The Mafia's Secret Heiress

5

I wake the next morning feeling relaxed after a great night’s sleep. I have no idea what time it is, but the sun is shining high. I get clean clothes from the closest and head for a shower. The bathroom is simple but larger than the one I’m used to.

After I’m washed and changed. I brush through my hair and leave it to dry naturally, the way I’ve always done. I’ve never used a hairdryer for years, not had my hair cut for years either. It’s long, right down to the top of my bum, thick and a light brown colour. The same as my mother’s hair.

I soon head downstairs to see if anyone is up. As I pass the hallway I see that it is nearly 9am. Which shocks me. I’m so used to getting up at 530am to make fathers breakfast. I hope I won’t get into trouble for sleeping in.

“Good morning Aria. Come have some breakfast.’ Samuel greets me as he just came downstairs.

“Am I allowed to have breakfast with you?” I ask timidly. I forgot to ask Mr and Mrs Connors about the rules of the house.

“Of course you are. Come on. Mother is dying to take you shopping" he places his hand on my lower back and guides me through to the kitchen area.

“Look who I found hanging around the bottom of the stairs" Samuel chuckles as we reach the kitchen.

“Morning sweetie. Come sit.” Mrs Connors stands to hug me and lead me to a seat.

Xander and Clayton are there as well munching on bacon and eggs. It looks delicious and the smell is amazing. It’s making my mouth water.

“Help yourself" Xander points towards the food.  I nod my head and plate up a small amount of egg and a rasher of bacon.  A maid comes with a glass of juice and painkillers for me. I thank her and take them before I start to eat.

“Once we have finished eating. We will get organised to go shopping. Xander is going to come along with us.” Mrs Connors says as she drinks her coffee.

“Ok. But I’ll need to check how much money I have” I start to say but don’t get a chance to finish as Xander interrupts me

“You won’t need any money. I’m buying. My treat. And there is no limit of what you can get.” Xander says

“I can’t let you do that. At least let me cook and clean to pay you back.” I say to him. I’m not wanting him to spend anything on me. I’m not worth the bother.

“Aria. We talked about this last night. You are not here to serve us. You will not be paying me back for anything that I buy you, today or the next time. Ok.” he says as he reaches over the table to hold my hand.

He is being so sweet. I’m not sure what his game plan is. He must have a plan. Maybe he’s being nice for his parents sake so he can make it easier for them to accept Tallia.

I manage to finish all the food I put on my plate, which surprised me more than anything. I do feel really full now. Which should do me until tomorrow morning.

Mrs Connors soon goes to finish getting ready for our shopping trip and I’m left with Xander and Clayton. Samuel has just left to go to college, turns out he is only 18 and is in his first year at University doing some sort of a business degree.

Clayton and Xander are busy talking about some football game or something they seen on tv last night. As I’m sitting bored, I notice that there is still dirty plates lying on the table. I quickly gather them together and take them to the sink.

“Aria. Leave them, Molly will get them.” Clayton says as I go back to get the rest.

“Sorry. I’m not used to just sitting about. I like to keep busy.” I mumble as I lower my gaze to the floor.

“Right. Let’s get some rules sorted out. First, please don’t lower your head. You will not get in trouble for saying or doing anything. Second, Molly gets paid to cook and clean for us, she has been doing so for at least ten years. You don’t need to help and being honest Molly is a bit if a dragon if people get in her way.  Third, if you are bored, we’ll find something to entertain you.” Xander says as he comes round the table and hugs me around the waist.

“Also. No guest of mine is expected to be cleaning. Although I heard you make a mean strawberry cheesecake. Which is my favourite desert" he winks at me.

“I can do that. ” I say with a raised eyebrow.

“Well, we can get that sorted for another day" again he winks. Realising that he still has his arms around my waist.

I raise my eyebrow at him, thinking to myself that he is getting a bit close for comfort what would Tallia say if she saw us now.

I’m not wanting to upset anybody here, since they have all been so nice to me. The last thing I want to do is to return to my father’s house.

“What are you doing?” I whisper to him, looking at his arm around my waist.

“After I left your room last night. I thought about everything that’s happened and thought we could try this out see how it goes. We’ll get to know each other, go on dates and stuff" he days as he runs his fingers over my bruised cheek. I flinch at the contact. We stand and stare into each others eyes. Our bodies very close, Xander has one hand on my hip and the other still on my cheek.

