The Mafia Don’s little Con Artist

18 - Nightmare

Sophia POV:

There’s a loud bang outside my bedroom door, and it jolts me awake. I swing my little legs over the edge of the bed and hop down to the floor, tiptoeing to wear a little Liz sleeps across the room. Despite there being ample space in this house, Liz begged to lodge with me, and I couldn’t refuse her sweet little plea.

“Lizzie, wake up.” I whisper “I heard someth-“

BANG! Another loud noise, but this time it’s accompanied by a scream. I pull Liz from the covers and she groggily follows behind me as I force our small bodies underneath my bed, pushing away the clutter.

Footsteps stomp heavily up the stairs and kick the door down just as we have hidden ourselves amongst the toys and clothing that had been shoved below my mattress. I cover Liz’s mouth before she can scream.

“Where is she?!” Someone yells angrily. A man. He’s angry.

“They said ‘second door, to the left, up the stairs. This is it!” Another replied.

The two people shuffled around the room, throwing our blankets to the floor, and clearing out the closet.

“Nothing!” the first man yelled again.

“Hello? Is there anyone in here? We’re the police!” The man’s voice changed a bit. Still loud, but more kind and worried.

I look at Liz and her tear filled eyes look back to me for the decision.

“Someone broke in to your house, but we got the bad guy, so you’re okay now.” They say calmly.

I thought, maybe that’s what all the banging was.

I bite my lip, thinking of what to do. Police are supposed to help us, so why would they try to hurt us? Why should we keep hiding?

I hold Liz’s hand and we scoot from beneath my bed. To my relief, the two men in our room were wearing policeman uniforms. But to my horror, they grabbed Liz and I and carried us downstairs kicking and screaming. The last thing I remember is reaching for Liz before I am knocked unconscious.

-

I’m woken up by my own whimpering to find myself in a large bed with black silk sheets. Aleks must have carried me in here. I guess I fell asleep after all that talking.

The door to the room opens so hard, it bangs against the wall.

“Is everything alright?” Aleks rushes to me in a hurried worry. “I heard you crying. Are you hurt?”

“No, I’m alright. Just a nightmare..”

His face softens to relief and pity. “You’re sure?”

I nod. “Im sure. It’s one I’ve had many times.”

“Do you want to talk about it?”

“Not today.” I place a thankful hand on his cheek.

Aleks’ larger hand covers my own and he sighs. “Very well.”

The gentle hum of the jet, I noticed, is no longer present.

“Have we landed?” I ask aloud.

“Just a few minutes ago. I wanted to let you sleep a while longer..I guess that was a mistake.” My big mafia man, covered in scars and tattoos, hangs his head in disappointment. “I’m sorry Babochka.”

“Really, I’m fine. So! What’s next?” I quickly changed the subject. The most terrifying night of my life is not one I want to speak about right now.

“There is a car waiting for us. You need to get ready.”

To my left is an elegant outfit, pleated maxi silk pants in beige, a black button down silk blouse and a large fur wrap hung on the wall. He’s dressing me like an old money mob wife..and it excited me.

-

We drive for 35 minutes through the rich lands of Ireland, passing by historic buildings and landmarks more beautiful than I’ve ever seen. I feel like a little girl on the most extravagant field trip of my life.

It’s not too soon before we arrive at an enormous hotel that resembles more of a glittering palace.

I have to remind myself that when I exit this vehicle, I need to seem like all of these fineries are common place for me.

The car comes to a stop, and a valet rushes swiftly to open my door, and extends me his hand.

“Welcome to Dublin, Mr. and Mrs. Morozov. We have been eagerly awaiting your arrival!” The valet says smoothly.

My first instinct is to correct the man politely, but I give in to my second instinct instead.

“We are happy to be here.” I smile at the valet, but only with my lips, my eyes stay dark and stern as I turn to face Aleks.

“Aren’t we, my love?”

Alek’s jaw tightens ever so slightly, and he nods his agreement, fighting to suppress a more seductive response, no doubt. It thrills me, the way he reacts to even the most simple moves I make. As if my very existence lights a flame beneath him.

Ivan and Andre exit the front of our vehicle and give instructions to the valet, and the bellhops, as to where our baggage is, and where it needs to be. Aleks adjusts the collar of his suit jacket and makes his way to me on the other side of the car, extending out his elbow which I grip delicately with my right hand.

‘Follow his lead,’ I think to myself.

-

The inside of the hotel is even more beautiful than the outside. Everything is polished ivory, cream stone, and every edge is dusted with gold accents. It’s bright and charming. A complete contrast to Morozov’s dark and beautiful homes.

Alek’s presence alone was all that was needed for us to be ‘checked in’ I guess, because the moment we entered the building another man greeted us without hesitation and escorted us to the elevator after handing Aleks two room keys.

Another gentleman operated the elevator for us, so we didn’t even have to touch the buttons. Hell, neither did he. He selected our floor with a gloved hand before bidding us a good afternoon.

Once we were alone in the hallway of the 23rd floor Aleks asked, “Do you like it?”

I scoffed in disbelief. “Are you joking?”

“Never.” He responded. To which I rolled my eyes. “I love it.” I said, as coolly as I could manage. “It’s the most beautiful building I think I’ve ever seen.”

“We will remedy that..in time.” He winked.

We approached two large double doors, and when Aleks pushed them open, they revealed what actually was the most incredible room and decor I have ever witnessed with my own eyes.

I walked in with wide eyes and a slacked jaw, quickly shutting it, and gazed around the room. Room, was an understatement though, because this place was an actual palace. All gleaming white, ivory and gold, like downstairs, with touches of blush pink clouds painted on the ceiling. Gold cherubs emerged from the walls holding lanterns in their hands, that illuminated the room.

“This can’t be real.” I traced my fingers over various surfaces, mesmerized by every inch of the decor and layout.

“It can, and it is.” Aleks chuckled. I turned around and glared at him for teasing me.

Then his phone rings, and he quickly answers with a Russian greeting, so I take the liberty of exploring the vast area while he’s busy. I’ve made it to the bedroom, when I hear Aleks’ tone grow harsher, and his words, although I can’t understand them, are undoubtedly just as violent. He’s unhappy about something, and I would hate to be the person who has attracted such anger.

“Sophia!” He calls for me as I round the corner to meet him. It’s pointless to ask if everything is alright, is something wrong or if I can help. I know the answers, so I just wait patiently for him to tell me what he needs to tell me.

“I’m afraid I have business to attend to in the city. I was hoping to delay it and have some time with you before-“

“It’s alright.” I calmly interrupt his explanation with a small kiss on his lips. Just a peck. “We’re here for 2 weeks. I’m sure you’ll find time for me.” I slowly wrap my arms around his neck.

He exhales a low growl of irritation. Not at me, but at his obligations that keep him from having fun with me at the moment.

“I swear I will.” He promises, and then presses his lips to mine harder, deeper and hotter, sealing his promise.

“I will have Ivan accompany you to the spa after I leave.” He instructs me.

“The spa?”

“A slew of festivities begin tomorrow. I want you to be relaxed, pampered and most of all prepared.” Aleks hands me a tablet.

“There are more profiles and photos for you to go over. You’ll be mingling with a lot of dangerous people these two weeks. Study up. I will be back later.”

His tone shifted a bit. More cold. I tried not to focus on it too much and just accept my assignment gracefully.

“Yes sir.” I replied.

Aleks made his move to apologize, but his phone rang again. His grip tightened on the small device before he ultimately answered it and left the room.

It was just another reminder of this was. What it truly was.

Business.