4. Aria
4
ARIA
A fter my second, mind-blowing orgasm, we decide it’s finally time to leave Academia .
Dion offers to drive me home, almost having a nervous breakdown when I suggest I find my own ride.
The club is empty, except for two men Dion introduces as Leon and Elias .
Leon is smoking a cigarette while Elias counts the money that was made tonight. They offer me similar smirks and I feel my cheeks heat. Obviously , they know what we were up to.
I awkwardly stay one step behind Dion .
He doesn’t seem uncomfortable in front of the other men. Of course, this is probably not the first time he’s brought a woman upstairs. The thought causes a flutter of disappointment in my chest.
Dion took care of me, made me come more than once. But I’m not special. I’m just a notch on his belt.
The men exchange a few words while I wait. Then , Dion joins me, putting his hand on my back to lead me outside.
When we step out, I walk behind Dion while he chatters about something, but my attention is elsewhere. There’s an uneasy prickling at the back of my neck, a sense that someone’s eyes are on me. I glance over my shoulder, scanning the shadows in the parking lot. Nothing . Just the dim glow of the streetlights casting creepy shadows.
I shake my head, trying to dismiss the feeling. It’s probably just the aftereffects of the adrenaline, and the dark, empty spaces around us are playing tricks on my mind.
I realize I haven’t checked my phone in hours, so I pull it out of my purse to see the time while hopping into the passenger seat. Three o’clock in the morning.
There’s a message from my brother, Dimitri .
Dimo: Mama asked about you. Told her you were at Angie’s.
Gamoto . I won’t be able to go home.
Dion notices the change in my expression. “ What’s wrong?”
“ It’s very late.”
He snickers. “ Is your fiancé going to be mad?”
I scowl at him. “ Shut up. It’s my parents. They’ll ask questions.”
My parents don’t usually keep up with my whereabouts, but now that I’m getting engaged, they’ve been insisting on how important it is to preserve my reputation. I stop myself from rolling my eyes. Staying out until dawn won’t make me look good in the eyes of our community. And in Cebrene , nothing stays unnoticed. I’ll try messaging Angie . Maybe Evan took her home and she’s still awake?—
“ Stay at mine, then,” Dion says casually, as if it’s no big deal.
I whip my head around, squinting at him. “ At yours? Haven’t you had enough?”
It was meant as a joke, but Dion gives me a piercing look. “ It’ll never be enough, Aria . However , I’m not asking you over for sex—unless you want to,” he says with a wink.
I scoff, trying to hide the heat traveling up my body at the idea of continuing what we started. “ Unbelievable ! Now , I regret letting you touch me.”
“ That’s not how you felt when you were calling out to God , little liar.”
I release an incredulous breath and smack his shoulder. As much as I want to kick his ass, it might be a good idea to go to his place instead. I’ll keep up with Dimitri’s lie and tell my parents that I stayed over at Angelica’s . Besides , I’m not even sure if she’s still busy with Evander , and I don’t want to risk bothering them.
I make a show of exhaling dramatically. “ Fine .” Dion smirks and turns on the engine.
I type out a quick reply to my brother.
Me: I owe you one.
With a wide smile on his face, Dion backs out of the parking lot.
The feeling of unease creeps back in, and I glance out the window, scanning our surroundings. Dion shoots me a curious look but keeps driving.
There’s nothing there—just an empty lot.
I tell myself it’s all in my head, but my skin still crawls as I settle into the passenger seat.
On the drive to Dion’s place, I shoot a text to Angelica to tell her I’m going home. I don’t want her to worry that I’m with a stranger, and I’d rather not be interrogated about this.
I slip my phone into my purse as we glide down a tree-lined street in a quaint neighborhood.
“ We’re almost there,” Dion says, breaking the silence.
A short while later, he pulls up to a gate. My eyes settle on the house. Its charming exterior exudes warmth and character. It’s still dark, so I can’t see much, but I notice a large entrance and a neatly trimmed lawn with colorful blooms. Instantly , a wave of happiness washes over me. Flowers are my love language.
Dion notices my smile. “ What is it?”
“ Huh ?” I turn to him. “ Oh , nothing. I just saw your flowers.”
“ Do you like them?”
I nod. “ I’ve always loved flowers.”
He cracks a smile. “ Tell me more.”
