My Childhood Bully is a Mafia Boss-Chapter 27

Ivy, present time...

I was sitting cross-legged on the bed, reminiscing about my time with Aidan back in high school.

My memory was surfacing like a shadow. Our ’friendship’ was tumultuous, to say the least. But now, our relationship was more disastrous. Aidan was a bully, but he still had a heart. But now, he was a monster. Or at least, he acted like one.

A soft knock at the door pulled me from the past. "Come in," I called, brushing away the sting of old tears.

The door creaked open, revealing a woman with crow’s feet etched around her eyes from years of smiling. Her hair was a soft silver halo, and her apron, though worn, was spotless. She stepped into the room with the grace of someone who spent a lifetime turning houses into homes.

"Hello, dear. You must be Miss Ivy." Molly’s voice was a soothing balm, her smile genuine. "I’m Molly, the housekeeper here. Mr. Blackwood has mentioned you." She extended a hand, and I felt the warmth of connection as I took it into my own.

"Hi, Molly. It’s nice to meet you," I replied, struck by how her presence seemed to sweep away some of the heaviness that clung to the walls of this grand but somber mansion.

"Would you like some tea, dear? Or perhaps something stronger to ease the chill?" Molly’s eyes twinkled, and I couldn’t help but return her smile.

"Tea would be wonderful, thank you." My words were sincere, grateful for the kindness that seemed to radiate from her. 𝘧𝘳𝘦ℯ𝓌𝘦𝒷𝘯𝑜𝑣𝘦𝓁.𝒸𝘰𝓂

Molly returned shortly, balancing a tray with a porcelain teapot and two cups. The steam danced into the air as she poured, the scent of chamomile weaving through the room like a gentle lullaby. She handed me a cup, and I wrapped my fingers around it, the warmth seeping into my chilled skin.

"Thank you," I murmured, cradling the tea close, inhaling its soothing fragrance.

"Of course, dear." Molly settled onto the edge of the bed, her posture relaxed yet attentive. "It’s rare to see Mr. Blackwood bring guests over, especially ones from his past."

The tea paused at my lips. Her words were casual, but they hinted at layers beneath.

"I’ve known him since high school," I admitted, the memories sharp and jagged. "Aidan always kept everyone at arm’s length."

"Ah, yes," Molly sighed, her gaze drifting toward the window as if she could see into the years gone by.

"Where...where is his sister?" I asked, suddenly remembering. I tried to remember her name or her face, but my memory of her seemed to have faded.

Molly’s eyes turned dark. "He must’ve not told you."

"Tell me what?" I asked.

"Miss Ellie...she is missing."

My heart clenched at that. I sipped the tea, letting the warmth spread down my throat, trying to dispel the chill that her words brought. "Missing? What do you mean?"

"I don’t want to say too much. But she was taken. Mr. Blackwood is doing everything in his power to get her back, though," Molly said.

"That’s awful," I breathed.

"Perhaps you should ask him about it, Miss," Molly said.

"Please, just call me Ivy," I told her. "I will ask him."

Molly nodded. "Anyway. Sir left you under my care so please, do tell me if you need anything."

"Actually, could you show me around the house? It’s so big I might get lost if I try to tour it myself," I joked.

Molly smiled. "Of course, Dear."

I followed her through the heavy oak door leading out of my temporary sanctuary.

"This is the main hall," Molly began, her tone shifting into that of a seasoned guide. She pointed to a grand staircase, its banister gleaming under the soft light. "Built during the turn of the century. Mr. Blackwood has a thing for older houses. I guess he is a bit of a romantic." She chuckled.

Aidan, romantic? Yeah, right.

"Through here is the dining hall," she continued, leading me through a set of double doors. The room stretched before us, lined with portraits of stoic ancestors who watched over an expanse of empty chairs. "Family dinners were a grand affair once upon a time. Now, it stays empty since Mr. Blackwood doesn’t have a family."

I couldn’t help but detect sadness in her voice when she said that.

"Does Aidan ever eat in here, just by himself?" I asked.

"Only on rare occasions," she replied, a hint of sadness touching the corners of her lips. "Usually prefers a tray in his study—less space to fill, I suppose."

I nodded, feeling a pang of sadness for him. Aidan was always so alone as a teenager. And now as an adult, he was still alone.

"Thank you, Molly," I said as we finished our tour, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Anything for you, Ivy. I am glad you are here. The house feels so cold without anyone in it," she replied, giving my shoulder a reassuring squeeze.

Molly closed the door behind her, and I was left alone with my thoughts. The grandfather clock chimed away the seconds, mocking me as my mind replayed our past encounters, hurtful words, but sometimes sweet moments between us.

