Mafia's Forbidden Desires

Valerie Thorne POV:

Age: Sixteen.

Hi. My name is Valerie. Valerie Thorne. The daughter of Victor Thorne and Leah Spencer. Since I was a child, I got everything I ever wanted. Be it toys, clothes, or extravagant gifts in the world. My father ensured the world bent to my will, and my mother? Well, she made sure I always looked perfect.

But no one ever asked what I truly wanted.

And right now? I wanted him.

Raven Blackwood.

Raven Blackwood was the son of my father's best friend Richard Blackwood. He was twenty years old this year. He followed after his father's steps and took over his business just at the age of eighteen. He had dark hair, which looked sharper than shadows, and his gray eyes. Well, they looked like some storm that was on the verge of destruction.

Everyone admired him and feared him. And me? Well, I was no exception either.

But that was not the thing I admired about him the most. Being the family friends, I had basically grown up watching him. He was a quiet kid in his friend circle and had only two friends, Rowan Falcone, and Axel Stone. Since he was older in age, I could only interact with him on some rare occasions. He was always kind, and gentle to me, which I had never seen him with other girls. And I loved this. It made me feel special.

I believed he was my prince charming, and I was his princess.

"Val, be a little quick."

Suddenly, a soft voice pulled me out of my thoughts. I turned around and saw Elara, my best friend was standing at the door, dressed in a chic white dress. She was one year younger than me. Born in Texas. Her father was from America, and her mother was from Philippines. Her short hair looked curly, falling around her shoulders. She had Asian eyes, so the eyeliner made her look cute. Her lips were painted in a shade of rusty orange. But right now, she looked fierce, which made her lips pout and cheeks full. I couldn't help but laugh.

"Easy babe. If you keep getting angry, I am afraid I will have to take you to the hospital than a club."

Elara rolled her eyes at me. Frustration looked clearly evident on her face, as she reminded me of time. "If you're not finished with your makeup in five minutes, we will be late Val."

I nodded. I knew I was getting late. But I couldn't help but think about Raven Blackwood. He would be present in the club. And I needed to make sure, I looked perfect. Just for him.

I quickly completed the final touch of makeup with the nude pink lipstick. I glanced in the mirror for the final satisfaction. I wore a purple dress. My blue eyes looked perfect with the double coats of mascara, and on my cheeks, I applied the natural color of blush. To complete the look, I wore purple matching block heels. My hair was medium size, so I neatly straightened it, before security them with pin.

Finally, when I was satisfied, I turned around. For a moment, I felt nervous as I asked, "Is it okay? Or do I need to change something?"

Elara looked like she was about to have another headache as she shook her head, "You look perfect even if you go out without your makeup and ripped clothes."

I chuckled at her exaggerated and out of place compliment. Well, since she approved, it meant, I looked perfect. But I just hoped, he would like me today. "Let's go."

It had been two years since I last saw him. and a few days, I only heard in passing from my father that Raven Blackwood was going to meet some partner in SG Club. So, I made a plan with Elara and Trance. If Elara was my best friend, Trance was my best buddy. Since we were underage, we couldn't enter the club due to all the regulations and restrictions. So, Trance helped us get our passes and fake IDs.

Sigh, things we do for the man we love.

It took half an hour for us to get inside the club, as the guards were suspicious of our age. But thankfully, we managed.

Inside the club, the air was thick with the smell of alcohol and perfume. The bass of the music pounded through the floor, and colorful lights flashed across the crowded dance floor. People were laughing, dancing, and drinking like there was no tomorrow. It was loud, chaotic, and nothing like the fancy events I usually attended with my parents.

Elara grabbed my hand, her excitement was obvious in her voice. "Come on, Val! Let's get a drink."

Trace glared at us at the name of the drink. "No drinks remember, it's not suitable for two of you. I will go and get some fruit juice for you."

Elara rolled her eyes and tried to tempt Trance for some drinks. At least, the one with low alcohol quantity. But Trance remained firm on his decision.

I nodded absentmindedly, even though my stomach twisted with nerves. My eyes scanned the room, searching for him. The thought of Raven Blackwood being somewhere in this crowd made my heart race.

Was he already here?

Elara pulled me toward the bar, her white dress glittering under the club lights. "Relax." Her voice was low against the club's loud music. "You look like a deer caught in headlights."

