The Mafia Entanglement

I run from my problems. I've always done that. I was feeling light on my feet. I felt my chest burn as I picked up the speed. Eyes on the jogging trail. My legs and arms swing in rhythm as I run harder.

My baby sister Celia was a druggy, Papa didn't know about this. It would break his heart if he found out. He had never been the same after Mama passed away, giving birth to Celia.

I was on the verge of losing my job. I couldn't lose my job, I've put too much time into the company. Since it's been downsizing, I haven't got the time to look for other jobs. I've been so swamped with work. Ironic. I know.

My legs were straining, I was getting tired but I kept on running.

Derick the fucker, told me yesterday that I should date him. It was his subtle way of saying that I should fuck him if I want to keep my job.

Moving back home to Papa was not an option. I love him dearly. But I need to prove to him that I could do this, that I could make it in the big bad world.

Fuck! Deep breath. Deep breath. I need to slow down. I was panting, I was out of breath. I pushed myself too hard.

Damn it.

I was running back to my apartment. Jogging along, eventually slowing down my pace. I must remind myself that I was not a health freak. I don't exercise, never went to the gym and I don't eat like a health freak. I just ran. And sometimes I forgot and pushed myself too hard.

I slumped behind my apartment door, seconds after locking it after me. Celia was sleeping on the couch. She just got hours ago and was still in her clubbing attire when I shook her awake.

"Celia, honey, you need to get to your room and go get change. You reek of alcohol. Do you have class today? Come on, I'll make you a cup of coffee."

Celia was groaning, slowly getting up from the sofa. "Jeez sis, I just got back. So leave me alone, will you? No class. No coffee. I'm going to sleep. See you later." She walked away from me and went straight to her room.

I sighed and turned on the coffee maker, then went to my room to take a shower and get ready for work.

Ah...work, so fucking great...

I must get this contract, Derick said so. He had been dangling this date issue forever. Not that he was bad-looking. He was handsome, tall, tanned, and blonde, but he lacked a certain kind of oomph for my taste. Maybe the fact that he was a momma's boy.

And I certainly didn't have the time to date. Between my job and looking out for my little sister, I got my hands wrapped. I was still hoping, that her recreational drug use thing was just a phase.

The day I found out that she was using, I was hella pissed at her. Celia said the drugs help her with her study. She said she needed the extra boost to help her concentrate. But when she started failing a couple of her classes, she made me worry.

Sometimes I felt that she was carrying the burden of our mom's death for giving birth to her. We talked and cried about this. I thought it was done and over with. Maybe I should have another chat with her. She used to be my sweet little baby sister. I love her to bits, I would do anything for her.

*****

Finally!

I was at the house, I was balancing my folders. Heavy folders. God! Maybe I should start going to the gym. My arms were like boiled spaghetti. What was taking this guy so long to open the door?

Though I was definitely not ready when he did open the door. He was like Ken, smoking hot Ken in scrubs.

Eh...I know I didn't play Barbie much growing up. It was more of Celia's favorite than mine. Hmm... maybe I should start favoring them. This Ken was fucking gorgeous.

I knew I put too much thought on the beautiful man when the folders decided that it was a good time for them to slide off of my noddle arms.

I cursed as I bent down and started collecting the folders. It had samples of pictures and materials, they were scattered on the porch. I was wearing my pantsuit, and jacket with a loose nude camisole underneath. I could see him peeking through my camisole as he was trying to help me with my folders.

"Mmm...right then. Mr. Markov. I'm Emilie Dubois, the consultant from Martin Design & Decor." I blushed looking at him. He looked startled before quickly taking my hand.

"Call me Maxim, come on in. And let's get this meeting started. I have to leave for the ER in fifteen minutes."

"Woah... you're kidding, right? I'm sorry Mr. Markov, but this consultation thing usually takes a minimum of one hour. Look at my poor folders." I pouted non gracefully.

"You know what. Screw it. I'm done anyway. So, let me just quickly look around your house, give me five. After that, I'll give you ten minutes of my consultation time. Afterwards, if you have to go then it's all good. We won't be seeing each other anyway. May I?" I didn't wait for his answer. I put my folders on the dining table and started walking around his house.

I was fucking done. If I have to be fired from my job because this guy was too busy for my time, then maybe it was the universe's way of saying to suck it up! I would get another job. Maybe I should start stocking up on cheap canned foodstuff, probably some instant pasta or ramen noodles, for the next couple of months. But I could survive. I just need to save up my money.

The man remained quiet as I walked to the other side of the room. I took my pad and started scribbling my notes. I looked at every room, wall space, and counter. I asked him about the budget, the time length, and his preference.

I have been doing this for five years now. His house was big, but not too large or too grand. I was kind of liking it, actually. It had a kind of modern rustic, homey feel to it. It just needed a couple of touches here and there. His architect did him good. He told me that he just needed a change. Yes of course. He probably has money to throw around while making peasants like me more likely to lose their jobs over his decision.

Obnoxious Ken distanced himself a few steps away from me. Yes, the man is obnoxious Ken. He'd stay so until my future employment status is decided. The man walked by my side as I kept on scribbling away on my pad. I finally finished right at the five-minute mark.

Yes. I can walk that fast in heels. It's one of my great accomplishments in life. Super. I know.

I looked straight at him and looked at my watch. "Should we sit down?" I told him about all my recommendations and opened my folder. I showed him the materials, the looks, and the vision that I imagined his home to be. It would be a beautiful house once I was done with it. However, it might not be me who supervise the renovation if I didn't get his Yes in this meeting.

He looked at me, and daydreamed?

What the fuck?

I was talking and spitting flowery words pitching my idea while at the same time trying to explain everything within his time limit, and he was fucking staring at me?

"Mr. Markov? Did you get what I was saying? My ten minutes are up. So, do I get a yes?" I was getting fucking annoyed by now. Yes, he was a freaking hot Ken doll. But I needed this job and Obnoxious Ken was not making me happy.

"Yeah, sorry. Everything looks good Emilie. Why don't you email me the details." I sighed and took his email details. Derick was pretty clear on getting the client's Yes in the house. By going back and forth via email, there would be a chance of losing the contract.

"Okay then, Mr. Markov. Nice meeting you today. I'll forward your details to my superior. He will take care of you should you decide to use our company."

Fuck! This was a lost cause. I'd better cancel my lunch appointment with the girls, and start stocking up on boxed wine instead. I might just buy one on the way home.

I gathered my stuff and excused myself from his home. But then he suddenly grabbed my spaghetti arm and my folders decided that it was another great time to crumble down the floor. Again.

Damn you, Obnoxious Ken!

"The hell, dude. Oh... fuck it!" I cursed a bit too loudly when the sharp edge of the folder decided to be cute and slammed onto my feet. I saw blood. My eyes went wide before my hands scrambled, reaching for a tissue deep in my purse.

"Shit. Sorry, Emilie. And it's Maxim. I told you this before. Here let me see that. Press on it, let me get my kit."

I heard him calling the hospital, saying that there was an emergency and that he would be an hour late. Obnoxious Ken came back minutes later with some Band-Aids and what looked like an antiseptic bottle. He told me to sit on the sofa, then he took off my heels and tended to my wound.

Wow. Why did it feel so sexual? God, I really need to get laid. I shuddered, then cleared my throat, trying to hide the budding horniness that was not helping my situation. At all.

He gave me a bottle of water and told me to take my time before leaving. His eyes followed my movement as I opened the bottle and slowly sipped the cold water. Suddenly I was parched, quenching my thirst like an amateur pornstar who hadn't gotten laid in months.

Mmm, Kay...

"So, you said earlier that you're going to give my details to your supervisor, why? I thought that you would be handling my contract?" He inquired, taking a seat next to me. I could smell Ken's aftershave. Too close. I was not mentally prepared for this much hotness.

I flushed as I pretended to look at my wound. He noticed it, and he smirked. God damn it! Such a fucking arrogant Ken doll. I need to have a night out with my girls, and I need to get laid. It has been too long.

"Emilie? I'm asking you a question?"

"Mm...yeah right. My supervisor was pretty adamant that I should get your Yes before I leave your place. If I failed, I would lose my job. Well, I wouldn't if I was willing to date him. But I won't, so since you want to follow up by email, then I will give your details to him. So he can follow up with you. I'm good. I just need to find another job. No biggie."

I smiled at him. Not feeling the need to hide the truth from him. I'd lose my job anyway. I won't be seeing the obnoxious- arrogant Ken anymore.

My mind was busy running at a high speed, mentally preparing myself to find another job in this economy. I should go to the competitors first. I'm smart, I could handle the interviews. I was sure that I would have a new job next month.

I was still in my thoughts. His eyes never left mine. "I'll take it then, where do I sign?" He smiled at me so sweetly.

Awww my tooth.

"What? Fuck no! I don't want you to feel sorry for me just because you dropped my folders, and injured me. You already tended to my foot, Doctor. I don't want your pity. I'll be okay, I'll survive." I said to him as I quickly got up. But it turned out, I had spaghetti legs to match my spaghetti arms.

He quickly caught me from falling. Too close. Too much Ken. Too soon.

"Hey there, are you okay? Have you had breakfast yet?"

"Nope, just coffee and this water. I just pushed myself too far on my morning run, I'm better now. Give me five minutes and I'll be out of your hair. Then, you can go save people in the ER."

He stroked my hair.

Wait a minute... he did what?

Yes, dummy!

Obnoxious -arrogant Ken just stroked your hair.

My inner self was mocking me now. I know. Ironic. It was. Truly.

He got up and left me as he headed to the kitchen. Damn... My heart was beating a thousand miles per hour, ready to explode. Now, it was slowing down. I was starting to relax. Until...

"Emilie, come... have breakfast with me."

"I'm good. I'm going to head out, in a couple of minutes."

"Emilie, Doctor's order. Now. Or do you want me to come there and feed you?" He arched an eyebrow at me.

Fuck I'm wet! Mm... Obnoxious -arrogant Ken is making me wet. I never would've thought.

I took off my heels before slowly getting up since falling was not my goal to do in his vicinity, ever again. He nodded seeing me taking off my heels and mouthing me to come to the kitchen.

Fuck... that is one sexy mouth.

I never knew I was hungry until I ate his sandwich and moaned. I was sure, that I was seeing his head snapped my way as I moaned at the perfect sandwich.

Yes, sandwich you are that good. You make my insides really happy. Butterfly in my stomach.

"This bread though. Really good! Mm...I'm loving sandwiches from now on."

He laughed at me.

We ate and discussed more about the house, he seemed to like my ideas. But still, I didn't want his pity. I still told him, that my supervisor would follow up with him.

Half an hour later I was at the office. Thank god I had my flats in the car. I started walking to Derick's office and gave him Maxim's email details. Derick stayed true to his threat, and he sacked me because I refused to date him.

I called my girls and told them that I got sacked. It took them less than an hour before we convened for lunch.

"So you're saying that you were fired because you won't date Derick? What the fuck bitch? He's hot!" Despite her name, Angelica blurted out words that were far from angelic. Her manners were the opposite of her name too, Angelica loves pretty boys even though sometimes they came with questionable personalities.

I know. She's very adventurous.

"Angelica! Seriously tone it down will you? We're in a crowded restaurant, it's lunch hour. Amanda, tell her!" I half whispered as my cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

"You know... maybe you should get laid, it has been what? A year already? Do you realize you've wasted so many batteries with Bob? You should be saving the environment, honey." She smiled wickedly. Amanda, my other bestie was just marginally better than Angelica. She was a straightforward kind of woman who had no qualms in voicing her thoughts. Amanda never felt the need to filter her words to shield my feelings.

Oh, Bob... my Battery Operated Boyfriend. He had pleased me far too many times already.

I looked at Amber, she just shrugged at us. "Don't look at me, Emi. Honey, why don't we all go clubbing tonight, have a few drinks and get some dicks along the way?" I laughed so hard at her.

Amber, was another opposite. Sometimes she puzzled me. She looked like your sweet librarian who wore an over-the-knee pencil skirt and a plain blouse under a pastel-colored cardigan, complete with the tight bun above her nape, making her look so sickeningly sweet. Maybe it was the best friends that she kept around, but Amber talked about sex like it was a drive-through delicacy. So, casually random, it startled me. I still hadn't gotten used to her thoughts.

After dessert, they finally convinced me to go clubbing. They would come to my place and prep me.

Damn... I'm scared already.

I know they meant well, but I was actually kind of awkward socially. That was why I liked hanging out with them. Between the three of them, I would not have to stand out. I could just sit back and laugh at their jokes. I have been with them for the longest time. And I wouldn't trade them for anything in the world.

"Shit Emi! He stroked your hair and you didn't go for it? Damn! I thought I'd taught you better. Even my sweet Amber knows the signs. He's a doctor, he's single and he's a Ken." Angelica scolded me. Again. She explained that I should've stripped, and let him have his way with me. Sexy ways. Ugh...maybe I should since I was feeling the hots for him.

Of course. I should've known better. My life is in their hands now.

Later that night, when my group of girls arrived, Amanda went straight to doing my hair and makeup while Amber started me up with a glass of wine. Our sweet deranged Amber. I know.

I didn't know how, but Angelica managed to pull out the skimpiest dress I owned. I decided to pair it with my black stockings, not wanting to bare my naked legs for the whole club.

Callie called me an hour ago, telling me that she was staying with her friends. She said would be back tomorrow afternoon. My sister was another problem that I had to worry about. But as long as she came home in one piece. I would deal with her issue when she gets back.

Ken called me after Callie ended her call. He said that he got me rehired. I was pissed at him, but then Derrick called and told me to get my ass back to work tomorrow morning. His dad apparently ordered him to do so. He accused me of going behind his back and straight to his father. To which I denied, I've never even met the man. Derick was grumbling but finally said at least he still gets to see my pretty face in the office tomorrow.

Fuck. Double Fuck.

So that night, I was actually looking forward to getting wasted. Maybe even get laid, if I find the right dick.

I know... beggars seemed to be a chooser here. My girls taught me well.

We arrived at the club a couple of hours later. Angelica was taking the lead, she was passing us through security. She got us a table and ordered our drinks. She was like our alpha female, while Amanda was the playful one, and Amber was the calm controlled one. I was like an accessory to them, but they loved me to bits.

I kept on lowering my dress down. Amber just laughed at me. "Here drink some more. The dress will grow longer if you drink. It's magical like that."

"Drink up bitches!" Angelica shouted. I didn't know how many glasses she drank already, but two bottles were already empty. These girls drank their champagne, like water after a long run.

Amanda was inviting a couple of guys to our table. I didn't know where she found these guys, but they were all handsome. Well, maybe it was the alcohol taking part in viewing them. But I was a bit tipsy already, one of the guys was inviting me to dance. Angelica was pushing me to him.

Guess I'm dancing then.

"So what's the occasion?" The guy I was dancing with tried to make small talk. But I was way too intoxicated to understand his question. I just dance to the music. Snaking my hands to his chest, smiling seductively at him. But then my foot hurts. Damn, Ken! I decided to get back to our seat making the guy take off and dance with another woman.

Oh well, I saw that one coming already.

I slumped to the sofa, while Amber was giggling beside me, pouring me another glass. She was teasing the hunk beside her.

Damn. She's good.

But what I didn't see was Ken, coming to our table until he was in very close proximity. I was instantly sober. I didn't know a doctor could look this sinful. I chugged down the rest of my champagne, making my girls look straight at me. I knew they were looking out for me. They always had my back, no matter how drunk they became. The downside was now they all looked in my direction and then straight to Ken.

They all mouthed "Ken" to each other. He was closing in as Amber was pouring me another glass with her mischievous grin. She was wearing the most conservative-looking dress out of all of us. Yet, she was the one that had been drowning us in champagne. The third bottle drained.

"Emilie, I didn't know you were coming here. I thought your foot still hurt." Angelica was quick on her feet as she slid out of her seat to let him take the seat next to mine.

"Hi there, you must be Emi's friend. Why don't you accompany her? We need to take our guys dancing. And yes, her foot still hurts. So she's done dancing."

The sexy doctor sat beside me. His eyes were on mine waiting to be introduced.

"Angelica, this is Maxim Markov. Maxim this is Angelica, that's Amber and Amanda...Amanda, Stop kissing! Maxim this is Amanda." I blushed when they all laughed. I pouted. Though in seconds my girls scattered to the dance floor, leaving me alone with the hot doctor.

"Emilie. You look..."

"I know, I know the dress is too short. They're making me wear this. They're making me come here. But I love them to death and can never say no to them." I blurted out before I could stop myself.

"I was about to say that you look sexy. I like it." His hand was on my thigh. I didn't know how, but I managed to blush in this dimly lit nightclub. He looked pleased with my reaction while I was just glad that I didn't embarrass myself further.

"So, who are you here with?"

"I was with my boys. But I'm with you now." His hand moved higher, as his body got closer to mine.

His head was inches from mine. I could feel the warmth of his breath on my neck. I suddenly moaned when he latched his lips just below my ear and started giving me small feathery kisses.

"Damn Emilie, I can stop thinking about your moan since the sandwich thing this morning. You make me hard. So fucking sexy, Em."

I could feel him inching closer. His kiss felt gentle and somehow calming, though only took moments before they got hotter and our breaths got heavier. He finally let go, and we were both moved back and looked into each other's eyes.

"Woah...seems like we're back too soon." Angelica was thrilled, to see me making out with Ken. I just rolled my eyes at her.

"Ladies, do you mind if I stole your friend for the rest of the night?"

"Hey, you didn't ask for my permission. Why are you asking them?" I pouted, but then he shut me off by bitting and licking my ear, then whispered dirty things that he was going to do to me besides fucking me.

My girls were ecstatic seeing me with Ken. All blurted words saying that I should go home with him. He helped me up and my legs were spaghetti all over again. His arms wrapped around my body, making the girls grin at us.

Oohhh...very strong arms. I didn't know doctors had strong arms.

It didn't take long before we were out of the club and into his car. "Ivan to my place."

"Um... actually, can we go to mine instead? I need to be available in case my sister calls. It's a long story." I slumped back to the seat feeling he might end our night because I came with issues.

But he surprised me when he pulled me onto his side and asked for my address. He spoke in a foreign language to his driver. I didn't even want to know anymore. I was getting tired, and my foot hurt.