Wicked Saints #2

Aphrodite Donati

I should have been taken aback by my own decision to return home but that would start a trail of lies in my wake. Seemingly after the first week away, I knew it would only be a matter of time before I came back. It wasn’t a hostage or blackmail situation. There just wasn’t anywhere else to go. None of them back home would expect me and all those pleasantries you would usually receive came in a coded message with me. Although it is unconventional, in these tight situations I knew who to count on the most.

Once the plane touched the Irish soil, I knew I was home. Ireland had this essence you couldn’t quite find in other countries. The rain pounded hard against the tar, initiating a beat. A mixture added with nature that held a certain richness in the air, calming the storm that brewed within me. It brought back the familiarity, everyday consumed with rain and thunder that were engaged in a fierce battle daily. Something as trivial as the weather brought back memories that you couldn’t replace; good and bad.

The ride to my destination gave me ample time to reflect on what has become of my life, most importantly the people within it. Many years ago when I left this country, I made a vow that I would never become involved in the mafia again. However, all those years apart taught me one thing, you can’t escape your fate. One way or another the only way to truly be free is through a bullet in your skull, I never regretted becoming friends with Allegra because she brought a certain amount of spice into my life that I lacked ever since I left.

Transforming this dull, emotionless person into someone who valued her humanity for the first time. My gratitude would never be enough, staring at the amethyst ring she placed onto my finger. A small smile caved onto my lips, all those memories involving her came flooding back. Even with this end, I was entirely thankful for the memories we shared.

Honestly I never thought I would grow attached to more than one person, I figured that spot had already been filled when I met Allegra. Boy was I wrong, a certain raven haired baby girl and her dashing daddy changed that.

Placing a label on how I would describe them is rather difficult, words couldn’t express what I felt about them. Zhavia and Adonis represented purity and holy water, even with his line of work. I continued to find him fascinating and compassionate, precious moments of when he was absorbed with Zhavia. Seemingly catching glimpses of the deepest kind of love you could ever imagine. I don’t believe in god but I believe that in those moments there was one because I was entirely blessed to witness such strong, everlasting love. It shook me to my core and made me crave it for once in my life.

All good things come to an end unfortunately. Staying there would further taint them and drag everyone else into the hell that I am drowning in. As much as I wanted to stay and watch a blooming love grow, I had to make a sacrifice for the people I consider my family, which required me to disappear.

Once the tyres on the limo slowed down, I peaked through the tinted glass and caught the sight of the gigantic ebony patterned gate. The men guarding it were familiar, dressed head to toe in their signature suits and matching tinted glasses. One of them stood out of his post, scanning the vehicle with each step before plastering himself onto my window. Rolling it down, recognition flashed in his eyes with a swirl of astonishment . He circled his hand in a gesture and the other men quickly opened the gates.

Our path was clear and the driver continued onto the spiral driveway, rounding the statue waterfall of the grim reaper he had custom made when he first moved in. The limo halted at the entrance, a vast hill of steps to march before you could enter.

“Thank you” paying the man my respects before swiftly making my way out of the limo.

My boots crunched under the tiny pebbles he had imported and insisted on having to cover the ground of his home. It brought back memories of the tragic accidents of broken heels that occurred or when we threw them at our so called babysitters which consisted of guards, quite the troublemakers.

Overtime its expected that change will occur, for example the addiction of gigantic cylinder beams covered in marble tiles that had the designs of blue veins coursing through the pearl. By now you all know that Xavier’s home is a mansion, one of the largest I have seen and certainly is on par with his title. But that doesn’t compare to his castle, if you wanted a legend of power and wealth; you are standing at the entrance of his domain. You can get lost in the ebony castle that most would perceive is haunted but that is the point, no one dare trespass on grounds they believed where haunted. Many people have died here, so I wouldn’t totally rule out the ghosts.

My calves were stinging with the familiar burn of walking up these stairs. Once the last step hit my boots, the double doors instantly opened. Two women dressed in maiden outfits holding the handles for me to enter, passing them a courtesy smile as I walked in. Inhaling the rich scent of butterscotch and apple crumble pie which always baffled me since no one ever makes it.

