Adalina's POV.
A whole night and now almost a whole day is about to pass by without knowing where he is, if he's safe or okay.
Today, it's the grand opening. I'm all ready to go. I was hoping he would arrive early in the morning however he still hasn't. I have my dress on matching with my hijab and heels. Im wearing a few bracelets as well as rings.
Now, I'm expecting him to at least show up at the party. I ordered a taxi and I am now on my way to the location.
"You might be delayed for a bit, the traffic is about to be heavy" the driver warned me.
"That's okay" I said. I couldn't care less. I'm really just going in hopes to see him.
Ten minutes later, we were finally out of the traffic.
"Ma'am, do you have someone else joining you?" the driver suddenly asked me.
"No...why are you asking me that?" I asked confused.
"The car behind us has been following us so I was wondering if it could be someone you know" he explained.
Someone is following me? Who would be following me?
I mean obviously they're is a bunch of employees, directors, managers and many more people that will be present at the event therefore, I am already running late. Am I overthinking this or...?
"Just keep going" I told the driver deciding not to worry too much about it.
"Yes ma'am" he replied.
Ten more minutes later, I had finally arrived at the party. The building in front of my eyes was huge and elegant. Before getting out of the car, I had to ask the driver something.
"Thank you for the ride...has the following car stopped behind us?" I asked.
"No, I lost track of it as I was keeping my attention to my driving" he said.
"Okay...thank you" this doesn't confirm that the car that was following me is gone.
It's okay, I trust Allah.
I got out of the taxi as he drove away and was now standing in front of the building. I was mesmerized by how tall it was.
Just as I was about to get in, a unknown voice stopped me in my tracks.
"Adalina" I turned around a bit afraid meeting with a complete stranger.
"who...are you?" How does he even know my name in the first place?
This unknown man was wearing a black suit. His hair was perfectly styled in gel. Standing not too far away from me, I could see that he had a bronze tan, green eyes and a charming smile. He looked decent and good looking. But, he knows my name although I have never seen him before.
"Nice to meet you...I'm Daniel Ambrose" he presented himself.
"Do I know you?" I proceeded to ask.
"You don't but I do...shall we go in?" he proposed.
"no-...I can't trust you...how do you know me?" I asked right away.
"I promise I won't hurt you, I am just here to talk to you let's go in" he said walking forward leaving me behind with a ton of questions.
I shouldn't follow him because just like I said, I don't know him. However, I want to know how he knows my identity.
I followed him as we both entered the hall together. So many people were present, it was actually insane. All eyes turned towards us.
My anxiety was going up. At this moment, I'd need Aslan to take my hand and hold it tightly so that I don't fall out of pressure and stress.
Instead, I was clenching my dress tightly while looking everywhere not knowing where to actually look.
"Are you nervous? You don't have to be, they are just judging like they always do" the man beside me said.
"I'm not-...nervous" I lied.
"I'll offer you a drink" he proposed to me.
"I don't drink" I immediately declined.
"Without any alcohol of course" he added smirking. I followed him to the drinking bar. A waitress was preparing drinks and giving them away as people pleased.
"I'll take a vodka and a-"
"just water please" I cut him off.
After grabbing the drinks, we walked further away from the bar. People were talking, laughing and what so not.
There was a stage not so far away. I guess this is where Aslan and other directors are supposed to give their speeches.
"So...who are you actually?" I asked him.
"I already told you, my name is Daniel Ambrose 25 of age, 6.1 of height, I work-"
"that's not...what I meant.." I had to cut him off again.
"you might want to hear the last part though" he said.
"what?" I don't get it.
He got close to my ear and whispered "I'm the mafia" he added as my eyes got wide.
I took a step away from him already alerted. I won't lie, I had my doubts.
"You-...do you know Aslan?" I asked.
"Who doesn't know him?" He asked me instead.
" the reason why I'm here to see his wife today is because...I need to warn you about something" he said.
"warn me about what?" I asked still lost.
"he's not as good as you think that he is to you Adalina" he said.
"How do you know that? What's your relationship with him?" I asked him.
"I almost killed him. I...tried many times actually and so did he. I was playing around with him but now...I'm serious. My brother got killed by him. And, I want him dead too. Tell me Adalina, do you think it's fair? Should the sinner keep living in the wrong while the innocent gets only death?" what is this man saying?
He wants to...kill Aslan?
I have no idea what to say nor what to believe.
"I-I don't know what you're talking about" I said.
"Of course you don't. Because he knows. He knows the moment you get to know about the awful things he does, you'll disappear from his life just like his mother did. Has he ever even explained to you the death of his mother? I don't think he did, has he? How much do you know about his life and how much does he know about yours? He clearly knows more about you. Why is that? Because having control over everything is something precious to him. The moment he looses control, he explodes and usually that's when the true colours are shown." somehow whatever that this man was telling me was making me really upset.
