Chapter 5
Leo
Everywhere Mattia stroked my bare skin last night still tingles. I’ve been in the laundromat all day, and I’ve caught myself more than once reaching down to touch the same places he had.
Now he’s all I can think about. Last night, I debated over his offer and if I should free him. I could have kept him locked up and demanded he keep touching me, but that didn’t seem like a good idea.
I shift in my chair, unable to get comfortable. It was the same thing that happened after he left and I went to bed. I tossed and turned all night with thoughts of him touching me everywhere, and my body wouldn’t settle down.
The leftover pizza in front of me doesn’t have the same appeal as it did when we ate it together. Pizza is always better the next day, but not now. In fact, it’s disappointing. Last night it was the best pizza of my life. The more I think about it, the more I consider kidnapping Mattia again.
This morning, Mattia had someone bring a phone to my apartment and drop it off for him.
So far, there haven’t been any requests for pictures.
Am I supposed to text him about that? There was a text message on it waiting for me that said “Good morning.” I’m not the best morning person, so I didn’t respond.
It was disappointing to wake up alone, and for the first time, my place felt empty.
I’m busy staring at my phone and willing Mattia to text me as a man enters the laundromat.
He carries a basket over to the opposite side of the room and tosses the whole thing inside one of the washers.
Then he sits down in one of the chairs close to it and plays on his phone.
There is nothing particularly strange about it, but this is the third man today who’s come in and done the same thing. I know most of the locals that use my laundromat, but I’ve never seen these men before.
Something about their vibe is off. Each of them is dressed in black slacks and a black button-up shirt. What stands out to me is the gold necklaces they have on and the fancy watches. All of it screams money, which means they shouldn’t be here.
Am I being paranoid? Are they with the mob? Did they find out about what happened yesterday, and am I on the shortlist for assassination? I chew on my bottom lip and try not to stare as I grab my sunglasses from under the counter.
As casually as possible, I slip them on so I can stare freely without them noticing.
While I watch them, I think about making a go-bag, or whatever they’re called.
I google what things should be included in a go-bag but only get through reading a few of the items on the list before my phone starts to ring in my hand.
Oh, look who it is. Deciding to play with him a little, I send Mattia’s call to voicemail.
I set it up earlier when I was bored. As soon as the phone stops ringing, it goes off again, and there’s an excited flutter in my stomach.
I decide to send the call to voicemail one more time for good measure.
“Ma’am—”
“Ahh!” I shout, and I’m so startled I almost slam into the wall behind me. “Where did you come from?”
“Shit, sorry.” He holds his hands up and takes a step back. “I came from over there.” The man points to where he was sitting just a second ago.
“What can I help you with?” I remember that this is a paying customer, so I put on a bright smile.
“Your phone keeps going off.” He nods to it on the counter.
“Yeah.” I shrug and wave it off. “New man,” I say and roll my eyes. “He’s obsessed with me. Can’t blame him, though, am I right?” I wink at him, and he takes another step back.
“Don’t wink at me,” he says quickly. “And maybe answer your phone.”
I don’t get a chance to respond to him before my phone rings again. It’s always strange when people can be more awkward than me, but I guess there’s all kinds out in the world.
“'Sup,” I say when I answer, playing it cool.
“You ignored my calls.”
“I was busy,” I say, pretending to inspect my nails, even though he can’t see me. “What can I help you with?”
“Do you think you’re going somewhere?”
“Huh?” I don’t have a clue what he’s talking about. “Like a date?”
“I meant skipping town.”
“Ohh.” That makes sense. “Hey.” I drop my voice so only Mattia can hear me. “Did you snitch on me about what happened yesterday?”
“Snitch on you?” He lets out a low chuckle, but I don’t find any of this funny.
“I can’t believe you did that. I trusted you,” I hiss dramatically into the phone.
“All right, godmother. Let’s pull it back.”
“So you heard my new voicemail,” I say, perking up. “Logically if there’s a godfather, then there has to be a godmother. Right?”
“I’m not pleased you sent me to voicemail several times.”
We’re back to this again? “Sorry, I was busy. You know how it goes. I’m a young female business owner who is working her way through the mob.”
“Sounds like hard work,” he says, and I nod in agreement. “Tell me, why do you think I snitched on you?”
“Oh yeah,” I say a little too loudly, but the man washing his clothes doesn’t glance up from his phone. I lower my voice and whisper, “There have been a few men in here that are definitely in the mafia. I’m on to them.”
“I’m sure it’s fine,” he’s quick to assure me. “Is that why you’re thinking about making a run for it?”
“Why do you think that?” He’s not wrong, but is he reading my thoughts?
“When you’re in the mob, you need to trust your instincts.” Right, and mine are telling me to run. Or maybe take a nap instead.
“I’m not sure I can trust you,” I tell him.
“I’ll make it up to you. I’ve had a busy morning.” Wow, his instincts are good. “Besides, you’re supposed to send me a price.”
“Well, I’ve had a busy day too,” I say defensively.
“I know, you’re a young female business owner who is working her way through the mob,” he says, and I can hear the smile in his voice.
“I’ll send you a picture of my toes,” I tell him and wiggle them inside of my sneakers.
What should I charge for a picture of my toes? Do people charge more if they’re painted? The polish on mine might be a little chipped, so that would probably take the price down.
“How much?” I swear it sounds like he’s holding back his laughter.
“Umm,” I stall, trying to come up with something to say back. Why does he have to put me on the spot like this? “I’ll let you know,” I blurt out and then immediately hang up.
I should ask Reddit. They always have the best advice.