"What did you say, Elliot? You're like a stand-in boyfriend? And what exactly is a "backup boyfriend?" Kyle had a frown on his face after I told him about my recent agreement with Ariella.
"It means exactly what it says: I pretend to be her boyfriend when that fucking ass isn't around."
"I can't believe what I'm hearing. And you are okay with it? Can you actually hear yourself?" Kyle's tone with me right now is irritating.
"I'm still the goddamn boss here, Kyle. You should be careful with your tone." I quipped, trying to intimidate him.
"What the fucking, fucking shit?! A substitute boyfriend? How did she even come up with such a stupid idea?" Kyle's doubts about my decision have already irritated me.
Yes, I admit it: I went insane over this one. This is the stupidest, and perhaps most nonsense decision I've ever made, but I can't stop myself. Ari has to be mine. I have to be able to call her my girl, even if it's just for show.
"You already know how much I like her, Kyle. And even if it's just for show, I need to feel like she's mine, because Ari is still my Ari."
"Elliot, I know I promised to be there for you, but this is insane. What will you do if someone recognizes you? How will she be able to introduce you? Will she use your name? Or will you use the jackass's identity? Have you given these things any thought before attempting to enter into this fictitious relationship?"
The enraged Kyle threw question after question at me; I know he has a valid argument, a plausible explanation for all of the skepticism, but I know I won't be able to back out of this one.
In response, I slowly shook my head. Ari, on the other hand, has never said anything about how we intend to proceed with the setup. And I was too excited and elated to ask her.
"You're completely insane. Just listening to this hypocritical nonsense is giving me a headache!"
"Kyle, I told you to be careful with what you say around me. I'm still your fucking superior!"
"Well, I'm not speaking to you as a boss right now; I'm speaking to you as my best friend! A fucking best friend who believes that everything will go wrong as a result of this messed-up and insane idea that you and Ari both have."
"Kyle, what could possibly go wrong? This is my best chance to express my feelings for Ari. To honestly admit to her all the suppressed feelings I have for her." Kyle clenched his teeth and furrowed his brows even more at this point, sensing my emotions.
"What if you can't let her go, El? What are your plans once this is all over? What if she no longer needs your help as a back-up boyfriend? Will you be able to let her go? Will you willingly give up the idea of pretending to be her boyfriend? Because, if you ask me, the answer to those questions is no. El, I know how jealous and controlling you can be. And you'll only end up hurting yourself more."
Numb. Kyle's voiced-out words numbed me. Everything he said smacked me square in the face. I know I'll never be able to let go of her. I know I can't let her go, even if she'll wish for it all to end. I love her so much that the thought of losing her forever to a jerk that I don't even know fuels my rage.
"I see you've become speechless." Kyle lets out a sigh. "You know in your mind, Elliot, that I've got a point. You don't even make sudden decisions, but you just made one. And it was the craziest one I've ever seen. Please, as early as now, end this."
Just having this conversation with Kyle is making me anxious. It's exhausting to keep doing the same thing over and over. Despite knowing the truth about what Kyle was saying, I refused to admit it. I refused to pass up the opportunity to be with Ari.
"Even if you're right, Kyle, I don't intend to change my decisions. I can't. I just can't, and you know that. I'd like to be her back-up boyfriend. You can say whatever you want because you're entitled to that opinion, but I have the right to make the decision I do. I've waited ten fucking years for this, and even if it's just a back-up boyfriend, even if it's just a fantasy, it's better than nothing."
"When that time comes, El, that you’re already in so deep with this shit, don’t let me tell you that, I told you so."
I let out a breath, cleared my throat, and leaned back in my chair. "I'm not going to give you that chance because I'm going to take advantage of this opportunity to have her and to be her real boyfriend. I'll play along with her, but I'll eventually make her fall in love with me."
Kyle just shook his head in defeat after I muttered those words. He should be aware that this is the last time we will discuss this.
