Page 124 of Heartless Mafia Prince 2: Rocco & Ryah

RYAH

“RYAH,” LEVI CALLEDout. I stopped mid-step and turned.

He jogged across campus toward me. The lush green trees swayed, sending a gush of warm air enveloping me on a warm spring day.

“Why are you late?” I sat on the grass, then powered up my laptop.

“I fell asleep.” He slipped his fingers through his short brown hair.

“There isn’t time to sleep. We need an A for this presentation. I don’t want us to turn in mediocre work and receive a B as a passing grade.

He nodded. “I agree. We worked too hard this semester.”

I smiled, jabbing my elbow into his side. “Can you believe it? We graduate in a few weeks.”

He hammered away at the keys on his laptop.

“It’s been a wild ride. I won’t miss cramming like this to pass a class.”

I laughed. “Levi, me either. Although, this is one of the most important classes we’ve taken so far. You’re a wiz when it comes to computer software, but I’m not too shabby.”

“You’re not. I just hack just a little faster than you.” He squeezed two fingers together.

“Funny, it’s not even about the hacking. I enjoy creating software and apps. Mastering those two things will be a game changer for my family’s corporation.”

“You’re fortunate you have your family’s business to run.”

“Yes, I am. Me and my dad’s relationship was touch and go over the years. For a minute, I thought I needed to find a job. But he said I made him proud and didn’t want anyone else to take over. He said it was my birthright.”

“I’m happy for you Ryah.”

“Thank you.”

“I wish I had a family. You, Faith, Alejandro, and Rocco are the closest thing I have to family. You make me feel a part of something bigger than myself.”

“Awe, we love hanging with you. Oh, you never told me if you got the job with Matrix bank.”

“The mock interview you and I had paid off. I got the job.” His handsome face lit up.

“What? That’s awesome.” I wrapped my arms around his neck. “I’m so proud of you. I’ll take you to lunch on your first day. You know, since you’ll work in downtown Philly.”

He hugged me a little longer. I didn’t think anything of it.

I pulled back, and his eyes fell on my lips. There was a zing that swept through my body. Before I knew what happened, his lips crushed mine hard.

I pushed him back, eyes wide.

“Sorry, Ryah, I apologize. I got caught up in the moment.”

What moment?

“Yeah, I’m sorry if I gave you the wrong idea.”

“No, you never did. You’re a beautiful woman, Ryah. For a split second, I reacted and kissed you. I don’t want the kiss to ruin our friendship. Trust me, I understand you belong to Rocco. He’s made that clear a million times over.”

Maybe I was attracted to Levi a little bit and didn’t realize it. But I knew my heart only belonged to Rocco. He was the man I wanted to wake up next to for the rest of my life.

“Rocco thought it wasn’t wise for us to be friends. He thought you might get the wrong idea. I told him you wouldn’t.”

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