My Childhood Bully is a Mafia Boss-Chapter 100

Ellie

My heart leaped with joy as I watched Lucas’s face light up. "Uncle Aidan!" he squealed, running up to Aidan with his arms outstretched for a hug.

"Hey! What about me?" Ivy giggled, kneeling down and opening her arms wide.

Lucas hesitated for just a second before splitting his enthusiasm, racing into Ivy’s embrace as well. "Aunt Ivy!" he shouted, wrapping his little arms around her neck.

I couldn’t help but smile at the sight. Seeing them here felt like a small piece of normalcy returning to my life.

Aidan pulled me into a tight, protective hug. "Are you really okay?" he whispered, concern lacing his voice.

I nodded, pulling back to look at him. "I’m fine. Giovanni has been... considerate."

Aidan’s eyes flicked to Giovanni, who was watching us with a guarded expression. "Good," he said, his tone clipped. "We’re here to make sure it stays that way."

"Where is Elora? Is she in her crib?" Ivy asked. "I want to hold her."

I laughed. "I will grab her for you. Soon, you will be holding your own bundle of joy," I said, pointing at her swollen belly.

The anticipation in Ivy’s eyes sparkled like stars. "I can’t wait. But for now, let me enjoy cuddling my niece."

With a smile, I made my way to Elora’s room, feeling a sense of warmth and contentment settle over me.

As I entered Elora’s room, I found her awake and cooing in her crib. I gently lifted her into my arms, relishing the weight of her tiny body and the softness of her baby skin.

"You are so loved," I whispered. "You will have everything mommy never had," I said, suddenly feeling sad.

With a tender smile, I kissed her forehead, feeling the warmth of her little body against mine.

As I made my way back to the living room, Elora cradled in my arms, I found Aidan and Ivy chatting animatedly with Lucas. Giovanni sat on the couch, keeping his distance.

Ivy’s eyes lit up when she saw me with Elora. "There she is!" she exclaimed, reaching out to take her from my arms.

I handed Elora over to Ivy, watching as she held her close, a look of pure love and adoration on her face. It filled me with a sense of hope for the future, knowing that despite the challenges we faced, we were surrounded by love and family.

But all good things had to end eventually and soon, it was time for them to leave. I placed Elora back inside her crib and told Lucas to tell his aunt and uncle goodbye.

He pouted at first but soon got distracted by his coloring book on the coffee table.

"Take care of yourselves," Ivy whispered as she hugged me goodbye. "If you need anything. Anything at all, Aidan will do it. You know that right?"

"Yes," I said, trying not to cry.

As I watched them leave, a pang of sadness tugged at my heart. I felt Giovanni’s presence behind me and my body tensed.

"Family is so important, isn’t it, Amore?" he said raspily. 𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂

I turned around to face him.

His black eyes were sad, and he had a dark shadow over his face.

Something inside me twitched. What was up with his expression? "Yes," I said.

"Which is why I can’t let you go," he said grimly.

"You can’t force me," I snapped, instantly getting angry. "I don’t want to be part of your sick, twisted idea of a family."

Giovanni’s expression hardened, his jaw set in a tight line. "You misunderstand, Ellie. I’m not talking about forcing you to stay. I’m talking about convincing you to be mine."

I stared at him. "No, you are right," I said slowly. "You didn’t force me to stay here. I came of my own accord, but it doesn’t mean I agreed to be yours."

He took a step closer, his gaze piercing into mine. "You will change your mind."

I held his intense gaze, refusing to let him break me with his words. "I won’t," I stated boldly. "I’ll never be yours, Giovanni. I won’t let you manipulate me into thinking otherwise."

His lips curved into a devious smirk, his eyes dark. "You’re testing my patience, Ellie," he purred, his voice low and dangerous.

"I don’t care," I shot back, my heart racing as our bodies were mere inches apart. "I won’t succumb to your threats or your empty promises. I know exactly what kind of man you are, and I won’t let myself be fooled."

Our gazes locked in a fierce battle of wills. Neither one of us willing to give in.

Giovanni’s gaze did not waver, dark and predatory. "Your words say no, Ellie," he murmured, closing the last of the distance between us. "But your eyes tell a different story."

I backed away, my breath hitching. I tried to back away, but he grabbed my arm. His hand slowly slid down, then stopped to intertwine his fingers with mine.

His lips twitched into a smirk, like he found my resistance amusing. He leaned towards me, his body inches from mine. I could feel his breath against my skin, sending an unfamiliar thrill up my spine. "Why do you resist me my love?" he challenged.

"I’m not your love," I shot back, defiant despite the pounding in my chest. "I’m not something you can just claim."

His laughter echoed in the room, low and ominous. "Oh Ellie," he whispered against my ear, sending shivers down my spine. "You’re not just something to me. You’re everything."

His words struck me, leaving me bewildered. How could he utter such words with such ease? He was lying to me, obviously, but...why was he so good at it!?

"Let go of my hand," I said weakly.

"I will on one condition," he said, smiling devilishly.

"What’s that?" I asked as I swallowed.

He leaned over and whispered in my ear. "You must pay a toll."

"Wha...what?" I asked lamely.

"A toll, Ellie. A small price," he said easily.

"What do you want?" I asked. Something inside me told me that this wasn’t going to be good.

Giovanni smirked. "A kiss."