The Temporary Boyfriend

Chapter 34: He is the mafia boss

"So, are you guys officially dating?" Emily asked, leaning over her pplate

"What? No!" Lyvana nearly choked on her coffee, the hot liquid splashing against the rim of the cup.

​"Well, you did spend the entire night together," Emily said, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "So... did he get some or what?"

​Lyvana laughed, though her cheeks felt a sudden flush of heat. They were sitting in the grand dining room of the suite. A massive breakfast had been set up for four people, but so far, it was just the two of them at the table.

​"Emily, eat your food and mind your business," Lyvana chided, trying to hide her smile behind her cup.

​Emily opened her mouth to argue, but the words died in her throat. Her eyes locked onto a man who had just walked into the room. For a long second, neither of them spoke. The air in the room suddenly felt different.

​Lyvana had to clear her throat to break the silence.

​"Um... hi ladies," the man said, looking back and forth between them. He had a confident grin that looked a lot like Julian’s.

"I’m Ethan. Julian’s cousin."

Lyvana smiled politely, trying to smooth over the awkward silence.

"It’s nice to meet you, Ethan," she said. "I am Lyvana and this is my friend Emily."

It was easy to see why Julian was smitten. Lyvana was gorgeous. Although not the kind of girl Julian normally rows with. But... the heart wants what the heart wants, right?

​Ethan nodded to her, but his eyes didn’t stay on Lyvana for long. They moved to Emily. He looked at her with a curious, playful grin.

​Emily, who was usually never at a loss for words, looked completely flustered. She didn’t look up from her plate and only managed to mumble something that sounded like a greeting, her face turning a soft shade of pink.

​Ethan’s grin widened, noticing her shyness. He lingered for a second longer than necessary, then took a step back.

​"Well," Ethan said, giving Emily one last glance. "I should probably go and find Julian before he wonders where I wandered off to. Excuse me, ladies."

​He turned and headed toward the bedroom.

As soon as the door clicked shut, Lyvana turned to Emily.

"What was that?"

"What was what?" Emily asked. frёeωebɳovel.com

Lyvana glared at her.

​"He’s... he’s really handsome, Liv," Emily admitted. "Why didn’t you tell me the cousin was a ten?"

Lyvana laughed. "A ten? Well I only just met the guy myself. Ah... I see you like him."

"Not really," Emily murmured.

"Emy, you were blushing so much I thought you might burst into flames," Lyvana said.

​"Shut up," Emily laughed, picking up her fork.

"It was actually kind of cute," Lyvana said giggling.

"I’m just hungry. Once I have some protein in my system, I’ll be back to my usual charming self. I’ll probably have him asking for my number by lunch."

"I don’t doubt that," Lyvana teased, taking a sip of her coffee. "With that look you gave him, he might not even wait until lunch."

"I just wasn’t expecting another handsome man to walk in. This family has way too many good genes. It’s not fair to the rest of the world."

"So are you like... over James."

"Babe, the best way to be over someone, is to get under another one."

​The two friends laughed, the sound echoing through the large, quiet suite.

Ethan made his way into the bedroom area, finding Julian just as he finished his call.

"Julian, what’s up bro?" Ethan asked, pulling him into their usual handshake.

"Lily called," Julian said.

​"And?" Ethan asked. "Is it the shipment?"

"No," Julian replied. A dark smile pulling at his lips. "It’s good news. The rival families in the north have finally surrendered. The territory is ours. Lily says the street bosses are already lining up to pledge their loyalty."

Ethan exhaled, a grin spreading across his face. "So, the King of the Underground finally has his crown back. I knew they wouldn’t hold out for long. No one stays standing once you decide to take them down."

Julian walked to the window. "They learned the hard way that I don’t negotiate."

"Your father will be pleased to hear this. The Blackwood name is stronger than ever."

​Julian laughed. "That’s the only reason he lets me keep calling myself that," he said, turning away from the window. "So I can run the underworld for him."

​"Hey, someone has to do the dirty work while he plays the retired legend," Ethan joked. "But seriously, Julian, with the north under your thumb, you’re untouchable. And... I finally met Lyvana, the love of your life."

​"The love of my life?" Julian repeated trying to sound casual. "That’s a big title, Ethan."

​Ethan leaned back, a smirk playing on his lips. "Come on, Julian. I’ve known you since we were toddlers. I know when you’ve got it bad."

"She’s different," Julian said with a grin. "She doesn’t belong in this world of ours. She’s... pure. Maybe that’s what caught my attention."

​He began walking toward the dining room, then stopped and looked back at Ethan with a serious warning in his eyes.

"Lyvana doesn’t know about my ties to the underground syndicate," he added. "Hell she doesn’t even know how much am really worth. Let’s keep it that way. I don’t want her involved in any of this. At least for now."

​Ethan nodded. "Yes boss."

Julian stepped back into the dining room like he hadn’t just claimed half a city before breakfast.

Lyvana looked up first.

"Everything okay?" she asked lightly.

"Business," he replied, sliding into the chair beside her. "Nothing you need to worry about."

​"So, Julian," Emily said, her eyes darting between him and Lyvana. "What’s the plan for today? Are you taking my best friend on a proper date, or are we just hanging out in this fancy suite all day?"

"Actually," Julian said. "I thought we’d start with a private side of Singapore. There’s a spot I’ve been saving just for you, Lyvana."

Lyvana arched a brow. "A surprise? Usually, when men say that, it involves a long hike or a restaurant with no menus?"

"No hiking," he replied smoothly. "And the view? Worth it."

Emily smirked. "I’ll be sure to take notes for the rest of us mere mortals. You know, for my future memoir: How to Date a Blackwood and Survive the Sparkles." freēwēbηovel.c૦m

Ethan chuckled from the doorway. "I should take notes too. I could use a few tips on his technique myself."

Julian didn’t even glance at him. "You’re not invited, Ethan."

Ethan shrugged, unfazed, his eyes sliding to Emily. "Guess I’ll find my own entertainment then."

​The hidden meaning in his voice sent a fresh wave of heat to Emily’s cheeks.