"Ryxel-" Karmale called stepping back.

"Heights too?" Ryxel asked blocking her from walking back.

The two stood at a cliff. Karmale took a sneak peek of what was down and began to retreat her steps. Huge rocks lay in a massive stream. The vegetation was hardly anywhere and where it was, it was thick.

"No-but their could be wild animals here-"

"Legs apart!"

"Huh?"

"Listen to the instructions to avoid questions."

"Ryxel-"

"Sir or Mr. Black!"

"Sorry, Mr. Black. Pardon me on the instructions."

"Stand with your legs moderately apart."

"Okay-" Karmale breathed. She wanted to ask why but she stayed silent. Ryxel, from behind her, put his left leg in between hers. With his foot, he extended her right foot. A few small stones rolled off the highland. Karmale anxiously exhaled.

"I'm going to fall-" Karmale staggered as she spread out her arms. Ryxel pulled out the gun from his waist band and started loading it.

"Please hold me-" she fearfully asked Ryxel.

"Keep your arms at one hundred eighty degrees and don't move!" He moved further behind her.

"What?" She turned.

"Look in front!" Ryxel shot just above her arm. The birds in the trees flew in different directions with loud cries. Karmale's breathing was rapid but she didn't shake.

"Good!" Ryxel complimented from behind her.

"Now get this and shoot!" He passed her his gun.

"Aim for the top of that pine! I want the tip off." Karmale raised the gun and shot. She missed. Ryxel did not say anything as she tried again and again. She kept on exhaling in frustration but never stopped trying. She raised her arm again. Ryxel moved forward and  straightened it for her.

"Look, concentrate and shoot!" His lips were on her right pinna.

"Cause if you miss this time," his chin rested on her shoulder, "I'm going to throw you off this cliff-" his hands held her waist. She flinched.

"Mmh-" she looked at the tree. Her palms were sweaty already.

"Shoot-" his fingers moved the bare skin of her tummy. She looked down at his arms.

"Tree!" He said and she looked back but she didn't shoot. Her forehead had begun to sweat too.

"Relax and shoot," his hands never left her waist, "Don't miss-" he warned.

Karmale's hand was getting tired and her chest rose and fell in anxiety. The more she delayed, the more the fear to miss crept up on her. Her hand too weighed down. Without further ado, she realised the trigger and shot. Distant noises from the forest residents were heard but Ryxel's laugh surpassed them all.

"Wow!" The compliment escaped his light laugh as he let go of her and stepped back.

"I shot it?" Karmale would not believe it as she turned to ask her mate.

"Perfectly!" Ryxel was pleased himself. He spread out his hands to her and she jumped in for a hug.

"Oh my God, I can't believe it! I shot it off!" Karmale chuckled, "I'm such a-"

"Beginner's luck!" Ryxel removed his hands from around her. Karmale moved away too. She held her arms as the cold breeze teasingly swept by. Ryxel reloaded the gun.

"Shoot again!" He handed her the gun.

_

At around midday, the shooting practice came to an end. Ryxel and Karmale descended the mountain. At the first stop, they sat down and had something to eat.

When they were done, they decided to head home. On their way down, they met mountain goats. Karmale asked Ryxel to watch them to which he neither consented nor disagreed on. He walked back uphill. Karmale followed him. Where they stood as the last point for the goats. So, they watched them together. By early evening, all the goats had reached their destination. Karmale and Ryxel left.

Ryxel drove for hours for they were out of town. In a secluded area, the car came to a sudden stop.

"What happened?" Karmale asked facing Ryxel.

"It's not fuel," Ryxel checked the car fuel icon that was glowing green. He stepped out.

"The problem must be with the engine." Karmale who had stayed inside yawned.

Ryxel played mechanic but he didn't make any progress. All he did was smear grease all over his face.

"Ryxel!" Karmale shouted over the wind.

"Get back in!" He shouted over the bonnet.

"Leave that and get in." Karmale persisted. The clouds had grown dark. The wind was violent. The trees swayed and the road was filled with leaves.

When Ryxel didn't listen, she got in but moved out again. Just that this time she was holding a bottle of water. She walked to where Ryxel was.

"Fuck!" He cursed as she reached him.

"And?" She worriedly asked.