I hesitate. Do I really want to share something so personal? But when I look at him, an unexpected feeling of comfort fills me. I take a deep breath and start to speak, my voice growing more confident with each word.
“ Well , it started when I was just a little girl. My housekeeper, Magdalena , used to take care of me most days. We’d spend hours in the yard, and she’d teach me about different plants and how to care for them,” I explain, grinning at the fond memories. I didn’t spend much time with my parents, but Magda made up for it by giving me my love for flowers.
“ It became my sanctuary, a place where I felt calm and purposeful, especially when my parents were too preoccupied elsewhere. Seeing the results of my care and effort reminded me that I had the power to create beauty.”
I sigh in contentment, looking outside again.
“ It’s been one of the few constants in my life.”
Dion lights up at my words as if I’ve just spoken the gospel. “ Is that something that you’d like to do on a more professional level?” Was he actually listening to me? Other guys zone out when I talk about my passion.
“ I’ve always dreamed of owning a flower shop,” I begin, my fingers finding the hem of my skirt. “ A place where I could design arrangements all day, putting smiles on people’s faces. My way of sharing love with the world.”
Dion glances over at me, his eyebrow raised in curiosity. “ Do you have a place where you work on your arrangements now?”
I nod, a small smile tugging at my lips. “ I do. I turned our guest house into a makeshift studio. It’s like my own little paradise.”
“ So why not make that dream a reality? Why not open your own shop?”
I let out a sigh, my smile fading. “ You know that women in our world don’t really get to have careers . It’s always about what’s safe and manning the household. My family says it’s too dangerous for us to lead lives of our own.”
Dion shakes his head. “ But what if your future husband—hypothetically—was supportive? What if he encouraged you to follow your dreams?”
I stiffen at the reminder of my upcoming engagement. “ That would be a miracle.”
“ Well , you never know,” he says. “ How about you make some arrangements using my flowers? I could use a professional opinion on my gardening skills. You can tell me if I’ve done a good job.” He winks.
“ You planted those?” I ask, surprised.
“ Yup .”
I giggle. “ I’m sorry. The idea of you in messy clothes, knees deep in dirt, doesn’t sound right.”
“ Don’t underestimate me. I’m like a Kinder Surprise ,” he jokes, waggling his eyebrows.
I laugh, the tension easing from my shoulders. “ Alright , but don’t blame me if I’m brutally honest. Gardening isn’t as easy as it looks.”
Dion grins, parking his car in the driveway and coming around to open my door. He extends his hand to help me out, and I take it, a sudden jolt of sensation catching me off guard. My skin tingles. I pull away, as if his touch just burnt me. I remind myself why I can’t let this happen. My engagement to another man looms in the back of my mind. Even though I have no attachment to my future fiancé, I have to respect our union and my father’s wishes.
Dion doesn’t flinch at my reaction.
He slips his hands in his pockets. “ You ready?”
I give him a small smile as we head toward the house.
Once at the front door, Dion unlocks it and steps back, letting me in first. I find myself in a large and warm foyer.
I slip off my heels, leaving them on the front mat, and walk further into the house. The place is full of windows; the moon casting a gentle glow over the living room where a plush sofa and a couple of well-worn armchairs are arranged around a coffee table stacked with magazines and books. I let my hands graze the fabric as I continue my path.
So far, this place looks lived in and cozy. Somewhere I wouldn’t mind spending more time.
No , Aria . This ends tonight.
Dion silently follows a few feet behind, and I don’t even feel awkward about snooping around. But it’s impossible to ignore his presence. The air seems to heat at his proximity.
I pass a big fireplace, its mantle decorated with photos and knickknacks.
There’s a frame with a picture of a young boy and who I assume are his mama and baba . I pick it up, Dion stopping right at my back.
“ My parents,” he says, his voice expressionless. “ That was the last photo we took together.”
I trace their faces with my fingertips. “ Your mama was beautiful,” I say softly, my voice tinged with sadness for him.
“ They used to be my everything.”
I glance up at him, surprised to hear him open up like this about a clearly sensitive topic. His gaze lingers on the image, something heartbreaking passing over his face. I just want to hold that little boy in my arms and tell him that everything is going to be okay.
“ What happened? If you don’t mind me asking.”
Dion nods, not taking his eyes off the picture, his jaw tensing slightly. “ My father was killed in a drive-by. And my mother was so heartbroken, she took her own life a few weeks later.”
