You Are Mine

The mall

Nicole

When I woke up the next morning, there was no sign of Adrian. I knew he had come back to the room sometime past midnight, but I was too lost in sleep to realize when he left this morning. I got through my routine of taking a bath and cleaning up the room.

I threw on a simple pair of ripped jeans and a peach boyfriend sweater to match the windy day. Adrian strolled into the room just as I put on some gloss on my lips.

"Good morning little minx," he took a few strides across the room and pressed a kiss to my forehead. "Slept well?"

"Of course, I slept well since you weren't here," I said drily.

"What are you talking about?" he feigned ignorance as he took out his gun and dropped it on the table. In the days I had stayed here, I had learned to get used to seeing guns all around, and it helped a lot to know that Adrian would not use it on me, at least not yet.

I closed the lip gloss with a clicking sound and shoved it into my bag, "I'm talking about how you left last night when I fell asleep."

He chuckled, "I thought you did not want me around,"

"I never said so," I shot back.

"So you do want me around," he teased.

"Did not say that either," I said, surprising myself with my own words.

"So what do you want," he dropped his watch on the table and strolled back to the edge of the bed where I sat. I shifted as his skin touched mine.

"Nothing."

"You're confusing me, Nicole," he growled, almost angrily.

"Just leave it," I said and got to my feet. Even I did not know why it upset me so much that he had left last night, but for some weird reason, it did.

I moved past him to the closet but his big hand caught mine, and he pulled me back into him. "What's wrong today," he asked, holding me against him, "you're upset."

"When am I never upset?" I rolled my eyes and looked away.

"You just rolled your eyes at me," he said in a clipped tone.

"Not at you. I'm just not in a good mood this morning." I finally admitted.

"Because I left at night?"

"Maybe," I forced my eyes to look at his chest and not his eyes because I did not want to see the amusement that lingered there at my confession.

He chuckled and raised my chin to him, "I did come back, didn't I?"

"But you still left," I said angrily.

"I had a few calls to make and I did not want to wake you," he said in a much calmer tone that surprised me.

"Okay," I said simply even though I was still upset.

He snorted lightly and tilted his head lower so he could bring his lips to mine. The kiss was just as controlling and hot as the first time I had kissed him, or he had kissed me whichever. I was reluctant at first, but he coaxed my mouth open wider, and when he took my tongue in his mouth I had no other resolve to resist left in me.

He left me frantic and shaking when he pulled away, as you might have expected my shameless body demanded more, but I was able to put some restraint on it.

"Would it make you feel better if I apologized?" he asked, pressing his forehead on mine, and running him palm up and down my neck.

"Like you ever will," I snorted.

"I'm sorry," he said, so quickly, I knew it just had to be from my imagination.

"Hmm?"

"I am not repeating myself," he chuckled and released his grip on me.

"Tell me," I whined.

"You heard me the first time, I won't say it again," before I could protest further, he left and walked into the closet to take a shower.

A shy smile crawled up my face as he disappeared into the closet. Did he really just say 'sorry' to me, or had I misheard him. I had never heard Adrian say the word before, and he did not look like someone that would grovel. So if he really did say that to me, that would mean such a major step in the right direction for our relationship.

Maybe there was hope for us.

After I finished up, I went downstairs to join Anderson at the table for breakfast. It seemed odd that in such a large house with such a large table that stretched from one end to the other, yet only a few people ever sat for a meal.

"Good morning," Anderson said cheerfully to me, as I sat across from him. He had that boyish grin that made him look so much more different from Adrian. It was not that Adrian was that old, he was only 7 years older than me but he looked so much mature than his brother. But I liked Anderson that way, the incident with Clara had told me that he was just as ruthless as his brother, and even though he hid it so well I knew he always had a gun with him, making him just as scary, but at least that one thing made them different from each other.

"Good morning Anderson," I said, returning his smile.

"Ah, would you quit it with the Anderson, a young beauty like you should call me Anders," he said and flashed me a most charming smile.

I could no help the chuckle that followed. "Okay Anders, please can you show me where to sit?" I had never had breakfast here at the table, it was always in my room, and the last thing I needed was to commit a mortal sin by sitting on the wrong chair.

He pointed to the first host chair, "Dad's seat," then to the seat next to it, "Mom's seat." My eyes followed his fingers as he pointed to the other host chair, "Adrian's seat, anyone else can take any other seat. I would have asked that you take the seat net to Adrian, but that's totally up to you."

"Why would I want to take a seat next to Adrian?" I said as I pulled out the seat opposite Anders.

"Because you are my wife," Adrian's voice boomed through the room as he walked in.

He walked to where I was pulling out a chair and pushed it back in. "Hey I was going to sit there," I whined, and gave him an annoyed scowl.

"No you weren't," he yanked my hand in his and dragged me over to his seat. "You'll sit next to me." he pulled out the chair.

"And if I don't want to," I folded my head and raised my shoulders defiantly, while Anders watched us with amusement.

"You will," he said simply.

