Claimed By The Mafia Don (Ariella and Asher) novel Chapter 158

After dinner, things settled into a quiet lull. It was clear Rosie and Leon were getting restless, both of them squirming and yawning. Rosie kept tugging on Alan’s ankle until he finally chuckled and said,

“I would’ve loved to spend a few more minutes getting to know you, Ariana, but it looks like I’m on bath and bedtime duty tonight.”

“Of course, that’s no problem. I live next door anyway,” I said, brushing it off casually.

“Oh,” he replied, perking up with interest. “You live next door?”

“Yes,” I confirmed with a small nod.

He smiled, nodding like it was good news. “Then I guess I’ll be seeing you a lot more.” He paused, then added, “And just so I don’t get ahead of myself… you’re not married, are you? I didn’t see a ring, but is there maybe a boyfriend in the picture?”

Before I could answer, Dana groaned. “Oh my God, Alan. Can you just act chill for once? You always do this!”

“What?” Alan laughed, looking completely unbothered.

“Every time you meet one of my friends, you flirt with them, sleep with them, break up with them.... and guess who ends up losing a friend? Me! I’m not losing Ariana over your....” she paused and looked toward the kids, “escapades.”

“Well, I guess I’ll be going,” I said quickly, sensing the tension and not wanting to be part of it.

I was starting to piece things together. Alan seemed like a charmer, a player, maybe. Based on what Dana had just said, he had a pattern of seducing her friends, leaving Dana to deal with the aftermath. And honestly, I couldn’t blame those friends. Alan was tall, handsome, and magnetic. He had money, he had presence. He knew how to light up a room.

But I wasn’t trying to fall into that trap. I loved Dana, I liked our friendship, and I didn’t want to get in the middle of whatever sibling chaos this was.

“Don’t worry. Of course, I’ll walk you out,” Dana said

" I'll be seeing you around..." Alan said with a wink.

Dana seemed to relax a little as she walked me out. Rosie clung to her uncle’s hand, both of them heading up the stairs. Since I lived just next door, Dana decided to walk me over. It was barely a few seconds' walk, especially if you were in a hurry.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify