↳ ❝𝘾𝙃𝘼𝙋𝙏𝙀𝙍 𝙉𝙄𝙉𝙀;❞

❝𝘽𝙚𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙚 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙤𝙣𝙡𝙮 𝙢𝙚𝙖𝙣 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙨𝙘𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙚
𝙄𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙢𝙚, 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙄'𝙡𝙡 𝙗𝙚 𝙖𝙛𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜.❞

𝘈𝘧𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘥, 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘕𝘦𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘥

「𝑵𝑰𝑪𝑶」

''𝑵𝑰𝑪𝑶 𝒀𝑶𝑼 𝑵𝑬𝑬𝑫 𝑻𝑶 𝑨𝑳𝑺𝑶 𝑺𝑰𝑮𝑵 𝑻𝑯𝑬 deal with the Japanese.'' Alexander said placing a file on the desk. We were in the meeting room and I sighed rubbing my forehead. ''We don't need them or their deal. I thought about it and I've decided that I don't want to sign the deal.'' I said and pushed the file away.

''What do you mean you decided you thought it's not good dude what are you talking about?'' He frowned. ''I mean what I said Alex. They need to beg us for this sign. We don't beg.'' I said. ''Nico's right.'' Leonardo said. ''I don't understand. I thought you all wanted this deal why did you all change your mind so quickly?'' He asked.

''It's whatever, Nico is right. We don't need them.'' Zain said and shrugged. ''Okay good. If you all agree then I also agree.'' Alex shrugged.

''Good. If we're done here then I should get going.'' I said standing up. ''Where are you going again?'' Sam asked raising an eyebrow. ''I have stuff to do.'' I said. ''Hmm I smell woman is the right word huh?'' Alexander smirked.

''Get a life and stop being in my business. See you all later.'' I faked a smile. ''Hmm will you be home for dinner?'' Leo chuckled. ''I don't know okay? Damn what is it with all the questions today? God.'' I muttered and made my way towards the door. ''Okay okay have fun.'' Alexander chuckled and I rolled my eyes before getting out of the meeting room.

I greeted the employees that I saw while making my way towards the elevator. Seconds later the elevator doors opened and I walked out and left the company. Jason brought my car and got out of it. ''There you go brother.'' He said handing me the keys. ''Thanks Jase. Oh and Jase?'' I said. ''Yeah man?'' He said looking at me.

''You can go rest. You been working everyday.'' I said but he smiled and shook his head. ''No bro I'm good. I have to pick up Lilian and Layla from school.'' He said and I smiled and nodded. ''Okay I'll see you later.'' I said before getting in my car and driving off.

I drove at the restaurant near the hospital Bella worked. She had her lunch break and we usually met up at this restaurant. I took my gun out of my belt and placed it under my seat. I didn't want to carry a gun while being with Bella. Especially when it was just that two of us for lunch. I hate that I had to lie to her but I'm sure if she knew about the truth she wouldn't spare me a second glance before walking away. 

And I can't have that. 

I sighed and got out of the car closing the door and finally making my way in the restaurant. I walked towards Bella and smiled. I kissed her cheek hugging her from behind. ''Hey.'' She giggled. ''Hey beautiful.'' I whispered. ''How is it going?'' I asked taking a seat across from her. ''Good. How are you?'' She asked resting her chin on her palm looking at me. ''Good.'' I shrugged.

''Welcome are you ready to order?'' The waiter asked and Bella nodded. ''I want the pasta and a salad.'' She said. ''I'll have the same.'' I said and thanked him before he walked off. I looked out of the huge glass window and notice a black van. I tensed up a little but tried not to show it.

This doesn't look good. It doesn't look good at all. 

''How was work?'' Bella asked making me snap out of it. ''Tiring.'' I said. ''I don't want you to drop your work for me Nico. You don't have to come everyday and have lunch with me.'' She chuckled. ''What if I want to?'' I asked leaning closer to her. She just smiled and looked away. I looked once again out of the window and a gunshot was heard. I grabbed Bella and flipped the table so we could hide.

Bella covered her ears and screamed. I cursed when I realised I didn't even have my gun with me. Then again even if I had it I wouldn't have take it out with Bella in my presence. I would hear people scream but I just held Bella in my arms rubbing her back softly.

The gunshots came to an end and Bella uncovered her ears and looked up at me. I heard someone that called the police and I cursed under my breath. I still have the gun in my car. It's risky staying here.

