Secret Fake Wedding Planning With The Rival Mafia Leader- STORY DRIVEN

There were two Mafia gangs that ran through the whole country and your father so happened to be the leader of one of them. As a way to try and keep peace with the other gang he offered you to marry the leader of the other gang. When you tried to refuse the arrangement he threatened to fully cut you off and disown you, staying the importance of this marriage. Apparently the leader already has agreed on the marriage and was expecting to meet you soon. So now you sat at a luxurious dining room table at this strange mans mansion when a tall male smoking a cigarette and covered tattoos comes in eyeing you with a smirk.

Upon entering Xavier's office, Natalie notices him sitting at his desk, surrounded by papers and a couple of other mafia members scattered around the room. The group goes silent as they notice her presence.

"Good morning, Natalie," Xavier greets her with a smile, standing from his seat. The other members follow suit, nodding their heads in greeting to her.

"I apologize for the intrusion, I just wanted to check in," Natalie responds, feeling a bit out of place but trying to remain cordial.

Xavier nods, still smiling. "Of course, my dear. I was hoping to speak with you today anyways. But first, would you like some breakfast? I'll have it brought up for you."

Natalie nods, grateful for the offer. "Thank you, that would be lovely."

Xavier then gestures towards one of the guards, signaling for

Xavier gives Natalie a reassuring smile and walks towards her, closing the distance between them. "No need to apologize, my dear. You are never a bother to me," he says in a low voice, his eyes locked onto hers.

Natalie's heart skips a beat as she feels the heat emanating from his body and can't help but feel drawn to him. She tries to hide her feelings and clears her throat. "Thank you, Xavier. I just wanted to see if there was anything you needed from me today."

"Well, actually, there is something on my mind that I would like to discuss with you," Xavier says as he reaches out to take her hand, rubbing his thumb across the back of her hand in a soothing manner.

Natalie looks down at their intertwined hands, feeling a tingle all throughout her body at his touch. "

Xavier brings Natalie's hand up to his lips, pressing a soft kiss against her knuckles before releasing her hand. "I've been thinking about our upcoming wedding, my dear," he says in a low, melodic voice.

Natalie's heart jumps into her throat at the mention of their impending nuptials. She had been trying to put it out of her mind, but she can't escape the reality of the situation. "Yes, of course. What about it?" she asks, trying to keep her voice steady.

"Well, I've been thinking about your role as my wife and what that will entail," Xavier says, his expression turning serious.

Natalie braces herself for what he might say next. "What do you mean?" she asks cautiously.

"As the leader of my gang, I have certain expectations of those who are close to me

Xavier nods in agreement, taking a step closer to Natalie. "Yes, trust is everything in our line of business," he says. "But I also want you to know that I have other expectations of you as my wife."

Natalie looks up at Xavier, curious and a little apprehensive about what he's going to say next. "What do you mean?" she asks softly.

"I mean that I expect you to be loyal to me, in every sense of the word," Xavier replies, his voice low but firm. "I expect you to follow my lead, to submit to me, and to obey my every command."

Natalie feels her cheeks flushing at his words, and she can feel her heart racing in her chest. The idea of submitting to him in such a way makes her both nervous and excited. "I... I understand," she

Xavier chuckles softly at Natalie's words, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Oh, my dear, the only funny ideas I have involve ways to please you," he says, walking closer to her until they are standing face-to-face.

Natalie can feel her heart starting to race as Xavier gets closer. She tries to maintain her composure, but she can't help but get lost in his piercing gaze. "I don't need any special treatment," she says, trying to sound indifferent.

"But you deserve it," Xavier replies, reaching out to brush a strand of hair away from Natalie's face. "You're smart, beautiful, and fiercely independent. I admire all of those qualities in you."

Natalie feels her cheeks turning hot at Xavier's compliments. She tries to remember that this is just all pretend, but she can't help

Xavier clears his throat and steps away from Natalie, turning to address the man at the door. "Thank you, bring it in," he says.

The door opens and a servant enters the room carrying a tray filled with food. He sets it down on the table and bows before exiting the room, leaving Xavier and Natalie alone once again.

Xavier motions for Natalie to take a seat at the table, drawing out her chair for her before taking a seat across from her. He pours a cup of coffee for her, adding in just the right amount of sugar and creamer before sliding the cup towards her.

"Bon appétit," he says with a smile, gesturing towards the breakfast spread laid out before them.

Xavier takes a sip of his own coffee before answering Natalie's question. "Money is no object for our families," he says with a shrug. "The wedding will be grand, with all the trimmings and extravagance expected from a Mafia family."

As he speaks, Xavier's eyes lock with Natalie's, and she can see a hint of something more in his expression. It's almost like he's daring her to rise to the challenge of putting on the greatest wedding the Mafia has ever seen.

"I have complete faith that you will make it all come together perfectly," he says as he leans back in his chair.

Xavier chuckles at Natalie's sarcasm. "Well, it's not everyday that the children of two Mafia families are joined in matrimony, so I think a little pressure is to be expected," he says with a grin.

He takes a bite of his breakfast, savoring the flavors before continuing. "But I have no doubts that you will exceed everyone's expectations. You're a woman who knows what she wants and how to make it happen."

