The Mafia's Promise

I sat in the living room, constantly glancing at the large clock on the wall like it would change something. It was almost one AM and he still wasn't back yet.

I reached for my phone, contemplating placing another call through, who knows? Maybe he would actually answer that time, maybe he just didn't see the last five calls, but I knew.... It was nothing more than wishful thinking.

That was his usual behavior, I should be used to it, but yet... I wasn't.

Everytime he stayed out late, my mind would immediately begin to imagine the worst. Did he run into some kind of trouble at work? Was he hurt on his way home? Should I be expecting a call from a kidnapper demanding ransom??

Click!

The door opened and a towering figure staggered in, his eyes scanning the dimly lit living room until they land on a pair of teary grey eyes.... mine.

He took a couple of swaying steps towards me, his light blue eyes never leaving mine, a gesture that only signified one thing.... he was angry.

Without meaning to, I backed away, an action that only intensified his annoyance. Yanking me by the shoulders, he pulled me towards him in an aggressive manner,

"What the hell is your problem?" He was leaning over me, his face, just inches away but his voice was loud enough to be heard by the whole neighborhood. "Why do you keep calling me like I'm a lost child or something?! Do you have any idea how irritating that is?!" He spat.

"I'm sorry but....you were supposed to be home a long time ago and-"

"And what?! You thought I got lost on the way back? I am your husband goddammit! Not your child." He shoved me aside and started to go inside. "Next time you embarrass me with calls like this again, you won't get off this easily." He shot me a final warning before disappearing up the stairs.

I sat there frozen, the tiled floor was cold beneath me and the ticking of the clock seemed to fill the room. I didn't know how much time passed and honestly, I didn't care.

"Mommy,"

When I heard the gentle voice, I quickly wiped my tears and got on all fours, searching for nothing in particular.

"Mommy?" This time his voice was much closer. "Did you lose something?" He asked, crouching on his knees as well.

"Um yes. I lost my earrings." My voice was quieter than intended. When he started to look around, I added. "I don't think it's here. Let's look for it in the morning, hmm?"

"Okay." He nodded and got up.

I followed suit and led him by the hand back to his room. I had no intention of going back to my matrimonial bedroom so when Caleb asked me to stay with him, I immediately agreed. The bed was big enough to accommodate at least three full grown adults, but I still snuggled close Caleb, enjoying his pure warmth.

He clearly didn't mind either, because he hugged me and rested his head against my chest. "Goodnight mommy." He said, already half asleep.

"Goodnight my love."

★★★

The dining was silent except for the clicking of forks against the ceramic plates. I wanted to break the heavy silence that consumed the entire room, but nothing came to mind.

What could I say?

And even if I did say anything, would he respond?

I was still thinking when I heard Caleb's quiet voice. "Mommy, did you find your earrings?" he looked genuinely concerned as he stared at me, his deep brown eyes burning into me... almost like he could tell that I was lying.

I threw a quick glance at Leo before replying. "Yes dear, I did."

Thankfully, before he could ask any more questions, the housekeeper came up to the table with a soft smile. "Caleb, the bus is here."

Caleb gave me a quick kiss, said his goodbye to his father and rushed off. Sometimes I felt like he was always eager to leave the house. Not that I blamed him, if I had the chance I would bolt for the door without looking back also.

Without Caleb around, my appetite instantly vanished, but I didn't dare get up when Leo was still eating.

"I'm sorry."

I flinched but remained quiet. Only after a few seconds did I realize what he said. "W-what?"

"I was too harsh last night, I was stressed and your calls only made it worse."

I blinked in surprise. Was Leo.... apologizing?

He took my hand and my first instinct was to recoil and hide away from the touch but fear held me in place.

"Next time I stay out late, you should know it's because of work. Okay?"

Slowly I nodded and he smiled. "Good." He released my hand and wiped his with a napkin before rising to his feet. "I'll be home before six PM, and I want to have lasagna for dinner."

He was still smiling but his voice was stern. I nodded again. "Um Leo?" I called out as he started to leave.

"What is it?"

"I wanted to remind you," I chose my words carefully, trying not to annoy him. "about my outing. Maria will be here later to-" He turned to face me and my voice caught in my throat, ending my sentence mid way.

"Tell her you won't be available."

It obviously was an order and I wasn't supposed to argue with him but I had already promised Maria. "It won't take long, I'll be back home in time to make your dinner. It's just that-"

He inhaled sharply and stepped towards me but abruptly stopped. "Why do you do this?"

I didn't understand the question but I shook my head.

"We just made up, and you're already causing trouble again. Is this fun for you?"

I shook my head again, desperately regretting my decision to bring up the issue. "I'm sorry." He stepped towards me and my body backed away. A mistake.

With a firm grip of my hair, he closed the distance between us. His blue eyes held no emotion but his jaw was tight as he looked into my eyes. I wondered when his handsome features started to look scary to me.

"Why were you running? Am I some kind of monster?"

"No." I answered immediately. My chest tightened and I could hear my heart beating in my ears.

"Is it so wrong for me to demand respect? I am your husband, Sophia."

Husband.

He only ever used that term when he was angry, like it was the only time that mattered.

"You're right." I forced my voice to remain steady. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have gone against your wishes."

Almost like he was considering the sincerity of my apology, he shut his eyes and inhaled deeply. When he reopened them, his gaze remained emotionless but he smiled.

"I'm sorry too. It seems the stress of work is really getting to me."

I did my best to return the gesture, unsure of what would happen next.

"I really should go now." He placed both hands on my shoulder and pulled me in for a hug. As our bodies touched, I felt mine go stiff but Leo didn't seem to notice, or maybe he just chose not to react to it.

After I was alone in the living, I hugged my sides, painfully missing Leo's scent and also fighting the fear the contact had instilled in me.