"Make me," I bit back, angry at how easily he could switch from normal husband to overbearing asshole in minutes.

Five minutes later, he had me just where he wanted me, after a long struggle. I wondered why I even bothered, knowing he would always win, maybe it was just the fun of seeing him get so worked up trying to make me do his biddings, or it was just the fact that I was naturally a very defiant person.

I ate my breakfast silently, as I shot as many daggers as my eyes could possibly fire at Adrian. He acted as oblivious to the dirty glares I shot him and ate his breakfast without so much as a flinch.

"You're both like that cartoon, Tom and Jerry," Anders joked, earning the iciest glare from both me and Adrian. "Sorry," he muttered and shoved his mouth full with food to stop him from speaking.

I smiled as an idea popped up in my brain, one that was sure to make Adrian more upset. "Anders love," I called in my sweetest tone, I almost burst out laughing at the way both their heads swiveled to me in utter shock.

Adrian looked like he could put a bullet through mine or Anderson's head any second, but that did not stop me. "Can you please take me to the mall, you promised yesterday?" I did an exaggerated pout.

"Nicole," Adrian growled, as he clutched his fork so tight his knuckles turned white.

I continued without sparing a glance his way, "I'm ready, will you please take me there,"

"Um..." Anders stuttered, with his gaze fixed on Adrian who was sending different warnings with his eyes. He swallowed and said, "I'm sorry princess, I have to look after a shipment today. I'm sure Adrain will be delighted to take you there,"

I was not expecting him to agree to it, I knew no one would want to cross Adrian like that, but seeing the look on Adrian's face made me feel like I had accomplished my mission, and I gave a sweet smile then turned to Adrian innocently and said, "Okay"

Then I turned back to my breakfast, glad that I had gotten him rilled.

Adrian was so upset he did not say a word until we got to the mall. We had two cars with his men following behind us, but apart from their distant company, we drove alone in his Bugatti to the mall. I wanted to ask why we had to have so many men following us just to the mall, but I knew how bad an idea it would be to question him after my stunt at breakfast.

He parked the car in a special lot, while his men parked at a good distance, but not too far. I took out my seatbelt and moved to open the door, but it was locked. I turned to look at him cautiously, and I was about to ask him to open the door when he smashed his lips into mine, in a forceful, punishing kiss very different from the kiss we shared this morning.

It felt like he was pouring all of the anger he felt into the kiss, and my fingers trying to push him away only fueled his rage. "Adrian," I breathed, trying to push him off me. His grip tightened around me, pulling me further into him. "Adrain, please stop," I tried again, and this time my plea was effective in making him pull back.

I leaned back in my seat and threw my head back trying to catch my breath. "What was that for," I cried.

"That is just a glimpse of what you're getting tonight, for the stunt at the table earlier," he said in harsh pants, and without giving me a chance to react, he opened the door and climbed down. I watched as he came around and opened my side of the door. I took his outstretched hand cautiously, and he led me into the building.

"Adrian," I tapped his shoulder lightly, as he made his way to the manager's office just like the last time, "can we please shop normally today, I only need a few things."

His hand was wrapped firmly around mine as though I would suddenly disappear if he let go. "We are shopping normally,"

"I mean you don't have to make the others leave please," it felt terribly unfair that they had to stop their own activities just because I wanted to pick up some paint.

"It's for your safety," he said simply.

"I am safe Adrian, you have a ton of men following us all around the mall, and you are here with me, so please."

"I don't like shopping with others," he groaned. "they're pesty,"

"Please," I batted my lashes at him.

He groaned and gave me a long look before finally giving in. "Alright, but I swear if anyone bothers me..."

"Thank you so much," I said, quickly before he would ruin the mood with what he was going to say next.

I took out the list I had made in my mini notepad from my purse and started to check off every item on the list. I was already more than halfway through the list when Adrian's phone rang. He took it out of his pocket and grunted when he saw who was calling. He angrily shoved his phone back in his pocket as we walked into the next store. I chewed on my lip to hold back from asking who it was.

Adrian was even more cranky around the people we came across at the mall, or maybe it was because of the terrified glances thrown at him from those who did recognize him. He leaned down to whisper, "do you see why I can't shop with people around?"

"I think it's more like they can't shop with you around," I said flatly as we walked out of the store after making the order.

"That's so comforting," he growled.

I flashed him a sweet smile, and we continued shopping. A few minutes later, his phone rang again, and I could tell it was the same person because his frown only deepened when he saw the number again. "Aren't you taking that?" I asked curiously.

"No," he said simply, looking straight ahead.

When the phone rang a third time, he picked up the call angrily and barked, "what?"

He listened as the person on the other side spoke, and his grip on my hand only tightened with each passing second.

"Ricco, you and I, we have nothing to talk about, so get the f**k off my phone," he said angrily.

We paused at the entrance of the next store and I waited not wanting to scare the others inside with his furious state. His grip on my hand was now so tight I knew if I did not pull away, he would crush my poor delicate fingers.