How dare I question my relationship with Aslan at this moment? Only because this guy is questioning me? And saying things I've never thought about before?
Or is the question to be asked should be, how did I never thought about it?
"I know it's a lot to take but sweetheart, that's just a preview. Wait till you see the movie." he said before walking away.
I wanted to stop him and ask him many more questions but I just couldn't. I couldn't even process what he just said to me.
How much more of Aslan am I unaware about?
***
Aslan's POV.
I was on the giant balcony of the institute lost in my thoughts.
Every time, I'm almost a second from having them but eventually loose them.
They've done so much bad. They keep hurting my people. They keep going against the rules of the mafia and still manage to succeed.
How do I get them for once and for all?
I checked my watch as I realized the party had already started. I'm the host and I should be there, why can't I bring myself to go then?
Adalina must be waiting for me. Once again, I left in a hurry without telling her about my whereabouts. It's my fault, I know.
"Aslan? What are you doing here bro?" Miran joined me.
He stood beside me as he took out his package of cigarettes. I couldn't help but stop him right there. He looked at me confused.
"Ayla will be upset, let it go" I told him as I was reminded of Adalina.
"Yeah...you right, I was thinking of stopping it anyway" he said putting the package back in his pocket.
"What are you thinking about? You seemed to be absent even during the mission?" he noticed.
"I'm fine" I lied.
"Bro, don't worry we will get them...sooner or later" he reassured me.
"We managed to stop a few gangs...they all had the same strategy...but why can't we just get a grip of them? Just why?" I asked desperate for an answer.
"the wilds animals won't let us have them this easily Aslan and you know that...you killed someone from them that was major-"
"I had no choice, he touched my wife" I unapologetically retorted.
"I understand but now there's obviously consequences that adds up" he said.
"Sir! I lost track of Adalina" Athena came running to us.
I got alerted immediately.
"What?!" I followed Athena to the supervision room, Miran also joining us.
"Have a look sir" she showed me the computer and indeed she lost track of her.
I had placed a tracker in her phone long ago. My job is risky but I also know how to protect what is mine. For her safety and for my well-being, I did that. Like that, I could be sure she was never in need of serious help.
"She must be at the party probably but...still why is her location not showing?" this is odd.
I could her track even if her phone is on silent or out of battery.
"It was clearly showing it well until a few seconds ago" Athena added.
"Dude...this is not good" I looked at Miran who was staring at the big screens hanging on the wall.
"look" he pointed towards one of the screen.
"this means there's danger near Adalina...it's the exact same spot" he explained.
"Let's go Miran" I told him to come with me after asking Athena to keep an eye on the screens and to warn me if anything else.
We both got in the car. He drove as I was changing into the suit I bought with Adalina yesterday. Good thing, I left it in the car last night. If this is a false alert, which I doubt it is at least people won't suspect me or anything. I can easily undercover this way.
I'm coming to you Adalina. You'll be just fine. I shouldn't have let you go by yourself in the first place. I am blamed if anything happens to you.
***
Adalina's POV.
I was completely lost in my thoughts overthinking. I know well I should not listen and believe to a single word that man said to me.
But, somehow I can't stop thinking about it. Why did it sound like he was saying the truth? I don't even know him yet...his words can't leave me.
"Ladies and gents, we appreciate every single one of you who made time to assist another one of our grand opening..." one of the directors has already started spoking.
I finished my water however Aslan is still no where to be shown. What's the point of me staying if I don't get to see him?
I turned around making my way towards the exit doors.
"Today, I have the great honour to invite the CEO of our company..." they will call for him. They will probably be disappointed.
I kept walking but suddenly stopped when I heard his voice.
"It's nice to see you all tonight for the grand opening of our new product..." I immediately turned around meeting him standing on stage speaking on the microphone.
I was only staring at him but is he realizing I'm here?
"don't get too overwhelmed, he knows exactly that you're here" I heard the same guy whisper in my ear as I turned to face him.
"I'll see you soon" he said before quickly leaving.
I wanted to stop him but it was useless. He had already left.
He knows exactly...I'm here?
Aslan didn't text or call me since he had left yesterday night. He was supposed to show up here anyway. He arrived right on time or maybe...?
Ugh, my head is about to explode.
Aslan gave his speech, invited a few directors on stage and gave a few shoutouts. Everyone was gathered around him as soon he stopped talking. I was exhausted already and was getting tired from all the noises around so I decided to get out of there.
Once out, I stood near the entrance but not too close giving enough space for people to leave. Still lost in my thoughts, I heard my name being called.