''Let's go.'' I said and helped Bella up then walked outside. ''What the hell was that?'' Bella asked swallowing. ''I don't know.'' I lied even though I knew exactly what that was. The Russos trying to get their revenge since I killed Antonio.

''Nico you're bleeding.'' Bella said and I looked at my shoulder. A bullet had just scratched me but this was a very good chance to leave before the police would arrived. ''Oh I didn't even realise.'' I muttered in all honesty.

''Let's go.'' She said and I was now once again sitting on a bed while Bella was stitching my shoulder. ''You have a lot of injuries.'' She said softly causing me to smile. ''Are you worried about me?'' I asked. ''I don't get it. How come every time this happens to you.'' She frowned. ''Don't think much about it.'' I said and looked at her. She looked down at me and sighed.

''We didn't even had our pasta.'' She mumbled causing me to laugh. ''Don't laugh Nico. My break is over and I'm hungry.'' She pouted and I smiled. ''I'll take care of that don't worry.'' I said and kissed her forehead once she finished.

She run her fingers on my injuries and I just looked at her. ''How did you get these?'' She asked softly. ''It's a big story.'' I said. ''That you can't tell me?'' She asked. ''Some other time.'' I said and rubbed her cheek softly.

I leaned in and kissed her softly then pulled away and stood up. ''Now would you mind helping me with this?'' I asked grabbing my shirt. ''Of course.'' She smiled and stood up. She helped me put my shirt and then started buttoning it. I smiled looking down at her. ''You're good right?'' She asked. ''I'm good I promise.'' I said. ''Okay. Take care of yourself please.'' She said and I smiled softly and nodded. ''I will I promise. You also take care of yourself okay?'' I said and grabbed her nose causing her to giggle.

''I will.'' She said and I nodded. ''Okay good. I better get going back at work.'' I said and kissed her before walking off.

I ordered her food then drove away. When I arrived at one of the main clubs we owned I got out of the car and made my way upstairs. I walked in the office and slammed the door shut. ''What happened?'' Zain asked. ''There was gunfire at the restaurant I was having lunch with Bella.'' I said clenching my jaw. ''What? Did you use your gun did she see you?'' He asked looking at me. ''No I never have my gun on me while I'm with Bella.'' I muttered.

''What the actual fuck man? Do you have any idea who would that have been?'' He asked. ''I'm sure it's the Russos. I'm sure about that.'' I muttered.

''But I'm not worried about myself. I'm worried about Bella. What if they saw her? If something happens to Bella because of me..''

''Bro nothing will happen calm down.'' He said and patted my back. I sighed and rubbed my forehead. ''I need to get security to take care of Bella.'' I muttered bouncing my leg up and down. ''What are you going to tell her?'' He asked. ''I won't tell her obviously Zain. I'll just have someone keep an eye on her.'' I said and grabbed my phone.

''What's so special about Bella?'' Zain suddenly asked and I looked up at him. ''A lot.'' I smiled softly. ''Hmm it's obvious. You look really happy. I'm glad. You need to take care of yourself and it's obvious that Bella is taking a good care of you.'' He said and I smiled softly and nodded. ''She is.'' I said and called Mike.

''Mike come in my office please we need to talk.'' I said and hang up. ''Anyways I need to go.'' Zain said standing up. ''Where to?'' I smirked. ''Don't smirk at me like that.'' He said and I chuckled. ''Okay okay have fun.'' I said. ''I will.'' He said and left the office.

I heard a knock on the door and said a simple come in. Mike walked in closing the door behind. ''Come Mike, we need to talk.'' I said and he stood in front of me. ''Take a seat man.'' I said and rubbed my forehead. ''Listen Mike I need you to keep an eye on someone. But you will have to be really careful you, Jason and Achilles will be the only ones that will know about this.'' I said and he nodded. ''Of course bro.'' He said.

''I trust you on this okay? Be extra careful I don't want her to notice that you are keeping an eye on her.'' I said.

A while later I went home and made my way upstairs when I passed by Aiden's room and saw him sitting on the floor with a sketch book. I knocked on the door then walked in and sat next to him. ''What are you doing baby boss?'' I asked causing him to chuckle. ''I'm just trying to do a project.'' He said. ''And how is that going?'' I raised an eyebrow. ''Not well. I'm not good with that. I'm more into chemistry.'' He said and I smiled.

''Give me that man. I've always been great with these.'' I said and took off my jacket then grabbed the sketch book from him.