Xavier leans forward slightly, his eyes locked on Natalie's once again. "And I look forward to seeing just how far you can take this wedding," he adds, a glint of mischief in his gaze.

Xavier takes another sip of his coffee, considering Natalie's question before responding. "It would be expected for us to at least make an appearance in public as a newlywed couple," he says slowly, "but beyond that, it's up to our families to decide exactly what they want."

He leans forward once again, his gaze fixed on Natalie's. "But I promise you, whether it's real or fake, we will make the most of our time together," he says with a wink and a mischievous grin.

Xavier's expression hardens as his mother enters the room, his hand clenching around his coffee cup as he glares at her. He takes a deep breath, composes himself, and stands up from the table to greet her.

"Mother," he says stiffly, inclining his head in a formal nod. "What brings you here?"

His mother takes a long drag from her cigarette before answering, her attention fixed solely on Natalie. "Why, I wanted to meet the woman who will finally be able to tame my stubborn son," she says with a smirk, her eyes running up and down Natalie's body appraisingly.

Natalie gives a small smile, feeling awkward under her gaze. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Barlowe," she says softly.

Mrs. Barlowe snorts, taking another drag

"Of course, Carilla," Natalie says, feeling a bit more at ease now that Xavier's mother has taken a seat.

She glances over at Xavier, whose expression still looks tense and guarded. Natalie wonders what kind of relationship he has with his mother and if this is how they always interacted.

Carilla takes another drag from her cigarette before speaking again. "My son can be a little rough around the edges, but I'm sure you'll find him...entertaining," she says, her tone dripping with innuendo.

Xavier rolls his eyes at his mother's remark before responding. "Is there something specific you wanted to discuss with me, Mother?" he asks, his voice tight.

Carilla smirks again, then takes a long sip from a glass of red wine that has appeared at her elbow. "Just making sure everyone

is on the same page, my dear boy," she says airily. "This arrangement with Natalie is important for the peace between our families. I trust you won't let anything...interfere."

Xavier's jaw tightens, but he doesn't respond. Carilla takes another drag from her cigarette and leans back in her chair, regarding Natalie with a cold smile.

"You seem like a sweet girl, Natalie," she says. "I hope you're prepared for what's to come."

Carilla arches an eyebrow at the sudden change in subject, then shrugs nonchalantly. "Well, it wouldn't be a Barlowe wedding without some bold, dramatic colors," she says. "What about a deep red or a sapphire blue? Something eye-catching and memorable."

Xavier snorts at his mother's response. "Why not just paint the entire venue black and be done with it?" he mutters sarcastically.

Carilla ignores her son's remark, instead turning back to Natalie. "But ultimately, my dear, the decision is yours to make," she says. "After all, it's your special day."

Xavier's fingers twitch slightly at the unexpected touch, but he doesn't pull away. Instead, he gives Natalie's hand a subtle squeeze before releasing it.

Carilla watches the exchange with a raised eyebrow, then chuckles softly. "Well said, my dear," she says approvingly. "You and my son do make quite the...striking couple."

Xavier's expression remains stoic, but there is a hint of something in his eyes that suggests he might be slightly amused.

"Perhaps you're right, Natalie," he says, his voice low. "Complimentary colors could work."

Carilla nods in agreement, finishing off her glass of wine with a flourish. "Excellent," she says. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I must be going. I have some business to attend to." She rises smoothly from her chair and offers a

perfunctory smile. "It was lovely meeting you, Natalie. I look forward to seeing you at the wedding."

With that, she saunters out of the room, leaving Natalie and Xavier alone.

Xavier exhales sharply as his mother disappears from view, then turns to regard Natalie with a faint smirk. "You're quite the smooth talker," he says teasingly. "Maybe I should start calling you my little politician."

Natalie laughs and shakes her head. "I'm just trying to make the best out of a...complicated situation," she says. "Besides, I don't think flattery is going to get us very far with your mother."

Xavier's expression softens slightly, and he reaches out to brush a strand of hair from Natalie's face. "Don't worry about my mother," he says. "She

has a tough exterior, but deep down she just wants what's best for the family. And in her mind, this marriage is the best thing for us."

Natalie nods slowly, still unsure about the whole situation. "What do you really think about all of this, Xavier?" she asks quietly.

Xavier's eyes darken, and he leans in closer to Natalie. "Honestly?" he murmurs. "I think it's a load of bullshit. But I also know that in this world, sometimes we have to do things we don't want to do in order to survive."

He trails a finger along her jawline, watching as goosebumps rise on her skin. "But don't worry, Natalie," he says softly. "I won't let anything happen to you. I'll protect you with everything I've got."

Natalie meets his

Xavier watches Natalie's retreating form, a small frown crossing his features. He knows that this situation is far from ideal, but he can't help the way he feels around her. She's different from all the other women he's been with - there's something about her that draws him in.

With a sigh, he leans back in his chair and rubs a hand over his face. This whole thing is going to be a mess, he thinks to himself. But somehow, he knows that it might just be worth it in the end.

He rises from the table and heads out of the room, his mind already churning with plans and strategies.