THE MAFIA KING BROKEN ROSE novel Chapter 11

Chapter 11

Chapter 11

“So, how are you liking the place?” Julian said, lounging back on the couch with a controller in hand, his character paused mid attack on the screen

I glanced at him briefly before shifting my focus back to the game.

“It’s fine,” I said, my tone clipped but not as hostile as before.

Julian raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. “Just fine? Not overwhelming, or ‘completely insane, or how the hell did I get here?”

I gave a small shrug, gripping the controller Lighter as I navigated through the level. “Will of the above.”

He laughed, the sound light and genuine. “Fair enough. Most people freak out a little when they first arrive, Guess you’re tougher than you look.”

I didn’t respond, too focused on the game. The screen lit up in one clean ha.

as my mage launched a spell, taking down a wave of enemies

“Nice!” Julian said, leaning forward slightly. “I wasn’t expecting you to be good at this.”

I shot him a sideways glance. “Why? Because I’m a girl?”

“No, no,” he said quickly, grinning. “Because you’ve probably had a million other things on your mind since you got here. Didn’t peg you for someone who’d have time for video games.”

“Used to play all the time,” I admitted, my voice softening just a little. “Helps me forget things.”

Julian nodded, his expression unusually serious for a moment. “Yeah, I get that. Sometimes you just need to tune out the real world, you know?”

I didn’t reply, but something about the way he said it struck a chord with me.

“Alright,” he said, switching back to his usual playful tone. “Let’s see how you do against me. You think you can take me on, Aris?”

I raised an eyebrow, finally looking at him directly. “Are you actually challenging me?”

I

“Damn right I am” he said, flashing a cocky grin. “Don’t think I’m going to go easy on you just because you’re Dominic’s favorite.”

The mention of Dominic made me tense, but Julian’s playful tone eased the tension slightly, I smirked faintly, surprising even myself. “We’ll see about that.”

He handed me a second controller, and within minutes, we were locked in a heated battle. The room filled with the sounds of button–mashing, spell effects, and Julian’s exaggerated groans every time I scored a hit on his character.

“Damn, you’re ruthless!” he exclaimed as his rogue went flying off the edge of a cliff

“Maybe you’re just bad at this,” I shot back, a hint of teasing in my voice.

Julian clutched his chest dramatically pretending to be wounded. “Ouch! My pride!”

I couldn’t help it, I laughed.

A real, genuine laugh that felt strange after everything that had happened.

For a moment, I forgot where I was, forgot about Dominic, forgot about the contract that felt like a noose around my neck.

“You’ve got a mean streak,” Julian said, grinning as he respawned. “I like it.”

“Focus,” I said, my mage launching a fireball that hit him square in the chest.

“Okay, okay!” he said, scrambling to dodge my next attack. “Jesus, give a guy a break!”

“No mercy.” I replied, surprising myself again with how lighthearted I sounded

Julian laughed, and the match continued, both of us so caught up in the game that we didn’t notice how much time had passed.

“You’re better than Dominic made you sound,” Julian said as the match ended with my

I blinked, my smile fading slightly. “Dominic talks about me?”

victory.

“Eh, not much,” Julian said with a shrug, sensing the shift in my mood. “Just enough to make me curious. Don’t worry, it’s nothing bad.”

I frowned, unsure how to feel about that.

“Hey,” Julian said, nudging me with his elbow “Don’t overthink it. You kicked my ass fair and square. Take the win, okay?”

I hesitated before nodding slightly. “Okay”

Chapter 11

“Alright, rematch,” he said, resetting the game “Unless you’re too scared to lose this time.““

I rolled my eyes but picked up the controller again “You’re on.”

The second match was just as intense as the first, and this time Julian managed to get the upper hand, knocking mage with a brutal combo.

“Hal Take that!” he shouted, throwing his arms up in victory

I groaned, slumping back on the couch. “You got lucky”

Luck has nothing to do with it,” he said, smirking. It’s all skill, baby,”

I snorted, unable to hide my amusement. “Whatever you need to tell yourself.”

gout my

Julian chuckled, leaning back and stretching. “You’re not so bad, you know that? I mean, considering the circumstances.”

I glanced at him wanily. “What do you mean by that?”

He shrugged. “Just that most people in your position would be freaking out right now. But you? You’re here, playing video games with me like it’s no big deal. It’s impressive.”

I didn’t know how to respond to that, so I just focused on the screen as he set up another match.

“You know,” Julian said casually, “if you ever get bored of this place, I’ve got this cool place so you can come everytime.”

I forced a smile.

Before I could thank him, the door to the room opened.

Dominic stood in the doorway, his presence filling the room like a storm cloud. His dark eyes swept over the scene, me sitting on the couch, laughing, a controller in my hands, and Julian leaning back with that ever–present grin.

“Julian,” Dominic said, his tone cold and clipped.

“Dom,” Julian replied, unfazed. “We were just-”

“Leave,” Dominic interrupted, his gaze locking onto mine.

Julian sighed dramatically standing up and tossing his controller onto the couch. “Fine, fine. Don’t get your suit in a twist.” He winked at me as he walked past. “We’ll finish our match later, Aria.”

I didn’t respond, my focus entirely on Dominic as Julian left the room, closing the door behind him.

Dominic stepped closer, his movements slow and deliberate, his dark eyes never leaving mine.

“You seem awfully comfortable,” he said, his voice low and dangerous.

The tension in the room was suffocating, and for a moment, I couldn’t find my voice.

“Do you think this is a vacation?” Dominic asked, his tone sharp.

I shook my head quickly. “No, I-

“Then act like it,” he said, cutting me off. “I don’t have time for games, Arta. You have a role to play here, and I suggest you start taking it seriously. You were to look around the mansion and that’s it.”

My chest tightened as his words sank in, but I refused to look away.

“I wasn’t-”

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