The Mafia's Secretary

She stares at the TV screen with bated breath. Her eyes widen with confusion and fear. Her hands were shaken. Her life's work was gone. All the resources she pooled in the business, the sleepless nights, the meetings, the business trips - everything was gone in the blink of an eye. She watched the officers cuff her father's wrist and take him away. Why were they taking him away? Tax evasion? Embezzlement? No way! She was his Chief Financial Officer. She made sure they paid taxes. Embezzlement? When the hell did that happen? She kept the company's records under 'lock and key'.

There was no way this could happen. She had been double crossed. She expected this but not from her very own father.

"Miss Adira", A shrill voice spoke, "It's time to take your medicine".

Adira was quiet. She could neither move nor speak. Why was this happening to her? She looked at her open palm and sniffled. Tears rolled down her cheeks. She couldn't hold it in anymore. Her knees wobbled and she collapsed to the floor, bawling her eyes out.

Alan stood in front of the camera, "Earlier today, Mr Gregory, the CEO of the once prestigious comWorkd been arrested on the charges of Tax evasion and embezzlement. The man's lawyer released a statement that his client was arrested on false allegations and that the alleged crimes were never committed. We are live at Wellerman corporation and as you can see, there are protestants demanding to see the C.F.O of the company. Wellerman had announced becoming a publicly traded company and allowed the masses to invest in her institution but with the news of the CEO's tragic arrest, it seems they want out. Alan Shepherd reporting for KBC news".

"That's a wrap", The cameraman puts down his camera.

Alan turns to the angry mob with placards yelling in front of the company building. With a sigh, he ran his hand through his hair, "I wonder how Adira is feeling".

Meanwhile, a woman is seen dragging her box out of the wardrobe. She grabs her bag and car key.

"Ma'am, you don't have to do this", A young woman pleased.

"I can't remain in this hotel forever while my dad is getting arrested", Adira yelled.

"Let her go, Madeleine", A brown haired man appeared in the person of James.

"Thank you, James", Adira strolled her bag out of the room.

James pocketed his hands and called after her, "Be careful".

"I will", She called back.

There was no way she could be there on time. Avannon is a long way from England. It would take her 6 hours. Adira grumbles to herself. What would she do? She fished her phone out of her pocket and dialed a number. It was ringing. It took a few seconds before it clicked. Finally, he answered.

"Alan, thank God its you. Please, I need your help", She said desperately.

Alan chuckled on his end of the line, "You saw the news, didn't you?".

"This is no time for games, Alan. Please, hear me out", She rolls her eyes.

"It's a ruckus out here, Adira. Where are you?", He asked.

"That's the problem I'm not in the country as we speak. I'm in England", She palmed her face.

Alan tuts, "Well, you need to get here fast. The masses are demanding a statement from you. They invested in your father's company".

"I know. That's why I called you. I want to make a live video and I need you to air it for me", She said.

Alan scoffed, "I'm not Jesus who performs miracles. I can't just magically help you".

A few minutes later,

Alan clears his throat before staring into the camera, "We just received word that Adira Wellerman, the C.F.O of Wellerman corporation wants to release a statement as regarding the issue at hand. Adira, you can take it from here".

Her palms were sweaty but she didn't care. The hair on her neck rose as she stared into the camera. She was frightened by what might happen in the end but she had to do something. She had sacrificed 5 years of her life to build the company. She refused to let her efforts go down the drain becuase of some stupid mistake her father made. Exhaling sharply, she gritted her teeth before blurting out those words.

"It was all me".

Adira stares at the screen of her laptop, with the picture of her father in view. It was late at night and her eyelids were heavy but she couldn't sleep. Not after what happened. She completely lost it back there. What was she thinking?!

Earlier when she made the video, she unconsciously peeled the skin on her left hand. The pain? She didn't feel it. She did that whenever she was nervous but why was she nervous when she should be upset? Her father double crossed her. He betrayed her and now, she had to say something. She swallowed hard and looked at the camera.

"It was all me", She started, "I did everything".

Murmurs filled the crowd. She was silent again. Alan was confused. Was she trying to take the fall for her father's crimes?

She continued, "I made plans but I never realized that there would be problems. The news came as a bolt from the blue and I'm still trying not to keel over from the shock....

She lifted her right hand, "I swear that all these allegations are ....

The audience anticipated her next response but they never expected it that way.

Adira sobbed, "These allegations are true. I am sorry that I failed in my duties. I take full responsibility and would accept any reprimand whatsoever. Every one victimized from the embezzlement will be compensated without fail". She bowed her head and the live feed was cut.

Adira was pulled back to reality at the sound of a knock. It came from the door. She went to open it. It was Suzie.

"Baby", Suzie wrapped her hands around her neck, "I saw the news".

Adira rolled her eyes, "I'm fine".

Suzie pulled away with tears in her eyes, "I never knew. I'm sorry".

Adira scoffs, "Its not your fault, babe".

Suzie enters and closes the door behind her, "What about your dad?".

"He's going away this time", Adira sits on the couch.

Suzy sits next to her, "That's awful, honey. Have you had anything to eat?".

"I threw up 3 times after the live video. Nothing goes in anymore", Adira shook her head.

"Adira! Come on, you've gotta eat something. I'm sure you haven't had your pills yet", Suzy walks to the kitchen.

"I had them", Adira rests her back on the couch.

Suzy walks back to the living room, "What is James saying about this?".

Adira tuts and lifts her head, "James is the biggest asshole on earth. I left his hotel right away".

"Come on. No more gloomy talk. We're going to drink our sorrows away", Suzy suggests.

Adira frowns, "Drink alcohol?".

"Of course. Were you expecting me to say water? Baby, I'm from South Korea. We drink when we're depressed. We party when we're sad", Suzy takes her friend's hands in hers.

Adira shook her head, "No".

Suzy squeezes her friend's hands, "What? Are you scared that people will recognize you from the video? This is England. No one knows you personally. You've been through enough. James, that English asshole dumped you the moment he saw the news, your father threw you to the wolves. I love you, Adira. I don't give a rat's ass what life throws at us. We either dodge it or we face it head on and find a solution".

Adira chuckles, "Since when did you become ta motivational speaker?".

"Since my debut in 2018", Suzy chuckles, "Come on, one drink wouldn't hurt".

Adira rolls her eyes, "What's wrong with drinking indoors?".

"The taste of alcohol hits different while drinking it outdoors. You'll thank me later, love", Suzy smiles.

Adira sighs, "Okay".

....

They slam the car door shut as they bounded out of it. Suzy looked at her phone once more. This was the place everyone wants to go to. Smiling to herself, she clings unto her friend's arms, "Come on".

Adira pouts, "You better stay with me".

"Of course. I will never leave you alone in there for a man", Suzy bats her eyelash smilingly.

They walk into the bar. There were a few patrons and it was less noisy than any bar she's been to, thought Suzy.

As soon as the clock struck 11 pm, people came trooping in. She smiled to herself. Finally!

She takes Adira to the counter, "It's cool, isn't it?".

The bartender flashes a smile at them, "Hello, ladies. What can I get ya?". His thick accent still lingered in Adira's ears.

Suzy rest her elbow on the counter and replied in an English accent, "What do you recommend?".

The young man was taken aback, "Wow, your accent's good".

Suzy ran her hand through her hair, "I picked up one or two during my performance at the Buckingham palace".

"Performance? You're a musician?", He asked.

"Of course. I'm Suzy", She winked at him.

"Ah! I know you. You're the South Korean idol. Wow, you're even prettier in person", His cheeks turn red, "Can I get a selfie?".

"Of course", Suzy smiles.

Adira just sat there staring at them. They had totally ignored her.

The bar tender offers them a drink, "Its on the house".

"Thanks, Sugar", Suzy smiles.

"My name is John but you can call me Sugar", He smiles.

Suzy laughs, "Of course. Now, Sugar. How about you and I hit the dance floor? Let's see how sweet you can be".

Adira slaps her forehead, "Oh my goodness".

"Wow. Is that even allowed? Won't your bodyguards pin me down or something?", John asked worriedly.

Suzy waves her hand, replying in her normal accent, "Oh no worries. They don't know I'm here. I snuck out of my hotel room. They'll probably find me soon so let's not waste time.

"Sure", John smirks.

Adira watched him leave with her to the dance floor.

Another bar tender shows up and asked Adira what she wanted to drink.

"Just get me anything", She looks at her friend dancing with John, "And she said she wouldn't leave me for a man. How cruel".

"Here you go", The woman passes her the glass.

Adira wondered if it was normal for a bar tender to dance with a customer while on duty.

As if reading her mind, the woman replied, "That's part of Johnny's job. Any celebrity that walks in here either falls for him or ask him out so our manager made it part of his job to follow em so they'll promote out bar online".

"Is that even legal?", Adira asked.

"Its a business strategy and no one is harassed so it's legal", The woman smiles.

Adira hears a loud whoop. She turns and its coming from Suzy, who becomes the center of attraction by dancing on the table.

"Oh my gosh", She scoffs.

"Dry martini, please", A deep masculine voice spoke beside her.

She takes a look and its from the gentleman sitting next to her.

He caught her staring, "Find something interesting?".

"Excuse me?", She was confused.

"You were staring at my face", He said.

"Oh, did I? I apologize. I thought you looked familiar", Adira felt embarrassed. She looked away and dunked the entire glass of alcohol in one gulp.

The man whispered something and laughed to himself.

She turns to him, "Did you say something?".

"Its not to you", He says.

"Sorry", She apologize again. Adira sighs. What was wrong with her? She drank everything from her cup and got out of her seat, fishing out her wallet from her jacket. Placing a few bills on the counter, she says to the tender, "Keep the change".

"Thanks", The woman smiles while she pockets the bills, "This is my best tip in weeks".

Adira nods at her and turns on her heels. There was no point in staying here if she would only feel worse. While trying to leave, she bumps into something hard. Before she could hit the ground, a strong hand clung unto her waist, holding her in place. Adira, who had closed her eyes in fear of hitting the ground, blinked them open. She was too bedazzled to speak as the man who saved her had looks that almost took her breath away.

WARNING!!

THIS IS RATED 18 WHICH IS NOT SUITABLE FOR VIEWERS UNDER THE AGE OF 18.

....

Adira stared at the man whose hand still clung unto her waist. Her mouth almost fell open as she admired his gorgeous looks - his golden brown eyes, high cheek bones, lashes as long as hers, lips, pink and full. His hair was disheveled and two buttons on his shirt were undone. Just who was this sexy gentleman? Her brain screamed inside her head.

"Watch where you're going", He lets go off her and walks away.

Adira was still stunned. She stood there watching him leave. As soon she could no longer see his shadow, her lips releases an exhale. Unconsciously, her hand flew to her chest. All of a sudden, she craved to be in this man's arms.

"Stop such unholy thoughts, Adira", She shook her head and ventures back into the bar. She had forgotten her friend.

Something caught her eye, the sexy gentleman that saved her was talking with the other man who sat beside her. Did they know each other? Of course they would, both of them were drop dead gorgeous. Sighting her friend, she moves into the crowded dance floor in attempt to call Suzy's attention. Before she knew it, someone bumped into her and the music got louder. Another person bumped into her and she fell to the floor.

Sitting by the counter, the suited gentleman pushed the glasses on his face and addressed the man beside him, "Signoir Giovanni, they still haven't arrived".

The man called Giovanni clicks his tongue in annoyance, "I can't believe they made me waste my time here".

The crowd whooped as the DJ played another music. Giovanni couldn't stand the noise so he decided to leave.

"She's so fragile", His companion commented.

"Who?", Giovanni turns in the other direction and sees a young woman struggling to pull her friend out of the crowded floor. A smile crept his lips as he watched the little lamb. She was adorable.

"Let's go, Sir", The man announced.

"Uno momento", Giovanni tells him and walks to the floor. The crowd parted as he took each step. Tension rose in the air even the DJ reduced the volume of the music he played.

Giovanni stopped in front of the young woman sitting on the floor and offered his hand.

