She hated them.
They loved her with everything in them.
The universe truly has a sick way of telling you it's there, doesn't it? From being kidnapped to being abused, that was all Arabella saw in life. It was all she ever knew. They tell you to ke...
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I've been stuck in my office the entire morning, trying to figure out our game plan with the Russians. After discovering they tried to sabotage the alliance between two mafias, they officially crossed the line. They'll be rightfully punished—but I need to figure out how.
My phone starts ringing, pulling me from my thoughts. I grab my personal one and smile slightly when I see Arabella's name pop up, along with a random photo of her making a kissy face and winking. I don't remember setting that—must've been her. I chuckle, answering it, and I'm met with her stunning face and a small smile as she lies on her bed. Her hair's in a bun, giving me a full view of her face—from those glowing emerald eyes to her soft, rosy lips.
I'm snapped out of my daze when her smooth, slightly sad voice hits my ears.
"Hey, pretty boy," she says softly. It's not her usual bold, fierce tone. It's quieter. Vulnerable. She's been like this all week—distant. Ignoring us, barely speaking. I've seen her zone out in class and eat alone at lunch. No matter how much we tried to talk to her, she shut us out. Even Luca didn't know what was going on. I missed her sass. Her snapbacks.
"Hello, amor," I greet with a smile. She rolls her eyes at the name, but it pulls a soft giggle from her.
Suddenly, the screen starts shaking as someone grabs the phone. There's some back-and-forth before Luca's face fills the screen, glaring at me.
"No funny business. Friends. That's it," he scowls.
I lean back in my chair with a smirk. "I think that's for me and Arabella to decide. Don't you think, amor?"
I hear Arabella laughing in the background. Luca groans.
"Nope. I can easily get the rest of her brothers—and her eleven cousins. They'll beat your ass."
"Okay, okay—he gets the point!" Arabella snatches the phone back, sending one last glare at Luca before focusing on me.
Right then, Vivian bursts into the room.
"Hello, brother! I want ice cream. Because why not. Actually, never mind—I was doing that diet thing. Maybe a smoothie? Is chocolate considered healthy? Probably not, but strawberry and chocolate? That's good. Right?" she rambles, stopping mid-sentence when she sees Arabella.
She gasps and shoves her face into the camera. "Oh my god! Arabella! Why haven't you called me—or the girls?! Are you okay? Do I need to come over? You're not hurt, are you?!"
Arabella chuckles, trying to calm her down. "I'm fine, Viv. Just had an off week, that's all," she sighs quietly. But I can tell there's more she's not saying.
"If you're alright, then I guess it's fine..." Vivian squints, then her tone changes. "Wait. Why'd you call Dominic, of all people? Never mind. I think I know." She winks, making me frown while Arabella blushes and awkwardly clears her throat.