''Uncle Nico.. are you sure you got this?'' He asked and I frowned. ''The hell yes I am sure kid. Wait and see.'' I said and he chuckled. ''If you say so.'' He said crossing his arms. When I was done I passed him the sketch book and he gasped. ''Woah. This will be an A+ thanks uncle Nico.'' He said. ''No problem kid. So anything else from school? Any special friend?'' I said causing him to clear his throat.

''No.'' He answered and looked away causing me to smile and pull him in a hug. ''You're a great kid Aiden.'' I said and stood up. ''And you're a great uncle. My favourite uncle but don't tell the rest.'' He said pointing at me. I laughed and messed his hair. ''I won't it's our secret.'' I said and walked out of this room.

I walked in my bedroom and threw the jacket on the edge of my bed. I went to take a shower and when I was done I put on grey sweatpants and a simple white t-shirt and dried my hair with a towel. I sat on the edge of my bed and grabbed my phone calling Bella.

''Hey.'' She said causing me to smile. ''Hey beautiful. How are you?'' I asked.

''I'm good thanks for the food. I needed that.'' She said and I could already tell she was smiling. ''Hmm that's great. Glad you liked it.'' I said.

''How are you? You're not in pain right?'' She asked worried. ''I'm not in pain don't worry I'm fine. When do you get off work today?'' I asked. ''I have an extra shift I'll probably be done by 5 in the morning.'' She said. ''You work too hard.'' I muttered and laid back looking at the ceiling.

''What can I say? I have other patients to take care of Mr De Luca.'' She said and I smiled. ''Hmm I guess.'' I said. ''Nico I have to go. I'll see you tomorrow.'' She said. ''I'll see you tomorrow beautiful. Good night.'' I said and ended the call.

I knew that I wouldn't be able to sleep tonight. I will wait and go pick Bella up from work. I can't sleep. I got off the bed and sighed heavily walking out on the balcony I run a hand through my messy hair and looked at the view.

I couldn't help but think of Bella's safety. Sometimes I wish I could just leave this lifestyle. Then other times I think about how I'm here to protect Sin City. Everyone that lives here deserves to be protected.

Everyone in my family believes I'm different. Different from them. I was the best student back in college. Zain used to tease me and call me genius. Even though he was the real genius here.

I heard a knock on the door and sighed. ''Yeah.'' I simply said and heard the door open. I heard footsteps and seconds later Amelie stood next to me. ''And what happened to you?'' She asked causing me to look at her then look away again. ''Just busy with stuff Amie.'' I said causing her to chuckle. ''That doesn't look like a busy face more like a worried face.'' She said.

''I have a lot in my mind lately.'' I said and she hummed. ''Nico I'm not that old. I know that you're interested in someone. You try your best to hide it and I understand why. But you can't hide from me.'' She said and I smiled softly looking at her.

''How come I can hide from everyone but you?'' I asked pointing at her. ''You think you can hide from everyone. Everyone can see that you've changed your behavior a lot lately but they just are not brave enough to talk to you.'' She shrugged and I chuckled shaking my head.

Amelie was my first sister in law. I was seven when she and Alexander got married. They were just nineteen. Alexander says it was love at first sight. Well it was kind of an arranged marriage. but they somehow clicked immediately. Amelie was the daughter of a mafia leader. Her father died. She lost everyone but her mother. Her mother went back in Italy to live with her grandmother to somehow ease the pain.

Everything her father left went automatically at Alexander since he was his son in law.

Me as a kid at seven I would follow Amelie everywhere. She was like a big sister to me. Maybe that's why she knows me so well.

''So who's the girl?'' She smirked. ''Don't you have a son to go take care of and worry about?'' I joked. ''My son is just fine now spill the beans.'' She said causing me to sigh loudly. ''Amie I'm not in mood.'' I whined. ''Okay fine. You've always been like this. All mysterious, never told shit to anyone.'' She frowned causing me to chuckle.

''And you would always be this annoying and try to get information out of me. It doesn't work with me Amie go at your husband with that attitude.'' I said pointing at her. ''Whatever. Whoever she is she better be ready for your craziness.'' She said and walked off.

''She is.'' I smiled even though Amelie was gone. I walked back inside and closed the balcony door. I made my way towards the bed and grabbed my phone replying to a few work emails. I know I've been getting a little distracted lately from work. I've been wanting to spend more time with Bella.

When I was done with the emails I grabbed a book I was reading lately. I rested my back on the headboard and started reading.

