STRUGGIMENTO:

This means a combination of gut-churning misery and yearning (noun).

S H I R A ' S P O V

The feeling of a sloppy kiss placed on my forehead awakened me from my little nap. I opened my eyes to see a very happy looking Angelo, I smiled and looked around to notice Dino was gone. I looked the other way to see Valerius sleeping with Sienna.

He looked so peaceful. I was sure that being Don of the biggest Mafia group must be extremely difficult. I returned to look at Angelo again, who was smiling and cupping my face with his small hands. His smile, so cute and warm, could light up an empty room. I pray he never loses it.

"What time is it, petit gâteau?" I quietly spoke so I didn't disturb the two sleeping beauties."Half-past 6. Amore Mio I'm quite hungry and Lorena isn't here." He sulked. I was famished too but those 3 hours of sleep were needed.

"Ok, mon chéri, let's go cook something, yes?" I asked. Angelo nodded and got up and pulled me up gently like I was a delicate teddy and intertwined his small fingers with mine and led me into the kitchen.

(T: my dear)

I looked around the kitchen to find ingredients to cook 'Spaghetti aglio e olio'. A very famous Italian dish that I hope they would like. I began taking out all the ingredients I needed and prepping the spaghetti by putting it in a pot with water and a sprinkle of salt. A small memory triggered me while I was cutting up the garlic and chilli.

When I went to Lyon, I remembered when I used to come back home every day from work to cook, which was exciting but don't get me wrong sometimes I would feel lazy or it would be tiresome. I was excited to try and recreate my mama's dishes and try new things too.

As I poured some olive oil into a flat pan, slowly warming it up. I place the garlic and chilli in and gently sautéd it on low heat. Adding a tablespoon or two of pasta water in the pan to stop the cooking I then transferred the al dente spaghetti into the pan.

Angelo watched as I tossed and combined the ingredients together until everything was cooked perfectly. "Amore mio, it smells really good." Angelo complimented, I smiled and giggled to myself.

-

Emptying the food on the porcelain plates, I sprinkled some parsley elegantly. I placed the last plate on the table while Angelo placed forks and napkins neatly. I told Angelo to call everyone for dinner and he nodded his little head and scurried out of the kitchen with his little legs.

I washed the remaining dishes and cleaned the worktops and cooker. "Mmm, that smells amazing," Dino said while quickly sitting down and looking up at a very tired looking Chiara, whose expression changed in a click of a finger.

Angelo and Sienna came rushing into the kitchen and taking their places on the table. Stumbling along the way, I made contact with the 6'4 figure, my chest bumped into him, his arm snaking around me, holding me tight. My eyes were once again locked with his again. His hair was slicked back like he had run his fingers through it.

"Attenta, mia tigre." He smirked as his minty breath fanned my face. He whispered the last bit so only I could hear. I pulled myself away and thanked him as I made my way to sit in the middle of Angelo and Sienna, clearing my throat.

(T: careful, my tigress)

"You made 'Spaghetti aglio e olio'?" Valerius questioned with eyes lit."Mhm," I hummed as he sat down on the head of the table and began eating.

I closed my eyes and clasped both of my hands together as I thanked God for everything. I opened my eyes to look at Dino, Chiara giggling and Valerius staring at me with surprise. I looked at Chiara and Dino confusingly. They know that I pray so what's funny...

Dino signalled to look at my side, I turned my head to look at Sienna and Angelo repeating my actions."Shiwa is it ok to eat or do we have to pray longer?" Sienna asked as I laughed."No you can eat, mon ange." I said softly.

(T: my angel)

As I rolled the spaghetti on my fork the sound of compliments filled the air as everyone apart from Valerius complimented on my dish. "Sienna, Angelo is the food spicy?" I asked worriedly because I didn't want them to eat something too hot that could cause a stomach ulcer.

"No, we like spicy food Shiwa," Sienna said, grabbing another fork full of spaghetti and bringing it to her mouth. I turned my head to look at Angelo who had a bit of parsley stuck on his cheek. I wiped it off and he continued eating.

"Jesus that was amazing, you cook better than me," Dino said while patting his stomach. "When have you cooked? I was surprised. Dino looked away and was trying to think when was the last time he cooked. Chiara slapped the back of his head and went to put her plate and glass in the sink and Dino, Sienna and Angelo followed.

-

It was awkward sitting on the table alone with Valerius. I kept quiet and proceeded to eat my food. Once I was finished, so was he, I instantly got up and made my way into the kitchen and placed my plate and glass into the sink.

Dino had finished washing everyone's plates while Chiara put them away neatly while Angelo and Sienna went upstairs to play. I began washing my plate when a large figure stood close behind me.

I stiffened and tried to focus on washing the dishes. Valerius leaned over, pressing his front against my behind and placed his head on my shoulder as he placed his plate and glass in the sink.

"The dinner was perfetto." He whispered, seductively saying 'perfect' in his mother tongue. The vibrations of his italian accent rippled throughout my body, sending shiver down my spine.

His hand trailed up my leg, startling me, he kissed and nipped my ear. "Valerius..." I softly whispered but it came out more like a moan. He hummed, kissing the back of my ear and trailed downwards to the base of my neck. He gripped the hem of my black dress and trailed a finger up my thigh, slowly and teasingly lifting the dress.

"Keep washing the dishes, if you drop one I will and trust me I will fuck you over this counter." He ordered. I was tempted to drop one but I didn't, I kept washing. Valerius glided his finger up my leg while kissing the red mark he placed on my neck earlier.

"This is wrong," I said, trying hard to avoid the pleasure of him gripping my hip gently and drawing circles on my thigh."How?" He whispered in my ear, goosebumps formed all over my arms. He was right in some way, it wasn't wrong but the fear of getting caught up in the hands of the devil seemed wrong to me.

He gripped the side of my panties and tugged gently, I jumped as he pressed harder into me, my abdomen squeezing against the edge of the worktop. I finished washing up the dishes and gripped hard on the edge. I released a quiet moan, feeling his bulge press against my behind.

"Can I get my dessert now?" I could tell he was smirking as he bit my ear lobe, Valerius tugged hard on my panties making them rip. I turned my head and looked at the devilish smirk he had on his lips.

"Valerius! Seriously, you connard!" I seethed, gripping the side together and running up the stairs, entering my room and locking it. I grabbed my pyjamas and a fresh pair of panties and entered the bathroom that adjoined my room.

(T: asshole)

I turned on the shower and slipped out of my clothes discarding the useless panties. Lathering each and every part of my body, I washed the foam off of me with the hot droplets of water. I thought showering would take my mind off Valerius but the reoccurring thought happened to stain my mind.

The tingling feeling of Valerius's touch was absorbed into my skin from the kisses on my neck to the circles he played on my thigh. I exited the bathroom leaving the window slightly open so the steam could find a way out. I hopped into bed as I felt tired from all the events that had an association with Valerius.

I couldn't wait to fall asleep. That's what I thought until 'BANG'. For fuck sake.

Hello, my loves, I hope you enjoyed this chapter. If you did let me know your thoughts. Anyways, have a lovely day or a good night's sleep.

What is your favourite food?

I LOVE pasta and spaghetti.