---
"Sir, call on line one from Ms. Gregory." Trevor says over the intercom.
My heart started racing as soon as I heard her name. What exactly am I? A high schooler who has his first crush? I picked up the phone and, as soon as I heard her voice, my lips slowly raised to form a smile.
"Good day, boyfriend." She said cheerfully. An electric shock ran through my body the moment I heard the word "boyfriend." It's an intense feeling that even I can't fathom.
"Ari, what can I do for you?" I inquired.
"That's girlfriend for you, El!" she joked.
"What can I do for you then, girlfriend?" I asked. As soon as I said that, I heard her soft giggles.
"You need to do your job, El." She says, her voice playful once more.
"What job is that, babe?" Just having this conversation with her is changing my mood.
"The back-up boyfriend job." she said. And I was immediately enthralled. All I could think about was how I could be the best boyfriend for her.
"Oh, it seems like the real one is out of the picture, huh?" I can feel her mood shift from cheerful to solemn.
"He can't make it to the gala, yet again." Ari explained. "But it's okay. I know you'll help me get through this."
This could be a good time to ask her about the plan, concerning the questions Kyle posed to me earlier, "So, girlfriend, how do we go about this?" I asked. "Do you introduce me by my name or by the name of your boyfriend? For starters, if you use my name, you can expect to see it in the papers and on the internet by tomorrow. While if you let me use your boyfriend's name, I just don't think the name can do justice to how hot and good-looking I am in comparison to your boyfriend."
I heard her sweet laughter on the other end of the line after I finished my speech. And those giggles send shivers up my spine. It makes me so happy when I can make her laugh like that.
"No worries, you'll be named El. It's just my El. I understand that many people only know you by your first name and that you don't pose for pictures, so the secret is safe. I know how secretive you can be about the hotness you encompass. And, El would be just fine." Ari said
It's something I wish would have happened ten years ago. I am her Elliot. I am her boyfriend. "Then as you wish, El, it is then. By the way, when do you need me?" I inquired.
"Tonight at seven o'clock." Ari says. "I can meet you there." she adds.
"Nothing that can't be done." I say. "I'm going to pick up my girlfriend. I'll be at your house at six thirty tonight."
"That's just perfect. I'll see you later, boyfriend." She said as she hung up the phone.
I felt completely enthralled by the sudden strange feelings. I'm not used to such strong emotions. When she was around me in high school, I always felt like my heart was racing. But the effect she has on me right now is inexplicable. I'm overwhelmed by a different set of emotions just hearing her name. Emotions that I, as a mafia boss, tried to suppress.
Being a member of the mafia and the underground, only one emotion should rule out my system: coldness. That's why I don't understand why, whenever I hear her name, I get a sudden burst of happiness and cheerfulness that makes my insides tremble. This is not me. This is not the mafia boss I was trained to be. But as I have said, mafia boss or not, I will enjoy the feeling.
Following the phone call, I immediately directed Trevor to make all the necessary arrangements for the gala dinner tonight. Everything must be as perfect as possible. After all, this is our first date. I also ordered Trevor to cancel all remaining afternoon meetings, prompting Kyle to burst through my office door once more.
"Are you serious, Elliot? You're abandoning me once more to attend those shitshows all the while you spend the night with your pretentious girlfriend." My brows furrowed as I heard what he had to say about Ari.
"Conner, zip it up, before I forget who you are." I said.
"I just wanted to remind you, boss, that the arms delivery is scheduled for tonight. And you always want to be there when we have a shipment. But tonight, while we work our asses off, you'll be having fun with your little girlfriend." Kyle retorted sarcastically.
"I don't care if you work your fucking asses off. That is exactly what I paid you to do. So stop waffling and get to work. You're such a dick." I answered back.
"All right, I'm a wuss. And you, the great mafia king, is a sweetheart! Really, Elliot, a rose bouquet to be delivered to Ari? By the way, I heard it from Trevor. What is going on with my cold and heartless Allister? Is he softening as a result of his lady love?"