"It's burnt. We need a real mechanic. Unfortunately, this area is sparsely populated." Ryxel closed the car hood.

"Yeah." Karmale poured for him water to wash his hands and face.

"Let's go in. This must be more than just rain. It's a storm." Just as they closed their doors and windows, it began to rain.

"Oh God-" Karmale soothed her hands. Her outfit was far from favourable for the condition. A sports bra and leggings.

Ryxel tried calling someone but the signal was poor. He got no service at all. His face grew grim in frustration, anger and impatience. Small bones in his jaws ticked.

"We should give that some time too." Karmale calmly voiced out as she continued to rub on her arms.

"Yeah." Ryxel pinched the space between his brows.

"Yeah." Karmale faced the   window. Ryxel faced her instead.

"Come here." He called.

"No, I'm okay."

"I didn't ask. Grab a blanket from behind and jump over."

Karmale got the blanket and sat down in her seat after.

"Hmmmn!" Ryxel reached for the drawer under her seat. He removed a packet of cigarettes.

"You can't smoke in here. The aeration doesn't support it, Ryxel!" Karmale pulled the packet or should I say he let her pull it.

"You must be idle." She crossly said as she put down the blanket. She shifted to his laps. He neither responded nor cuddled her. How would he anyway if he wasn't even touching her. His hands lay idly by his side.

"You said you wouldn't smoke if I didn't like it?" Karmale asked in a low voice as she wiped the little grease on his cheek with her thumb.

"And did I?" Their eyes met. The proximity was dangerously tempting.

"Uh-no!" Karmale looked down on his chest.

"Look up!" He asked her.

"No." She put his hands around her and rested her head on his chest.

"Baby girl-"  Ryxel covered her and pressed her body to his.  She slept off.

Ryxel stared at the rain which continued to lash on the rare view mirror. The windshield wiper swayed from side to side but the storm only got stronger and the atmosphere darker.

He held Karmale and whispered something in a foreign language in her hair. He stayed alert never falling asleep. When she lightly snored,  he heard it. Even when she held him tighter, he felt it. He was attentive. Even when she called, his response was immediate.

"Ryxel-"

"Mhm?" He answered but she didn't say anything more. She was mumbling in her sleep.

_

_

After some hours, the storm quieted down to meer drizzles. Ryxel slept off too.

_

_

The following day, Ryxel and Karmale stayed home. They both rested but Ryxel took off time for his office.

The day after, he asked Karmale to step out with him. They walked down the street to a pub. The interior was dimly lit and very noisy. The people seemed to cheer for  someone.

Karmale stood on her toes to look over the noisy crowd but all she saw were the ropes that demarcated a boxing ring. A man of hefty building stood tall and the cheering never stopped. His one leg was on top of a bloody body that lay down lifeless.

Ryxel dragged Karmale by the hand. He led her to the locker room.

"What are we doing here, Sir?"

"Sit!" Karmale sat down. Ryxel reached for her palms and started wrapping bandages around them.

"What's this for?" She asked both impatient and worried.

"Ryxel!" She shouted.

"Hold in there. Have some patience!" He continued with the bandages.

"You are going to fight, Annie." Ryxel lifted his eyes from Karmale's hands.

"Who-who is Annie?" Karmale's voice was a pitch lower.

"She is the best female kick boxer here."

"Oh my God! What? Do you want to get me killed, Ryxel?" Karmale pulled her hands from his.

"This is crazy!" She started to remove the bandages.

"Leave them on." Ryxel's voice was calm but commanding.

"Annie is tough and unbeatable. I want you to challenge her."

"Oh my- this is insane." Karmale whispered.

"Ryxel, that woman is going to beat me black and blue. Before you know it, I'll be a corpse."

"It should be the vice versa." Ryxel handed her the boxing gloves.

"Easier said." She mumbled, "I can't believe you want to get me killed. You must hate me quite a lot." She fidgeted with the rubber gloves.

"Change your clothes." Ryxel dropped a bag at Karmale's feet.

"Ryxel-" Karmale took off the one glove she had put on already. She placed both of them on the bench and stood up.

"Mmh-"

"I don't know how to fight." A thread of fear cut across her gaze.

"You'll learn."

"Will she first hit me in order for me to learn?"