From the exterior; all dark and gloomy. The interior is entirely different, with the invasion of snow bathing the castle. Staircases a clear glass, walls the colour of flour but had a splash of colour with his magnetic perceptive artwork. He had a thing for deep, colourful paintings, one of these paintings is enough for me to buy a mansion at full price. His wealth is infinite, Xavier couldn’t even match him.

The blueprints of this place is burned into my mind, I knew the insides and outs of each door and each turn. Taking slow steps down memory lane seemed necessary after this long. Often enough we would mess the perfect tiles with mud after playing outside, pulling pranks on the guards and seemingly kill some people behind closed doors. It is all fond memories, especially the realization that we would never be punished unless we fucked up a job.

This place has never been empty and that is one aspect that never changed. Hashing my way through the crowd, subjecting myself to their open curiosity. Mainly because older members would realise that I was back, I hoped the information travelled fast enough to reach him. I didn’t tell him because my mind would often change when it came to this last resort but I wondered if he was home?

I couldn’t dwell on it any longer nor could I prolong the inevitable, my feet knew the way and moved on autopilot. The office is the heart of the mansion because it held the one person who made this mafia legendary. The anxiety seemed to creep its way into my skin, increasing my heartrate and causing tension within my brain.

“Oh my god it’s true” the familiar voice sounded breathless.

Just the sound of that melodies voice wrapped my body in this overwhelming heat of comfort. I was smiling so much that it physically started to hurt my cheeks, and when I saw him I couldn’t contain my composure anymore. Breaking out into a sprint, until I was in a distance that allowed me to jump onto his body. Instantly wrapping both my arms around his neck and locking my ankles at his waist. His scent is heavenly; chocolate and berries. It’s potent and makes my brain realise that this is real, he is real. Once again his contagious, adorable laughter filled my ears like sweet music, his arms engulfing me just as fiercely.

“I missed you so much Jimin” choking on the revelation of our time apart.

Jimin’s fingers started to stroke the crown of my head in an affectionate gesture, the cool metal of his rings clasping at my skull. His face deepened into my neck in the same way I did.

“I missed you so much, I never thought I would see you again”

We stood there, for more than five minutes. I didn’t care about anyone in this moment, all I needed was to live in this moment with Jimin. Once we both started to untangle ourselves, I watched as his smile remained joyous and beautiful as ever that it made me hold mines for longer. Being around Jimin brings out the most magical feeling; like rainbows and fairies. There is something about him that makes him a sweet addiction, you couldn’t help but gravitate towards him.

“Honestly after this long neither did I” half heartedly agreeing with his statement.

Jimin placed his hands back into his skinny legged midnight jeans.

“I bet you didn’t miss me that much since you only texted and never bothered to visit me” he teased.

“Chimmy, you know I never missed your birthday during my time away”

His eyes were the most bewitching pair, you couldn’t determine which colour they were. Switching between liquid metal and sky blue, an intriguing pair. They danced in a constant battle with this angel, often enough I never saw them without a sparkle. The memories with Jimin reminded me of a carnival because I would always feel excited. There wasn’t a moment that would go by without his beautiful smile, that made his cheeks double in size that it resembled dumplings. He used to whine a lot because every chance I got I would take a picture of his smile but I didn’t care, everyone needed to see what beauty is.

“Well you better be back for good now because its no fun without you here” a small pout played on his peachy filled lips.

His skin is always glowing, resembling glass in some ways. Jimin’s hair colour often varied simply because he loved to dye his hair, I have been through his two phases; orange and pink. He can pretty much pull off any colour and that sparked my interest for putting magenta highlights in my hair. Jimin’s colour is currently platinum blonde, the length of his waves reaching his forehead as he started to push it back with an unconscious bite of his bottom lip.

See the thing about Jimin you must know is that he always and I mean always pushes his hair back. Whether it is falling onto his face or not, he does it in such a seductive manner with a hint of temptation in the form of the bite of his lip or licking of them. Unconsciously might I add, he truly doesn’t know his sex appeal raises with every push back.

“You have Jungkook” I reminded.