"Trevor!" I yelled. My office door flew open, revealing my anxious assistant. "Who the fuck gave the signal for this jerk to barge into my room?" I said, and Trevor was taken aback.
"Si-Sir, Mr. Conner does not require an appointment to see you. That's your instructions." he replied. Kyle has a smirk on his face.
"Modify it. This shit can't just stroll in. Understand?" Trevor simply nodded, while Kyle continued to enjoy the nervousness on Trevor's face.
"Take your leave. And you too, Conner." Trevor quickly exited the room, leaving me and Kyle alone.
"All right, all right. Enjoy your date while I, Kyle Conner, your best friend, risk my life once more while receiving these damn shipments. Enjoy yourself, and don't forget to bring the big C. You might not be able to keep it in your pants after all, so better come prepared." The fucking shit truly enjoys irritating me.
"Get out!" I yelled. He laughed and shook his head before walking out the door.
I shouldn't be irritated. Tonight I have a date. My girlfriend and I are going on a date. Finally, Ariella is going on a date with me.
I've been anticipating tonight with bated breath. I'm hoping everything goes as planned. This is the first step. The beginning of Ariella Gregory's falling in love with me and leaving her ass of a boyfriend. I'm getting ready to leave for her house at around five-thirty. But I restrained myself. I don't want her to think I'm overjoyed and too eager, even if I am on the inside. It's a thirty-minute drive from my opulent mansion to hers. And I can't seem to stop pacing. I'm dying to get there right now. But I need just a little bit more patience. I've waited ten years. What harm can another fifteen or twenty minutes of waiting do? A ping on my phone notified me. I immediately took it out of my pocket, thinking it was Ari. When I realized it was Kyle, my excitement turned to frustration. What exactly does he want now? "Hello, bro, I hope you have a wonderful date night with lady love. But, for the fucking life of me, don't turn off your cellphone later when things get steamy. I hope yo
As much as I wanted to enjoy the rest of the night with Ari by my side, I just couldn't seem to get the fucking spy out of my head. Who in their right mind would dare to oppose me? Who would have the courage? If he hadn't known better, they'd have been dead the moment they crossed me. Rage is slowly resurfacing within me. I should have been there so I could have immediately put a bullet through that fucking spy's head. I'm becoming restless, and I'm sure Ari is noticing the sudden change in my mood. "Hey El, you seemed pretty odd after the call. Who called? Are you sure you don't want to share?" Ari questioned. I'm bringing her back to her apartment after the gala, though I so badly want to take her home with me. "Just blunders in business. But it’s nothing that Kyle can't fix." I replied. I'd like to put an end to this discussion. I don't want her to know the dark side of my family. The dark side of myself that I would try to keep as far away from her as possible. "So you have
I decided to go straight to the warehouse after Ari and I fought. I needed to blow off some steam. I needed to let out the rage I was feeling. And what better way to express my rage than to assault the fucking spy Kyle and his team have apprehended. After I stormed out of Ari's house, I immediately instructed Leo to drive straight to the warehouse. Even though I desperately wanted to turn back when I heard her calling my name, I just couldn't. I'm irritated and beyond pissed that she only considers me to be her best friend. For fuck's sake, to just be her best friend. She only needs me when she needs someone to pose as a fake boyfriend. What the hell? What does she think I am? A wimp that would follow all her whims? Does she think that that's something I'm going to allow? Well, she must be mistaken. Whether Ari likes it or not, she'll be mine! I am a fucking mafia king! I rule the underground, and whatever I like, I sure have to get it. And what I really want is Ariella Gregory. And
