Fade Into You

Chapter 23

Faye's POV

After dinner, I went to bed early. My English homework was still unfinished, but I ignored it and lay down, staring up at the ceiling. 

The only thing that had been bothering me all day was watching Sara and Jonathan together. And frankly, it was starting to piss me off.

They spent the entire day glued to each other—walking side by side through the halls, laughing, smiling like the damn poster couple for high school power duos. The kind of couple everyone envies. 

The badass, mysterious, annoyingly perfect kind.

I hated the way it made me feel. Every time their arms brushed or he looked at her like she was the only girl on earth, a surge of jealousy burned through me. It was ridiculous how much I wanted to punch something every time he smiled at her.

I kept telling myself I was over Jonathan.

But... was I really?

Whatever. They can both kiss my ass—I'm done giving a fuck.

I was still tangled in those thoughts when a knock sounded at my door. I stayed on my bed and called out for the person to come in. My body went tense when I saw it was Mom.

She stepped in with that same stern expression she always wore when she was in Mafia Boss mode, a brown manila folder tucked in her left hand. She walked up to me and dropped the folder on my bed without a word.

"Your next mission. Go through the details thoroughly and let me know when you're ready," she said coolly.

I picked up the file, my eyes locked on her face. Things between us were still icy because of what I said the other day. I hated this tension. 

I'd been wanting to talk to her, to apologize, but every time I tried, the words just wouldn't come.

She turned to leave, her hand already on the doorknob when I finally spoke up.

"Mom?"

She paused, then turned around. Her expression softened just a bit.

"What is it?"

"I'm really sorry. About what I said the other day. I know I crossed a line and I didn't mean it. I just... I was angry, and I said things I shouldn't have. I promise it won't happen again."

She nodded slowly, a faint smile pulling at her lips.

"It's okay. I understand. Believe it or not, I said the same kind of things to your grandparents when I was your age. I get it."

I smiled faintly, nodding.

"Get some sleep, sweetie. You can look over the file tomorrow if you want."

"It's fine. I'll go through it now and do the mission after school tomorrow. It's Friday anyway."

"Alright. Goodnight."

"Night, Mom."

She closed the door behind her, and I lay back on the pillows. I opened the file and pulled out two sheets of paper. 

The photo of a man with light gray hair stared up at me. His background details were listed beside his name.

Name: Michael Grey
Age: 34
Marital Status: Divorced
Location: Jefferson Park
Children: None
Occupation: Accountant

Info:
Michael Grey is to be executed for betraying the Royal Mafia. After briefly working for them, he stole a significant amount of money from the Antonio and Castillo investment accounts.

Recent Update:
Grey will be attending a dinner meeting with clients on Friday night at 8 PM sharp at Dazzling Restaurant.

Undercover Attire:
Elegant red dress, white blazer coat, black stilettos, white clutch.

Weapon:
Handgun with silencer, pocket knife.

Instructions:
Arrive early and sit at the table under the reservation name "Camilla." Dine alone. Watch Michael's interactions. Follow him after he leaves. Eliminate him. Clean and quiet.

Objective:
Complete the mission.

I tossed the file beside me. That summed it all up. Nothing I couldn't handle. Missions like this were what trained me to eventually take over a Mafia of my own. One day, I'd prove I was just as capable as Mom, Dad, and even Jake.

Still, as I closed my eyes, the last thing I saw was Jonathan smiling at Sara. Her hand on his arm. Their laughter echoing in my head.

OoO

Third period was Chemistry, as usual. I made it to class early and took my seat, pretending to focus. Mrs. Hall strolled in thirty minutes late—classic—and began her lesson while I mindlessly jotted notes. 

Half my brain tried to stay on track with molecules and formulas. The other half? Still obsessing over tonight's mission... and Jonathan.

God, why can't I get him out of my head?

It didn't help that every time I turned a damn corner, there they were. Smiling. Touching. Breathing the same air.

By the time class ended, I was done. I shoved my stuff into my bag and bolted out the door. I hurried down the stairs, then along the hallway to my locker.

And bam—I crashed into someone.

I staggered back, annoyed, ready to yell—until I looked up and saw him.

Jonathan.

"Faye," he said, and just hearing my name from his lips made my heart flutter like a damn moron.

Get it together, Faye.

"Oh. Hey," I muttered, glancing away and tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear.

"Can we talk for a minute?" he asked.

I hesitated. "I... should really get to class."

I tried to walk around him, but he stepped in front of me again.

"This won't take long. I just really need to tell you something."

What now? Another one of his carefully-worded lies? Why did he look so nervous?

"Can it wait?" I asked, already tired of the emotional tug-of-war.

He shook his head. 

"No. I need to say it now."

I sighed and shook my head. I wasn't in the mood for this. Not today.

"I have to go, Jonathan. Move out of the way."

I tried again, but he blocked my way a third time—and now I was irritated.

"Why aren't you two in class?"

A voice boomed across the hallway. Mr. Clark stood in the doorway of his classroom, glaring at us both.

"Class. Now! Or it's detention after school."

I shot one last glare at Jonathan, then turned and headed for my own class, which had already started five minutes ago.

Whatever he wanted to say... I didn't care anymore. He could save it for Sara—or anyone else foolish enough to believe him.