Mafia King

Chapter 12

“Did you not get the hint, coglione?!” A growl made me jump off my spot.

“Dante!” I called as soon as I turned and faced him.

“Scram! Or I’ll f*****g cut off your tongue.” Dante threatened my newly found friend. I could feel William’s fear, sweat glistening on his forehead.

“Dante! What are you doing threatening him like that?” Dante only glowered at me.

“Ah. See you around, Hailynn.” Dante almost lunged at him before he scurried away. My hand was pressed against his hard chest, careful not to let him go after William. I looked around and noticed that people are looking at us.

“Will you calm down?” He grunted. “Dante, get your s**t straight if you don’t want people to know who you are.” That settled him. I felt his chest breathing up and down heavily. I raised a brow when he looked at me. “What is wrong with you? Why are you suddenly acting like a caveman? The poor guy was just doing his job, you know, like helping a customer.”

“Well, I don't want him to help you. I was just gone for a while and you’re here flirting with a sales boy.” He exclaimed.

“Oh my god! I wasn’t flirting with him. Why are we even discussing this? It’s none of your business if I flirt with anyone or not.” I retorted angrily. The frustration was clear in my voice. Why is he acting like a jerk?

Dante closed our distance and grabbed my chin. He forced me to face him. My neck angled towards him while he brought his head down so our faces were inches closer. “It is my business. All of you are my business so I suggest you to be careful, Hailynn. If you do something that would irk me, you will hate the consequences. I will show you how my world works.” He then let go of me with roughness. He swiftly turned and stomped away with hurried steps.

I realized that I’ve forgotten how scary Dante was. This. This was really him. I’ve grown so used to his presence that I’ve forgotten who he really was.  

I honestly don’t even know what I did wrong that made him furious. I guess it’s best to stay away from him for now. 

--- 

“Hey, I'm leaving.” I let him know before I go. Dante was sitting on the couch while texting. A frown was etched on his face.

When he looked up, his eyes widened when he saw me. His mouth opened in agape. 

We haven't really been talking for days ever since his outburst at the boutique. I kinda miss our banter. It meant that we’re friends despite his reputation.

He nodded when he finally went back to his senses. It's what we usually do when either of us says something. We don't talk back and make even the slightest conversation. He went back to his phone and made that as my cue to go. 

I was lucky enough that as soon as I got out of the building, there was an empty cab parked in the area. Someone just got out so I immediately took the chance to ride. Amy said to meet up in the club at eight. She offered to come and get me but I refused since I no longer live in the apartment. She might find out about my living condition.

“Hailynn!” I searched for the source of the voice. It didn’t take long when someone lunged at me for a hug. I almost lost my balance but thankfully regained it right away without falling. 

I realized it was Zoey, one of Amy’s close friends at work, who was calling me. I immediately returned the hug with a laugh. I forgot to thank the driver before he drove off. 

“Oh my god. How are you, Hai? Haven’t seen you for months.” A grin so wide stretched her cheeks. I couldn’t help but smile at her bubbliness. 

“Yeah. You know…” I trailed off, having trouble trying to tell her what happened these past few months.

“I heard from Amy what happened.” Her voice was held with sadness. “I’m sorry about your best friend. You know you could always come to us. We’re here for you. Let’s limit the clubbing though. My boyfriend hates that. I was lucky enough that he let me out tonight.”

I chuckled. “It’s Amy’s thing. You know I’m a coffee type of girl.” I shrugged. We started walking towards the entrance of the club. Amy’s already waiting for us inside.

“We seriously need to find Amy a boyfriend so she’d be preoccupied with something else and not partying. You look hot. Wow, Hailynn. I don’t even know why you’re always wearing those baggy clothes.” She said in awe while looking at me up and down. 

I laugh. Her ramblings really amazes me. “I just don’t want my clothes to be ruined by paint. Been there, done that. I ruined a couple of shirts in the past. Never want to do it again.”

“Well, that’s bad. You look really gorgeous. Hey, are you up for a date? Link has a cute friend that I really like to introduce you to. Been wanting to have a double date ya know.” We stopped at the line formed near the entrance. It wasn’t that long but there’s still a lot of people especially since it’s Saturday.

“Don’t you want to introduce him to Amy instead?” I joked.

Zoey rolled her eyes. “I already did but the guy wasn’t her type. She said he was too nice. Like really?! Sometimes I just want to slap Amy’s pretty face.” I laugh again at her ramblings. Zoey’s really talkative. That’s why people like her. She could easily talk to anyone and she's really friendly. 

"I think Amy's used to the fact that she's always the one to break a guy's heart. I guess this time she wants some bad boy who could break her almost cold heart." Zoey and I laughed at that. It didn't take long when the guard checked our IDs and let us in. Amy said that she hired a VIP room so we went out to look for that specific room. 

"Happy Birthday, Amy!" Zoey dived towards her and squished her with her bone crushing hug.

“Seriously, Zo.” Amy complained but hugged her back nonetheless. Zoey giggled.

“Happy Birthday.” Our eyes met over Zoey’s shoulder.

She let go of Zoey and sauntered towards me. Her arms circled around me. “Glad you could come. I really thought you’re bailing.”

I giggled. “Not a chance.” We let go and held each other at arm's length. “Where are Addie and Ivy?” I looked for them behind her. They weren’t in the room. Zoey sat on the couch comfortably.

“They went to the bar for drinks. Ivy got you two with margaritas.”

Amy and I went to the couch and sat. I took a glance down at the dance floor. There really were a lot of people tonight. I could see men and women dancing and grinding with their partners. The music was muffled by the soundproof walls.

Not a moment later, Ivy and Addie arrived with the drinks. A couple of drinks and random conversation later, we decided to dance. Zoey volunteered to stay to watch over our stuff. That and she didn’t want to upset her boyfriend.

The four of us rocked the dance floor especially when the music is at its peak. The DJ kept hitting really good music to sway our hips. Amy and I laugh at Ivy who was horrified at the scene when Addie grind against her. I grabbed Amy’s hand and twirled her around. She twirled playfully away from me. She bumped into some guy and she frantically apologized. I smirked when she froze at the sight of the guy. He was cute and looked to be her type. I turned away, understanding the situation. 

Not a second longer, a pair of hands snaked around my waist.