Chapter 08 Ariele

After dinner, I put Toni to bed as usual. The 6-year-old girl was so kind and sweet, and I couldn't help but feel more attached to her with each passing day. It felt like just yesterday that I met her, but it had been several weeks since I started working as a nanny.

Toni was such a special child, in need of only attention and affection. She was very needy, and I loved spending time with her, when she wasn't caught up in her busy activities, we played, read stories, or just talked. It was incredible to see how she opened up to me and trusted me.

However, I couldn't help but notice that Cassandra, Toni's mother, didn't give her the attention she deserved. Sometimes, Cassandra spent hours on the phone or on the computer without bothering to play or talk to her daughter. Other times, she simply left her alone at home without an adult to supervise her. It broke my heart because I was just an employee, not family.

I knew my role as a nanny was to take care of Toni, but I wanted more than that. I wanted to be a supportive figure for her, someone she could trust and talk to when she was sad or scared. I wanted to be the person who would give her attention and affection, even when her mother couldn't.

That's why I made sure to be present in Toni's life, as we practically spent 24 hours a day together. I wanted to show her that someone cared about her, someone loved and valued her. And I think I was succeeding.

As I watched her sleep at that moment, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for having met this little girl. She had taught me so much in such a short time, and I knew my life would never be the same after her.

Her routine was very busy, and I intended to have a meeting with Eric and Cassandra when the weekend came. Cassandra seemed always occupied, and Eric had his dirty commitments, but more importantly, if there were a possible argument, I didn't want Toni to witness it. I intended to reduce her workload, whether they liked it or not, since the mobster insisted so much on my presence in taking care of Toni; it was time to listen more to the child.

After putting Toni to bed, I headed to the kitchen. Cassandra wasn't there, as was the case every night. She hardly saw her daughter. I saw through the window that the night was beautiful and decided to get some fresh air, immediately regretting it when I spotted Eric in the hallway. I avoided him as much as possible when Toni wasn't here, but it seemed futile because he always managed to elicit the reactions he wanted from my body.

I felt completely overwhelmed by Eric's beauty. He was a dangerous man, with an irresistible charm that made me feel things I had never felt before. His dark eyes penetrated me as if he could see directly into my soul.

I knew it was wrong to think this way about him. Eric was a mobster, a dangerous and sinful man. But I couldn't help being attracted to him.

Every time he approached, I felt my heart beat faster. His movements were so graceful and fluid, and his voice, husky and deep, made my body tremble. I felt confused, not knowing what to do.

I knew I should focus on my vows, but Eric's presence drove me crazy. I wondered what it would be like to kiss his mouth or feel his hands on my body. And that frightened me.

I tried to stay away from him, but Eric always found a way to draw me back. He seemed to always be present, ready to seduce me. I knew it was wrong, but I couldn't resist.

I was in internal conflict, trying to balance my feelings with my faith.

He walked over to me, his dark eyes locking onto mine.

"Why are you awake so late?" he asked, with a rough tone in his voice.

I swallowed hard, knowing he could easily detect my shyness.

"I couldn't sleep," I replied, my voice trembling.

Eric moved closer, looking me in the eyes, and I felt nervous and embarrassed.

"I don't want you walking alone at night, even if it's here. You seem so shy and innocent, Ariele," he said with a half-smile. "I like that about you."

I blushed and looked away, feeling a warmth rise in my cheeks. Eric was straightforward, and I knew he was hitting on me. I wasn't sure what to say, so I remained silent, waiting for him to continue.

Eric came even closer, his lips brushing against my ear as he whispered:

"You know I want you, Ariele. I can give you everything you desire, as long as you're mine."

I swallowed hard again, feeling my breathing quicken. I didn't know how to respond to this. I didn't have to be here listening to this, but I also wasn't sure if I could resist him.

"Mr. Greco," I murmured finally. "I don't want to get involved in anything dangerous or anything that will stain my faith."

He chuckled softly, his warm breath on my ear.

"You don't have to worry about a thing, Ariele. I'll protect you. And you'll be mine."

I looked at him, still uncertain about what to do. I knew Eric was a dangerous man, but I also couldn't deny that I was attracted to him. I wasn't sure what was happening, but I knew I had to make a decision.

"Mr. Greco, I am your niece's nanny for a set time; I won't stay here and be your plaything," I said firmly, moving away from him. Noticing the seriousness of my words, I was sinning in my thoughts just because of this man.

Eric looked at me with a cold stare but then shrugged.

"Alright. But it won't take long, Ariele. I don't like waiting."