Jimin tried to make himself appear more stern but ultimately failed because that cute face of his couldn’t turn lethal if he wasn’t in the mood to be.

“You have been gone too long because you have forgotten what Kookie is really like”

“You calling him Kookie is one of the reasons he avoids being around you”

Jimin casually shrugged his shoulders with the least amount of care whether Jungkook approved or not.

“True but it doesn’t excuse his horrid behaviour” he reprimanded.

Honestly I could stare at his god-like features for ages, his cheeks turning into round dumplings with each smile. Our time apart drastically shows in his transformation. Before I left, Jimin was entirely muscular. His body was bulking in many ways and then after a while he expressed his decision to not pack more muscle. However when I returned, I didn’t expect this. Jimin went down two sizes in physique, his narrow waist matching my own, biceps are slimmer and his thighs more on the leaner side. The usual chubby cheeks I used to squish together are now almost disappearing, a defined jawline in its place. One thing stayed the same, his bewitching features are still as captivating as the day we met.

Maybe I was studying him longer than I anticipated because he broke out into a shy smile with a laugh, rubbing the nape of his neck. “Did you see him?”

Instantly the anxiety crept into my body, the urge to play with my beads intensifying.

“No but he definitely knows that I am back”

Jimin leaned into me with a hush whisper that made me chuckle. “True, he’s scary like that” with a dramatic shudder, although there is some truth behind it.

“He talked about you a lot when we were alone, he wouldn’t admit it but he really missed you” his soft voice stated.

I wouldn’t admit it either but the mere thought made my heart warm.

“Is his office still where it used to be?”

Jimin started to retreat away from my figure before yelling out the answer.

“Do you honestly think he would move”

I couldn’t contain the laughter that escaped my lips, thank god his personality remained the same charming prince I met from a young age. Always affectionate and soft-hearted, there wasn’t a person more deserving of happiness than him. It brought me back to the day I hounded him to leave with me but Jimin is honourable and felt he had a reason to stay behind. A reason unbeknownst to me to this day, some secrets he didn’t want to elaborate on.

Following the familiar path that I have descended upon countless times. Men tremble in fear of the thought of even going to his office, some don’t even bother when summoned because the best option out was a gun to their head than facing his wrath. There wasn’t a man more wicked than him, Xavier might be on the top but he was nothing compared to a legend. Making my turns at each corner, darkness clouding me through the bright interior. Once I reached the door it felt oddly comforting, tracing the intricate designs I always found fascinating from a young age. It is carved into the midnight door, vast tribal symbols that could be mistaken for evil but then again what’s behind this door is more than malevolent.

Supressing all the negativity threatening to surface, mustering the courage to actually open this door and face him. It has been along time since I felt this sort of fear, eating me slowly inside. Facing him after years, trying to decipher his reaction. He wouldn’t be mad, I mean he encouraged my departure but the question remained if he would want me back after all these years.

Fuck it.

Knocking on the door, waiting patiently for his state of the art technology to unlock the door. He had a remote control from his desk to click whenever he needed to unlock the door, the spring sound of a click filled my ears and I turned the handle that practically floated against my touch.

The rich scent of whiskey and dark chocolate filled my nose immediately, nostalgic in the best way possible. I knew this scent like how I knew to reassemble a gun within five seconds. A mixture of alcohol that aged for years and tasted all bitter. His office evolved from all those years ago, from the dark wood that contoured each corner is now bathed in smoky furniture and white tiles embedded into the walls. Glass seats were placed opposite him, matching his table that is currently stacked neatly with white papers and egg shell folders, while he continued to write along his desk calendar. A gold plate sat atop the desk, his name carved into the plaque.

Nathaniel Walsh.

If there is one person that remained immortal it is him, even his features remained the same from the first day. Taking his eyes off his current task they connected with mine, the honey glaze in his orbs remained distant and cold which never gave a single thing away. You couldn’t tell a thing but become more frazzled if you attempted to study the emotions behind the exterior. Because you would end up with none. He insisted on shaving his hair, till there wasn’t anything left on his head. You could see the faint shadow of where he shaves his head, even bald he wasn’t truly bald with a shiny head that you imagine in cartoons. To be honest I couldn’t picture him with luscious locks, they simply wouldn’t suit him. Same can be said if he grew a beard, he remained impeccable with a clean shaven face and crisp suits daily. Maintaining a perfect weight, with a healthy diet. He has an affinity for excessively working out, building his muscles and strength. Honestly he can kill his own family with just his bare hands, the man is a beast in every calibre, so its best if you never double cross him.

