Doted On By The Mafia Boss novel Chapter 38

Ryan and Jack descended the stairs and accompanying them were the housekeeper and his little princess. The girl held Fiona in one and Ryan's hands in another, even though she was all smiles her eyes still portrayed strands of sadness in them. Ryan looked down at her and said, "Be a good girl, okay? I will come back tomorrow to meet you..."

The girl's grip tightened on his hands, she asked hesitant, "Can't... Can't you stay with me, Ryan?"

The boy signalled at the driver to hold as he bent down and cupped her left cheek, "Tell me, what is it? Am I not coming back tomorrow for you?" Catherine nodded wordlessly and looked into his eyes; even though she had yet to say what it was Ryan could understand that he was ought to pay heed to it. He was older but he knew that things which are negligible to adults are capable of messing up the peace of kids like her.

She clutched his sleeves tightly and replied, "I saw a bad bad dream last night."

"A bad dream?" Ryan cocked an eyebrow. The girl nodded and replied, "I couldn't sleep last night. I... I am scared. What if I see a bad bad dream again." She paused there and looked into his eyes before continuing, "Can Ryan stay with me tonight..."

"You want me to accompany you?" Ryan asked; he wanted to know what was in her little heart. Whatever she answers Ryan knew that she won't hang a tale but what she said took him off his guards.

"I feel safe with you, Ryan." Her childish voice was sweet yet solemn when she said that. Ryan gawked straight at her, processing her words in his mind. She felt vindicated with him; he loved this girl and there could be no compliment bigger for a boy in love than being said that his girl felt safe around him. It was just a simple string of five words but the sway of emotions they carried was priceless for Ryan.

Jack who was picking on the conversation saw his friend who was frozen; this lovesick... Why was he so dazed? He doesn't know, he has never been smitten with anyone. Seeing that Ryan was stupefied Jack nudged him making him break out of his fantasies.

"I..." Ryan didn't know what to say as he turned to look at Ryan. Jack whispered, "Say no... Your dad will be mad if you stay out." Ryan thought, his friend was indeed true; his father had set a curfew for him which may end up dire if he breaks it. But he couldn't leave her alone and her words made it even harder.

The maid came forward, "I can keep her company tonight, Young Master." Jack agreed but before Ryan could say anything Catherine nuzzled closer in his arms and said, "No... I want to stay with Ryan. Please... Please, Ryan... Please."

Her rosy cheeks puffed up pitifully as hope lingered in her eyes; Ryan couldn't break her heart. He said, "Jack, head back home... I am staying."

"Are you crazy? You want to offend your father?" Jack pulled his arms and whispered in his ears lest the girl hears. Ryan didn't answer him but rather pulled out his phone and walked t a corner; he dialled a familiar number which was picked up soon.

"What is it, son?" Mr Nguyen's strong voice resounded from the other end.

"Something came up, dad. I am staying at Silva's today." The boy chose not to beat around the bush and directly came to the point. In his study the man kept aside his pen and leaned back on his chairs, he meaningfully cocked an eyebrow, "Mmm... Why?" "That..." Ryan dragged a bit and directed his gaze at the girl who was anticipating a precise answer. The boy replied, "Catherine wants me to stay and I gave my words."

"You like her, don't you?" His father asked abruptly knocking him off his socks; it was only the second day of his secret crushing and his parents were already aware of his intentions. His father was a smart man, even if he reclines now he was bound to get caught. Finding it easier to admit the boy replied with his eyes still locked on the girl not too far away, "I do..."

"But she is just a kid."

"She won't be one forever."

"You like her for real?"

"Yes."

No matter what the man asked the boy was adamant; at last Mr. Nguyen only had one thing to say, "Don't hurt her or yourself. You can stay tonight but come back early tomorrow." "Got it." The boy replied before hanging up and making his way back to the gang while his father kept aside the phone nonchalantly and asked his assistant to send ten of his best men to guard the house... Permanently.

"He agreed, I am staying tonight." No matter how blooming he was inside the boy still maintained a stone face when he slowly broke out the news. Catherine squeaked in happiness; Ryan held her hands as he sent off Jack. The keeper took the two kids in and sent them to the room while she prepared for the meal.

Catherine exclaimed, "I am really happy that Ryan is staying with me tonight." The girl liked using the third person style of addressing the most; when she got to know that he was not an elder brother but 'Ryan' to her she called him that. Ryan couldn't help but flush, his name felt extra warm and beautiful when she weaved it in her voice. Now, his name was his second favourite name, the first being her's. 

The evening was a fun one for the little girl; she took the boy on a house tour, showed him her photo albums and coloured a few drawings that the boy pencilled for her. She shared enthusiastically a lot of things with him but they were partially heard, he couldn't concentrate as all his eyes and mind saw was her.

He sat there and admired her the whole nightfall, tattooing her smile on his heart.