Sydney said I would never get involved with this mafia shit. No one would know that we talked about it. Did he think I would tell anyone after abandoning me and the baby?
"I don't understand whatever you're telling me Mr James. Sydney never told me anything." 'Just act dumb Isabella.' I tell myself. Maybe he will leave me alone.
"Well, I just told you about it. So you still have to sign." Luke smirks at this and I roll my eyes.
"What happens if I don't sign it?" There's no way I'll sign it. There's no way out. I can't raise my son in this life.
"As I said, you'll be treated as a threat against the family. All you're close ones will be tortured to death as you watch and the same will be done to you later on." Luke says this nonchalantly. You could think he's talking about the weather.
"Look. I don't want you to sign this under threats. Sydney feels like this will keep you safe since he'll have people keeping an eye on you." Luke says this in a softer tone but I scoff.
"I don't care what that man feels. He could go..." I touch my belly and rub it. 'No swearing Isabella.' I remind myself. "He can do what he wants. I don't care." Luke looks amused at my actions but says nothing.
"I don't even understand why he would tell you and what sort of relationship you two have." Luke adjusts himself on the bench. "I mean it's not my business to pry even though he's my best friend, but you really have to sign it. People will start coming after you. Don't risk your life and the baby's." Sydney has a best friend? That seems almost laughable. Sydney is always so broody and too serious but Luke is the complete opposite. I don't voice my thoughts though.
"Can you give me time?" I need to think about this. Signing that document is giving my life to the mafia. A place I was promised to be protected from by the same person making me sign this. Why would Sydney make me sign this?
"Twenty four hours. Give or take." Luke says as he stands. That's better.
"I'll think about it. But I have one condition." I need answers. Luke raises an eyebrow.
"So demanding are we?" I ignore his statement. "Sydney brings the papers tomorrow. Tell him we'll meet at 'home'." Luke seems confused by this but smirks seconds later.
"Sure princess." He winks at me and before I say anything, he turns to go. I look at him dumbfounded until he stops and turns to me. "You coming?" Its then I notice he still has my heavy bag.
*********
"I'll be back in two hours." I shout to Harry and Amelia as I hurriedly get out of the house to avoid questions. I have to meet up with Sydney at noon at the cottage. Luke only texted me that he'd be there at noon since that was the only time he was free.
I get into my car. I hear a knock on the side of my window and see a man dressed in a black suit with sunglasses. Should I get out? No. What if he was sent by some people? Gosh! I'm so paranoid these days. Damn Sydney and this mafia talk. I hear a message tone in my phone.
Sydney.
He's with me. Go with him.
My gaze returns to the man. He's standing next to a white sports car.
Me.
What's his name?
Sydney
Joey Anderson.
I get out and stand outside my door. "Any identification?" The man takes a badge from his inside pocket and hands it to me.
Joey Anderson
Age: 33 years old
Occupation: bodyguard.
Satisfied, I return it to him and follow him to the beautiful car.
He drives for about twenty minutes before he makes a left turn to somewhere I've never seen. My heart starts beating so fast but I don't want to seem obviously scared.
"Um, Joey, this isn't the way." My voice doesn't seem panicked and I silently thank God.
"We're meeting boss here." I only hum and try to seem in control but my heart rates haven’t reduced at all. We stop after two minutes next to a familiar car. I breathe in a deep breath to calm myself down.
"I'm sorry for scaring you." Joey says and I whip my head to him so fast.
"You weren't that obvious but can I read people's reactions." I nod and give him a small smile. He hadn't talked the whole way here. I thank him as I get out and head towards Sydney's car. He gets out and comes to my side and opens the door for me. I slip in then he shuts it. He talks to Joey for a minute before coming back to his seat and starts the long ten minutes ride to the cottage.
We don't talk until we reach. Sydney gets out first and before I open the door, he does it for me. I get out and head towards the cottage without a word. I'm only here for answers. I stand next to the door and wait for him to come open it. He opens the door in silence and waits for me to get in. I roll my eyes and pass through the door before he does. Stupid chivalry.
"You should take your key back. I bought this place for you."
I don't say anything until I seat on a love seat. "You want an out in the Mafia world but in the process, I'm dragged in. Why would you do that to me?" I take in a deep breath. Sydney is staring at my face but says nothing. "You promised nothing would happen to me. Why?" Sydney only takes some papers in the same envelope Luke had. He takes a pen and stands in front of me.
"Sign them." He orders and I scoff.
"You don't get to do this. Talk to me." I see his infamous smirk and for a reason I feel so happy.
"Now you want to talk. Let's just get this over with. Sign and we won't see each other again. I'm sure Luke told you everything." Sydney says coolly.
I get up with from the love seat and immediately the baby kicks making me smile instantly. I'll never get used to this feeling. I look up and see Sydney looking at me intently.
"Why are you suddenly smiling?" The question brings me to reality and I suddenly stop.
"Nothing, the baby just... Kicked." Sydney only nods but says nothing. "Why would you want to us to get involved?" I suddenly feel exhausted. We're talking in circles and I'm tired.
"It's for your safety Isabella. This way I'll be able to protect you both." I suddenly feel angry.
"My baby and I don't need your protection." I spit. I continued practicing shooting until I perfected it. I don't own a gun but I've been planning to buy one.
"That baby is also mine." I roll my eyes. Now the baby is his too.
"I'm not that needy pregnant woman in need of your help Mr Kings. Let's just stop this stupidity and move on with our lives."
"When you sign this I'll be sure you're safe. The baby won't have to be involved but at least he'll be safe." Sydney almost shouts.
"My privacy will be invaded. Wherever I go, I'll be tracked. Who wants that life Sydney?" Why is he forcing me to do this? "Why do you really want me to do this? Now you don't want to..." I'm stopped by sudden lips on mine. I don't react for a second but let myself kiss him back.
The kiss lasts for about ten seconds but it has so many feelings. Frustration being the main one.
"Please trust me on this." Sydney says breathlessly. I touch my lips in disbelief. I've always fantasized kissing Sydney but none could be compared to this. We kissed when I was drunk and horny. Then when I was in his office. At that time I wanted to get back at Ian but this... this can't be compared to that.
Sydney’s forehead is resting on mine and we're breathing the same air. I suddenly push him off me. "You manipulative son of a..." 'Don't swear.'
"Take me home." I say without looking at him. I feel a hand on my wrist. I look up and see Sydney's face. "I wish everything would be different." His voice is low. I don't say anything. I feel I should trust him for a reason but my mind doesn't want to.
Should I sign the damn papers?