Nothing would get past him, leaning further into his chair. There wasn’t any emotions passing through his orbs or with his monotone voice, you couldn’t crack the code and I have been trying for years.

“Aphrodite Donati” his deep voice announced.

“It’s been a long time uncle”

A small smile dancing on my lips which automatically caused one to form on his, making him appear younger.

Instantly taking the seat opposite him, he stretched himself further into the seat and tapped the handles of his chair in a dominating manner that shifted the aura in the room to hurdle around him. Uncle radiated power from a mere posture, making him intimidating with just his presence.

“Aphrodite I didn’t ever think you would return”

“Quite frankly I didn’t either but there really is no escape from the mafia”

“Sadly not. You wanted to leave and honestly four years ago when you did I was happy in a way. But I knew once you went out there you would see the truth”

I was transported to four years ago, there wasn’t anything holding me back from leaving this place. I needed to escape, cut all ties to the mafia once and for all. Nathaniel supported my decision, not saying a word to tie me to this place. I didn’t realise that leaving the mafia would come with consequences or strings attached, taking away the Walsh name from my own didn’t do me any justice as I waltzed right back into the lifestyle.

Nathaniel is quite perceptive in ways you couldn’t imagine, which I ultimately picked up on.

“You was fifteen and a teenager none the less. You wanted a normal childhood that you was robbed from and I wanted you to have it but I also knew that once you were in, you could never leave. I didn’t have it in me to deny you such a request, it was for the best. Coming to this conclusion had to happen sooner although I would have wished for it to be later”

The sincerity in his words held a lot of meaning as I took them in, he might not have said them with feeling but they were powerful none the less.

“I knew you were keeping tabs on me from the day I left” I added with a smirk.

“How?”

“It’s you” I stated in a quite obvious tone.

“You can handle yourself perfectly fine Aphrodite but nothing would stop me from keeping an eye on you”

I smiled almost immediately, all his words were sweet and comforting as they were when I was younger. He wasn’t the affectionate type but I understood his words perfectly and that never hindered our communication.

“Then you know why I came back?”

“Ah, Xavier Vasiliev. Bright young man I must say. Fell hopelessly in love with Allegra Bellucci, quite a family you got tangled with Aphrodite” his thick accent peaking through.

“But he isn’t the strongest” He sternly stated.

“Mentally and physically he is strong. Xavier might hold the number one spot but he isn’t the strongest”

“I agree”

“She makes him stronger, having a woman that unpredictable but intelligent. He made the right decision, otherwise in the future someone would knock his house of cards down faster than he can blink” Nathaniel elaborated.

The silence passed between us because we both knew a secret no one knew.

“You met him, the one who is truly powerful”

it wasn’t a question because he already knew the answer. Holding his powerful gaze, decoding any sort of malicious intent to prosper from this knowledge but there wasn’t any.

“Yes I have”

Nathaniel almost reminisced about the realization. “He reminds me of myself, he might even be on the same level as me Aphrodite”

I was speechless, for that sort of admission coming from him meant he held a sort of admiration. No one could level with the superiority and power that Nathaniel has but he acknowledged the one we both knew deserves to hold the true crown.

“You held back when you was with The Vasiliev didn’t you?”

“Yes”

“Such a shame but it was for the best” he stated.

“So have you returned Aphrodite?”

“For good” I smirked.

“I would have kept you far way from this life if you wasn’t involved already” a sort of apology in his own way.

“I know. However sooner or later it would have happened”

Once we established that I would be back for good and reconnected our bond, that many wouldn’t get. He switched back into his domineering self.

“Well, I wont assign you jobs for the first month just till you get settled. Your room is in the same place it was, changes have been made when I had knowledge you were returning”

Smiling with gratitude at him, I stood up from my place. “Thanks”

Turning around to head towards the door, turning the knob but instantly halting at his words.

