Betrothed to a CEO, inlove with a MAFIA

EPISODE 6

Damian's POV:

My heart raced with each step I took, a familiar sensation that had visited me before. But no matter how many times I faced situations like this, it never failed to ignite fear within me. Fear of losing the one person who meant everything to me.

"Can you step on it?" I commanded my driver, urgency lacing my tone.

My father wasn't the epitome of a perfect parent, far from it. Winning the title of best father wasn't something he'd ever achieve, yet he held an irreplaceable place in my life. He imparted wisdom and skills that shaped me into the person I am today. His lessons weren't handed to me on a silver platter; he made me work, taught me the intricacies of life, and placed his trust in me. Our relationship might not have been the stuff of close friendships, but the thought of losing him sent shivers down my spine.

"We've arrived, boss," my driver announced, a respectful bow accompanying his words. Stepping out of the car, I took in my surroundings, a place I hadn't visited in quite some time. The grandeur of the mansion and the fleet of cars displayed a testament to my father's refined taste and philosophy – that hard work deserves to be rewarded.

His men populated the compound, an increase in security evident due to the presence of unfamiliar faces. Each time my father heightened security, a sense of impending danger lingered, suggesting the gravity of the situation at hand. My intuition told me that if my father was this concerned, there had to be a significant reason behind it. Knowing my father's tendency to withhold information, I understood that unraveling the truth wouldn't be easy.

A chorus of greetings echoed around me as his men welcomed me with lowered heads and respectful tones, "Welcome, boss."

As the mansion's door opened, revealing the interior, I noticed his personal maid awaiting my arrival.

"Welcome, sir," she greeted, her gaze downcast.

"Where is my father?" I inquired sharply.

"He's in his private room, sir. The doctor is still with him," she informed me.

Without wasting another word, I made my way to his room. As I entered, I overheard my father saying, "Make sure Damian doesn't hear about this."

"Too late, Dad. I'm already here," I responded, a hint of amusement tugging at my lips.

He let out a deep sigh, a chuckle escaping him as he sank his head in the pillow.

"I should get going now since your son is here. Don Franco, please make sure you take your prescription religiously," the doctor announced, packing up his belongings in preparation to leave.

"Thank you, doctor," my father replied weakly.

"I'll walk you out," I offered.

Once outside the room, I wasted no time in asking, "What's wrong with my father, Doctor Ken?"

"Your father experienced a severe heart attack. His blood pressure plummeted, but luckily I arrived in time to administer his medication. I would have recommended he stay in one of the private hospital wards for at least a week so I could closely monitor him, but you know your father. He's not one to easily accept being confined," the doctor explained.

"Yeah, he believes being in a hospital bed would be a sign of weakness to his enemies and rivals," I responded with a sigh.

"I'll arrange for a private nurse to stay with him for a week. She'll ensure he eats properly, takes his medication, and gets the rest he needs. We can't afford to have something like this happen again anytime soon," the doctor expressed his concern.

"I'll make sure it doesn't. Thank you very much, Doctor Ken," I said, extending my hand for a handshake.

"Your father has shown kindness to me. It's only fair that I return the favor whenever needed. Goodbye, Mr. Damian," he replied before exiting.

Returning to my father's room, I stood beside his bed and asked, "How are you feeling, Dad?"

"What have you been up to? I've noticed you haven't been to the safe house in a while," my father deflected, changing the subject.

"Nothing you need to worry about. And can you please stop keeping tabs on me? I'm not a child anymore," I responded with a hint of irritation.

"Just ensure whatever you're doing doesn't affect the business or give our enemies an advantage," he warned sternly.

"Speaking of enemies, I've noticed the increased security. Is there something I should know?" concern colored my voice.

"You should leave. I need to rest," he stated firmly.

"But..." I began to protest, but the intensity in his gaze sent shivers down my spine.

Without another word, I exited the room. "Take care of him and make sure he takes his medication," I instructed his personal maid before leaving.

My father's rejection had always kept me at arm's length. Growing up, he treated me not as his son, but as one of his men in training. To reach the position I hold now, I had to put in hard work and make sacrifices. He believed that love made a man weak, and any emotional attachment could become a vulnerability exploited by enemies. My heart remained as cold as ice until I met Claire. Her presence was a stark contrast, warming my world with her charisma, smile, and extraordinary beauty. Unlike the easy women I'd encountered before, Claire's challenging nature intrigued me. She unraveled emotions I didn't know existed within me, pushed me to do things I hadn't thought possible, and revealed an unexplored side of my character. However, she also reinforced my father's teachings – that love was a path for the weak, and I was determined not to tread that path again.

"Welcome, Damian," Lisa greeted me as I entered the house, her presence near the door almost constant.

"Thank you, Lisa," I replied in a plain manner.

"Busy day?" she inquired with concern.

"Dad had a heart attack," I answered with little emotion.

"What! How is he? Has he been taken to the hospital?" Her panic was evident, nearly bringing her to tears.

"Relax, Lisa. He's stable now and at the mansion. You can take tomorrow off to visit him," I reassured her.

"Thank you, thank you," she replied, clutching her chest.

Lisa had seen my father as a father figure while growing up, so her attachment was understandable.

"How's Claire?" I asked.

"I cleaned the room and left fresh clothes as you asked, but she's refusing to come downstairs for a meal. She skipped lunch, and even though I took food to her room, she insisted she wasn't hungry. I don't think she plans to join us for dinner either," Lisa reported, her voice tinged with worry.

"Set the table for dinner," I instructed, making my way toward the stairs leading to Claire's and my room.

Just outside my door, I changed my mind and decided to go to Claire's room first, calling her down for dinner. She wouldn't dare refuse me, I thought.

Without knocking, I pushed her door open and was met with the sight of a nearly naked Claire. She had just exited the bathroom, her body draped in a towel that slipped, revealing her naked form. We both froze, our eyes locking in a charged moment. I felt my feet move of their own accord, closing the gap between us. Her heavy, shaky breaths filled the space, and I was captivated by her beauty. Every contour of her body was perfect, her skin flawless. I traced the curve of her back with my fingertip, drawing her closer until our bodies brushed. The world seemed to fade, leaving just the two of us. Our breaths quickened, and the air grew heated as I lifted her chin with my finger, capturing her lips in a deep, consuming kiss. Our tongues danced, vying for dominance. The moment was electric until my desires took over. Roughly, I pushed her onto the bed, mounting and pinning her down. I kissed her neck and down to her breasts with a forceful hunger.

"Damian! Stop... Please, Damian, stop," I heard her pleas in a quivering voice, her cries echoing through the air. But I was too consumed by my own impulses to fully comprehend her words.