Dinner with the Mafia ✔

Chapter 43

"Let's go for a walk, and then I shall meet your mafia men. I want to check if they are treating Joe right," Phoebe suggested as we ate the breakfast I had made. She was way too energetic for Dario, as he stayed up all night revising files after I fell asleep, apparently.

Dario rolled his eyes at her. "They do treat her right because if they don't, heads will fall off... literally."

I shuddered at his serious tone. I was still getting used to Dario's lifestyle and threats. I learned that whatever he says will eventually come true, whether good or bad. "By the look in your eyes, you are not joking. Joe, you found yourself the best hot psychopath ever!"

Sometimes, I fail to understand Phoebe. She had those peculiar moments which scared me shitless, but I still loved her.

"Let's go for that walk, shall we? Though it will take us about an hour until we reach anything close to civilization, we are in a secluded area after all, so are you ready to walk that far?" I was used to running every day, but Phoebe? She was one of the laziest people I knew.

"Yeah, I want to explore!" She enthusiastically replied and jumped from her seat.

Dario stood up and grabbed his phone. His face frowned for a split second, and then he looked at me. "Wait for me in the living room. I have to make a quick call. It's about the Ball." He did not wait for me to ask if everything was alright, and he was out of sight.

"That was weird," I muttered and sat on the sofa next to Phoebe.

"Was it, though? He is the Mafia Don, Joe, don't ever forget it," she replied as she made me take a selfie. I was about to protest the picture, but she beat me to it. "Don't worry; I won't post it anywhere. You have a hacker stalker on the loose, I know."

"Thank you. Now, tell me, how are you?" I asked.

"A bit tired from work, but overall good."

"Now, seriously, how are you?" I repeated the question with a knowing tone. It had been exactly five years since that day. 

What are the odds that she is here with me on this date? 

She sighed. "I had that fucking nightmare again. I felt like it was eating me alive. I couldn't sleep, that's why I need to walk. I need to clear my mind. I don't want to remember. I don't want to go back to that day ever again!"

I did not ask any more questions and just embraced her tightly. "It's in the past now. I won't tell you to move on or forget because you probably can't, but I will tell you that you are not alone in this. You have me. You have my dad. You have us. You are not alone."

She nodded the moment Dario entered the room, looking confused and concerned. Our faces gave us away. "Everything's okay?"

"Yeah, she just missed her best friend and sister." I did not give him any room for discussion, and he understood. "Let's go for that walk, and you will meet the guys. You will like them, especially Abramo," I said, grinning and glancing at Dario.

"Why him?" Phoebe asked with raised eyebrows, and we got out of the house.

I chuckled. "He has the dirtiest mind ever, like you."

"Now you have caught my attention," she replied as she hooked her arm with mine. Dario held my other hand, and we walked in silence for half an hour.

"I don't want to go back to New York! This place is spectacular. The scenery is a remedy to the sore eye, Joe. Can't I work remotely from here?" Phoebe asked as we walked on the pavement of the main road. The sea was crystal clear from where we stood, and the greens enhanced the beauty of the place. She was not wrong; this place was spectacular.

"I don't see why not," I shrugged. "Your job is mainly done through a screen, and technically, your physical presence is not mandatory on the company's grounds," I replied as I inhaled the pure air and smiled.

Phoebe slapped my arm, and I looked at her, ready to fight. "Don't persuade me like this. I would do it, you know?"

I nodded. "I know, and as your CEO, I won't object if that's what you really want, dear."

Dario held my hand and kissed my palm. I blushed and tried to let go, but he tightened his grip, not painfully, but enough to tell me he would not let go. "My Bambi is compassionate, and I would not decline this offer if I were you."

"My Bambi! Awe, Joe, I am not kidding about the godmother matter!"

"Phoebe, focus!" I cleared my throat. "Do you want to work remotely from here or not?" I repeated.

"But... where would I stay? Hotels are not comfortable for the long run, even though I can afford it, and buying a house here is such a huge commitment I am not ready to take yet."

"You can stay at my house for now. I have plenty of rooms for other guests; you can claim the one you slept in as yours. It's up to you in the end." Dario was making me fall in love with him day after day.

Yes, I am falling in love.

I will not deny it anymore... but I will not tell him just yet.

"That's very tempting. Can I sleep on it for a few days?" She looked like a troubled, excited puppy, so I hugged her.

"Of course, dear. You don't have to do it if you don't want to, but your presence with me is much appreciated, with all the danger surrounding me here. I don't want to harm you by just being next to me, but it is your decision in the end. I don't own you. You are your own person, Phoebe. So think carefully about this, okay?" I explained, smiling at the prospect of having her with me at all times.

She agreed to consider the offer, and we resumed our walk to Paolo's Future Windfall since Phoebe wanted to meet the men and possibly threaten their asses.

Dario held my hand and kissed my knuckles, and I held Phoebe's hand. "Let's talk a shortcut. It's safer than the main road, where a sniper might be waiting for me but end up shooting you in the process," he said, leading us to a narrow alley.

~~~

1.10.2023 

I know this chapter feels like a filler, but it is crucial for the next one. Let's just say it will be filled with... emotions. 

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