As I lift my head to meet with his eyes, he stared at me for a few seconds before coming to me and hugging the life out of me.
It was Aslan. How did he made it here?
"I can't...breathe" I told him as his hold was too tight.
"Oh my god!"
"Guys look"
"Is that...OUR BOSS?!"
Oh shit. This really had to happen today?!
I pushed Aslan away from me and ran away from there absolutely not wanting to deal with rumours. Well, sooner or later someone was to definitely find out. But still, why today?
"Stop! Adalina!" stop yelling my name Aslan!!
Just as I was about to get into a cab, I felt my arm being pulled. I was turned around as I faced Aslan. I looked at him and also realized everyone around staring at us. Please, this is so embarrassing.
Without even giving me a chance to say something, he placed his lips on mine as I was frozen on my spot.
I couldn't even push him as well. I was way too shocked to react. A few seconds later, he pulled away as I was staring at him in disbelief. Everyone had their phones pointing at us.
He grabbed my hand and turned towards everyone surrounding us.
" Adalina is my wife. I kept it a secret for her sake however I can't wait anymore. Respect her and give us your blessings." He said to them.
I just want to disappear right at this moment.
Everyone was having different to similar reactions. It didn't take that long before they all left few by few. I moved his hand away from mine.
"Why would you do such a thing?" I asked him.
"I had to" he said.
"No you didn't need to do that at all" I said turning to leave when I was stopped once again. He turned me around and picked me up bridal style. Cherry on top, really.
It was useless to fight against him therefore I didn't even try to get off. My heels were killing me anyway.
We got into his car that had a driver today. Surprisingly, the driver was Miran. What is he doing here?
He placed me in the back seat and left enough space for him to get in and sit beside me.
"Hi bhabi, where to?" Miran asked.
"the institute" Aslan replied.
"can you take me home Miran?" I spoke right away.
Why would I go to the institute with him so randomly after spending the night alone with a creep keeping his eyes on me and not to forget that I still have nothing figured out about what I just went through?
Ugh, I feel awful right now.
"institute Miran" Aslan repeated.
"home" I once again said.
"institute" he really is getting on my nerves.
"home"
"institute"
"I'm not going there looking like this and mostly not after what I just went through, do you get that?" I finally said to him.
"we will discuss about this once home but for now I have to bring you to the institute with me" he said.
"Let's go Miran" he added.
Miran started the car as he drove away.
Don't say it Adalina, don't say it.
"Why do things always have to go your way?" I said it.
"you'll thank me later for what I'm doing" he said.
" I don't think I will, we spent a whole day trying to find matching outfits for today only for you to arrive last minute and leave me hanging there with no clue of what's happening" I honestly said to him.
"we'll discuss once home" he simply said. Why does he just keep repeating the same thing? Is he a robot or something?
Fine, I'll just shut up. Anyway, it's not like he's willing to even listen to me.
As we arrived at the institute, Aslan got out of the car and was waiting for me to come out. I really did not want to however I still did and I wasn't lying when I said that I was tired. I stepped out and somehow almost lost my balance because of my heels.
I was caught by Aslan who looked at me in a serious way. Why is he looking at me like that? Scary.
Once again, he picked me up bridal style. This time I was most likely against it. I've had enough attention for the night.
"Put me down" I strictly said to him.
"everyone from the institute is out for work at this time" did he just read my mind?
Miran opened the doors of the institute letting us in first. We got in as Aslan was making his way to Allah knows where.
Soon, he stopped as he placed me down. I looked around as I could remember this place. This is where they get their guns and what so ever for their missions.
"Your phone" Aslan brought his hand forwards asking for my phone.
"Why?" I asked curious.
"Just give it" he said.
I gave it to him as he gave it to Miran.
"I want double tracking on her phone" he said to him as he nodded.
"Tracking?" I'm confused.
He grabbed a watch from the table that had a bunch of unknown and confusing other objects and knives.
He grabbed my arm putting the watch on my wrist.
"you're not allowed to take this off, ever" he said.
"what is this for?" I asked still not getting it.
"protection" he said.
"Here you go" Miran came back with my phone.
"Keep this with you 24/7" he said to me giving me my phone back.
I had no idea what was happening. He wouldn't even explain clearly.
"I'll be going now" Miran told Aslan.
"Okay"
"Have a good night bhabi" he said to me before walking out of the room.
After that, we also left to go home. Aslan drove there. The whole ride was silence. He could've explained me what was going on but he didn't. I could've asked him once again but I did not.
As we stepped into our place, I took off my heels letting out an unwanted sigh. I was about to make my way to our room when I felt him grab my arm.