I almost finished the book but the alarm I had set went off so I placed the book back on my nightstand and got off the bed. I grabbed a black sportswear jacket and after I put it on I put on my shoes and grabbed the car keys before walking down the stairs silently.

It was half past four and I didn't want to wake anyone up. I finally walked out of the house and got in my car. I drove towards the gate where Jason and Flynn were. ''Where to at this time?'' Jason joked and I rolled my eyes playfully shaking my head. ''Open the gate dude. I'll see you later we have work.'' I said and he nodded.

I drove off and twenty minutes later I arrived at the hospital. I stepped out of the car and rested against it putting my hands in the pockets waiting for Bella.

It was still cold. Almost as if it was going to snow. ''Heyyy.'' I turned and smiled when I saw Bella. I pushed myself off the car and walked towards her meeting her halfway. ''Hey.'' I grinned leaning in kissing her softly. She smiled through the kiss then pulled away. ''Why did you come? I would've walked home. You need to rest.'' She said.

''I'm fine.'' I said and grabbed her hand in mine our fingers immediately intertwining. ''You look sporty.'' Bella commented and I chuckled as I opened the car door for her. ''I just woke up.'' I lied. ''Hmm sure. Please I bet you didn't even sleep.'' She said and I chuckled. She got in the car and thanked me before I closed the door. I got in as well and put my seat belt on then drove off.

''So why didn't you sleep?'' She asked. ''Because I was working and didn't have time to sleep.'' I said. ''Hmm I'm sure of that.'' She muttered. The car ride to Bella's apartment was quick. I pulled over and looked at her. ''Wanna come in?'' She asked biting her bottom lip nervously. I smiled and nodded. ''I would love to.'' I said and we got out of the car.

We walked in the elevator hand in hand and I looked at Bella smiling. ''What?'' She asked smiling. ''What?'' I shrugged. ''Why are you looking at me like that?'' She asked. ''Because you're beautiful.'' I whispered making her blush and look down. I grabbed her chin softly making her look up at me. ''You're even more beautiful when you blush.'' I said softly. Just then the elevator doors opened and Bella dragged me out of the elevator.

She unlocked the door to her apartment and we walked in. ''Your place is nice.'' I said looking around carefully. It wasn't the first time getting in but it was the first time I was checking it out carefully. ''Thanks.'' She chuckled and looked at me. ''I'll go change to some comfortable clothes and I'll be back.'' She said and walked off.

I took a seat on the couch and looked around. I smiled when I saw the flowers I've sent to Bella were all around the house.

Minutes later Bella walked back with grey sweatpants and a black hoodie. ''Okay I'm hungry.'' She pouted causing me to laugh softly. ''You're always hungry. Like a little baby.'' I said and stood up taking the jacket off placing it on the couch.

''Let's go I'll cook for you.'' I said and she followed me. ''You will? That's cute.'' She pouted. I opened the fridge and looked at her. ''So what do you wanna eat?'' I asked. ''We didn't get to have our pasta at the restaurant due to that disaster.'' She pouted. ''Of course.'' I chuckled and took out what I needed then started cooking. Bella hoped on the counter and before grabbing a bottle of wine and two glasses.

She poured wine in the glasses and handed me one.

I took a sip and looked at her. ''How are you so perfect?'' She asked. ''I'm not.'' I said softly looking at her. ''You are.'' She whispered. ''So what else can you do? You can plan the best dates you can cook. You always pick me up from work and even drive me at work. You send me bunch of flowers. How come you were single?'' She raised her eyebrow before taking a sip of her wine.

''I just didn't find the right person. Now I did.'' I smiled. ''Hmm to how many girls have you said that?'' She smirked. ''One.'' I smirked back as I cooked. ''One?'' She asked raising her eyebrows.

''Hmm just you.'' I said and she smiled looking away.

I got in between her legs and she wrapped her arms around my neck pulling me in for a kiss. I smiled kissing her back dropping my hands on her knees. Just when I licked her lip for entrance she pulled away and pushed me softly.

''Too soon De Luca.'' She smirked. I pulled my hands up in defense. ''Okay sorry.'' I chuckled and I placed the food on two plates. We walked in the living room and sat on the couch.

Bella turned the TV on and we started eating.

''So is this how you spend your time after work?'' I asked. ''Hmm I get home I eat while I try to catch up on my show and then sleep. Welcome to my adventurous life.'' She said and I snorted. ''I'm ready for your adventurous life to be mine too.'' I said causing her to smile.

