The Mafia Heiress

Uno

***

The wisps of sleep faded away, a beep sounding from somewhere next to me. I woke up with a start, the confusion fading fast as a foreign sound met my ears. Something akin to a pained moan.

I sat up instantly, my gaze settling on my best friend Amanda.

"I'm sorry, Reina. I should have known better than to startle you. I just wanted to let you know that Alex is here to pick you up."

Amanda stated, glancing down at where my hand was painfully clutching onto her wrist. I let go instantly, watching as she granted me a sheepish smile whilst stretching the muscles out. Guilt crawled up my throat, reminding me of similar memories. Hurting my best friend is the worst feeling in the world but it had been my new reality since we first met.

My therapist explained away the violent reflexes and nightmares were a traumatic response to the accident that changed my life and took away my memories. Nights of screaming the house down and waking up filled with adrenaline were prevalent from the moment I went home after the accident. My father was always present, comforting me through it and Amanda had taken on the role during our time as roommates in the University.

She understands...doesn't mean she deserves to suffer the brunt of my trauma and f****d upness.

"No, I should be the one to apologize. I hope I didn't hurt you..."

Guilt and worry threatened to swallow me whole. as I awaited her response. Instead, I was met with a small, understanding smile and a reassuring shake of the head as she took my hand in her own.

"Not at all. I'm fine, I promise. You weren't as deep asleep as usual, so the reflex action was slightly less severe. I'm okay,"

Amanda reassured, squeezing my hand to comfort me. I allowed her to assuage my fears. I knew she would worry if I showed her just how much I hated myself for doing that to her. For being a psychotic freak. I knew better than to speak such negativity into my life. As a doctor, I knew how bad words affected a recovery process and yet I couldn't help myself.

This probably requires a visit with Doctor Navers again....

I murmured within, knowing full well I was long overdue for a visit. I had been distracted over the past couple of weeks. Between long hours in the hospital and my new relationship with the man who had stolen my literal heart, I'd had no time to visit my therapist.

Speaking of Alex...

"Alex is early. We'd agreed to meet at 8pm."

I spoke up, glancing at my watch. It was 7:30pm, certainly earlier than usual for him. He was almost always swamped with work but nevertheless, I wasn't complaining. The change was welcome, and it brought a genuine smile to my lips, extinguishing all of my worries, self-doubt and self-hate.

His presence in my life has shifted so much...

"Well, looks like your handsome boyfriend couldn't wait to see you. Now, how about you get rid of the bed hair and freshen up your make up? I know he'd wait for you for however long but lets not keep him for too long."

Amanda responded, granting me a wink that had me chuckling in amusement before rising from my office chair and letting her push me into my adjacent bathroom. As a top surgery resident, I had earned my own office whose facilities were truly revolutionary, matching with the futuristic world we now lived in.

"Thank you for coming for me. I was honestly so tired after a four-hour surgery. I kinda blacked out after it."

I murmured as I brushed my hair, earning a small laugh from my best friend as she freshened her own make up. I suspected it had something to do with seeing my fellow surgery resident who would be taking over my shift. Amanda had been crushing on Kyle Callahan for the longest time and my urgings for her to shoot her shot were met with adamant refusal as the two settled on silent flirting and steamy conversations that never really did lead anywhere.

"Of course. Spotted him at the lobby and said hi. He was worried after you didn't pick up his calls, so I told him I'd call you down. He was having a conversation with Kyle when I met him, so I was certainly about to high tail out of there. Didn't want him to see my crusty and musty 36-hour shift self without some make up and brushed hair at least but I was, sadly, spotted."

She granted me a sheepish grin as we chuckled at her story. I brushed my raven black, waist-length hair out before braiding it up, my blue eyes locking with Amanda through the mirror's reflection as I spoke up.

"Don't worry. I doubt Kyle cares about your bird's nest. The man is so into you. He's just a little shy...maybe? God, it must have been so weird for him to talk to Alex. You know how intense he can get sometimes."

I groaned at the thought of Kyle and Alex interacting. For all my boyfriend's charming qualities, his social skills were incredibly lacking and that included making small talk. He might have probably been looking for me, but I still felt sorry for the resident.

I owe the guy a coffee at least for dealing with him, especially when he's worried or anxious about me...

"Oh yea, your man is intense as hell. But...that's definitely what makes him sexy. His broodiness is one of the most attractive qualities to him...well, apart from the fact that he's a billionaire bad boy who's built like a freaking Greek god."

She playfully fanned herself, making me laugh out loud as I put away my mascara and stared at the finished product. I looked somewhat better now, less tired. The concealer had done wonders to hide the dark circles under my eyes. Winged eye liner and mascara made my eyes pop a little more and lip gloss finished the entire look and made me look a bit more presentable.

"Careful now, you don't want Kyle to hear you. Or maybe you should. Maybe that will get him to finally make a move. I'm all for slow burns but Christ, it's been ages since you guys started flirting."

