Blade

Chapter 13: Bookish confession

Sienna

Slouching lazily in a chair in the library, one I didn't even know Blade had, I flip through the books I'd pulled from the shelves, just like I've been doing all afternoon.

Most of the stacks are filled with cheesy romance novels that make me want to barf every time I reach the part where the main characters declare their undying love with a dramatic, heart-stopping kiss and all that predictable nonsense.

It annoys me that the naive girl in the story always falls for the typical bad boy who is a complete asshole and a total pain-the kind of guy every parent warns their daughter to avoid, yet the warning is always ignored. It's so frustrating and cliché that sometimes I feel like I could punch the author right in the face. I have to admit, though, once I get deeper into the story, I can't seem to put the book down no matter how irritating it is.

I'm not someone who usually entertains thoughts of romance or reads and watches stories like that, but there's something about these kinds of tales that captures a reader's interest. The only downside is that they remind me of something so beautiful and priceless that I could never have, no matter how hard I tried. They remind me of the emptiness carved into my heart. It just hurts to think about.

I shake my head, trying to push the thoughts away. It's bad enough not to have someone I trust, someone who truly cares about me, but it's soul-crushing to let my mind wander into dangerous territory. For years, I've gone through life without thinking about things like this, so why is it different now?

I close the book with a loud sigh, my eyebrows knitting together in confusion as I hear a footstep followed by a rustling sound. My heart starts to race when the noise stops and then begins again almost immediately.

Instinctively, I rise from the chair and slip into a fighting stance. I'm not exactly sure how many people live in Blade's mansion, but the thought of someone sneaking up on me can only mean trouble.

When you're born into a world of criminals and killers, you quickly learn that life is rarely kind or fair. Not everyone will like you or wish you well. Trust no one, no matter how hard they try to prove themselves, because it will only lead to pain and regret.

I move slowly toward the romance section of the library, following the sound, holding my breath as the footsteps come to a stop. I duck behind a bookcase and peek out to see a man's silhouette, hunched to the side with a book tucked under his arm and another in his hand.

My heart races, but I take a deep breath to steady myself. Step by careful step, I inch closer to the figure, determined not to make a sound. Just as I'm about to kick him in the back, he spins around and catches my foot in his hand before it can hit him.

"Let go of me, you creep." I hiss in anger, but seeing a familiar face makes me exhale in pure relief.

"Sienna, what the hell?" Franco whispers, panic flashing across his face as he quickly hides the books behind his back, which only makes my curiosity grow.

"What? I thought you were a criminal out to get me," I mumble, sounding childish as I tighten my grip on the hem of my black jacket.

He gives me an unamused look, his dark eyes narrowing slightly. "A criminal? Seriously? Blade doesn't let anyone he doesn't trust into his house, so don't entertain such thoughts again. You're safe here."

I nod, a small smile tugging at my lips as I gesture toward the stack of books behind him. "Wait... you read romance stories?"

Before I can react further, he lifts a finger to my lips, making a soft shushing sound, then grabs my wrist and gently but firmly pulls me back to where I had been standing.

"What?" I raise an eyebrow, confused by his sudden action.

"You can't tell anyone you saw me here, okay? And it's absolutely none of your business." His eyes meet mine, filled with a strange mix of pleading and desperation, as if the words themselves were a fragile promise.

"Why not? And it's my business now unless you wants me to tell Nico," I cross my arms over my chest, threatening him. He looks at me long and hard like he doesn't even want to entertain me now but he thinks twice about it because he and I both know that Nico will tease the hell out of him.

"I simply take pleasure in immersing myself in all things romantic. I have never been able to resist a good story, as it offers comfort and a sense of escape whenever I feel low." He says with a neutral expression on his face.

The tough, hard Franco—the one who seems like he doesn't care about anything in the world—reads romance books? It sounds impossible, yet the more I stare at him makes it completely believable, and I can't stop the smile stretching across my lips.

In the week and a few days I've been here, I never imagined Franco as the romance type, which makes a question pop into my mind.

"Are you in love with someone?" I ask, giddy, my hands clasped in front of me.

When did I get so eager to ask something like this? Chiara's definitely been rubbing off on me. But aside from that, I'm craving a little gossip.

Franco's eyes widen like saucers. He swallows hard and frowns. "That's all you're getting from me today. Pretend I was never here."

My lips twist into a pout, but I decide to let it go. For now. "Um, Franco, I'm sorry for the way I spoke to you the other day. I was just... angry." I can't believe I'm apologizing. I hate myself for it, every part of me burning with frustration.

Franco's lips curl into a small smile, but it disappears as quickly as it appeared. His face snaps back to its usual tightness, the irritation setting in like a familiar mask. Well, that's rare. "I wouldn't say I'm sorry, as apologizing isn't in my nature, but I trust you understand how I feel about that. Just be glad I've started to tolerate you."

I smile, a teasing curl of my lips. "Why should I be glad that you tolerate me? You're still very much an asshole," I say, raising an eyebrow, my tone calm and matter-of-fact.

He rolls his eyes, a deep frown creasing his forehead. "Well, if I don't like someone or find their presence unbearable, I make sure they disappear. Wipe out their entire existence," he says in a chilling voice.

My eyes widen, and a cold fear coils in my chest. I swallow hard, my throat suddenly dry. "What? Really?"

Franco smirks, his fingers ruffling my hair in an annoying way. "You don't have to freak out, Sienna. I was just kidding. Maybe."

The last word slips out in a whisper, almost too soft to catch, but I pretend not to hear it. I settle back into the chair, placing the book I was reading carefully on my lap, letting the quiet between us stretch.

"Well," Franco clears his throat, an awkward pause lingering as he starts toward the library door. "I better get going. Blade might need me anytime soon."

"You might want to drop those books first," I call after him, a teasing smirk playing on my lips. He curses quietly under his breath, then turns, maneuvering his way back toward the romance section as if the books themselves were a challenge.

~•~

Thoughts?

Yup, Franco is a sucker for romance books just like me. I think I'm starting to like him.

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