CHAPTER 4: ALDO'S DEATH

Cassandra POV

When I woke up all I could see was light.

'Ah, my eyes!' I said to myself as I struggled to sit up in the bed, When my eyes finally adjusted to the blaring light, I proceeded to swing my legs over the edge of the mattress so I could stand up.

When I finally got out of bed, I walked over to the bathroom in an attempt to make myself look presentable.

When I saw myself in the mirror I was a little shocked.

My hair was all a wavy mess, and the leftover mascara from last night was all dried underneath my eyes.

I started to look through the drawers in the bathroom till I found a toothbrush, toothpaste, a hair comb, and face soap.

First I started by washing my face.

I first wet my face with my hands, then I started working on the mess on my head, I really should have brushed it out when I got out of the shower last night, but it's a little too late for that now.

When I finished that, I threw my hair into a low messy bun and quickly brushed my teeth, When I was done with everything, I walked out of the bathroom, and then I heard a light knock on the door.

Come in, I said to whoever was knocking on the door.

Good morning Cassandra, Nick said with a cheerful tone.

Good morning, I told him with a smile.

If I'm being honest, I really don't like to be called by my full name, it's just too fancy, which is why I like to be called Cassy.

"Oh ok, Cassy.

I was just sent to tell you that breakfast is ready, He said.

Ok, thanks, I'll be right down, I said with a smile.

Alright, I'll save you a seat right next to me, he said with a wink before he left the room.

Out of all the brothers so far, Nick is by far my favorite.

He's just so inviting, much like my own brother.

The thought of my brother made my chest tighten, but I tried not to dwell on it.

As I descended the staircase, I made a conscious effort to hold onto my pants.

I really need to ask someone for some better-fitting clothes.

As I reached the bottom of the stairs, I went in the direction of where I believed the kitchen was.

When I started to get closer, I started to hear his voice.

All of a sudden, I remembered what happened last night.

I started to remember how gentle he was, and the connection that I felt when he touched me, but I quickly pushed those thoughts out of my mind.

When I finally made it into the kitchen, I saw everyone sitting down.

All four brothers, along with Andrea, and a few other people whom I didn't know.

Hey, Cassy, over here! Nick yelled to me from the table.

When I finally spotted Nick, I started to walk over to where he was sitting, Just as he promised, he saved a seat right beside him.

The only issue was that I was also going to have to sit next to Pablo.

Taking a breath in, I sat down in the empty seat.

Good morning, Pablo said to me as soon as I got seated in my chair.

Good morning, I greeted him back, not making eye contact.

When I started to serve myself some breakfast from the center of the table, I could feel him watching my every move.

I felt small under his gaze, which was something that had been happening a lot.

Hi, it's Cassy, isn't it?" I heard a woman ask me from across the table.

I looked up from my plate and saw a woman with mid-length black curly hair.

She was also thinner than I was and had far fewer curves.

"I'm Geet," she said to me.

"I'm so glad you are here, It gets lonely being an only girl here," she said with a giggle.

"I bet," I said to her with a chuckle.

Midway through breakfast we were interrupted when Pablo's phone started to ring.

He immediately picked it up and started speaking in Italian, Even though I speak fluent Spanish, I still had no idea what he was saying.

He just speaks so fast.

He is here Pablo said to the men at the table.

They all stood up simultaneously, adjusted their suit jackets, and left the room.

Only Geet and I were left.

What was that all about? I asked her.

I'm not entirely sure, but it has probably something to do with business, she said plainly.

So, how did you end up here? Geet asked me..

Well, I said while placing a piece of my hair behind my ear, it's kinda a long story, I said while laughing.

Trust me we've got time, she told me.

I was at the annual gala last night, and Pablo rescued me during the shoot-out, I said plainly,

Geet's jaw dropped.

So you're telling me Pablo, rescued you during the gala shoot out? she said lowly.

Yeah, why are you acting like it's such a big deal? I said with a chuckle.

Because it is! Pablo is cold.

I think I've only seen him smile a couple of times, and I've been here for a while! she said exasperatedly.

Just be careful, ok.

Pablo breaks girls' hearts once he gets what he wants, she said.

I gave her a small nod so she knew that I understood.

Wait! Is there something going on between you and him?

Last night I heard the brothers talking about the 'girl he rescued, her voice was all but a whisper.

I just looked at her, Oh, how I wish something was going on between him and me.

Last night's events flashed through my mind once again.

It made me think, was there something going on between him and me?

Before answering the question, I took a sip of my water.

No, nothing is going on between us.

I don't even know him or why he saved me, I said.

Geet gave me a skeptical look, and before she could say anything else I changed the subject.

Ok, enough with me, what about you? I asked

Oh me? she said shyly, Well, Ricky and I are kind of... involved, she said with a small blush creeping onto her cheeks.

Aw.... really, how long have you been involved? I said excitedly.

Around two years.

I'm just waiting for him to pop the question already! she said with a giggle.

Wow, two years is a long time.

My longest relationship has only lasted a couple of months, I said.

Don't worry, your prince charming is out there somewhere, Geet said, Come on, let's go outside for a little while.

