KISS ME KILL ME;HIS ENEMY HIS OBSESSION

Elira’s POV

"Ms. Elira! Over here! Turn a little to your right! Goddess, who designed that dress? Give us a smile, Ms. Elira!"

"One photo, boss lady! Just one!"

I turned my head slightly, giving them the cold, calculated smirk I knew they lived for. The flashlights lit up like wildfire. I didn't slow my pace. Nico was already at the top of the steps, waiting, followed by two guards. The gala was well underway, and the orphans were being paraded to entertain the rich for the sake of charity. I hated these events, but we hosted them to clean the blood off our money, or so the press liked to say; they never knew about our true organisation, but everyone liked to think a thing or two.

The sapphire silk of my gown clung to every step. Backless, slit thigh, with hidden holsters sewn along the seams. Just because I dressed like a queen didn’t mean I came unarmed.

Aiden was behind me. I could feel him in the shadows. Nico didn't want him to be my date or even appear publicly with me he said it was better if he remained hidden.

Inside the ballroom, the pianist played the piano softly, crystal chandeliers glittering above a sea of people with masks, hiding their true nature and diamond smiles.

"Elira," Nico greeted. His hand brushed my shoulder.

"Nico," I replied, voice clipped.

"Looking powerful, as always," he replied with a smile and leaned down to kiss my forehead.

I didn’t bother responding. Instead, I moved to the edge of the dance floor, scanning the room. Luca had yet to show. Good.

Aiden lingered by the wall, blending into the shadows. One of the waiters passed with champagne. I took a glass, drained it in one swallow, and waited.

Of course, Luca eventually arrived, late, like always.

He sauntered in with that crooked smirk, a white rose pinned to his lapel and a predator's glint in his eyes.

"Beautiful," he drawled, stepping beside me. "You look like a goddess with that gown accentuating all your beautiful curves." his eyes traced my body with a weird glint in his eyes that I knew all too well.

"You do look like a don with that angry look too. Almost like the role fits," he said, leaning in to me and making me more uncomfortable.

I ignored him.

"Not much of a hostess, are you?"

I turned slightly. "This is a charity event. Not your personal runway."

He leaned closer, voice low. "You're not fit to rule this empire. You know that, right? No one's going to follow a woman."

I smiled tightly. "And yet, here you are. Still following."

His jaw clenched. Before he could say more, I excused myself. "Touching up my makeup. Don’t follow."

I turned to where Aiden was to catch a glimpse of him but he wasn't there. He sure does know how to blend in.

---

The powder room was empty. I stood before the mirror, fixing the curve of my lipstick when I heard the click of the door.

"I said don’t follow," I warned.

"Couldn’t help myself," Luca replied, stepping in.

I didn’t turn. "Get out."

"You think you're untouchable?"

He was behind me now. I saw him in the mirror. His hand reached forward.

"Luca—"

He gripped my arm and spun me, lips crashing down hard on mine.

I struggled immediately, kneeing him, but he anticipated it. Pinned me to the wall. My holster was under the slit of my dress, too far to reach.

"You need someone strong beside you," he hissed. "Not some trained dog you keep on a leash."

I clawed at his face. "Let. Me. Go."

His hands closed around my throat.

My vision blurred for a second.

Then a sudden, violent crack.

Luca dropped to the ground, unmoving. Aiden stood behind him, holding the butt of his pistol, breathing hard. For a second, all I heard was the ringing in my ears and the pounding of my heart.

"Is he dead?" I croaked.

Aiden looked down. "Unconscious. For now."

His eyes scanned my face, and for the first time, something flickered. Was that Rage and worry?

"Do you want him dead?" he asked quietly.

I swallowed. My throat burned. "No. Just... get him out of here. Quietly."

He nodded, already pulling a phone from his pocket.

Soon, two men walked in with Nico behind them. They began to help Luca up and out of the room while Nico looked at me apologetically.

"I'll do something about him."

I just nodded as I didn't know what to say to him.

Once everyone exited, Aiden and I remained, staring at each other till he stretched out his hand.

"Let's go"

---

Five minutes later, we were out of the building and in his black Audi. The car gave off the same vibe as its owner. Dull and brooding.

He drove. I didn’t ask where. Just stared out the window, arms folded tightly across my stomach. The silence was comfortable. Unexpectedly so.

The car pulled to a stop near an abandoned dock by the lake. Moonlight danced on the surface of the water. It was quiet. Still.

He got out first. I followed slowly, my heels clicking on the boards.

"This is where you dump all the bodies?" I asked dryly.

"No. Just come here when I need to remember what peace feels like."

He sat on the edge of the dock. I hesitated, then lowered myself beside him, the cold wood seeping through my dress.

"My mother used to bring me here," he said. "After my father died. Before she got sick."

I looked at him, surprised by the softness in his tone.

"What happened to her?"

"Leukaemia. Fast. She didn’t even make it six months."

I didn’t respond.

"You don’t have to say anything," he added. "I just figured... tonight, you might need air."

The breeze stirred my hair. I turned my head slightly.

"Thanks," I murmured.

The silence stretched, none of us saying a word when his shoulder brushed mine.

His face dipped closer and my breath hitched as our lips hovered.

So close. So fucking close.

And then, I pulled back. "No," I said. "Don’t."

He nodded but I saw the flicker in his eyes.

Something broke through that unreadable mask. Surprise. Frustration. Maybe... regret?

I stood abruptly. "We need to go back ."

What was I thinking? I'm the don, of the Italian mafia. Maybe Luca was right, saying I wasn't right to rule, I mean, look at me being swayed by a man about to kiss me?!

He stood up, dusted his clothes, and waited for me to walk ahead before he followed.

---

We drove in silence once again but if the last time was uncomfortable, this was worse.

I watched the houses fly by when I noticed something.

"Where the hell are you taking me?" I didn't waste my breath as I brought out my gun, pointing it at his head.

He chuckled. "You need to learn not to be paranoid all the damn time."

He pulled over and got out, not fazed that my gun was pointed at his head a second ago or I could have fired when he moved.

He opened my door and put his hand out for me to take. I cautiously took it and stared at him in confusion.

"Welcome to McDonald's. I heard your stomach grumble a mile back. Couldn't take you back home, hungry. "

What? Is he alright in the head?

A small smirk appeared on his face. "Yes, I am"

"Did I say that out loud?" My body felt hot from embarrassment.

"Yes, you did."

We walked into the restaurant and took our seats and I had the best time of my life since I took over from my father.

We laughed and talked all through. From the playful banter about what kind of fry was the best and how people realised popato tasted better in straw like shapes to arguing about what kind of gun had the best feel when aimed.

Maybe I was actually a bit too stiff, right?