"I'm fine," I lied, brushing my hair back as if that would calm the storm inside me. But then, as if the universe answered my silent plea, I saw him.

Raven Blackwood.

He stood near the VIP section, there was a glass of whiskey in his hand. He wore a perfectly tailored black suit, the crisp white shirt underneath highlighting his broad shoulders. The jacket hugged his frame like it was made for him, because it probably was. His dark hair fell slightly over his forehead, but those gray eyes. They looked sharp and he scanned the room like he owned it. And actually he did.

SG Club was owned by Raven Blacwood's father Richard Blackwood.

His lips remained pressed into a thin line as he listened to Rowan and Axel, who stood beside him. it looked like whatever they were talking about, was extremely serious. The trio looked effortlessly powerful, like a scene from a movie.

My breath caught. After two years, he looked even more... handsome... and dangerous. And yet, all I could think about was how badly I wanted him to notice me.

"Val?" Elara's voice broke through my thoughts as she tapped on my shoulder.

"I see him," I whispered in a low voice, not daring to look away. I was afraid if I even blinked, he would disappear in the next second.

"Drinks ladies." I heard Trance's voice behind me. I didn't look back, just raised my hand so he could directly hand me my drink. My eyes remained on Raven Blackwood only.

And then, in the next moment, it was as if Raven Blackwood sensed his gaze on me, he looked in my direction.

I felt my breath stopped for a while, and time seemed to get slow. The club's loud music felt faded into the background. The only thing I could hear was the dull thump of my own heartbeat. His gray eyes were about to land on me, and I felt nervous. For a minute, I didn't want him to see me, here, in this setting. My fingers curled tightly around the glass in my hand.

And then, using my quick reflexes, I turned away.

I was Mafia Princess after all, and Papa taught me all the skills required for my safety.

I took a deep breath, and didn't dare to turn back for a moment. Elara caught my actions. And she gave me a confused glance but didn't question it. She asked in concern, "Val, are you okay?"

"Of course." My voice came out steady, though my heart wasn't. "Why wouldn't I be?"

Elara raised an eyebrow but didn't push further. Thank God.

Still, my eyes betrayed me. Even as I pretended to sip my drink and listen to her chatter, my eyes followed its way back to him. He looked so hot standing there in his tailored black sipping his drink. Rowan and Axel talked beside him, but his attention didn't seem to be fully on them.

I wondered if he was still thinking about me. I could feel the butterflies fly in stomach all the way to my heart.

But then I saw. A woman.

She appeared out of nowhere. She had long and slender legs. Her Blonde hair shone brightly under the neon lights. Her dress clung to her curves like it was made for her. Without hesitation, she leaned closer to Raven Blackwood, and rested her a perfectly manicured hand on his arm.

He didn't pull away.

I felt the sharp sting of jealousy that made my stomach twist. She whispered something to him, and although I couldn't hear a word, his lips moved in response. He smiled a little, although it was not quite a smile, but it was enough to make my chest ache.

In an instant, thousands of questions formed in my head. I wondered her name and her relationship with him. Raven Blackwood never let a woman talk to him, let alone have her so close to him. It didn't take an idiot to guess what their relationship was. I realized I needed to leave. I couldn't just stand there and do nothing after watching him with another woman.

My heart broke in millions of pieces. I turned to Elara, and forced my voice to stay calm, "Elara, I want to go home."

"What?!" She blinked in confusion. "We just got here."

"I know." I tried to smile, but it didn't reach my eyes. "I'm just not feeling it. Please?"

Before she could argue, Trance returned with our drinks. "Fruit punch for the ladies." He smirked handing us the glasses. "And yes, I made sure there's nothing else in them."

Elara rolled her eyes. "You're no fun."

"I'm the only reason you're in here without getting kicked out. You're welcome." Trance replied.

I barely heard them. My mind was still on Raven Blackwood and that woman. Did he know her? Was she his date? The questions swirled in my head, making it impossible to focus.

"We'll finish our drinks and then leave," I murmured, not trusting myself to say more.

But just as I lifted the glass to my lips, a loud voice interrupted.

"Well, well, what do we have here?"

Three guys approached us, their smiles were dripping with cockiness. They looked around the college students, one wore a leather jacket, the other a tight shirt that strained against his muscles. The third, clearly the loudest, had bleach blond hair and a grin that sent a chill down my spine.