I couldn’t help but wonder what he had been through in the past that made him into this cold, calloused man before me.

And what was the story about his sister going missing?

~-~

I sank into a plush armchair, tugging my hair and letting out a heavy sigh. I was bored.

My eyes drifted shut, allowing myself to drift off into sleep for just a moment...

A cool draft of air brushed past my face, snapping me back awake as if from a trance. I looked around at the empty room and then checked my phone. Aidan was still not back and he didn’t text me.

Good, the longer he stayed away, the better.

I yawned and lazily dragged myself off of the chair, then headed inside the bathroom.

My eyeballs practically popped out of their sockets when I laid eyes on the colossal bathtub smack dab in the middle of the ginormous bathroom.

I thought my modern loft in the city was fancy, but this was on a whole other level.

Apparently, I had been living the high life all wrong.

That bathtub belonged in a damn museum!

I couldn’t resist the urge to take a nice hot bath in the tub. Forget all that, I needed to take a dip in it. I had such a long, stressful week!

I started to run the water, and I couldn’t help but smile at how relaxing it sounded.

I unzipped my dress and let it slide to the floor, kicking off my heels with a sigh of relief. My toes curled at the soft carpet beneath them as I stepped into the warm water, feeling my stress melt away already. The steam rose up around me, enveloping me in its cozy embrace like a friendly hug from a secret admirer.

I felt a tingle of excitement course through my veins as I took in the view - marble tiles under my feet, golden faucets that shone like beacons in the dim light, and jars of luxurious bath salts lining the edge of the tub like precious jewels.

This was living!

"Having fun?"

I nearly drowned myself in shock when I heard Aidan’s deep voice calling out. When did he get here!?

I sank lower into the water, my face flushing with embarrassment. "Aidan! Goodness, you startled me!" I sputtered.

He leaned against the doorframe, a smirk curling his lips as he eyed me up and down. "Usually, I’d say it’s my pleasure," he drawled, "but seeing as it’s you..." he trailed off, leaving the rest unspoken.

"Get out of here! I am trying to de-stress. You are ruining my experience," I complained.

He chuckled, and I heard the door click shut.

Did he leave? Great.

But my relief was short-lived as I heard footsteps moving closer to me. I groaned. Couldn’t this man leave me alone for one minute?

"How about I take care of you, princess?" he asked smoothly, a charming grin playing on his lips. My heart fluttered at the sound of the old nickname, bringing back memories of simpler times.

"Or, you can leave me the fuck alone," I grumbled.

His voice was alluring and persuasive. "But just think of how relaxed you’ll feel after I wash your hair and massage your tense shoulders," he added suggestively, leaning in closer. The scent of his cologne filled my senses, sparking a sense of desire and annoyance within me.

Hmm...tempting.

"Fine," I said after considering his offer. "I will let you wash my hair because you owe me for keeping me hostage here."

He emerged from the shadows, his muscular arms flexing as he rolled up his sleeves. With a sly grin on his face, he took a seat behind me, sending my heart racing with anticipation.

His fingers were surprisingly gentle as they worked the shampoo into my hair, and I couldn’t help but close my eyes, relishing in the moment.

"Ivy," he whispered huskily against my ear, "I...have something to tell you."

I let out a frustrated sigh, trying to ignore the way his warm breath sent shivers down my spine. "Shh...don’t talk. I am trying to relax!" I scolded him.

Aidan chuckled, but he obliged, and we fell into a tense silence broken only by the sound of water lapping against the porcelain tub.

But despite my attempts to push away any thoughts of him or our complicated history, I couldn’t help but feel a flicker of curiosity about what he had wanted to say. Was it an apology? An explanation? Or perhaps something completely different?

As he rinsed out the shampoo from my hair, his fingers lingering slightly longer than necessary against my scalp. Aidan moved his hands down and began massaging my shoulders with expert hands. I couldn’t deny that it felt amazing - all of the knots and tension in my muscles seemed to melt away under his touch.

But even as I relaxed further into the water, allowing myself to enjoy this unexpected moment of pampering from a man who had once been so cruel to me, I couldn’t shake off the nagging voice in my head telling me not to trust him.

"How does it feel," he whispered in my ear.

His warm breath against my neck sent shivers down my spine - and I hated myself for how good it felt. "It feels good." I nearly moaned out as he found one of my pressure point.

"You have such soft skin, Ivy," he husked.

The low, rough timbre of his voice gave me goosebumps. His hand, warm and calloused, glided down from my shoulders to rest on my belly.

I couldn’t help but exhale a shaky breath as his touch sparked the sensitive nerve endings in my skin. Despite being angry at him, I couldn’t bring myself to stop him. The thrill and heat of his touch were too enticing and intoxicating to resist.