3 Chapter Three

With his arm around mine, I couldn't help but feel butterflies in my stomach. When we arrive, I am met with a group of his ..... friends I suppose. There were about fifteen men there, Wallace being one of them. They were all speaking in Italian and they were so serious. Immediately we walked in, they all kept shut as if they were allergic to sound. I couldn't blame them. He had the effect on everyone. Even me.

He pulled out my chair for me and sat next to me.

"Evening." he asks.

"Evening Capo." they respond like robots.

"So how's business in these ends."

"The police are getting on to us. We know it's an inside job. We just need to know who's spreading the info."

"How do we do that?"

"We can use this lady as a mole for us to keep an eye on our employees. She looks innocent enough."

All of a sudden, Raul's face changes from expressionless to angry. He draws his dagger and throws it at the man who had given the suggestion, and he scratches his neck a little. Everyone just stayed there and didn't say anything. The man just shivered and begged Raul to forgive him.

"This is my to be wife. If you try to disrespect her, then I will kill you without a second thought. Remember, my father's anger can burn down the world. But mine can burn down the universe. Wallace, find a way to sort this menace of a spy. As for the rest of you, you are doing great. You will be rewarded accordingly. Now if there is nothing else, then let's eat." he says.

With that, the servants brought the food to the table. As we were being served, Raul's words replayed in my mind.

"She is my to be wife..."

"My anger can burn down the universe..."

So that was what this was about. I was going to marry him. I wanted to breakdown, but I knew better that to do it there. I silently looked at my meal, with my mind somewhere else as everyone was eating. Just then, I felt someone grab my hand firmly, but not in a hurtful way.

"Are you okay Iris? You haven't touched your food." Raul asks me, obviously faking the concern.

"I'm okay Raul. Thanks for asking." I reply forcing a loving voice.

If I was to be awarded for every time I acted well, I would be a billionaire, because they all bought it. Except for Raul of course. Typical cold men. I decided to play nice and save my life so I ate my food. And wow, it was heavenly. It was definitely prepared by five star chefs.

When we were done with lunch, Raul escorted his friends outside and I quickly ran to my room to try and digest the fact that I am actually getting married to Raul. So this is what I was getting myself into. Raul terrified me more than anything. I just thought of how he would treat me , especially once he got mad at me. I wanted to give up but I couldn't. I just sank on my bed again and right before I could do anything, he walks in.

"I meant everything I said. We will get married soon, so tomorrow we are going shopping. I prepared everything. You should get a long rest to compose yourself and come down for dinner. Elizabeth will be taking care of you. If you need anything, ask me. I have rules that you should know Iris. One, you are only mine. Nobody else's. Two, I am the alpha around here. Three, nobody ever disrespects you and gets away with it. Last, I never fall in love. So do your worst."

" I had no intention of getting you to fall in love with me. That is a lost cause anyway. I have understood your rules. I will follow them sir..."

"You are not my employee Iris. You don't call me sir. Just call me Raul. Take rest, then come when I call." With that, he left and shut the door behind him. I think about what he had just told me. Love. Does he even know what love is? I think he only knows fear, respect and of course, anger.

I decide to shut my eyes and take a short nap. Immediately I shut them, I feel myself sink into a black hole. Not again.

Suddenly, I am in my car, with mom and dad. My little brother was playing beside me. Just as my mom and dad were talking, gunshots were heard everywhere. Mom and dad took their weapons and turned to us.

"Iris, stay in the car okay, watch over your brother." Mom says.

"Please be careful mama. We need you." I say and my brother starts to cry, but I pacify him and he falls asleep.

Mom nods and leaves. I then hear a serious gunfight which goes silent after my mom screams. I am about to go out to check on her, but I remember what mom told me and I cover my mouth with my hand. I then hear my mom having a conversation with a man with a Spanish accent.

"Please, Stefano... Miguel, spare me."

"I don't think so Serahkin. You are coming with me. "

As he dragged my mom with him, I crawled out of the car with my little brother. Just when we were at a safe distance, the men unloaded at the car and it exploded. Sadly, a piece of metal caught my leg and get me real bad. I struggled though and crawled to a church to find some assistance. What I knocked on the door, nobody answered. Just then, I hear a gun cork and I scream.

I wake up all sweaty and shaking. Elizabeth walks into my room and gives me a glass of water. It happened again. It felt like it happened again. I sigh.

"Are you okay ma'am?" she asks.

"Yes, just a nightmare."

"Sorry. Anyway, master wants you down for dinner. Kindly help me get you ready."

I nod and wash my face. Since I was sweating, I took a quick shower then throw on a peach dress and my rosary.

I was about to head to the dining, when Raul came for me. Again, he took his arms in mine and we headed to the dinning table. Butterflies literally rushed into my stomach and I felt my body freeze. He just ignores my body reaction and continues walking with me.It was only Wallace and us. I sat next to Raul, then a servant came and served us food. It was pasta and meatballs. She then put a million cutlery on the table. I didn't mind anyone else. I just prayed, took the fork and started on my food. I could feel Raul staring but honestly, I didn't care. Usually after having a nightmare I feel famished, so I went down on the food like nobody's business. When I was done, Raul hadn't even started and Wallace was quarter way done.

Raul put aside his plate then turned to me.

"Iris, do you normally have nightmares?"

"Yes why?"

"You need someone to sleep with you just in case you freak out and get an asthma attack..."

"I am not sleeping with you..."

"I meant Elizabeth. Why would you think that I would like to sleep with you in one room?"

I surprisingly felt hurt and slightly disappointed, but I asked God to forgive me for my thoughts. He notices and...he...smirks.

"Well don't be so confident, you will have no other choice but to share a room with me when we get married anyway." I whisper to myself in anger.

"You seem quite excited to share a room with me." He says, with arrogance in his voice.

"No I'm not..."

"You know what makes me happy? A cute little liar." he says and leaves.

Wow! He gets happy. So he is human. He feels. That is new. I scoff and go to my room. I guess I'll meet him tomorrow.