"That's my aim-"

"Why don't you hit me yourself?" Her voice held challenge.

"I would never-"his was low.

"I would never hit you, Karmale-"he affirmed.

"It wouldn't be exactly that. It would be a  harmless game-" it was a tight lipped smile.

"Regardless-"

"What if I challenge you to a friendly match after  tonight's with Annie?" She wriggled her brows.

"Hmmmn-"

"Don't be a corward-" she nudged him in the side and his lips drew a curve at the corner.

"Come on-" she lightly punched him in the chest and his lips broke into a full smile.

"Alright." Ryxel agreed.

"I have to beat Annie then."

"It isn't a necessity-"

"Sudden change of mind?" She picked up her gloves and the bag.

"Perhaps. Just pick something from her- you don't have to exhaust yourself to her."

"Should I give her the satisfaction of beating an amateur?"

"Not exactly of course."

"I'm going to beat her, Ryxel." Karmale moved closer, "just so that I can beat you too." She bumped him as she walked into a back room that was supposedly the washroom.

_

Karmale stood in front of the mirror and held up her hair. She took off the big jumper she was wearing and remained in a bra. She was about to take off her sweat pants when she saw a fading reflection. She immediately pulled them back up.

"Hello!" She called.

"Who is it?" She heard a bang in the locker room.

"Ryxel! Ryxel!" She exited the washroom.

"Ryxel-" she entered the locker room but he wasn't there.

"Ryxel!" She made for the door.

"Why aren't you dressed, Karmale?" Ryxel blocked her way.

"Someone was in the washroom, Ryxel. Someone was watching me change." Her arms crossed her chest. Her fingers soothed her arms.

"Change from here." He closed the door.

"Okay-"she brought the bag to the locker room. He turned his back to her.

"Ryxel-" she called to him.

"It's for my peace of mind, Karmale-"

"I know," she said,"but," she hesitated,"I need a little help here-"she turned.

"Let's save time. Please help-"

"Okay-" Ryxel faced her.

"Um...the hooks...my bra-"

"Turn-"

"Um...yeah...okay-" she gave him her back view.

Karmale felt her bra loosen around her chest and she knew he was done.

"Thank you!" She turned to his back.

She decided to focus on changing her clothes. She let her bra fall off her body. For her roommate, the sound it made when it hit the floor was deafening. She stepped out of her pants.

"Make it quick-"

"Yeah-"

When Karmale was done dressing, Ryxel helped with her gloves, her shoes and hair.

"Wish me luck-"

"Surely-"

_

_

Karmale sat heavily bruised in the locker room. Angella handed her a bag of ice which she held after some thought.

"Ma'am have some water."

"I don't want it, Angella." Karmale looked away.

"Excuse us, Angella." Ryxel came in.

"Yes, Sir." Angella placed the bottle down and  moved out.

"Karmale-"

"Where were you, Ryxel?" Karmale placed down the bag of ice.

"Taking care of something-"

"Seriously? I almost lost my life to that woman, Ryxel!"

"Let me tend to your wounds, Karmale-"

"No. Not when I mean that little to you, Ryxel." She raised her palm to him but it only reached mid way as she winced in pain.

"I can't believe that you weren't there, Ryxel. How couldn't you be there?"

"I'm sure you got the news at least. I beat the best female kick boxer here." She scoffed.

"You are next!" She glared at him.

"Karmale-" His hand reached for her face. Before he would touch her, she flinched. His hand went to her neck but her eyes remained shut. He took in all her bruises and rather bend over to pick the bag of ice.

"Sit down." She opened her eyes.

"No."

"Obedience costs you nothing. It would actually reduce the pain. Sit!" She sat down as he pulled a chair for himself.

Ryxel administered first aid to her. He cleaned all the wounds on her face. But when he reached her lips, his hands came to a stop.

"I'm sorry, Karmale." She looked away. When she sniffed, he knew she was crying.

"No. Don't." He gently turned her by the neck. When all signs of tears died out, Ryxel cleaned her bleeding lips. He was two times more gentle than before. However tender it was, it still hurt. Soft moans and groans kept on leaving the victim's lips. When Ryxel was done, he bend over and placed a soft kiss on her lips.

"I'm sorry, Caramel." The second kiss was even lighter. Feathery and slightly squishy.