Since Elliot left, I've been pacing my room the entire time. That was something I shouldn't have said. I'm not sure what possessed me to say those nasty remarks to him. My guilt is consuming me. When those words left my mouth, I couldn't get the expression of hurt off Elliot's face. I'm not sure what I'm thinking. Why did I feel compelled to do that? I just realized I was furious and irritated with him for ordering me to break up with Matt. I understand Matt hasn't been the best boyfriend due to his busy activities, but I don't see why he is forcing me to leave our relationship. It's not like we're still in high school, where I'd obey his every command. I attempted to explain myself. I wished to speak with him. I tried to call him back, but he didn't respond. And I can tell he's angry because of his expression. My heart was crushed when he walked out of my flat door without even looking back. I'm not sure how I'd explain it to him. Since he departed, I've been attempting to reach hi
I awoke to the rays of the sun piercing my skin. What the hell? I squinted my eyes, attempting to figure out where I was. The instant I moved, the smack of a pillow struck my face. And it fucking pissed the hell out of me. "What the actual fuck?" I screamed with rage. Kyle stood at the bottom of my bed, smirking, as I fully opened my eyes to view the irritated prick who opened the curtains in my room. "It's wonderful that the boss has woken up. Why don't you get up and go to work? It's oh-so-middle-of-the-day and your phone has been buzzing since last night." "I am the boss, as you have stated. So get out of here and stop pissing me off." "Do you think that's how you should repay me for bringing you home? I and Briton, have to pull your ass over so we can get you home after you wasted all by yourself." I put a pillow over my head since I didn't want to hear anything from Kyle. "I'm not sure why you're here. So, what do you want?" I mumbled. "Just to let you know, since last night
"Ariella, what are you doing here?" I asked nonchalantly. "My calls were not returned, and you weren't responding to any of my messages." She whispered anxiously, "I'm worried." She kept biting her lower lip, and I can't help but feel compelled to kiss her passionately right now. "I'm worried about you." I tried to retain a straight expression before answering her, "I have important matters to attend to. And besides, it’s not that I haven’t completed my job, right?" "Elliot." "How did you find out where I live?" She fumbled for a moment before turning to look at Kyle, who was close behind me. I already knew the reason without her saying a word. "I'm sorry, El. I begged Kyle to give me your address. Please do not get mad at him." "You didn't ask, sweetie." Kyle said. I immediately glared daggers at him because of the way he addressed my Ari. Is she your Ari, Elliot? You are just her best friend! So stop dreaming. The punk, on the other hand, just ignored me. "You didn't ask, sweet
I'm not sure how Kyle was able to get me out of that unpleasant situation. All I can see is blood during that time. I wanted Matt's blood. I can't believe that I'll get to meet the asshole at the exact same time that Ari and I just mend things up. It was a very awkward situation, and I had to pretend that I really liked the thought of meeting him. But something about Matt strikes me as odd. And I will definitely get to the bottom of things. I went straight to my office, with Kyle following when we arrived at the warehouse. Since we left my mansion, he hasn't spoken a word. And, for the first time in a long time, I'm pleased that Kyle Conner decided to quit being such a jerk and chose to be silent. I went directly to the bar and prepared myself a glass of scotch. I'm enraged and irritated. In comparison to how I felt last night, I'm feeling a lot crazier right now. Kyle sat down on the couch and stared at me for the rest of the time. There are no words used. He's simply allowing me t
Our prisoner squinted his eyes as soon as Kyle and I entered the punishment cell. The mole was probably getting another series of punches from Briton who was standing in front of him. "Boss." Briton recognizes us and wipes his swollen knuckles. Our small mouse was forced to sit up by two of our other men. "Mole, I've been told you're asking for me. What do you want to do now?" While smirking, I inquired. The damage on his face is something I like. Nobody has ever trodden on me, and have walked to be a free man. "Please! Don't kill me, please. I've got information, v-vital information." He appeals. Despite his bloodied face, he is attempting to speak. "You're not supposed to make a demand in this situation. You abide by my rules. So let's find a common ground. I'll let you go if I like what I hear. You'll die if I don't." "Please, bo-boss, let me go." "What's the point of me doing that? We were betrayed by you. What you did was trick us into thinking you were one of us. This isn't