MR MAFIA’S LITTLE TOY by Sally edwards

“Hey little thief”. A hoarse voice burst through her salient thoughts from behind, jolting her back to her surroundings and she quickly turned around to behold the owner of the voice that startled her.

Recollecting her action just now, a gasp escaped her lips as she quickly tucked the little rabbit behind her back. Her cheeks heats up with a blush as she fixes her glasses, her hair tresses scattered loosely over her face. She could hear his amused chuckles as he watched her struggle to hide the stuffed plush toy rabbit behind her.

‘Oh God this is embarrassing’ She thought as she retreated gradually till she felt her back pressing on the hard pole, looking down at her feet in embarrassment.

She could feel his eyes on her, studying her until she couldn’t take it anymore and snapped her eyes to his. Those blue eyes had her sucking in a breath and she gushed slightly.

But it wasn’t just his eyes that made her heart flutter, it was the steady and well built body that looks like a work of art. Her face turned crimson red when she slowly brought her eyes back to his face. She felt like had just been sucker-punched in the gut when his eyes fell on her.

His hair was black and inky which made the blueness of his eyes pop even more. She slowly trails down to his nose and marveled at how studded it is, and then down to his pink lips.

Gazing steadily at the handsome figure before her, she couldn’t help but imagine that if her big brother was at least half as handsome, how proud she would be to flaunt him.

‘Ohh how I wish my brother, Caspian, is the owner of this handsome face. Or better yet, have this handsome guy here as my brother instead’. She thought.

Bemused by the little girl’s wandering thoughts, he chuckled over her flushed but seemingly exaggerated look. His blue eyes flicker to the plush toy hidden behind her and a twinkle of mischief passes through his striking blue eyes.

“What are you doing here?”

Before she could answer him, he took two steps forward, bent over and peered deeply into her face.

“If you really love that toy rabbit, then you can keep it,” he said, smiling sheepishly at her.

Her face brightened up as soon as she heard this.

“Really? Can I really keep the little rabbit?” She queried, batting her eyelid profusely like a petty thief caught in the act wothers an unsure smile plastered on her face. She tugged slightly at the hem of her uniform to further strengthen her act.

“Of course.” He smirked, flashing his white pearly teeth that shone radiantly. “If I say you can have it, you can. Be sure to treasure it because that’s my closest buddy, but I’m giving it to you now.” He stretched out his hand and rubbed her soft curly hair before gently tucking the tresses that slightly covered her eyes behind her ear.

Feeling elated, she sprinted into the house with the little rabbit in hand, excitement written all over her.

On entering her room, she walked to the left corner of her bed and laid the little rabbit on the bed, then gently tucked it into the duvets.

When this little exercise was done, she smiled at herself then proceeded to change out of her school uniform. Her mother’s melodic voice could be heard from the dining area beckoning on her to come down for dinner.

“Ariadne, hurry to your brother’s room and invite him down for dinner”

Ariadne Bardell is her name, she’s the second child of the Bardell’s family, her parents being Maverick and Daisy Bardell. Her family can not be passed off as excessively rich, but they can afford to provide a great living for Ariadne and her elder brother, Caspian. Their little family of four shared a fondness that elicited envy among the residents in their small community.

“Caspian is back?” She gasped.

Thrilled by this great news, Ariadne Bardell, a bubbly twelve-year-old girl with slightly curled chestnut colored hair and bright hazel eyes, skidded down the hallway of her family's cozy suburban home.  She sprinted up the stairs and dashed into the room with dark grey interior decor.

It was a crisp autumn evening, and the aroma of her mother's homemade lasagna wafted through the air, beckoning her to the dining room. The aroma of the dish infiltrated into her nostrils and she wondered why her mother always spares cooking it except when her brother would be home.

As she approached her elder brother Caspian’s room, Ariadne's steps slowed. She waited in front of the door for a few minutes before rapping gently on the door, her small hand forming a rhythmic pattern against the wooden surface before pushing the door ajar.

The door creaked open, revealing Caspian, a lanky twenty-two-year-old with tousled brown hair, standing in front of his wardrobe with a mischievous grin on her face. He wore a faded band t-shirt and held a pile of clothes in his hands.

 At the first sight of her dearest big brother, she flew into his arms for a hug, nearly pulling him down with her weight.

“I missed you Caspian. It’s been long since you came home” she exasperated, snapping her little fingers to recount the last visit to the family home.

“Come on, my dearest baby sis, you know I will always miss you dearly.” He reiterated, flashing his usual cheeky grin. He grasped her tightly to his bosom for a long while, as if he was scared of someone snatching her away from him.

“Uhmm….. Caspian, guess what?" she exclaimed, her voice brimming with excitement. "Mum made your favorite lasagna tonight!"

Caspian’s face lit up at the mention of his beloved dish.

"Lasagna? You know that's my weakness, Ari," he chuckled, stepping out of his room and closing the door behind him. "I'll be right down."

Ariadne bounced on her heels, barely able to contain her enthusiasm.

“That's not all!" she blurted out, unable to keep the secret any longer. "I heard you on the phone earlier. Are you having a friend over for dinner?"

Caspian’s eyes widened, surprise flickering across his face. "Oh, that?" he stammered, his cheeks turning slightly pink.

"Well, yes, actually. I didn't expect you to hear that."

Ariadne beamed. Having piqued her curiosity, she tugged shyly at hisT-shirt, "Who is it,Caspian? Is it a girl? Is she pretty?"

Caspian’s laughter filled the hallway, amused at Ariadne’s coyly act. She always puts up such displays whenever she wants to get something out of him. He thought she looked cute whenever she behaved that way so he would always give in to her. He turned to gaze at her and peered into her curious face, "No, Ari, it's not a girl," he reassured her, ruffling her hair affectionately.