My Childhood Bully is a Mafia Boss-Chapter 95

Ellie

Aidan’s voice barked out, sharp and urgent, as I frantically stuffed my belongings into a duffle bag. My hands trembled with nervous energy, and my heart raced in my chest. "Don’t do this, Ellie. This is insane," he pleaded.

It was two days after the event and I told Giovanni to prepare for us to live with him and he looked a little bit too excited for my liking.

I turned to face Aidan, trying to stay calm and composed. "Aidan, please. Just let me. It’s going to be okay," I said, though doubt gnawed at my insides.

Desperate for support, Aidan turned to Ivy, who stood beside me with a worried expression on her face. "Ivy, tell Ellie she’s making a mistake," he implored.

Ivy let out a heavy sigh, her gaze shifting between the two of us. "Ellie, are you absolutely certain this is what you want?" she asked softly. Doubt clouded her eyes as she spoke, mirroring my own uncertainty about the decision I made.

"Yes. I think it’s best I lived separately from you guys. At least for a while," I replied.

Aidan’s eyes turned dark. I could tell I had hurt his feelings, so I quickly added: "It’s not because I think you can’t protect me, Aidan."

"Then why?" he demanded.

I took a deep breath, steeling my nerves. "I just...I can’t keep relying on you guys to protect me all the time. I need to learn how to do it on my own," I explained, hoping he would understand.

"By going to live with my enemy?" Aidan roared.

"Well, he did offer to call it a truce," Ivy reminded him. She looked at me and smiled as if to show me she was on my side.

Aidan’s expression hardened, but his eyes were filled with concern rather than anger. "Ellie, this is dangerous. Giovanni might have offered a truce, but can we really trust him?"

I paused, searching for the right words. "Aidan, I know this seems reckless. But I need to do this. For myself and for the kids. If Giovanni can provide a safe environment, it’s worth trying."

Aidan ran a hand through his hair, frustration evident in his stance. "I just can’t believe you’re willing to go through with this. You’re walking into the lion’s den."

I turned to Ivy, hoping for some reassurance. "Ivy, you understand, right?"

Ivy sighed, her expression torn. "I really hope you know what you are doing, Ellie. But I thought you hated Giovanni. So what changed?"

I looked at Ivy, my thoughts a whirlwind. "I didn’t hate him, Ivy. I was just annoyed by him. But after what happened today, I realized something. Giovanni showed up, and he helped us. He fought alongside us, and maybe, just maybe, there’s more to him than I thought."

Aidan scoffed, his frustration palpable. "So you’re willing to trust him because he showed up once? Ellie, this could be a trap."

I shook my head, trying to explain. "It’s not just about trust. It’s about survival. The Red Cobras are relentless. If Giovanni can provide us with a safe place, even temporarily, we should take it. I need to protect my kids, Aidan. And he didn’t just show up once. He was there for me at the hospital even though he didn’t have to."

Ivy stepped closer, her hand resting on my arm. "Ellie, if you really believe this is the right choice, then we will support you. But please, be careful."

"I will be," I promised, my voice steady.

Aidan’s shoulders sagged in defeat, his voice softening. "Just promise me you’ll stay vigilant. Don’t let your guard down around him."

"I promise," I said, hugging him tightly. "I’ll keep my guard up."

"If you feel like you are in danger..."

"I will call you right away," I said, cutting Aidan off.

Aidan nodded grimly.

Ivy gave me a reassuring squeeze on the shoulder. "Take care of yourself, Ellie. We’ll miss you."

"Where are we going, Mommy?" Lucas asked, tugging at my sleeve.

I took his hand in my mine and squeezed it. "We’re going to stay somewhere else for a little while."

Lucas’s small brow furrowed in confusion. "But why can’t we stay here with Uncle Aidan and Aunt Ivy?"

I glanced up at Aidan and Ivy, searching for the right words. "It’s just for a little bit, sweetheart. I am sure we can visit whenever you want."

Aidan’s expression softened as he knelt beside us, ruffling Lucas’s hair. "Listen to your mom, kiddo. We’ll be right here if you need us, okay?"

Lucas nodded again, this time with a bit more confidence. "Okay, Uncle Aidan."

I stood up, taking a deep breath. I hope I was doing the right thing.

I gathered my children and headed out. Giovanni’s car was waiting outside, and he stood by it, watching us approach.

"Ready?" he asked, his tone surprisingly gentle.

I nodded. "Yes." I looked at Lucas and then him. "This is my son, Lucas. And Lucas, this is..." I paused as I wasn’t sure how to introduce Giovanni to him.

Giovanni grinned and held his hand out. "You can call me Uncle Gio. It’s nice to meet you, Lucas." 𝚏𝕣𝐞𝗲𝐰𝕖𝐛𝐧𝕠𝕧𝚎𝚕.𝐜𝚘𝗺

Lucas reluctantly took his hand and shook it. Giovanni’s grin widened, and he crouched down to Lucas’s level. "You like cars, Lucas? Maybe we can take a ride in one of my special ones someday."

Lucas’s eyes lit up with curiosity despite his initial hesitation. "Really?"

"Si," Giovanni said with a wink. He stood up and turned to me. "Let’s get you settled in."

We climbed into the car after Aidan helped Lucas and Elora strapped into their car seats.

He looked at Giovanni and glared. "If you heart any of them..."

"I won’t," Giovanni interrupted swiftly.

The journey was a blur. I barely noticed when we crossed from our territory into Giovanni’s.

"Here we are," Giovanni announced, pulling up in front of his mansion.

Inside, some men rushed to help us with our luggage.

"Lucia will show you to your rooms," Giovanni said, motioning toward a young girl who was standing by the door.

Lucia, a young woman with kind eyes and a warm smile, stepped forward. "Follow me, please," she said gently.

I gathered my children, and we followed Lucia through the grand hallways of Giovanni’s mansion. The place was even bigger than I remembered. As we walked, I could sense the watchful eyes of Giovanni’s men.

"Here’s your room, ma’am," Lucia gestured to the large, luxurious suite. "The kids can stay in the smaller room next to yours. The crib and a small bed are already set up there," she said. I thanked Lucia and watched her retreat down the hallway.

"Is it to your liking?"

I nearly yelped as I heard Giovanni’s deep voice close to my ear. How the hell did he sneak up on me so fast!?