PERNICIOUS // JOHN WICK & SANTINO D'ANTONIO

chapter four;

HER SHIFT ENDED a few minutes ago. Thankfully, there wasn't many people today. She wasn't as tired as she had initially thought she'd be, and she presumed it to be from the lack of patients. Her phone buzzed from her pocket, making her furrow her brows before plucking it out. Santino had the best timing, it seemed. He was asking her to come over to his penthouse, claiming only Ares and Cesare (his guard) were present. She thought back to today, to that raven haired woman, and how she recognized her even though Belle was sure she's never seen her before.

But she couldn't deny Santino, even if she tried. She loved him too much, cared for him too greatly to cut off ties. Especially over as something as stupid and as petty as this. She'd be more discreet. Or at least, she'd try to be, and mention to Santino that she'd like to stay a little hidden. And with that thought in mind, Belle responded back, telling him she'd be over in a few.

She thought it'd be a long walk to his penthouse, but clearly, she hadn't gotten used to Santino's techniques just yet. Had she known his car would be waiting outside of the continental, she wouldn't have been so slow taking her shower. Her feet padded against the cobblestones, jacket swooshing with the gentle rush of the cool wind. Grasping the door handle, she entered the car before closing the door shut. "Why didn't you tell me you were waiting? I would've been much more quicker with arriving than I was," the female huffed, fixing her attire before looking over at Santino who was sat besides her.

True to his words, it really was only those three. Cesare was driving the black rover with Ares in the passenger seat. "I've never seen you in those clothes before, are they new?" Santino casually asked, completely disregarding her question with his own. Ares signed something to Cesare when they had stopped at a red light (only Santino would know what Belle was wearing), making him let out loud, gravely laughter and Santino to simply smirk. Belle only caught a few words like 'Santino' 'know' and her own name. The female frowned, looking down at the unassuming outfit she was sporting.

Unconsciously, she played with the hem of her jacket, shrugging her shoulders as the car began to make its way to his penthouse. "Yes, I suppose ... I bought new clothing items before we departed to New York. That's not really the topic we should be discussing though, why'd you message me? Is there something wrong?" Belle asked, and Santino got comfortable in the seat.

Legs spread apart, hand beneath his strong chin, and brown hair perfectly curled. He was wearing a three piece suit, as he always was, his watch glimmering and gleaming against the natural sunlight. Often, Belle shunned herself from having to think of him as anything more than a friend, but it was days like these that really tested her willpower. He was attractive, and anybody who said otherwise was denying their attraction towards him. But Belle knew where she stood, and she knew some things were better left apart.

He looked over at her, locking his eyes with her. "Nothing's wrong, bella, we .. just have a surprise for you." Belle eased into a smile, back relaxing against the leather seats as she looked between the three. "Surprise? That doesn't sound so good." She murmured, and Santino huffed, rolling his eyes playfully at her. "Dai, amore, when have I ever brought you a surprise and it wasn't good?" Santino argued, and belle let out a small laugh, shaking her head. "You do make a point. But there's a gleam in your eyes, I can't help but think something's up."

She looked over at Cesare, who was now starting to pull up at the penthouse. "Cesare, do you know about what's going on?" She questioned, forcing back the smile threatening to spill out from her lips. "You know I cannot share that information, Miss." He replied formally, and as Belle turned towards Ares, the woman held up a hand, shutting her down before Belle could even get the question out.

"We're already here, Bella, no point in all of these questions." Santino said. She didn't deny him. As soon as they began clambering out of the vehicle, she did too, following in suit behind them. As many times as she's seen how lavishly Santino lives, Belle never once failed to be amazed. There was just so much to look at, so much to appreciate, and she didn't know if Santino understood that.