Someone was watching the cute scene unfold. Their fists grew rigid. Their face was under a black hoodie as they cursed but didn't walk away.

"Caramel-" Ryxel moved in closer when she didn't say anything. His lips went to her neck.

"Ryxel-" her breathing was heavy.

"Please-"

"It's painful there."she cried.

"Where else?" His hand moved from the bench. His thumb rubbed on her thigh.

"My lips," she said, "Can I kiss you?" She stared at him.

He stared back but in amazement.

"You cannot." He held her eyes.

"Okay-" her eyes glittered with disappointment.

"You'll hurt yourself if you cry. It will be worse if you try to kiss me," he reasoned,"but I won't if I do." His lips softly landed on hers and she smiled.

"Can you kiss you me a little more?" She asked when he moved an inch  away.

"If this continues I may hurt you."he smiled against her lips.

"Don't do that. It's hurting." Her hands landed on his thighs.

"So sorry. I should stop." He said but did the least in moving away. 

"Don't!" She was quick with her plea.

"No, baby girl."

"Please." She begged. The tears forming in her eyes would not go unseen.

"If it was medicine I would continue." He deadpanned.

"Ryxel-" she grabbed his jacket.

"Let's go home." He was suddenly very serious.

"I'm not coming." She dropped his coat and turned away. She was equally serious or even more.

"Hold on- what?"

"I'm not coming." She repeated in a firmer tone.

"I was only teasing," He chuckled, "but it's only one more."

"I no longer want."

"Wrongly said. You need it."

"Do I?" She turned.

"Hmmmn! Non-stop." He kissed her again and again and again.

"I'm going to hit you so badly, Ryxel."

"I'm not yet forgiven?"

"You are-"

"Thank you-"

"Only barely-"

"Come on-"

"You didn't tell me why you weren't present, Ryxel. I want an explanation."

"Typical Karmale." Ryxel moved away.

"So are you gonna avoid it?"Karmale's voice suddenly pitched.

"You as well." He stood up.

"Seriously?" He started to move and she stood up.

"Ryxel! Ah!" Her tears had graced her wounds with a sharp sting.

"You really love crying."

"Are you seriously still going? Ryxel!" She started to limp after him.

"Some words can go unsaid Karmale. I don't have to tell you everything."

"Ryxel," she called,"that does mean that you should walk away."

"Angella is coming to get you."

"Ryxel!"

"Relax. Cry less. Worry less."

"Oh my! So was the kissing to prevent me from asking questions?"

"We both needed that. That's why I did it."

"I didn't get a fair one. I did not kiss you." She complained.

"You know that you can't."

"Ryxel- what's this all about?"

"I'm standing here. You can kiss me if it will hurt you less."

"I guess you are right. It will only hurt more." She didn't reach out. Ryxel walked out. She sat down on the bench and fought with her tears.

How they always came from romantic to a bitter exchange! Even she was confused.

"I trying, Ryxel. I really am. I can't say it but i can use actions. Just let me. Let me even when I'm bad at love. Please let me." She whispered to herself.

"I knew it. Hmn!" The guy in the black jumper walked in.

"Vanilla, my love!" He took off his hood.

"What do you want, Louis?"

"Do I have to say it?"

"I'm not interested in listening." Karmale stood up.

"I need not say too. You know it."

"Louis take your madness where it will be appreciated. I would use less toxic company right now."

"You also know that you still love me." Louis reached for her arm.

"You wish." She scoffed.

"Vanilla! Vanilla!" He sang.

"Like a tumour, I'm etched to your brain. I bring you that fear." He laughed, "with that, you cannot open up. You cannot loosen up to new relationships. You are even making it worse. You are pushing them away. But I like that." He laughed again.

"Just come back to me, love! I will help. My love is refined. You'll appreciate it." He moved closer.

"Okay, love!"

"Okay?" Louis asked in astonishment.

"You are pathetic, boy!" She pushed him away.

"Ma'am are you okay?" Angella and her brothers walked in. Louis turned away.

"Yeah."

"Do we need to-"

"No, he is a special someone of mine." The boys picked the bag and stepped out. Angella didn't but she stood at a distance to offer some privacy.