I could use some fresh air, she said.

I shook my head and started to grab my dirty plate.

Don't worry about the plates Geet said to me, The maids will get them."

Doing as I was told I put my plate down and followed Geet outside.

When we walked out of the back door I was greeted with the cool London fall breeze.

I just took a moment and enjoyed the calm that was around me.

The moment didn't last very long though, because my ears were soon filled with loud yelling in Italian.

Geet and I both looked at each other and started to follow the sound of the voices.

After turning a few short corners, we saw the horrific scene unfolding in front of us.

Pablo had his gun pointing at the old man sitting in front of him.

The old man had a small smirk on his face and looked completely unfazed by the predicament he was in.

Pablo said, I'm not the same man I was then Aldo, the old man said, Of course, you aren't.

You've changed a lot since you killed him.

Aldo, Pablo growled, Keep his name out of your mouth! Stop disrespecting the Salvatore name.

Right when the old man was about to continue, Pablo fired his gun.

Brains and blood covered the cement.

Geet and I let out a shriek of fear as we watched a man die before our eyes.

It was in that moment that I knew we were screwed.

What the hell are you girls doing out here!" he shouted storming towards us.

There was a look in his eyes that showed not only anger, but fear.

He said while motioning towards the now dead man, Clean up this shit!

Before I could see any more of the horrific scene, he took hold of both Geet and me by hand and began dragging us inside.

When we finally reached the kitchen he let go of our wrists.

Immediately, Geet fled the scene to get away from a very angry Pablo.

How could she just leave me alone with him!

When I am conducting business do not come and investigate.

It is dangerous and you girls just get in the way!" he spat at me.

During his mini-lecture, I couldn't even look at him; he disgusted me.

When I am talking to you look me in the fucking eyes, he growled lowly.

I raised my head and looked him straight in the eyes, how can I even look at you after what you just did?

You are a killer, a monster, I said lowly.

I realized quickly that I shouldn't have said that to him.

The next thing I knew was that I was being dragged up the stairs.

His fingers were gripping my forearm so tightly that it was starting to hurt.

Pablo you're hurting me, I said just loud enough for him to hear.

I should have kept my words to myself, because he took it as an opportunity to grip harder.

When we finally arrived at my room, he gently pushed me into the room and locked the door.

Well shit, I said to myself as I looked over the red mark on my forearm, there will definitely be a bruise tomorrow.

Hours later.

It is around 9 o'clock, and I've been sitting in here all day.

I've never been more bored in my entire life, during my time in solitude, I've had time to think about what happened earlier today.

The more I thought about it, the more hurt I got, I didn't even do anything wrong!

What could have made him lose his shit on me as he did?

A light knock at my door brought me out of my thoughts.

Before I could answer, the door swung open.

It was Andrea, Pablo's right-hand man.

The boss wants you in his office now, he said harshly.

I nodded and started to walk towards the door.

Andrea led me throughout the house, till we got to a big wooden door.

He opened it for me so I could walk through, and before I could thank him he loudly shut the door.

Pablo's office was very spacious, and I was admiring it before I turned my attention to the man sitting before me.

He looked handsome as usual, but also tired.

He was sitting back in his chair, with his suit jacket off, his gaze directed toward his glass, which had a brown liquid being swirled around inside, Probably scotch, I thought to myself.

I was the first to break the silence, What do you want, Pablo?

Just to talk, he said quietly.

About what?

I have nothing to say to you, I said harshly.

Just come here, Cassy, he said bashfully.

My heart started to flutter at his words, I know that I should be mad at him right now, but there was just something about this man!.

Mindlessly I found myself walking over to him.

He sat up in his chair as I approached him, When I was only a couple of feet away from him, he reached out and grabbed my forearm, pulling me closer.

I winced in pain, as he applied pressure to my now bruised arm.

Noticing my reaction, he looked away from me in shame.

I'm so sorry I hurt you Cassy, he told me as I stood between his legs.

I know, I whispered to him.

You just scared me earlier, I don't want you to be around my work, he said quickly.

I looked into his eyes, they were raw with emotion.

I could tell that he really meant what he was saying.

I understand, and I'm sorry for what I said to you earlier, I told him to break eye contact.

If I am being truthful, I do feel really bad about what I said earlier.

This is just what his life is, and I have no right to judge him.

I, too, am from a mafia family, except my papa has always been really good at keeping his work at work.

You don't need to apologize for what you said, you were right he sighed.

Just look at what I did to you.. His voice began to trail.

I didn't know what I was saying, I said.

You are not a monster.

He gave me a knowing look before releasing me.

In that moment, I realized that this is not a man, but just a boy.

He took one last drink from his glass and set it back down on his desk.

He then rose from his seat, so that we would be standing in front of each other.

His hand gently went to the back of my neck, tilting it up, I soon felt his soft lips against mine.

At first, the kiss was sweet, until it became deep and full of lust.

I pulled away before things got too intense.

"Fuck." he swore onto my lips, I could feel how bad he wanted me, and I wanted him too.

Cassy, he said deeply, You are so beautiful.

My heart fluttered once again at his sweet words, and all I could do was smile cheekily at him.