“Aphrodite”

“Yes”

Seemingly he stared at me, for the longest time. His face didn’t give any sort of emotions away but with the time I have known him, I could have sworn I saw a flicker of some emotions in his orbs before he dropped his gaze back to his paperwork.

“Glad to have you back”

I chuckled at his way of displaying his emotions. “I missed you to Uncle Nathaniel”

From personal experience I never could tell in this country when it became night because it is always dull and gloomy. Tossing and turning in my comfy mattress is an indication that sleep didn’t want to come to me. The cold lathered my body with goose bumps but I didn’t feel the need for any source of warmth. Completely absorbed in my thoughts, it felt oddly comfortable to be back home when it shouldn’t. None the less, this is my home and most of these people are my family.

Practically giving up on getting any sort of rest for the night, I grabbed my phone off the dresser. The clock ticking to 1am, making me grown. I wasted a whole night of sleep, there is something that is tugging at my mind. It could be a million things but I knew the main one and I wasn’t in the right state of mind to reopen that wound. Especially when I am trying desperately to detach myself from it.

Scrolling through my contact list, for the one person I needed the most.

Opening the text messages to the one saved as Soulmate.

Me : You awake?

The bubbles immediately appeared.

Soulmate: Not, very much asleep!

Me: Wanna meet at our spot?

Soulmate: Do you even have to ask 🙄

Immediately I removed the blanket off of me, sweatpants and a lilac tank top wasn’t the smartest choice in this sort of weather but I didn’t really care for the heat, yielding to the cold.

Opening my door, the instant movement and chatter of the people downstairs and wandering through the halls. That’s probably the downside of living in a castle; many others live here and it never sleeps. Carefully stepping out of my room, thankful its on the 6th floor which is ultimately the last, which meant I didn’t have anyone on this floor besides Jungkook and Jimin.

This part of the floor had various travellers and I met them along the way towards the end of the hall that had a huge window overlooking the side of the castle. Pulling down the latch of string, sliding the stairs to the floor. Replacing the rusty wood with metal had to be the best investment. Climbing each step before I finally made it into the attic.

Pulling up the ladder to close it shut, don’t want any strangers to find their way into the hideout. You might expect a dusty old attic with spiders and no windows but you were dearly mistaken. This wasn’t any normal attic, it is the size of an apartment. Where there would usually be walls, were instead glass windows resembling a New York apartment. It overlooked the forest behind the castle, watching the scenery through these views resembled a magic show with how marvellous it transcended.

Walking over to the only two working windows in the entire place, instantly opening them and sitting upon the arched sofa. My body almost half out the window as I inhaled the comforting scent of the rain with a mix of nature. It felt refreshing and rejuvenating all in one, the droplets falling one by one, thick and heavy from the roof. It’s hypnotizing, this place is a safe space you never wanted to leave. The wind moved vigorously against the trees, rattling branches and leaves together.

Becoming consumed in the illuminating moonlight, I felt soft fabric coat my shoulders. Wrapping the blanket securely around my body, pulling my knees into my chest. The seat next to me dipped and I studied his oversized attire, ebony sweatpants and a matching plain hoodie that I was going to steal in due to time. He had the hood on, concealing his dishevelled hair.

I smiled at his handsome face, reminiscing about all the times we came up here. “You always brought this when we came up here”

He placed his hands into the warmth of his pockets. Staring onwards towards the forest.

“That’s because you always came up here without anything to keep you warm. I didn’t want you to catch a cold”

At the last part he turned towards me and unintentionally pouted which made me smile and almost hold back tears from how considerate he has always been. The smile that pulled onto his lips has never faded and honestly I would give my soul for him to smile forever, it brought me immense joy.

“You never change Jimin”

Jimin didn’t really mind whenever I said it, simply shrugging his shoulders because in reality he shouldn’t change, not one bit and I wanted him to know that every chance I get.

“Remember the last night we came up here, you were leaving the next day” I chuckled at the memories.

“Yeah, you stole whiskey from uncle’s cabinet and we sat on this window. Drinking straight out of the bottle and almost fell out”

Jimin broke out into his contagious fits of laughter that I reciprocated.

