Katy had already unpacked the eggs, and she was hunting for the saucepan. Opening one of the cupboards, I took the pan out and silently started the breakfast. We worked in silence until both plates were placed on the kitchen island. Sitting down, she addressed the elephant in the room.
“Are we going to pretend nothing happened?” Her voice was soft with a hint of steel underneath.
“Princes…”
“No, please, no excuses this time. What are we doing?”
I sighed. “To be honest, I don’t know. I want to protect you. I’d give my life for you, but to take your innocence? Break the trust your brothers have in me? I don’t know whether I’m capable of that.”
The moment those words slipped out, I knew I’d said the wrong thing. I wanted to slap myself until my senses returned. Looking at the devastated expression that was quickly replaced by anger,I also realized I was well and truly fucked. For the first time since I knew her, Katy showed me she was a Falcone. Regal and proud.
“At least you’re honest with your intentions. Excuse me, I think we’re done here.”
The finality and chill in her voice killed me. Shit, shit, shit! “Princess…” I pleaded, ready to beg for her forgiveness.
“I’m going to be working for a while. Please don’t disturb me unless it is really necessary. Also, I’d like to go to the local inn this evening. We both can agree we’d do better with some company.”
With my heart in tatters, I watched Katy walk away from the kitchen, like a queen. Perhaps this was for the best, I told myself. I couldn’t afford to get too close or too emotional as her bodyguard. If only my fucking heart aligned with those thoughts!
#12
Katy
Work has always been my solace. The first time I’d poured my heart out in words, about emotions that were difficult to handle, the cathartic relief had been profound. What started as journaling gradually turned into informative articles that helped women and children deal with issues like surviving trafficking, sexual abuse, and more.
My personal experiences, combined with my field of study, created a channel through which I learned to confront and deal with an emotional weight that would overwhelm an average person. What started as a hobby became more. A few months back, one of my articles had been quoted by a popular psychologist, leading to my blog becoming viral.
In the months that followed, my blog turned into a safe space for many around the world. Victims reached out to me anonymously, and I tried to help them without revealing my identity. Hailing from a mafia family, I knew it wasn’t wise to reveal anything about myself. Especially with my brothers’ obsession with my safety. In fact, they knew nothing about this, and I preferred to keep it that way until this whole Baun thingended. They’d possibly lose their shit if they knew what I’d been up to, given the circumstances.
My heart hurt at the words Barun and ended in the same sentence. But after his stance, I knew it was probably time to let go of my stupid fantasies and impossible dreams. Like Alia, I would probably be married off into another mafia family. The only solace was that my brothers would choose someone who I liked and approved.
Tears glimmered in my eyes at the prospect of even looking at another man who wasn’thim. Brushing the tears away, I opened the web app to draft my next article.
I didn’t get out of the cozy corner that I’d set up beside the bed, where I had my laptop, my favorite book, a warm blanket, and some coffee. I preferred to hide my head in the sand than face my inevitable heartbreak.
Hours in, I researched information for my next article, writing to one of my professors for some advice. Sipping the hot coffee, I also drafted my next post until the words started blurring in front of my eyes. Putting away my laptop, I stretched before picking up a contemporary romance, hoping I could immerse myself in a happily ever after.
After some lazing and moping around, I’d had enough of my own pity party. Desperately wanting some fresh air and the need to see other humans, I decided to venture out for the evening to the local inn. I was hoping the festive air would lighten the heaviness in my heart.
Seeing Barun nowhere around on the first floor and not caring about his whereabouts for once, I took a long, hot shower. If he wanted to use hot water, well, tough luck! He could go get it from wherever he’s gone off to, I told myself.
Shaving and primping myself, I put on a red satiny A-line dress that fell just below my knees. With a square neckline and a back that tied up, this dress flattered my curves in the best way possible. While packing, I’d brought this dress and the matching red lace thong for some private celebration with my sexy bodyguard. But now, I was happy to wear it as the revenge dress. Yes, Barun Caruso, you can officially go fuck yourself, I told myself as I applied my red lipstick.
With my hair down and my makeup done, my confidence returned, giving me a mysterious edge that I didn’t realize I possessed. By the time I wore my red strappy stilettos, I heard Barun come in. Perfect!
Sauntering down the stairs, I made sure I made an impactful entrance in front of him. Judging by the way his entire body stiffened and the way his eyes shifted away from the neckline of the dress, I knew I’d succeeded. Game on, Mr Bodyguard. You better watch out!
“If I may ask, where are we off to?” He drawled, clearly regaining his composure.
“The local inn. I’m sure there’s a party or two that I could join. Being cooped up here hasn’t been a great experience.” I shrugged, throwing the ‘I-am-bored’ expression at him.
His lips tightened, but he said nothing. Wise! “As long as you’re within my eyesight and you do nothing impulsive, I’m good to go, Princess. Just give me ten minutes to shower and change.”
I nodded and walked to the huge window in the living room, not wanting to think about showers, his body, or his… I clenched my fist, my nails digging into my palm to stop the visuals that threatened to ruin my hard-earned poise. Taking a deep breath, I waited in the same spot until I heard Barun come down.
Watching home walk in blue denims and a red sweater made my heart beat wild. Until I sternly reminded her to shut down the dancing. Taking out my coat, I handed it over to Barun, turning around without a word. I moved my hair to the front and smiled, hearing the delicious sound of a hiss coming out of Barun’s mouth.
Did I mention I struggled with the tie-up at the back for 20 minutes before I got it tight enough for my cleavage to be impressive? The revenge dress wasn’t such a bad idea after all. With a saccharine-sweet voice, I asked, “Anything wrong?”