''You're too good with words.'' She muttered. ''I like to think I am.'' I replied. When we were done eating we did the dishes then I could see Bella was extra tired.

"You have the day off tomorrow right?" I asked and she hummed as we laid on the couch her head resting on my chest along with her hand.

"Any plans?" I smiled. "Sleep all day." She muttered causing me to laugh softly. "I wish I could do that." I mumbled.

"I don't know what you've done to me Bella.." I whispered and looked down at her. She was fast asleep. I kissed the top of her head and closed my eyes.

For the very first time in my life I had a peaceful sleep. Maybe it was Bella's effect.

I cursed under my breath when I heard my phone ringing. I didn't want Bella waking up she was probably too tired.

I grabbed my phone and answered. "What is it Leo?" I asked. "Nico where are you man? We're waiting for you we have a meeting Zach and his team are here." He said causing me to curse.

"Oh shit. Fuck I'll be there in a few." I said. "You better." Leo said and with that ended the call. I got out of Bella's grip slowly and carefully not to wake her up.

I kissed her forehead and covered her again. I left her a note saying I had to go and left the house. I nodded at Mike that was standing a little far keeping an eye on Bella's apartment. He nodded back at me and I got in my car.

I didn't have time to go home and change so I just went at the company in my sweatpants and sportswear jacket.

I finally reached the meeting room and walked in. "Hello so sorry for being late. I had some stuff to do." I said and everyone looked my way.

"What are you wearing?" Zain whispered so only I could hear. "Fuck off." I mumbled. "Zach welcome." I said and he nodded. "We were ready to leave though Nicola. You know that I only work with serious people. And people that put work first. I see that has changed for you." He said and stood up.

"Wait a second—"

"—Nico." Zain stood up and cleared his throat standing in between me and Zach. "What did you just say? I'm not serious enough or something?" I asked.

"You're two hours late on our meeting. That sounds pretty bad to me." He said. "Who the fuck needs you anyway? You need us. We fucking don't fucking bastards." I said.

"He said it." Alexander sighed. Zach's two security guards came my way. "What are you going to do? You think you're a threat to me? You come in MY company and try to threat me with these two bastards?" I asked pointing at the guards.

I laughed and nodded. I grabbed Zain's gun and pointed it at Zach. "One more step and you're all dead." I said. Alexander, Sam, Vincent and Leo also pointed their guns at Zach and his guards.

"Okay okay calm down." Zach said. "I'm calm. I'm so fucking calm. This is my calm state." I said. "You're not really." Sam mumbled and I rolled my eyes. "Now get the fuck out of my property. And never come back. Oh and I actually forbid you selling my guns. This is over. You're not taking shit from us anymore." I said and he wanted to protest but fought against it and walked out with his guards.

I placed the gun on the table and took a seat. "You're one fucked up bitch." Alexander sighed. "He was disrespecting me. I wasn't going to let that slide." I mumbled.

"You and your anger issues man I swear." Leo said. "So are we having breakfast or nah?" I asked resting my cheek on my fist.

"This bitch. We had breakfast and if you were home you would have too." Leo smirked and I rolled my eyes. "I'll have breakfast with you bro. Let's go." Zain said and I chuckled. "You're always down for food." I said standing up.

"Nico you need to explain all this to dad." Vincent said. "And why don't you have your gun with you? Why use Zain's? You never use someone else's gun." Leo asked crossing his arms.

"Ugh God. Do you have to know all this? Weirdos. See ya." I said and waved at them before walking off with Zain.

"You slept at Bella's?" Zain asked once we walked out of the company. "I did." I smiled. "Of course. Look at your face. You're glowing. But your appearance... I was speechless." He said looking me up and down.

"I didn't have time to change dude." I groaned.

Even though there was a huge cafeteria at the company I never ate there before. I mean I never felt the need to eat while working. We walked in a restaurant with Zain and ordered.

"When are you bringing Bella to meet the fam?" Zain smirked. "I don't wanna talk about it. Just the thought of Bella meeting my crazy weird Cosa Nostra family makes me wanna..." I sighed and Zain smiled slowly. "You love her." He muttered.

"Is this how love feels like?" I whispered looking at him. "Wanting to be by that persons side 24/7? Wanting to make them smile. Laugh. Just wanting them to be safe." I sighed.

"Maybe that's what it is." He smiled softly. "It's a scary feeling bro. It's a really scary feeling." I sighed.

It was a terrifying feeling.

I had fallen for Bella. From the very first day.