She hesitated for a moment before taking it. He helped her up without a smile on his face. She was confused. Just who was he?

Turning away quickly, he left.

"Who is that?", Suzy said groggily.

Adira said in a whisper, "My love".

"What?", Suzy was confused.

....

Adira expected the next day to be unpleasant but it turned out worse. Suzy was gone by the morning leaving behind a note about returning home. She was all alone. The moment she turned on her laptop, there were lots of emails. Most of them were from investors, shareholders and business partners. All wanting to pull out. That morning, she held a business conference with the staff and they came to a decision. She was the only daughter and heiress to the fortune and all rights were hers so in her father's absence, any decision of hers was final. They came to a peaceful conclusion and Wellerman corporation had its funds liquidated. Adira had never felt so numb her entire life. Even the pills she took did nothing to placate the situation at hand. Staring at her reflection in the mirror, she bites her lip, trying to muffle the sobs threatening to escape her lips. If only she had a mother, the burden she shouldered would be less on her. The phone in her pocket buzzed and she took it out. It was a reminder - she had booked an appointment at the hotel's gym.

"Shit", She says.

Walking slowly, she sets towards the gym house. It was empty. Thank God.

Keeping her gym bag on a chair, she heads to the treadmill. With her earphones on, she prayed the music would drown her sorrows away. Turning it on, she begins to run. She ran for a while before pushing the stop button. Panting softly, she wipes the beaded perspiration on her forehead and neck. Her throat felt dry and was in need of water. She remembered taking a bottle of water with her. Before she would move, she bumps into someone.

"Ouch", This time she falls to the floor.

She was about to curse when the person offered his hand. She looked up. It was the gentleman she met at the bar. The one who had saved her from falling.

She took his hand, "I'm sorry. I keep bumping into you".

"It's fine", He said, "I'm surprised you're here".

"Me too. We stay at the same hotel", Adira couldn't help but smile. The man had a pretty face.

"I'm referring to the gym", He said.

Adira felt her face fall. What was he saying?

"The hotel management must have told the patrons here on time that the gym is reserved only for me from 7am till 12 noon", He announced.

"Oh", Adira knew the feeling. She had lived like this before while her father was still around. Just when she tried to lift her dull spirit with some gym, she is reminded of what she lost. Everything. The fall from grace hurt a lot harder than this one she had in the gym. Bowing her head slowly, she apologize and turns to leave.

He called her attention back, "Wait".

Adira whipped her head in his direction, "Yes?".

Giovanni had wanted to tell her that she could but was confused when he found her crying.

"Are you okay?", He asked.

"I'm sorry", She wiped her eyes but more tears fell.

Giovanni was taken aback. Was this woman crying because he sent her away? Jeez. He rolled his eyes.

"Okay. You can stay if that makes you happy", He told her but she kept crying.

Adira sat in the floor crying loudly. The man squatted before her, "Are you okay?". He asked again.

She spoke between sobs, "I'm sorry".

Giovanni took her chin in his hand, "Why are you apologizing?".

Adira couldn't speak. She just stared at him.

When he realised that she wasn't ready to talk, he lets go off her chin and turns to leave. Adira didn't know what came over her. Overwhelmed by a flurry of emotions, she grabs his face, pressing her lips onto his.

The man was a bit startled. He tried pushing her away but looking at her small frame, she would get hurt. This little lamb made the moves on him. So this is what she wanted. If she had made her intentions clearer, he would've prepared himself. There on the floor, he towered over her, returning the kiss passionately. His hand slowly unzipped her top and he removed it. Trailing kisses from behind her earlobe to her chest. He bit and sucked her skin, easily tugging off her bra. Leaving hot kisses on her breasts. Hearing her moans were like heaven to him. He wanted to hear more of it. Going rough on her wouldn't be best but she made him want go hard on her. Kissing down to her stomach, he freely removed her trousers and pants. Kissing the area down there, he realized she was wet already. Smirking to himself, he used the occasion to pull down his trousers. Thrusting up and down into her was a rhythm he was chained to. This woman was different from other women he had tasted. He felt like he climbed the highest heaven of ecstasy.