And again, I sighed in an annoyed way knowing that he was about to speak up. I should be glad right? I'm not though. Not at all.
I didn't turn around to face him. I stayed like that waiting for him to just say what he had to.
"I know you're tired. I truly am too. But, hear me out first." He said.
Silently, I waited for him to speak. I just didn't want to see him.
"I want it to be present tonight with you. I want it to make you happy and see your smile while I would be on stage. Work got into my way and then suddenly I got a warning that you were in a danger zone...I came back running to you.."
"Running to me or to the stage?" I finally turned around facing him.
"To you of course...it's just that I didn't want people to doubt us but then...I saw you from afar and I just got this sudden urge to claim you mine in front of all the people that were there.." he explained.
"You could've asked for my permission first instead of making me feel uncomfortable...how am I supposed to go to work now?" I asked already feeling anxious about going back.
"No one will dare make you feel some other way. You're me wife. And that's enough." He said.
"I have something to ask you" I proceeded to say as he nodded.
"Is there something that I need to know? Something that you might be keeping from me...and aren't telling me for Allah knows what reason?" I asked.
"why are you asking me that?" he asked instead.
"If there's anything, I'd like to be aware. I wasn't kidding when I told you I wanted to be a part of your life Aslan. I can't let you in completely because you don't open up to me as much as I do...and it's concerning.." I honestly said.
"Why do you think I'm doing all of this? Putting a tracking device on your phone and giving you a tracking watch as well? I'm trying to protect my life" he said.
So, that's what it was about? Why would he need to know exactly about my whereabouts?
"your life?" I asked.
"yeah..." he took a step closer to me.
"You're my life. Without you there's no me. And right now, I just need you to understand that I am trying to protect you." He said.
I had nothing else to say. I was still trying to process everything despite the fact that I was getting even more curious. Why does he make it seem like I am in danger or something?
Why would I even be?
He got closer leaving barely an inch of space between us.
"Did you meet with someone tonight?" He asked me.
"I did" I confessed.
"Who was it?" He then asked.
"I don't know that man. His name was...Daniel." I said.
"What did he say to you?" He asked.
"He...he was..." I shouldn't say it.
I believe Aslan will tell me about his mother when he desires as it must be a sensitive topic for him. And for the rest, we both had a rough night so I'd rather not bring up to topic. Or maybe...I'm not ready to hear it or just even talk about it yet.
"He talked to me about himself...I think he was trying to hit on me but, I didn't give him a chance to go further" I lied.
"Next time you ever see him which I doubt, you have to call me no matter what got it?" he said.
"Got it" I agreed.
"that's my girl" he said before hugging me.
"I'm still upset at you...I needed you by my side tonight the most but-"
I stopped talking as he suddenly was unwrapping my hijab from my head. Placing it on the furniture of shoes beside him, he then proceeded to open my bun letting my long black hair breathe and fall on my back.
He placed his hands on my hips and pulled me closer to him in a sudden way as I gasped. He grabbed my hand and kissed the top of it before twirling me around, my back land on his chest.
His face being near mine, I could smell his strong perfume as he was slowly unzipping the back of my dress. I could feel chills from the back of my spine.
"Aslan...what...are you doing?" I asked nervous.
"Shh..."
Once the dress was fully unzipped, he turned me around to face him as the dress fell down revealing my bare body. He took off his blazer dropping in on the floor, opening a few buttons of his shirt showing some skin. Taking steps closer to me, he grabbed me and pulled me up as I wrapped my legs around his torso.
Making his way to the couch, he laid me down as he was on top of me. Placing kisses all over my neck, chest area and stomach he was making me feel a thousand beautiful things at the same time. Coming back up, he crashed his lips on mine as I gave entry to his tongue.
I was kissing him back and slightly pushing him forward to sit properly down. I sat on top of him not letting his lips disconnect mine. Slowly, I was opening the rest of his unbuttoned shirt revealing his body.
When I pulled away and connected my forehead to his, we were both panting for air.
"I didn't know you could do it too" he said smiling.
"you taught me" I replied blushing.
"We should stop here, I'm pretty sure you're tired enough" he said as I nodded.
He kept his hold on me getting up, my legs still around him. He made his way to our room.
This moment of euphoria was really breathtakingly great. I was almost convinced to let him in. It's strangely funny how our arguments always end up with both of us not letting go of each other. This exact thought, brings up a smile to my face every time.
***
Comment and vote✨
Q/A: In a relationship, do you rather prefer the guy to take the first step as in confession, kissing, hugging etc. or the girl?
My A: for me it has to be both. I love to be taken care of but I also love to take care of others. I also think a relationship builds up stronger when both are equally committed.
Let me know your thoughts!