“You are really pretty Aria. I think we will get on great. You are sweet and strong and innocent at the same time. So will you give us a try. I’ll make it worth your while.” He whispers as his lips brush against my earlobe. It sends shivers through my body.

“Right kids let’s go" Mrs Connors shouts from the front door. I step away from Xander but I don’t get far as he still has an arm around my waist.

I look back up to him to see him smirking. “come on. Let’s go. We can make this our first date” he says as he takes my hand in his and pulls me towards the front door.

“First date and your bringing your mum?”  I giggle as we get outside to the car.

“Haha. Yes but we can ditch her at some point" he says as he holds my door open for me. “Aria. I’m serious about this. We will go on lots of dates to get to know one another.”

I climb in the car, not really knowing what to say to Xander. I mean, this is why I’m here. To marry him for some deal his father and mine has, but I have nothing to offer him, I’m nothing special. I was so lost in my thoughts I hadn’t even realised we had a arrived at the shopping centre.

Xander was standing holding my door open for me, waiting for me to get out. I sheepishly thanked him and followed his mum into the shops.

“So, while you and Xander were talking this morning. I had a look at what clothes you do have, we basically need everything. We might be here a while" Mrs Connors chuckles as she enters the first shop.

She and Xander start picking up clothes as I wonder around following them. Not really sure what to do. Soon I’m being ushered into the changing rooms to try on clothes to see if the sizing is ok. I struggle getting one of the tops on as my ribs are hurting and I can hardly lift my arms over my head. I gave up and just held it against my body, it’s a little big but should be ok.

I change back and head out to find Xander or his mother, I find them at the cash desk with piles and piles of clothing.

“Aria, did they fit?” Xander asks as he takes the clothes from me.

“I couldn’t get the top off because of the pain but it should be ok. A little big but it’s ok.” I mumble. Not wanting the staff to hear.

“Not changing the sizes as you need to put on weight. You are far to thin and I know you have curves under those clothes" he whispers in my ear.

After Xander paid for those clothes we head to the next shop which is embarrassing, underwear. I thought Xander would wait outside but he leads the way. He goes straight to one of the ladies who takes me to get measured for a bra. I’ve only had this done once before when I was 15.

“Mrs Connors, can you come with me?” I ask her.  She nods her head and follows us through to the changing rooms.

I’m expected to strip my top half but I don’t want the lady to see my bruises. They are still very much there and are so ugly. Mrs Connors helps take my top of and stays with me as the lady measures me. I can see the look in her eye as she carefully does her job. She quickly gets it done and I get changed.

“You have a good size and there is loads to choose from" the lady says as she leads us to the stand with my sizing. I pick up a few bras in different colours.

“Black is my favourite colour" Xander whispers in my ear. I slap this arm playfully.

“Stop teasing Xander” his mother tells him off.  He chuckles as he walks around picking up other bras he wants to buy me. It’s just weird. A guy who I’ve known not even two days buying me underwear.

After more teasing and flirting from Xander, he decides that we need go for a lunch break. We find a little sandwich shop inside the shopping centre.

As Xander and his mum order their food and drinks. I’m still full from breakfast but I know they wont accept that, so I just order a small salad and a coffee.

“Where are all the bags?” I ask Xander.

“I’m getting them sent to the house.” He tells me.

“I really appreciate you buying me everything.” I tell him.

“Anytime” he winks at me just as the waiter brings us our food.

“Aria sweetie. I’ve booked you an appointment to get you check out by our family doctor. Just as a precaution, we know you are well under the weight you should be and we want to help get you better" Mrs Connors says.  I nod my head as I eat my food. For a simple salad it’s really good.

After lunch we are straight back to shopping. Shoe shopping. Once I’m measured, turns out I’ve been wearing the wrong size shoe for the last three years. Xander soon heads off on his own, picking up a few pairs of trainers a couple pairs of sandals and Mrs Connors is picking up heels and wedges. In all ten pairs of shoes were bought. Xander again getting them delivered to the house.

The last stop is toiletries. This is where Xander leaves me in his mums hands. He said that is too girly for him. As he waits outside the shop for us, I know exactly what I’m going for though.  After walking up and down the aisles our basket is full. Xander meets us at the check-out and happily pays again for my things.

Deciding that we’ve done enough shopping for today we head back to the car and are soon driving home. Xander and his mum happily chatting in the front of the car as I doze off in the back. Who knew shopping can make you so tried.