Indebted to the Mafia King

*Heidi*

Being practically dragged out of Cal's bed and his apartment is not the way I imagined ending our date. I hadn't originally planned to sleep at his place either, but after the best sex of my life, I didn't have the strength to leave his arms, get dressed, and call for a cab.

I didn't think Cal would have let me do that even if I'd wanted to, but now that he's basically told me to leave, I'm starting to doubt my instincts.

He reassured me that he didn't want to go either, and I could tell by his expression that he was being honest with me. But as he drives me back to my apartment, I wonder what got him out of bed so early.

I don't think our relationship is close enough for me to ask him-even though we've seen one another completely naked and vulnerable-so I stay quiet the entire time, watching the empty, snow-covered streets out the window. Even with my coat on, and the heat from the car, I'm shivering.

I also think it has something to do with Cal's eyes on me. I feel his gaze every once in a while, like he's checking on me to make sure I'm not angry.

I can't say I'm not. I get that he has work to do, and I'm not a priority in his life. For all I know, I am just a one-night stand, which is something he probably has all the time.

But what can I do? I can't force my feelings to bend to my will. I can't pretend I'm not upset that we couldn't wake up in each other's arms and maybe have a nice breakfast together. Maybe even go for a second round before he had to drop me home.

Yes, perhaps I fantasize too much. Grandma always says I'm a hopeless romantic, and I'm starting to believe she's right.

I can't fall for a guy like Cal. We have absolutely nothing in common. My life is boring, uneventful, and I'm sure I was far from the best sex he ever had.

On the other hand, Cal must be a man with an adventurous life, an exciting job every night at the bar with women falling at his feet. What could we possibly have in common? You're ridiculous, Heidi.

"Hey..." His voice pulls me out of my thoughts, which is a good thing. I tend to overthink everything, and to be fair, this is not the type of situation I should be overthinking. Cal and I spent the night together, and that's all. Nothing else is to be expected.

So, why can't I force myself to believe that and just move on? Why does it feel like he's holding my heart in his hands and intends to grip it until it stops beating?

"Heidi?" Cal calls, his tone more emphatic this time.

"Yes?" I turn to look at him, my eyes slightly widened with surprise. I hadn't noticed how distracted I was.

"Is everything okay?" he asks, his brows creasing.

That look on his face is concern, isn't it? Why is he concerned about whether or not I'm okay? Does he care if I'm upset or disappointed?

"Yes, everything is fine. I'm just a bit tired," I lie.

Cal doesn't seem to believe me, but he doesn't say anything else, focusing on the road ahead and taking his eyes off me.noveldrama

I almost let out a sigh of relief, but I don't think I'll be able to do it until I leave his car and can take a deep breath without feeling inebriated by his scent. "Listen, I-" Cal begins, but whatever it is he has to say is interrupted by his phone buzzing.

Who the hell is calling him so early? What is it that he does that requires his presence so urgently on the first morning of the year? His bar isn't even open yet.

Unless he has other businesses, which I guess he probably does. But can't it wait?

Cal curses to himself, reaching for his phone in his pocket. I look away, staring out the window so he doesn't think I'm paying attention and eavesdropping.

"What?" he answers sharply. He doesn't even hide the annoyance in his voice. "I'm coming. Just entertain him and tell him to wait," he adds before hanging up on whoever called him. "I'm really sorry about that."

I look at him, pretending I'm not feeling rejected. I have no right to feel that way. Last night, Cal made me feel like the most desired and worshiped woman on this planet. But that doesn't mean he still feels that way about me this morning. I don't know why I'm so emotional today.

"It's okay. You have nothing to apologize for," I tell him, glad my voice doesn't betray my conflicted feelings.

"Yes, I do. I meant it when I said I would never leave that bed if this wasn't urgent," he explains firmly. "Do you think I can see you again tonight?"

My insides churn when I remember everything we did together last night, anticipation pooling at my core. Do I want to see him again? Yes. Do I want him to do all of that to me again? Fuck yes.

An alarm goes off somewhere deep inside me as a reminder that I'm not able to control my feelings when it comes to Cal, but I choose to ignore it. Now doesn't seem like the time to be worried about getting hurt. If he wants to see me again, it means I did something right last night. And that he likes me, at least a little, if he wants to spend his precious time with me again.

If anyone could hear my innermonologue, they'd think I'm desperate for love and attention, but that's not it. I don't know what it is, but something about Cal has me feeling like a teenager again, wanting to take the opportunity life is throwing at me to be with a guy as sexy and kind as him. I haven't known him for long, but ever since the incident with the bookstore, he has done nothing more than help me. I didn't give him much of a choice at first, but he didn't have to do all he did. He's been such a gentleman-attentive, thoughtful, and caring with me. None of the men I got involved with in the past were half as respectful as Cal is proving to be. I do want to spend more time with him if I can.

"You don't have to do that just to make it up to me," I reply instead. "I promise. Everything is fine. You owe me nothing."

But Cal shakes his head. "That's not what this is. I had a really nice time with you last night, Heidi, and I want to see you again."

That sounds more believable. I don't need much more than that, but I can't help but want to make him try a bit harder. Hiding a grin from him, I shrug nonchalantly. "It wasn't anything special, was it?"

A shadow crosses his eyes, and a relentless smirk forms on his lips as we finally reach my building, and he parks out frong. "Nothing special, huh?" he echoes, reaching for the nape of my neck and pulling me closer to him. "I don't think I can agree with that." His hot breath fans my lips and makes a shiver run down my spine.

Oh, God, if he wasn't in a hurry, I wouldn't mind if tossed me into the backseat and took me right here and now-in the middle of the street.

"Maybe a thing or two," I admit.

A smile threatens to appear on my lips, but Cal claims them with his mouth before it happens. His tongue crashes against mine in a desperate, passionate kiss, as if he wants to commit how I taste and feel in his arms to memory.

He traps me against him with one hand on my neck and the other on my thigh, and a moan escapes me when I feel the heat radiating from his body.

He pulls away from our kiss, leaning his forehead against mine. "I'll make sure to remember that later and change your mind," he promises me before giving a peck on my lips and leaning back in his seat.

A bit numb, I swallow hard, adjusting my hair and dress before I climb out of his car. My cheeks are burning, and the butterflies in my stomach are throwing a party.

But Cal is in a hurry, and I need to get out of his way.

"I'll call you later. Be ready after sunset," he adds before I open the door, and we part ways.