"Ladies, are you lost?" Blondie asked, his eyes sweeping over me with an unsettling gleam. "Or did you come here looking for some fun?"

Trance immediately stepped ahead of me. "Back off."

Blondie's grin widened as he looked at Trance. "Relax, man. We're just being friendly." His gaze lingered on Elara, then it shifted back to me. "Especially with this one. What's your name, sweetheart?"

I didn't answer.

"Not interested," Trance said firmly. "Move along."

But they didn't. Instead, Blondie stepped even closer, his fingers pressed against my arm. "Come on. Don't be shy."

My stomach twisted, but I forced myself to stay calm. "I said, I'm not interested." My voice was low, I just needed to go home. Not create any drama here for god sake. If Papa got to know where I was today, I would be done for.

"Oh, feisty. I like that." His fingers traced an invisible line down my arm, sending a wave of discomfort through me. "Maybe you just need a little convincing."

Elara also snapped in anger. "She said no, asshole!" Her voice was louder than the music, which caught a few curious glances from nearby tables.

Blondie's grin faltered for a second, but he quickly recovered. He laughed like it was all a joke.

"You girls are no fun." He stepped back, raising his hands in surrender, but it felt like he was mocking us. "But hey, if you change your mind..."

I didn't wait for him to finish the sentence. I quickly grabbed Elara's hand and turned away. I wanted to be anywhere but here.

But before I could take another step, the music suddenly stopped. And Club's light turned from neon to white, lighting the whole space instantly.

I paused in my steps, and blinked my eyes to adjust to the light. People had stopped dancing. Conversations were stopped. It was as if the entire club held its breath.

'What was happening?' I silently wonder to myself.

In the utter silence, I heard footsteps. They were heavy and slow.

'Please not Raven. Not him.' I prayed in my heart, it could be anyone, but him, right now. But clearly, luck was not on my side. I heard a rough voice, "What's happening here."

I didn't need to turn around to look for the source of this voice. I knew it in my heart, it was Raven Blackwood's voice. It had been years since I last heard him, and now I heard it, up so close. I couldn't help but feel my heart would leap out of my body if this continued.

In the next second, another voice came. If I wasn't wrong, it was Blondie's voice. He stammered. "Hey, man.. We were just...."

My grip tightened on Elara's arm. I didn't dare to either leave or turn back. Leaving was dangerous, so was staying. Either way, he could recognize me. So, I stood my ground, not doing anything.

"You touched her," Raven Blackwood's voice came. It was calm, too calm like the ocean before Tsunami. And that was what made it terrifying.

"It.. It was nothing. A joke.. Just a joke.." Blondie's voice cracked, his bravado crumbled into air.

"Leave." Raven Blackwood only said one word.

Blondie didn't need to be told twice. With a little apology, he ran out of the club, and his other two friends followed behind.

I felt blood rush to my brain as I felt the tap on my right shoulder. "Valerie."

If Raven Blackwood's voice was scary with Blondie just now, it was even more terrifying as he called her name. What the heck? What was up with his difference in treatment? At least he should talk warmly to her. But it was cold. My heart dropped into the abyss. I turned around slowly, almost Robotically. My head hung low. I didn't dare to look up at his face. I knew it would be even more scary than his voice.

"What are you doing here?" Raven Blackwood questioned.

I could feel his aura getting more heavier to endure. I instinctively took a step back. I mustered my courage to respond him. I opened my mouth, and for a second I felt no words were going to come out. I took a deep breath, "I was just Curious."

Raven Blackwood paused for a while. Seemingly, he was mulling over my answer. But the silence didn't remain for long. "Curious?"

I nodded slowly. I could feel displeasure from his body language. I looked up a little and my gaze fell on his arm where that woman touched him, and my heart tightened again. I needed to leave. I couldn't stay. And since he found out, he wouldn't let me stay either. So it was best, I would leave on my own. "I was just leaving."

Another silence followed.

I felt myself going insane from everything at once. Since when had I ever been in such a situation?

Another minute passed, and he finally spoke, "It's not safe. I will let Eliot drop you home."

I looked at him in denial. He was too tall at the height of six-four, and I was merely five-six. But still, I met his gaze. He didn't need to. I didn't need his help. Trance was here, and he could drop both me and Elara home. I gestured towards Trance. "Trance is here."

