She's not afraid (One Direction/Selena Gomez)

chapter 26

I continue: "Well, I kind of know the boss of Capuleti family."

"How?" Zayn snaps, clearly displeased with my statement.

I keep my eyes on my fingers, as I mumble softly: "He was my friend."

"What?!" Liam's and Harry's shocked voice flying collectively through the car.

I inhale deeply, faintly shrug with my shoulder, and explain: "Yeah, well first we were study buddies. Then we have slowly became friends. We spent majority of our time together," I smile amused at the memory, "we were really good friends nothing more. Well he was my first kiss, but only because it was dare." I pause for a moment, sigh and speak again with bitterness, "but two years ago he moved and we lost touch." It sting to use the past tense for him, because he'll always have a piece of my heart.

"So why Tyler didn't say anything?" Louis questioned.

I shake my head and sigh wearily. "Dante changed his appearance a little, so I don't think Tyler recognized him. To be honest, Tyler never paid much attention to others, so I'm not surprised that he didn't know that Dante was on that picture. But as for me," I chuckle softly, quickly, "I'd recognize him anytime and I refused to believe that Dante is the one who's doing all this terrible things...just because he wants to be boss of bosses. There has to be some alternative motive for his actions, it has to be. I know him, he's nice, caring, funny, smart guy and he wouldn't do anything like this just for fun of it." I insisted mostly trying to convince myself.

Harry states: "Juliet, people change." I huff at his words.

...Funny, Harry of all people said it, but he's the one who refuses to change? Good try Harry, but I know Dante and I know he's not capable of doing such things...at least I think he isn't...

After that we talked about different stuff, explaining in details what had happened to me. They informed me that I was kidnapped for thirteen hours, which left me astonished. Even though conversation consisted with heavy characteristic, the atmosphere in the car was somewhat relaxed, borderline amused. The time in the car and later in the private jet passed in about the same fashion. Throughout it all I managed to avoid Harry and Zayn. When we landed, another car waited on us and once again I was between Liam and Zayn, though quite early into the drive I fell asleep.

My eyes fiercely open, sweat rolled down my temples, while my breathing is hard and fast. Confusion latched onto my facial expression.

"Juliet everything is all right, calm down, it was just a dream." Liam softly murmurs in attempt to soothe me, and Zayn squeezing my hand all at once. Gradually I regain my composure.

At that precise moment, Harry calls for our attention, as he announces: "We're here."

I lower my head so that I can gaze out of the window, watching large metal gates staying behind, alongside with two guards. I tilt my head slightly, and the most beautiful small castle expands before my eyes. The structure and gray color, gave a feel of being in medieval times, while nicely molded green countryside suggested a fairytale beauty. Harry parked the car before staircase that leads to massive front doors. I pass out of the car with Liam's help, and when we reach the doors, my grandfather suddenly opened them.

A large smile creeps on my lips as I call loudly: "Grandpa!"

In an instant his hands wrap around my body, and I copy his action, hugging him tightly. He pulls away short seconds later, so that his eyes can meet mine. I see happiness in mine echoed in his.

"My Juliet! Come in!" He breaths out, before places his hand over my shoulders, and we walk in.

I'm stunned by the beauty and sophistication of the large foyer. Rich tapestries of wine red and gold hung on the walls, paintings of ancient world dancing in the golden frames. The gray marble floor shines under marvelous crystal chandelier. The chairs with its red cushions threaded in gold are set before tall walls, and with the beautiful plants in the corners gave the foyer a breeze of elegance. The grand marble staircase with golden and white fence sparked my curiosity, excitement conquered me, as I'm thinking of the secrets that this castle had seized.