“ Oh my God , Dion . I’m so sorry.” My heart breaks in tiny pieces for him. I can’t imagine what it must have been like to lose one’s parents in such a tragic way. I might not always see eye to eye with my family, but I love them and would be broken if they left me.
“ It’s been many years.” He shrugs, glancing over at me. “ I’ve gotten used to the gap they left, and I’ve learned to navigate life without them.”
“ You must miss them,” I add, solemnly.
He stares back at the photo for a few moments, not saying anything.
“ I had just turned five,” he begins, a slight smile forming on his lips. “ Back then, I was obsessed with carnivals. I thought they were the most magical places in the world. So , for my birthday, my parents decided to surprise me and took me to a fair right outside the city.”
His eyes drift off, as if he’s looking through the years, back to that day. “ I had no idea where we were going. But I remember how excited they were in the front seat, whispering and smiling, glancing back at me with these big, expectant grins. It was like they were kids too, sharing this secret joy.”
Dion chuckles, his shoulders relaxing. “ When we finally arrived, I think my eyes almost popped out of my sockets. It was the happiest moment of my life. We did all the rides, played all the games, and ate so much carnival food, I almost got sick. But I didn’t care. I was just so happy.”
He gently traces the edge of the frame with his finger, his brow furrowing. “ This picture was taken at a photo booth. I remember squishing into the tiny space, my parents on either side of me, all of us laughing so hard.”
Dion’s voice falters, and he clears his throat, smoothing out his expression. I reach over and squeeze his hand.
“ I wish I had thanked them more,” he continues. “ I wish I had told them how much I loved them. Because that night was the last time we were all together.”
He looks at me, his eyes filled with a mixture of pain and gratitude, his hand trembling slightly. “ I just hope they knew how much they meant to me.”
I nod, feeling a lump in my throat. “ I’m sure they did.”
For a moment, Dion remains lost in the memory. Then , as if snapping out of a trance, he inhales sharply and stands up straighter. His expression hardens, all traces of emotion washed away. He carefully plucks the frame from my hands and puts it back on the mantle. “ Anyway ,” he says, his voice firmer. “ That’s all in the past. No use dwelling on it, right?”
I watch as he composes himself, the vulnerable boy from his story replaced by the strong, guarded man I’ve just met. “ Right . Well , you’re so strong for going through that, Dion . Look at how far you’ve come. I’m sure they would be proud,” I assure him.
“ Actually , I think my father is rolling in his grave. He always said he wanted me to do better than him and not end up following his path. He worked for one of the families here in Cebrene . Ironically , his death pushed me even deeper into this world. I guess the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree,” he murmurs.
Dion turns to look at me and smiles. “ But perhaps they’re still watching over me.” A pause. “ I think they might have sent you as my shining star.”
My cheeks warm as his words catch me off guard, at the intensity in his eyes. My gaze flickers away, and I fumble for a response that doesn’t come.
Dion pinches my chin between his fingers to bring my face back to him. “ Hey . You don’t have to say anything, astéri mou . Let’s keep touring.”
I nod, relieved, and smile softly.
We continue moving through the house, our hands joined. We step into the kitchen—a cheerful room with vintage decor. The cabinets are the most beautiful shade of blue; the countertops adorned with jars of spices and fruits. A small dining table in a nook overlooks the backyard.
This is not what I expected from Dion .
I halt my steps and his body presses against mine, my frame molding effortlessly into his. I take in a sharp breath when he buries his face in my neck, goosebumps erupting over my skin.
“ Not what you thought, huh?” he asks.
There’s anticipation in the air, drawing me in, making me hyper-aware of every breath, every heartbeat as if we’re connected by an invisible thread.
“ Not at all,” I breathe out.
He chuckles softly and slips my purse off my shoulder.
Suddenly , the tension between us becomes suffocating, wrapping around me like a tight coil. The pull he has on me is too much, and I need some space.
Without excusing myself, I run out of the kitchen, looking for an exit.
My chest constricts, as if I’m drowning in feelings I can’t quite understand.
Stepping outside, I inhale the cool air, but it does little to calm the storm raging inside me.
What the hell am I doing ?
Was I too impulsive? Did I even think this through? A rush of emotions floods over me. Confusion , disbelief—maybe regret.
My night took a turn I hadn’t expected and the weight of what’s happened is suddenly too heavy.
Closing my eyes, I try to slow my racing heart. I feel like I’m losing control.