Raven Blackwood glanced calmly at Trance. But there was only dissatisfaction in his eyes, even though he remained calm on the surface. He emphasized. "He is also UNDERAGE."

I tried to reason with him, so he would let us go. "Please, we will be careful."

But it was like he wouldn't listen at all, he brought out his phone. "Or I can ask your father to take you from here personally."

I stared at him in disbelief. Was he serious now? Did he just say, to call her Papa? I looked into his eyes to see if he was merely threatening her. Or was he being real and would actually call him?

But to my disappointment all I saw was seriousness, he was not joking at all. I could imagine Papa's expression if he came to pick me here and afterward's wrath. Although, he never denied me for anything, but clubbing was a strict no for him. I didn't dare to refuse him anymore, and nodded, "Fine."

Moments later, Eliot dropped Elara at home first, then me, and finally Trance.

The next few days were back to normal. I didn't see Raven Blackwood again. School was almost ending in next two months. And then I would be able to go for holidays. May be, then I can ask Papa to join him in work, so I could see Raven Blackwood more often?

Few days later:

Elara and Trance my not so cheerful mood since last few days, so, they dragged me today to the beach. It was weekend, and most of school girls and boys were here partying, having fun, playing around with each other.

Well me, I looked around, I had no mood to even be present here. I sighed, as I walked against the shore. The waves hit my feet. I looked as far as I can. The sun was almost on the horizon. The sky had the shades of purple, orange and red. I thought about last few days. That bastard told my papa about my sneaking out at club. Which led to me and him not talking for days. I tried explaining, I just wanted to see how it looked like, and for god sake, I didn't even stayed for more than some minutes, but he didn't listen. His only reply each time was basically 'Its not safe Val, the people around are dangerous.'

I knew, he just wanted good for me, so I just nodded my head, and stayed at home like a good child.

I heard the waves, it did nothing to lessen the storm inside me.

Moments later, I walked back to where Trance and Elara were making sand castle, when someone bumped into me. The impact was too hard, that I almost fell down. I looked up and saw it was the same person with the blonde hair from that day in the bar.

Somehow, fear crept inside me, and I pushed myself to get up.

The blonde hair man looked at me, our eyes met, and then he, within no less than one second, turn around and walked away. I was startled to watch his reaction. Ugh. Shouldn't I be the one to be scared?

My heart raced, as I wondered. Why did he look so terrified when he looked at me? Like what did he even see...?! I stood there, frozen, even after seconds, and more minutes passed since he ran away.

I took deep breaths to calm myself, before I took a step to walk to Elara and Trance. But then I felt something like glass under my feet. I paused. If there was glass under my feet, I could get injured. I cautiously pulled my feet up as I glanced down.

And there it was, lying right on the surface of the sand, like it had just fallen. I hadn't noticed it earlier. It wasn't a glass, but a phone.

I looked at it, it wasn't my phone. May be someone dropped it here. But it was still warm, so I concluded may be it was Blondie's phone. And then I heard a low voice coming out of it.

I turned the phone and saw there was a video playing on it. My eyes squinted slightly. I watched the video. But the more I watched, the more my heart dropped into the pool of ice cold water. The phone dropped off my hands again, and I felt my knees giving away. My body felt heavy, and I fell besides the phone.

The video on the phone played again and again. I heard the screams of the girl again and again, followed by Raven Blackwood's indifferent and ice cold voice. He didn't sound humane as he talked. He didn't look like a human the way he act. Instead, his drop dead voice, and blood cold eyes made him look like a devil on the hunt.

The time passed slowly, the people before my eyes already looked too blurred. My mind played the scene before my eyes again and again. Even if I tried to fight it, fight my brain, it remained the same.

The girl, it was her. The same girl in the bar that day, the one who kissed him. And now, I saw the video, where Raven Blackwood had mercilessly killed her.

Why?

Why did he kill her?

He looked so close to her that day, so happy with her. They looked so intimate with her. Then why?

So many questions arose in my head, and I had no answer to any of those questions.

I didn't know how much time had passed, I just sat there motionless. And then I felt the tap on my shoulder. I was zoned out. I knew someone was touching me, trying to get me back to present, to reality. I heard voices, but none of them truly entered my brain. It was like darkness was pulling me towards it. I wanted to fight, but my body lacked strength. And before I knew it, the world spun on its axis, and I fell into a deep slumber.