Chapter 3

            ✯⁠✯✯✯✯✯✯

  In the bathroom mirror, Alice saw her reflection with puffy, red eyes. She splashed water on her face and looked more composed.

"Come on, you can do this," she said to herself in an encouraging tone. "He's not a devil; he's just a human. You're going to talk to him."

She smiled at her reflection and nodded confidently.

Leaving her room, she descended the stairs, taking her time to explore the house since she would be staying for a while. The living room had a modern, non-mafia atmosphere, featuring black leather sofas, a glass coffee table, and a large plasma TV. The bronze hard flooring matched the bronze wooden doors.

The kitchen and dining area were in a separate section, away from the living room, and there was even a wine cellar. Alexander's office was nearby.

Stepping outside, Alice spotted Alexander with his back turned, seemingly smoking. The night was dark, devoid of stars due to the lights being off. She approached him and took the cigarette from his hand.

He stared at her, surprised by her boldness, especially after what had transpired just thirty minutes ago.

"You really do have a death wish," he commented, running his hand through his hair.

Alice, however, smiled and looked up at the starry sky. "Such a beautiful night, isn't it?"

Alexander glanced at the sky and then back at her, responding, "I don't see anything beautiful about tonight."

Alice sighed softly, "Why not? Everything has its beauty; not everyone sees it, especially the person by my side."

He threw his head back, laughing somewhat maniacally. "So funny," but quickly shifted to a serious expression. "Say that again, and you'll be six feet under."

"What are you?" Alice asked, avoiding his gaze.

"Someone who can end your life, and nothing will be done about it," he replied coldly. "Not a god-dàmned thing."

Her frightened eyes met his, and she struggled to find words. She cleared her throat and finally asked, "How? How would you do it?"

Alexander smirked and chuckled, "Minx, I'm a Mafia. I have countless ways to end you."

Her eyes widened, and the idea of being in such danger made her envision various scenarios of harm.

"Why did you save me?" she asked, blinking away tears. "You saved me from thugs only to put me in more danger. Why?"

"Fuckíng hell," he muttered under his breaths. Alexander closed his eyes briefly before looking at Alice. He used a finger to lift her chin to meet his intense gaze and said, "Listen and listen good, my life is already chaotic, so please, shut the fúck up, okay?" His eyes briefly lingered on her lips. "I brought you here, but it doesn't mean I want to be interviewed by you or anyone else. If you value your life, keep your mouth shut."

The fear in her eyes was palpable, but she wet her lips with her tongue, catching Alexander's attention. Tension hung in the air, replaced by mutual desire, even though neither knew how to act on it.

Her petite body was close to his body. Their bodies were just inches apart, and Alexander had never wanted a woman as much as he did now. Alice weighed the pros and cons of staying in this dangerous man's house.

"Can we at least be friends?" she asked with a smile. Alexander stepped back, slightly smiling. "I promise I won't interview you."

He scoffed and laughed, regarding her as if she were crazy. "You want to be friends with someone who could kill you?!" he asked incredulously, and she nodded. "You must be crazy."

"Life can be pretty dull; you just have to find ways to make it interesting, don't you think?"

"The only thing I'm thinking is that you're insane to believe I'd be friends with you."

She pouted, "Then why did you save me?" She tilted her head and asked another question, "Why did you bring me here?"

He gazed at the sky and replied, "Because you needed help."

"Thank you," she said, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Let's be friends, please?"

"No, Alice."

Whenever he said her name, it sent shivers down her spine. Shivers she wanted him to recreate with his touch.

"Why, Alexander?"

As she said his name, his head snapped towards her. Hearing his own name sounded different coming from her, almost melodic.

"You don't listen, do you?" he asked rhetorically. "You are..."

"Come on, can't we have a normal conversation without threats to my life?" she interrupted, cutting him off mid-sentence.

Alexander stared at her, surprised by her sudden change in tone. He was at a loss for words for the first time in his life.

"I just want to be your friend. You won't lose anything from being my friend, will you?" she added, pouting sadly.

Seeing her with puckered lips, Alexander wanted nothing more than to draw her closer and kiss her passionately.

"Okay," he muttered in defeat. "We can be friends."

A dazzling smile lit up Alice's face, and her green eyes sparkled with happiness.

"Can you lift the rule?"

He shook his head, declining, "You can't enter my office or touch me."

"Why not, though?" she pleaded. "We're friends, right? Friends can touch each other. That's how it works."

"Well, I'm not your typical friend," Alexander replied.

"Are you gay?" Alice asked, studying him closely. "Even gay people have friends. I've always wanted a gay friend."

He wrinkled his face in irritation before exclaiming, "No! I'm not gay, you're utterly insane."

Suppressing her laughter, she commented, "You should see your face right now. It looks funny."

Alexander glared at her, but her laughter was unstoppable.

She continued to laugh, and he shook his head, walking back into the house with Alice following.

"Good night, friend," Alice chimed, grinning from ear to ear. As he turned to go to his room, he smiled.

He actually smiled and said, "Crazy girl."

TBC