"Karmale-"

"Have some self respect. I have been saying no for awhile. Please pick it. You are becoming a joker, Louis. Why are you even dressed like this? You reflect sadistic energy. Even the way you talk, it's disturbing. Go home. Erase me from your brain, I'm never coming back to you, Louis. Deception cannot be overlooked, Loui," she peeked his cheek," it just cannot."

"Help me, please, Angella." She took a step away from Louis.

"Don't leave me dejected, Karmale-"

"Accept it. You'll be fine." She placed her arm over Angella's neck. Angella held her waist in support and they left.

_

_

Karmale sat on her bed. Silence filled the room as she stared at the wall. Each movement was almost soundless as she walked across the room and drew the curtains.

Knock! Knock!

"Come in, please." She called but no one turned the knob. She reached for the door herself. Her eyes landed on Diana who was carrying a tray of food, a glass of water and tablets on the side. She steeped aside.

"Diana, Ryxel-" Karmale hesitated.

"Miss, Sir is having dinner in his office."

"Oh!"

"Yes, miss. But I can keep you company if you want." Diana offered.

"Thank you but I'm used to the solitude. Please don't mind."

"Okay, miss. I'll go."

"Thank you."

"Have a nice meal, miss."

"Good night, Diana."

Karmale sat on the carpet. With the moon as her source of light, she ate her food. She found some trouble with holding the cutlery so she ate less. She did take the water but never touched the tablets.

She was on her way downstairs when the door to Ryxel's office opened. She picked the tablets from the plate and held them in her hands.

She hurried to the kitchen to avoid him but he was already there.

"Mr. Antônio is on the line, Sir." Leo said from behind Karmale. Ryxel turned and his eyes landed on Karmale. She looked away and held her tray tighter.

"I'll call him back, Leo." Ryxel's eyes were Karmale's fists.

"Yes, Sir." Leo left. Ryxel turned and Karmale placed the tablets in the pocket of her night shorts.

Ryxel played a bottle of water on the counter.

"Put down the tray, Karmale." He turned to find her still standing in the same spot. She put it down.

"Water or milk?"

"Mhm?"

"Come here."

"I'm so tired-"

"Tell me all about it-" he moved to where she stood.

"Um-" her words dried on her lips when Ryxel's hand dropped to her thigh.

"Ryxel-"

"Mmhmm!" He silenced her with a nod. He held her eyes as his hands roamed her thighs. There was that weakness in her knees. He felt it too when her body began to shake. His fingers lightly tapped her skin. The tension in her features reduced but the shivering was still there. Ryxel's hands were now going under her shorts.

"Mmh-" she bit on her lip. His hands moved further up. Hers helplessly shook by her side.

"Please-" her eyes shut out.

"Ryxel-" She jumped up as he slightly hit her behind.

"I'm going to swallow them-" she gave in. He detached from her. She reached for the tablets in her pockets.

She threw them away. They both washed their hands and Ryxel got new medicine for her. She painfully swallowed one by one tablet. Ryxel sat and waited until she was done.

"Ryxel-" She placed down the glass. He was already looking at her but she didn't even have to say to him.

"The match!" That was the quickest thing that came to her mind.

"Go to sleep." He kissed her forehead and left.

"Ouch!" She rubbed on her stinging ass as she stood up.

#THE MAFIA'S LAWYER ❤️

OMG!!!! you guys!!!!! Hellos! I updated!

Thanks for reading and all the love...😚🤍

THE MAFIA'S LAWYER has made a year on this platform!!!! I started posting chapters of this book on (not sure of the exact date😭) but it was around now....so yah...my baby made a year, bitches!!!! 😍😌🖤💯💃😎😻

Hell I'm elated! Thanks y'all ✌️💖🤩🥰

**continue reading, voting, commenting and sharing...love y'all...🤗💕💞💓

To all those who love Christmas, I dedicate Maria Carey's album...okay I'm not even sure if there is any but for all I know, she is a Christmas lover. She sings a lot about it...idk🤦💁💆 guys honestly, I really don't know...

Easy on me- Adele😚 this is cute too.✨❤️

Naija beats are epic too...you guys should try them💃

Happy holidays!!!!😽❣️🌹

Smooches ❤️💃

Love y'all 😚

Author,

Alexandria 👑