Dion steps outside moments later. “ Aria , are you okay?”
I look at him—his intense eyes, his disarming smile.
My head shakes as tears prickle my eyes. I take deeper breaths, but nothing helps.
Dion wraps his arms around me, creating a cocoon, a safety net, and I sob into his chest. I cry in his arms for what feels like ages, then pull away, sniffing.
“ God , I must look like a mess. You probably think I’m crazy.”
“ Not at all.” His voice is soft, concerned. “ Come , sit,” he instructs, leading me to a sofa on the back porch. I sit and curl into myself.
He takes off his suit jacket and covers my shoulders, but not before taking a silver case out of the inside pocket.
“ Thank you,” I murmur.
“ Talk to me.” Dion opens the container and pulls out a cigarette, offering one to me. I take it. I’m not a smoker, but I need to shed some stress.
As I bring the stick to my lips, I’m hit with a dose of reality again, like a cruel joke played by fate.
“ I’m getting married to a man I don’t even know.”
Dion lets out a heady sigh and moves closer to light up my cigarette. The tip catches, and I draw in a deep inhale, choking on the smoke as it fills my lungs.
As I exhale slowly, I feel some of the tension ebb away, carried off into the air. A brief escape from the pressure and worry that cling to me.
“ Is it a sure thing?” Dion asks, taking a puff of his cigarette. “ This wedding?” Though his tone is emotionless, there’s something unreadable in his expression, something I can’t quite grasp.
I look away and take another drag. “ Knowing my father, yes. Unless this other guy refuses, I’m screwed.”
“ What’s in it for him?”
“ I don’t know. I’m not privy to those conversations, which is ironic given it’s my life they’re messing with.”
The burn at the end of the cigarette reminds me to stay present. With each puff, I gain a bit of control over my emotions.
“ Have you told Philip that you don’t want to get married?” Dion asks.
Philip . He knows my father by name. “ Are you acquainted with my baba ?”
“ Somewhat ,” he replies, not offering any more information. But I don’t even care right now.
I finish the cigarette, and Dion takes it from me, crushing it into an ashtray on the ground next to him. “ Do you feel any better?”
“ A little. I mean, the incessant chatter in my head is quieter now.”
“ Good .”
Silence falls between us for a while. It isn’t awkward or uncomfortable, and I don’t feel the need to fill it. I wrap Dion’s jacket further around me, basking in its scent and warmth.
“ Do you know why I call you ‘my star’?” he asks suddenly. I shake my head. “ From what I’ve seen, you have a fire in you. Like a star, you carry a light so fucking bright, no one can extinguish it. When I first saw you, it was hard for me to look away.” My heart flutters in my chest at his words.
He meets my gaze. “ Look , I don’t know what you’re going through—because let’s face it, women have it worse than men in mob families—but never allow others to dim your light.”
Dion’s words are unexpected, but so genuine.
This man barely knows me and can already touch parts of my soul I didn’t even realize were there, waiting to be acknowledged.
“ Thank you for saying that,” I say, my eyes welling with tears again. I need to stop getting emotional in front of him. He must think I’m a lunatic.
His gaze homes in on me. “ I can’t resist putting a smile on my girl’s face.”
My girl ?
I let out a scoff. “ I’m not your girl.”
“ Slip up.” Dion waves me off, clearing his throat.
I narrow my eyes. “ Maybe one of your girls, but I’m sure not your girl.”
“ What do you mean by that?”
“ You look like the type to have a roster.”
It’s Dion’s turn to scoff. “ I beg to differ. I don’t have a roster.”
“ But you don’t do relationships either, so…”
“ Look , Aria . I’m not the type to play with your feelings. I say it like it is.”
“ So , what is this ?” I retort, gesturing between us.
“ This is me wanting to spend the rest of the night appreciating you—” Dion gets off his seat and moves closer. My head lifts to meet his gaze. “ And your body,” he adds, his eyes ablaze, the flame now traveling down my spine, heating me up inside and out.
Dion brings his hand to my legs and parts my knees, exposing my bare pussy. I shiver as the cool air hits me. His fingers start rubbing my clit, and I suck in a breath.
“ We shouldn’t do this, Dion .”
“ Tell me to stop then,” he replies, teasing my entrance.
But I don’t.
Instead , as our eyes meet, I give him a silent nod—a small, reassuring sign to take whatever he wants.