Desired By The Mafia Boss

Chapter 1

In the reflection of the hallway mirror, Jessamae grimaced, her sister's words echoing in her mind.

"Jessy, you'd be so much more attractive if your complexion was three shades lighter..." A face with a unique diamond shape stared back at her from the mirror, highlighted by high cheekbones, a small, softly rounded nose, and brown eyes - larger than what's usually considered typical for asian woman. And then there were her eyebrows. She couldn't overlook those. Eyebrows that were, perhaps, a bit too thick. She suppressed Emerald's comments with a light pinch to her cheeks. She was accustomed to it. And the blush she had just applied instantly blended into the backdrop of her sun-kissed skin. She shrugged. Well, that didn't last long.

Without a proper comb, she threaded her fingers through the wild knots of her long hair and straightened the hem of her blazer, which hung three sizes too big on her small frame. She didn't have the luxury of time to change into something more suitable. She let out a prolonged sigh. This would have to suffice. Brace yourself, Nomer, she thought.

She remembered the messages that she and Nomer had exchanged over the past day. They'd only recently met through an online dating app. But she was nearing thirty and still single. By Thai standards, she was practically a spinster.

It seemed they were both working late that night. Why not take a risk, Jessamae? she thought to herself.

'I'll be at the dock in thirty minutes. I'll be the woman in the suit, the one carrying a briefcase.'

'I'll be the good-looking guy in the black suit and tie, holding a red rose. Try not to fall for me.'

She found herself justifying why she agreed to this impromptu date. The statistical probability of Nomer being a serial killer was extremely unlikely. There was only a one in six hundred thousand chance of being murdered by a serial killer. She was more likely to die in a car crash. Plus, there were surveillance cameras at the dock. She should be safe.

And Nomer? What if Emerald was right? He could be the one. She wouldn't know unless she took a risk. He was only in town for a week.

Thirty minutes later, she stepped out of the Uber, clutching her leather briefcase. "Thank you!" she waved and contemplated asking the driver to wait before deciding against it. You're overthinking again, Jessamae, she scolded herself, worrying for no reason. Don't waste this man's time.

With a loud thud, the door closed, and the glow of his taillights disappeared into the distance. She was swallowed by the towering silhouettes of nearby buildings and the distant sound of horns honking from Melbourne city centre, half an hour away.

Holding her briefcase close to her chest, she made her way to the dock. This was it. The waves crashed and the salty sea air filled her mouth as she waited, the seconds, then minutes, ticking by. She checked her phone, hoping for a message. Any moment now...

After ten minutes of silence, she got ready to leave, feeling let down. She couldn't believe she came all this way just to be stood up.

Her phone buzzed, and her stomach did a somersault. She bet it was Nomer texting to apologize, but he had bailed.

She saw that it wasn't Nomer - it was her Grandpa. His text message was as it always was: brief and to the point. "It's late. Are you coming home soon?"

She replied, feeling foolish. Dream man? Yeah, right! 'I'm on my way back now. See you soon.' 'I'll leave the porch light on for you.' 'Thanks.'

She tucked her phone into her navy trousers and forced a smile. Hot pots still made life enjoyable. She wondered if there was a place open at this hour.

She noticed the deserted streets and the silence, broken only by the crashing waves. That's when she spotted a shadowy figure standing at the end of a wooden dock, half a kilometre away. Nomer? she wondered. Could it be him?

She moved closer, her gaze narrowing as she squinted into the dim distance. And then she saw it; the figure in the suit was holding a red rose. She smiled, a new wave of excitement fluttering in her stomach. Huh. He hadn't stood her up, after all.

She followed the natural path that led off the main boardwalk and onto the wooden dock. You've got this, Jessamae, she told herself. Don't scare him off. Don't psychoanalyse him, don't mention his mother, and don't ask about his childhood.

As she approached, the distinct features of Nomer's Russian heritage became evident in his robust and sturdy build. A square-shaped face accentuated his piercing dark eyes and a prominent aquiline nose. Nomer's grin became lopsided, widening as he seemingly took her in.

"Jessamae?" He asked and stepped forward, extending the rose from his left hand. "Is that you? I didn't think you'd come."

"Nomer?"

"It's me, in the flesh."

Hesitation set in. She didn't know this man. He could be dangerous. She shook her head at the thought and berated herself. Step one, Jessamae, to finding true love is no catastrophising. Step two is to allow for growth and opportunity.

She offered him a warm smile and an outstretched hand. "It's nice to meet you, Nomer."

He presented her with the rose and she accepted the token, shyly. "Thank you."

"Hey," Nomer asked and pointed to the beach below the pier. "I know it's a bit cold tonight, but what do you say about a quiet walk? You can tell me about your day?"

He extended his arm, waiting for her to accept, and her mind was immediately put at ease. She removed her heels and simultaneously held them and her briefcase with one hand. The other, she slipped through Nomer's arm, still holding the rose. "Thanks, that's quite gallant of you."

"Of course. I am a gentleman."

Minutes later, as the sound of waves intensified and her feet were numb from the cold sand, she wondered why someone like Nomer was still single, and alarm danced through her. But his voice, thick with his uniquely deep Russian accent, broke her train of thought. "I'm glad you decided to come tonight."

She turned up her head and smiled. "I am, too. It's a beautiful evening."

Nomer leaned in closer, and unexpectedly cupped his hand over her cheek. Her heart began to thud inside her chest with anticipation as he moved closer. This was it. It was THE kiss...

"It is a shame though," Nomer whispered.

Confused, she raised an eyebrow. "What's a shame?"