Claimed By The Mafia Don (Ariella and Asher) novel Chapter 68

Chapter 68

“Ariella, listen to me,” Luca said, his tone light but sincere. “Seriously, I’m not even mad at you, I mean- okay-maybe I’m a little upset that the two of you decided to do the deed while I was next door.”

I groaned, embarrassment washing over me all over again. He laughed, clearly trying to ease the tension.

But then he got all serious, “Ariella,” he said, nudging my arm lightly. “Look, I kinda like that you have a backbone. You were fighting for the man you love. I know you love Asher. And Asher loves you. I love that you threatened me, honestly-it shows you’ve got fire. You’re going to be the queen one day. You’re gonna need that, aren’t you?”

I managed a small smile and nodded.

“But seriously,” he added, chuckling, “have pity on the poor guy. He was hurt, for God’s sake!”

He started laughing again. And even though the mortification hadn’t worn off, I found myself laughing too -awkwardly, but still.

“Okay,” he said, suddenly shifting gears, “let me sneak you back inside.”

We moved quietly. He opened the door, and the two of us stepped out into the dark street. He checked the perimeter first, making sure everything was still and silent. The sky was beginning to lighten-the morning was close-and that scared me more than anything. My father might already be awake.

We reached the back. He tested the door. It was open.

Just as I was about to slip in, I paused and turned to him. He looked at me, eyes questioning.

“Please,” I said softly, “update me on what’s happening with Asher.”

“Of course,” he replied without hesitation. “You don’t even have to ask.”

“Okay,” I said grimly, and then stepped inside, closing the door behind me. I began sneaking back toward my room, praying to every god I could think of that my father wasn’t awake yet.

It was probably a good day-at least it felt like one-because I somehow managed to sneak back into my bedroom undetected. I slipped under the covers and pretended to be asleep. I was too afraid to take a shower; what if the sound woke my parents? What if they got suspicious about why I was up and bathing so early? Maybe they’d connect the dots. I didn’t know what the average person would do in this situation, but I wasn’t ready to risk it.

So I lay there, buried under my blanket, eyes half open, staring at the faint morning light as the sun came up. Then I heard footsteps approaching my door. I quickly shut my eyes.

The door creaked open, and just by the sound of the steps, I knew it was my mother. She stood there- silently-for what felt like forever. I actually forgot she was there at some point. And then, finally, she left and quietly closed the door behind her. No calls to get up and eat. No reminders about school. Just silence.

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Chapter 69

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That’s when the suspicion started to creep in. Does she know?

Later-though I couldn’t tell how much time had passed-I found myself overwhelmed with hunger and anger. Anger at everything. At the blood. At the soreness. At the fear and the silence.

So I got up. I went to the bathroom, turned on the shower, and let the water try to scrub it all away.

When I got out, I texted Luca, asking about Asher. He didn’t respond.

Not knowing what else to do, I decided to go downstairs and eat something. But as I opened my bedroom door, I noticed the house was too quiet. No voices, no movement.

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