After we stopped our uncontrollable laughter, he became quiet but a fond smile none the less. “I still remember what you said”

“We are soulmates not because I love you as more than a friend but because if there is one person that I share my soul with it is you” I recited, interlocking my fingers with his soft ones.

He looked down at our fingers, drawing circles on my knuckles with a smile. “Honestly I cried the whole day when you left. I never felt that I would find this soulmate link with anyone who I wasn’t romantically involved with but you showed me that we didn’t have to be lovers to be entwined with each other”

I frowned at the mention of his tears, I didn’t like it when he cried because it broke my heart.

“I didn’t think you would come back”

“Neither did I. When I left, I was optimistic at the thought of restarting and having a life away from violence”

Jimin tore his gaze away from the scenery and onto me. “That didn’t happen?”

“Life was harder out there. That fantasy we built up in our heads, the first week I was out it came crashing down. I slowly realised that the life I was searching for isn’t all that different from being in the Mafia. People still kill, still steal money and are still evil. You can’t escape the Mafia cause sooner or later you will come back to it, whether you want to or not”

The silence made my mind float in ease and Jimin slowly tried to wrap his head around the truth. There wasn’t an escape, we were always going to be all in.

“Like with Allegra”

He remembered the cost our conversation I shared of my friendship with her, and how she helped change me into someone who showed some bits of her heart.

“I don’t regret my friendship with her, ever. She helped me in more ways than you could imagine. It actually took Allegra to come into my life to show me that I couldn’t escape my fate in the mafia”

Jimin knew every detail and he felt remorseful that I didn’t get what I desperately searched for.

“You could have stayed with them”

All too quickly my answer came. “No”

Jimin furrowed his brows and analysed me with his inchoative skills. “There was someone wasn’t there”

I sighed. “There were two”

He gasped in shock. “Two guys, Aphrodite Donati Walsh”

Pushing him into the sofa, I laughed. “No it wasn’t another guy. Only one and his daughter”

His eyes practically bulged out but they had a sparkle that I felt held the stars.

“It’s something so indescribable that I knew I wouldn’t find it in this lifetime again”

His smile suddenly downturned. “I’m sorry”

However he quickly turned the sad atmosphere upside down.

“On the bright side, you found what most search for there whole lives at nineteen” he rejoiced.

That’s one of the many qualities I love about Park Jimin. The most precious human being, he always found the positive side to any horrid situation and I don’t think I had that much strength in myself to even turn this one into a happy memory. He instantly found it within two minutes, I couldn’t be more grateful.

Waggling my finger at him. “Don’t think I didn’t notice that lovey dovy twinkle in your eyes and the way your smiling more than usual”

The pale colour of his skin instantly tinted.

“What’s her name?”

“Aviana Heart”

I waited for him to elaborate on further details. “She is the most incredible person I have ever met. She is so kind and caring, she is like a rose all precious and beautiful”

He was speaking in such awe that I didn’t want to interrupt him and say that he is the only one with a heart this big.

“But she doesn’t belong in this world, does she?”

Within a second his smile slowly slipped. It was small, but it didn’t hold as much meaning. “No she doesn’t and she can never be involved”

Instantly I threw my hands around his neck, engulfing him into a tight hug that he reciprocated.

“I’m glad you found someone who is just as compassionate as you are. Even if it doesn’t last, I am grateful that you had the experience to be with Aviana because you deserve all the happiness and love that you give so passionately to others”

He started to sniffle on my shoulder. “I wanted you to stay away but I am selfishly happy that you came back” his muffled voiced stated.

I smiled into his neck.

“I am happy that you are still here, I don’t know what I would do if I came back and you wasn’t here”

Firstly I want everyone to know, Jimin and Aphrodite will never be a couple. Dont ship them. They are soulmates but they are not a couple which I explain why in this chapter.

Army💜 knows that I made the personality of Jimin exactly the same as the Real Jimin. Therefore his personality is caring and loving, towards all his friends. Therefore I dont want you guys to mistaken his compassion for romantic feelings towards Aphrodite.