Indebted to the Mafia King

*Heidi*

Cal takes me to his office, and I find myself slightly suspicious while at the same time, an anticipation builds within me that has everything to do with the fact that he's taking me somewhere private to have a conversation. While we were talking at the bar, his barkeep pretended he wasn't listening to us, but I'm sure he was.

Now, we'll be alone in his office, and that seems... weird. I'm not supposed to be feeling like this.

Cal is everything I should keep myself away from in a man. He's handsome, intimidating, sexy, flirtatious, not to mention he's mysterious in a way that keeps me wanting to know more about him. If the novels I read have taught me anything, I should know better than to want to have any kind of relationship with Call. I know I came after him for help, but in my defense, I had no idea who he was. After I was already here and made a scene out of myself, demanding to talk to him, well... I couldn't back down.

I'm waiting in his office, admiring his decor and the shelves filled with albums and a vintage aesthetic that I can't seem to get enough of. He has such good taste.

I also have to admit that, even though I've hated his bar for so long, after walking inside for the first time, I was surprised to see the place actually has a great atmosphere. Sure, his clientele is off-putting most of the time, not to mention I'm almost positive that Cal turns a blind eye to illegal business taking place here, but... I don't think bar owners have that much control over who attends their establishments all the time.

What's bugging me the most is how he makes me feel when he looks at me. The way his eyes stare into my soul, the way his lips turn up in a devilish grin, the way he seems to know the effect he has on me whenever he talks to me. It's overwhelming.

I'm constantly on my toes when he is near me, scolding myself to get a grip and put my head in the right place. I don't know how to feel about it. A part of me likes the attention, but the other part knows this is a dangerous path to follow. A few minutes later, Cal comes back, his hands shoved in his pants pockets nonchalantly. "Sorry to keep you waiting," he says, closing the door behind him. "I might have good news for you, though."

His scent hits my nostrils right away, spice and leather, and I clench my hands over my purse, urging my brain to focus on the matter at hand. "Sure, it's not a problem. What is the good news?" I press, forcing a polite smile. Hopefully, he's not aware of how much hotter the room became just because he entered it.

"Well, other than this bar, I have businesses around town. And I have a realtor that helps me whenever I need to acquire or sell real estate," Cal explains, walking toward his chair.

I almost let out a sigh of relief when he walks away from me, sitting on the opposite side of the room. "Okay..." I trail off, nodding at him to signal I'm paying attention.

"He might have an apartment available for you tomorrow, if you're interested," he continues, his eyes never leaving my face. The room is dimly lit, casting a shadow across his eyes that keeps me on edge. Or maybe I'm just overthinking. I've been here for longer than I intended. Way longer. "Ah..." I let out, taking in what he just said.

What does that even mean? Am I supposed to pay for it? I don't have enough money saved up to pay for anything, let alone an apartment. And the insurance company hasn't given us anything to pay for the damage done to our establishment. How does he expect me to afford an apartment?

Or perhaps... is he offering to give it to me? Is this his way to pay me back for the damage caused to my family's store?

If it is, am I ready to accept it? What would that even entail? Will I be tying myself to him forever by accepting his favor? Or should I simply consider it a payback and leave it at that?noveldrama

"Look, Heidi." Cal saying my name in such a serious and firm tone makes my head snap toward him so fast that I get whiplash. Not to mention that yearning sensation deep within me, which I try as hard as possible to ignore. How am I supposed to make such a serious decision with him staring at me this way? I can't focus. I can't think clearly. This is a nightmare.

"I don't want to overstep any boundaries, and I definitely don't want to hurt your ego and pride," Cal continues, his face stoic. "But I do want to help fix the mess I caused. Indirectly that is," he states. He leans back in his chair, casually leaning on the armrests. "If you let me, I'd like to give the apartment to you," he informs me, making my jaw drop, even though I was already expecting that to come out of his mouth. Hearing it is another story though. "If not permanently, at least until you get settled with your store and everything. I know how hard it is to get money from insurance companies, and I don't want to keep living the guilt of knowing you have nowhere to stay."

He sounds genuine about wanting to help me. He probably doesn't feel guilty about many things in life, but my instincts tell me he really wants to help this time. I do need a place to stay. Living with my aunt is anything but ideal. I like her, but she has this habit of insisting that everything is done a certain way, and it's hard for me to adapt, so I'm on my toes all the time while I'm at her house.

After living with my grandparents my whole life, I was kind of looking forward to getting the place all to myself. I wasn't expecting it to be so soon, but now that they have decided to move to the retirement home, I don't think I can live with anyone else.

I came here demanding some help from Cal. I didn't intend for him to deal with all the damage by himself, but from what I'm seeing, he seems to have a great deal of money. Perhaps I wouldn't call him a millionaire, but considering the expensive boots he's wearing, his vintage album collection, the brand name watch on his wrist, and the bar he owns, I don't think money is an issue for him. I don't want to make assumptions based on appearances, but he wouldn't offer it if he couldn't afford it, right?

"So, what do you say?" Cal presses, watching me intently. "Will you let me help you?"

"I just want to make clear this isn't what I was after when I barged into your bar. Sure, I wanted you to be responsible somehow, but just because I was angry and desperate," I clarify. First impressions are important, and I definitely didn't create a good one, but for some reason, I don't want Cal to think badly of me. "I'm not that kind of person-"

He chuckles, the sound surprising me and catching me off guard "You don't have to worry about that, Heidi. I won't think you're a golddigger or anything."

I gulp, not sure if I should take that as a compliment or not.

"I want to help you, and you need help, so let's just leave it at that," Cal concludes, standing and walking toward me. I watch as he strides through the room, crossing it in three steps. He is so tall, his legs are so long, and... Focus, Heidi!

"Okay, I..." I stammer, rushing to my feet, suddenly feeling the need to disappear from this place before I do something I'll regret. "I think I can accept your offer then."

"Good," Cal murmurs with a grin.

God, I'm getting annoyed with his flirting. He probably doesn't even notice he's doing it. He must be so used to flirting with women, it just comes naturally to him. I hate how that thought only makes me jealous, for whatever stupid reason. I shouldn't be feeling anything but anger and hatred for him.

But, surprisingly, it's the complete opposite.I don't think I've been this attracted to a man before in my entire life.

I clear my throat, shifting on my feet uncomfortably.

"I think we have a deal then, right?" Cal asks. "I'll keep you updated on the apartment. Do you want to give me your number?"

YES! is the answer that pops into my mind, but I shouldn't want him to have my phone number.

But how else will he let me know about the apartment? I definitely do not want to come here again tomorrow. I don't think I can take this situation twice in less than a week. Cal is too much for me to handle.

"Ah, sure,” I finally reply, taking his phone and saving my number in it. "There you go."

Cal takes the phone from my hand, and our fingers brush, making my entire body shiver. Oh, God!

What did I just get myself into?