch up on," I said impatiently.

"Um...he said it’s important," Maddy said hesitantly.

He? I bet it was Aidan. That jerk couldn’t leave me alone for one day!

"Just send him in," I said, sighing.

The door to my office opened, and to my surprise, it wasn’t Aidan standing there, but rather a familiar face I hadn’t seen in years.

"Derek?" I exclaimed, my voice betraying a hint of disbelief.

"Hey, Ivy," Derek greeted me with a warm smile, stepping into the room. "Long time no see."