Chapter 9

Chapter Nine

I need to get out of here. This was a mistake. Why the hell did I get in his car? The better question is what was he thinking bringing me back here?

The room looks exactly the same as I remember. The big, king-sized, dark-wood bed and dark linen. It's the same. Everything right down to the smell.

Memories of that night assault me. Memories I've cherished yet tried not to think about. I've never thought that night was a mistake. If I could go back and change it, I wouldn't. I loved being with Orlando. I wanted him to be my first. And let's face it, my only. And being back here, it makes me want to relive that night.

He wants a reset, but that's not reality. We can't erase the past and we can't take back what I've done. Right now isn't the time to tell him, though. I need to get out of here, and I'd be running down the stairs if Mr. Valentino wasn't blocking the doorway.

Orlando's words from earlier play back in my mind. " My pops… ah… got a promotion. " How does one get a promotion in the mafia? Not that Orlando ever admitted that's what his family does. It's kind of just common knowledge around the city.

Does that make him the boss? I have no idea, but I'm guessing pissing off a mafia boss doesn't bode well for anyone. I take a step backwards, closer to Orlando's side. I'm way out of my element here.

Mr. Valentino looks at me briefly before turning his focus on his son. "Orlando, take Aleeka home. Then come and find me."

I want to tell him that he doesn't need to take me. Except I can't. My mouth is suddenly dry. Did I just lie to a mob boss? I've been lying . For the past year and a half. I have Orlando's son, a son I have no doubt his family will want to know about.

"Sure. You going to the game tonight?" Orlando asks his father.

"No, I have a meeting. Aleeka, it was nice seeing you again," Mr. Valentino says before turning and walking away.

"Are you okay? I know you have a crush on my old man. I just didn't think it'd turn you speechless." Orlando chuckles.

My arm snaps out, my hand hitting him across his stomach. "I do not have a crush on your dad. Oh my god," I groan.

"Sure you don't. Come on, I'll drive you back to school so you can get your car. I'll take a rain check on the reset," Orlando says.

I don't agree or disagree. I follow him out of the house and keep quiet.

A few minutes later, Orlando parks in the student lot. "You sure you don't want to come to the game? I can pick you up from your place."

"No, I have to catch up on homework."

"Need a study buddy?"

"No. Thanks for bringing me back." I open the door, but before I can climb out of his car, Orlando's hand reaches out to grab my arm.

"Wait. You said you had something you needed to tell me. What was it?"

My heart picks up, and my hands shake slightly. "Nothing. It can wait," I say, practically jumping out. I slam the door and run to my own car. "Stupid. Stupid. Stupid," I curse myself under my breath.

"Hey, I got tickets to the hockey game tonight. You wanna go?" Dad asks while walking into my bedroom.

What is it with everyone and damn hockey games?

"No, I'll pass. I want to catch up on some studying," I tell him.

"I can take Sebastian. Get him rooting for the home team, young and all," Dad offers.

"No, I want to spend time with him. I miss him so much during the day," I say honestly. It's been hard being away from him.

"Okay, you sure?"

"I'm sure. Have fun." I smile at my dad.

"Oh, I forgot… I have to go back to Chicago on Friday. Just for the weekend. You want to come with me or stay here?"

"I'll stay here," I tell him. "We'll be fine, Dad," I add when he gives me a skeptical look.

"I don't like leaving you alone."

"I won't be alone. I have Sebastian here to keep me company." I tickle my son's little belly, and he smiles back at me, making his sweet little giggle sounds.

"I can send someone else. I should stay with you. We only just got back to the city…"

"Dad, go, do what you gotta do. We will be fine. I promise," I tell him.

"Okay. We still have a few more days until Friday anyway. Call me if you need anything while I'm out," he says.

"Again, we will be fine. You're just going to the hockey game. Have fun," I repeat as I reach out and scoop Sebastian into my arms. "We're going to go soak in the tub for a bit."

Dad closes the door as he walks out.

I have a little rocker for Sebastian in my adjoining bathroom. I always bring him in here with me while I'm showering. I don't like leaving him alone. I place Sebastian on the rocker and run the bath, making sure the water is warm but not too hot.

While it's running, I turn on soft music and get undressed, wrapping a towel around myself. Then I place two towels on the counter, ready for when we get out. Sebastian is smiling up at me. He loves the water.

I pick him up, lay him on the towels, and undress him. He's so tiny but has already grown so much in just five months. When I think about how much he's changed in such a short time, I also remember everything Orlando has missed.

I'm going to tell him. I have to.