Claimed By The Mafia Don (Ariella and Asher) novel Chapter 354

ARIELLA

Luca laughed as he shook his head.

“ It's not that big of a deal. We’ll find another reason, instead of the truth,” he said. “We could say she’s too young. Or that Leon is too… enamoured with her.”

I couldn’t help the small smile.

“As I told you,” he added, “Luca doesn’t even want her working here." I gave him a disbelieving look. " His words, not mine,” he added.

That surprised me again.

“So if you’re not going to choose her,” he added, “don’t think about Luca.”

I nodded slowly.

“You’re probably right.” A breath. “If I’m going to hire her… I was thinking maybe tomorrow I could invite her for lunch or dinner. That way I can tell her the news and also get to know her better.”

“That sounds like a great idea,” he said softly. “After everything that’s happened, I know you’re more careful about who you trust.” A small pause. “But this is Luca’s sister. I’m telling you, she’s not going to harm our son. She’s safe.”

I looked at him. I saw the confidence in his gaze and then nodded.

“You always talk about your instincts,” I said. “If your instincts say she’s good… then okay.” A small smile. “We’ll hire her.”

“That’s good,” he said. “One less thing to worry about.”

“Yeah,” I murmured.

And somehow… After speaking with him, I felt better.

Because I knew one thing for certain, Asher would never let just anyone come close to us.

“Okay,” he said, squeezing my hands lightly. “Let’s go upstairs. Take a shower, then come down for dinner.”

A small smile tugged at my lips.

“I’m sure Leon will have a lot more to say about Sia.”

I let out a soft laugh.

“You’re right.” Then I paused. “Actually… maybe I’ll invite her for dinner. That way you can tell Luca to come too—and we can make it a whole thing.”

“That’s a great idea,” he said. “Leon would love that.”

And I would love to find out why Luca didn't want his sister working here. But I refrained from sharing that with Asher.

He took my hand then, and without another word, he led me upstairs.

By the time we came back downstairs, the house had settled into that warm, familiar air that only evenings seemed to bring. Voices carried softly from the dining room. Laughter, loud and unfiltered....Leon. Of course.

Asher’s hand brushed lightly against my back as we walked in together. Leon spotted us immediately.

“Dad!” he called out, practically bouncing in his seat. “We were just talking about Madam Sia!”

I groaned under my breath.

“Of course you were.”

Asher hid his smile as we took our seats.

“What about her?” Asher asked, reaching for his glass.

“She’s amazing,” Leon said immediately. “She said I can ask questions whenever I want. And she doesn’t mind if I don’t understand something the first time. And....”

“And?” Asher prompted.

“And she said I have to work hard or she won’t tutor me anymore,” Leon added seriously.

I blinked. Asher let out a short laugh.

“Well,” he said, “I already like her.”

Leon beamed. “I told you!”

I shook my head lightly, reaching for my napkin.

“She also has rules,” Leon continued. “Proper rules. Not like the boring ones at my last school.”

“Oh?” I said. “And what kind of rules are these?”

“Dad?”

Asher didn’t even hesitate.

“Your mother said no.”

Leon groaned dramatically.

“This is unfair.”

“Go,” I said, trying not to smile.

He dragged himself out of the room like he had been sentenced to something tragic.

“I’m telling Madam Sia about this,” he muttered as he left.

Asher laughed. “He’s already loyal,” Asher said.

“To her,” I pointed out.

“Dangerous,” he replied mockingly.

I stuck my tongue out at him.

He laughed at my childish act but his voice turned serious when he said,

“You’ll pay for that.”

For whatever reason… No, not for whatever reason. I knew exactly why.

My body immediately filled with warmth, and suddenly I wanted him to touch me. Right now.

“Don’t threaten me with a good time,” I shot back.

We held each other’s gaze and I couldn't ignore what his attention did to me. And just like that, the air shifted between us.

To push him a little further, just to hear that tone again, I slowly licked my lips. His eyes immediately darkened at the motion.

“Now you’re just asking for it,” he practically growled towards me.