Amanda let out a loud laugh as we exited my office and made our way down the hospital hallways and towards the elevator. A blush stained her cheeks, somewhat matching her fiery red hair that was a true reflection of her in every single way. She was a vibrant soul and a true friend in every single sense of the word. Having her in my life had eased the ache of what I had lost through my amnesia and the darkness that swirled within me that scared me. It lurked, threatening to come out and wreak havoc.

These moments spent talking about normal things, reminiscing on our past, present and future. These were the moments I craved for. These were the moments that reminded me that life was worth living and thriving within.

"I know! Your relationship with Mr. Bad Boy has me convinced that it's time to make a move. Who knows, I just might give in and show our resident Mcdreamy what I'm made of."

Her wink was full of mischief, and I could not help the laugh that escaped me just as the elevator opened and revealed the lobby. Some eyes turned to us, taking in our glee but the only gaze that meant anything to me was Alex's intense, forest green eyes that held my own as we approached.

Just like the first day we met, intensity burned through me as my body reacted violently to his presence. Butterflies flooded my stomach, my heart beating all the more faster at his gaze. My body burned at his gaze, his little smile taking my literal breath away as his gaze softened at the sight of my approach.

I don't think I will ever get used to how my body reacts to him... or how he looks at me...

"Hey..."

I whispered in greeting, my body vibrating at his presence as goosebumps spread across my skin once his arm wrapped around me.

"Hey baby. How was your day?"

He murmured, planting a light kiss on my forehead that made my heart flutter, warmth coursing through my veins at his affection. After dating for four months, you'd think i'd get used to his little moments of affection and yet they never failed to make my heart skip a beat and my smile all the wider.

"It was okay. A little tiring but good. Especially after seeing you here so early. I thought you would be at work."

He shrugged, brushing a lose strand of my hair that escaped my braid behind my ear.

"I took the evening off. Thought we'd spend some time indoors and simply relax."

He murmured, an ounce of vulnerabilty in his gaze as he watched for my reaction. It was endearing, a heart warming glimpse into his warmer and more considerate side which was a side of him that he rarely showed anyone else. He was a powerful business man, a force of nature in the boardroom. It was hard for him to be so open with anyone and for a while, he guarded himself around me too.

But he's been opening up more...Showing me so much, making me love him more...

"I'd really like that."

I responded, granting him my most excited grin that made him release a small, deep chuckle that never failed to bring my attraction to the forefront once again. My body yearned for him, yearned to have his arms wrap around me and his body possess my own. We were yet to be intimate beyond long make out sessions.

Alex Myers was more traditional than most and although in this new age world it would be weird, especially knowing his background as a ladies man, it made me feel special to know he didn't want to rush things as he had before.

And I'll wait for however long, even though my body literally fires up at the mere thought of him and being in his presence...

After a quick goodbye to Kyle and a smirking Amanda, we were off towards the car park where his sleek, black Audi R8 was parked. I thanked him silently with a smile once he opened the door for me, ensuring I was settled in before he closed the door and settled into the driver's side.

We were off soon enough, melding into Montreal's traffic as we headed towards his apartment. I released a small sigh, smiling as I felt one of his hands holding my own, as he always did during our drives. My gaze found the side mirrors, spotting the familiar black Chevrolet SUV that almost always trailed after us whenever we were out and about.

"Seems like Max and Vik are on shift today."

I murmured, earning a small nod from Alex as he left the highway and begun the twenty minute drive towards his apartment.

"They're always present for our safety,"

Alex explained, reiterating the words he had used to explain the presence of his bodyguards the first time we met. Knowing that he needed protection still somewhat unsettled me, reminding me of just how important he truly was. His position as a top businessman was a sensitive one, especially in the world we lived in now. There were individuals more dangerous than anything who would do whatever they needed to get their hands on him or his fortune.

I know he has no choice but to live like this, worrying about the criminal underground but I guess I still need to get used to it...

The rest of the drive went by in silence despite my occasional hum along to the song playing on the radio. I loved our private drives. They were peaceful, carefree and had me seeing more and more of the man who had swept me up and taken my heart hostage. I returned his small smile at the sound of my silent singing, no doubt, wishing that I could frame the memory and keep it for all eternity. Moments that brought me genuine joy.

We pulled into the parking garage of his luxury apartment soon enough, each of us exiting the car and walking hand-in-hand towards the elevator that would lead us to his penthouse apartment. I never grew tired of admiring the odds and ends of his life, the absolute lavishness that surrounded him. I mean, I had grown up in relative wealth, but nothing compared to what he had.

"So, how about we order take out tonight instead of cooking? We can watch that Marvel Movie you wanted to check out...."

I murmured, chuckling at the sight of his small smile as he nodded.

"Yeah, that sounds like a plan...or we could have a candle lit dinner instead..."

He stated just as the elevator doors opened, revealing the apartment. I frowned in confusion, processing his words but I didn't have to as I gazed at the transformed apartment. Flowers led the way from the elevator to the terrace, candles lighting the entire way as a delicious aroma permeated through the air.

I turned to my boyfriend, shock and excitement no doubt shimmering in my eyes as I let them relay all the emotions I felt and how much love I had for him for pulling this together for me. He simply granted me a small smile, leading me out of the elevator and down the little, make-shift path he had made with candles and flowers.

"This is so beautiful. I can't believe you set this up, my love."

I murmured, choosing to use the newly coined term of endearment I had dubbed on him. His smile at the sound of it granted me the encouragement I needed to continue to use it. I turned my gaze to the floor to ceiling windows where the candle lit dinner had already been set up, the sight dreamy and truly too good to be true and so thoughtful.

"I wanted to do something special for this occasion."

His words carried over to me, prompting me to turn to question him. I was, however, dumbstruck into silence as I took in his kneeled position, in his hands a ring box that had me releasing a small, shocked gasp at the sight of it. Never in my wildest dreams would I have expected this, and the tears begun to gather at the sight of his intense gaze and little, nervous smile.

"I know it hasn't been long and I know this probably seems crazy, but I love you, Reina, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. You make me happier than I have ever been in a long time. Your love and your presence are all I ever need, and I can't wait to call you mine and have you with me forever. Look, I know there will be tough times and I know, at some point, we will want to get out of this, but I also guarantee that my devotion to you is absolute. We will face the bad times together and we will win because we are magnetic. I refuse to regret anything in my life, least of all asking you to be mine. So be my only one, Reina May. Let's truly start our life together. Will you make me the happiest man in the world and allow me to cherish you for the rest of yours? Will you marry me?"

My heart stuttered at his speech, my mind on overdrive as I tried to process all the emotions coursing through me. Tears spilled forth, my heart beating impossibly fast in my chest as I nodded enthusiastically. There wasn't a single doubt in my mind that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him. It was crazy and it was fast, but that was our love story and I cherished it.

"Yes! I'll marry you!"

I responded, allowing him to slide the beautiful ring on my finger. Round cut, three carat white diamond ring with a silver band surrounded by twenty diamonds. It was extravagant, lavish and beautiful beyond compare- reflecting wondrously on the light from the candles. His kiss was scorching, bringing forth a burning desire unlike anything else. My body hummed with approval at the way his tongue dominated, teasing and tussling with my own as his hands wrapped possessively around my waist. It was these small glimpses that assured me of how electric we would be together.

"Holy hell, if you keep kissing me like that then I just might have to marry you sooner than we anticipated."

I murmured, dazed from his kiss and how embarassingly drenched my panties were. I wanted him, craved his touch and his attention. Craved his kisses on other parts of me. I knew that we would be fiery when we finally gave into our longing for each other.

His little chuckle at my words brought a smile to my lips as I gazed up at him. I wouldn't mind hearing that particular sound for the rest of my life.

"Well, why wait then? We could be at the courthouse tomorrow morning and married by noon. All you have to do is say yes and I'll plan everything."

I thought he was joking at first, releasing a little laugh in response but my amusement was met with seriousness as his scorching gaze held my own. He wasn't bluffing. He really meant it.

Holy shit...he really wants me to marry him...

"Wait, you're serious...But I haven't told my dad yet or Amanda. Isn't this too rushed?"

I complained half heartedly, knowing full well that Amanda would be fully onboard with the plan. Yes, she would think its crazy and would probably have a sit down with me and let her Masters in Psychology explore whether I haven't gone completely insane but I knew she would support me no matter what.

My Father, though...that's a whole different story....

Jonathan May has always been extremely protective of me, going as far as to chase away teenage boys vying for my attention in the neighbourhood we moved to after my accident. I chalked it up to the fact that he almost lost me, the only family he truly has, and let it pass but he became worse over the years, almost going as far as to keep me from going to College.

If he knows I'm seeing someone, let alone getting married to them, he is going to lose his mind...

"Amanda will understand and so will your father...eventually. Look, baby, the decision is up to you. All I know is I can't wait to start spending my forever with you."

His kiss on my forehead made me weak, erasing my doubts as I smiled up at him. Determination coursed through me and a burst of stubbornness that my Father had always complained about. I refused to hold myself back because of fear or worry. I wanted to be with this man, this beautiful man who loved me and cared for me.

I'll tell Father after the wedding. I'm sure he will eventually understand...he'll love Alex. I know he will...

I murmured within, trying to convince myself and the silent voice in my mind screaming for me to stop. To think this through. It was the same voice that plagued my nightmares, that begged me to remember my past. Doctor Naver had claimed that it was my trauma and I refused to let it rule and ruin my life any more than it already has.

And so, I granted my soon to be husband a wide, excited grin that seemed to take him aback as he watched me closely.

"Let's do it. Never really been a fan of big weddings. Let's get married tomorrow!"

I squealed once he lifted me in his arms, laughing as he twirled me around excitedly. Never had I seen him so happy, so carefree.

This is the right decision, Reina...

I chanted over and over again within despite the small part of me that was still begging me to stop, to reconsider...to run from Alex Myers...

***