"Alright," he finally said as I started to pry my fingers free, "be there in five,"

He ended the call and shoved his phone in his pocket. "Let's go in," he said to me.

"Of course, but I wonder what hand I would paint with after you crush my fingers," I said drily.

He looked down at our joined hands. His knuckles were white, and my hand was red. "Oh s**t," he muttered, and immediately released his grip.

"Ow!" I cried when he did, it felt even more painful than when he held it.

"I didn't mean to," he took my limp fingers in his and inspected it carefully.

"I know that," I shot back not meaning to be so defensive, "who was that, he got you so worked up. That's my job," Despite myself, I flashed him a smile.

"A friend," he said simply, "and he did not get me worked up,"

"Tell that to my wrenched fingers," I flexed my fingers slowly, thankful that the initial pain was gone.

He looked around and signaled two of his men, and they rushed to our side, quickly and cautiously. "I have to go talk to someone outside, finish up, and meet me at the car," he kissed my forehead, and turned to the men, "You know what to do," They nodded, and he left.

Having two unfamiliar men watch over me like a toddler was much, much worse than having Adrian hold my hand through the mall. Everywhere I went, they followed and even scared a few sales personnel. I tried to explain to them that I was fine with them standing at least 10 feet away, but they were like f*****g robots and would not bulge.

Thankfully, the rest of the shopping only took 30 minutes, and soon, I was walking back to the car. Adrian stood with his back to the car, but even from far, I could see that he was very upset if not disgusted by whoever it was he was talking to.

The other man was a little older, probably in his early 30's, not nearly as tall as Adrian, but tall with a black beard and short brown hair, broad and muscular shoulders just like Adrian, and green eyes. Despite the amused smile he had on his face, which was funny because Adrian rarely said anything funny, something about him said danger. It was nothing like the first time I had met Adrian, this was colder, more ruthless, and that evil smile he had on only made him look more deadly. Or maybe it was the countless tattoos that ran up to the back of his neck.

As I walked closer with the men following behind me, bits and pieces of the conversation filtered through my ears.

"We can end this the easy way," the other man said, "hand me the girl, let your father stay where he's safe in prison, give the leadership over to me, and everybody is happy,"

"You know you are in the wrong line of work," Adrian scoffed, "You should not handle guns, you should be a stand-up comedian,"

The two men turned sharply as my footsteps approached them. "Ma che diavolo, perché non mi hai detto che aveva finito"("What the hell, why did you not tell me she was done,") Adrian yelled at the men in Italian.

They replied something that sounded like an apology, as I moved closer to stand next to Adrain. "Hello," I said to the other man, then turned to Adrian, "I'm done can we go home?" my eyes drifted to the other man, he had an evil and lustful gaze all over me, and it made me cringe with disgust.

"So this is the infamous judge's daughter," he taunted.

"Keep my father out of your filthy mouth," I shot at him so fast, I surprised myself. I could not help but wonder what my father had to do with him, but I did not care, as long as he did not speak of him.

"Ah, Adrian, she's a ballsy one," he laughed.

Adrian held my hand and shoved me behind him, "I'm warning you, Ricco, do not even look at her,"

"Or what?" he said, and with unimaginable audacity, he reached for my chin, and stroked it. I slapped his hand so hard my fingers hurt.

"Ricco," Adrian gave him a last warning.

He chuckled and brought his hand forward again, making me move further behind Adrian. "She has a nice body," he continued, "a beautiful face and she's young too, she will be great for the market,"

Adrian was on him before he finished his statement. His hand-launched forward and connected with Ricco's face, followed by a "crack" sound, and a spurt of blood all over his face.

I let out a shrilled scream, as the two men launched at each other. Or it was more like Adrian was beating the s**t out of Ricco, who was just laughing hysterically. He had one hand raised to stop his men who appeared from behind, guns in hand ready to fire, and Adrian's men were at the scene too in seconds. The parking lot erupted into screams as people ran left and right at the sight of the guns and blood spilling from Ricco's face.

It looked like something out of a movie scene. I could feel my stomach rumble in disgust, I already knew what would come next, but I tried to fight it, as I cried and pleaded with Adrian to stop.

After seconds of more violence than I had ever had to witness, Adrian finally stopped, and let go of Ricco. The guy was a f*****g psycho. Even with blood dripping down his nose and mouth, his laughs only increased more scarily.

Adrian's fingers were dripping with blood, and it took all the restraint I had not to faint already. A few guards were coming toward us in an attempt to dissolve the commotion. Ricco straightened, and did what looked like a smirk, then said, "I'll still take her when it's time,"

Adrian raised his fist to him hit him again, and I screamed his name making him turn his attention back to me. He was at my side lifting me up in a second, while Ricco winked at me before making his way to where he was parked opposite us.

Adrian lifted me from where I was curled up on the floor, then took me over his shoulders. Just when I thought the fight at least ended with zero deaths, Ricco took out his gun and dumped two bullets in the head of one of the guards approaching us.

That was my last straw, and the last thing I heard before passing out was "Get your men to clean this up,"