STOLEN || 18+ (Monsters #3)

.15. A global pissing contest

What is a ghost?

Something dead that seems to be alive.

Something dead that doesn't know it's dead.

-Richard Siken

. . .

Leyla

"I can't go out like this."

Fabiano frowned. "You look gorgeous, Leyla."

A blush formed on my cheeks. "You're both wearing suits...I'm wearing sweatpants."

Giovanni sighed. "Okay. Go change."

I walked out of the office and then into my room. I settled on a casual red dress and a little eyeliner.

Wearing red heels, I descended the staircase and they were standing at the end of it.

They looked up at me, eyes skimming over my body and then settling on my eyes. They didn't look at me with lust...it was something softer - gentler. It made my heart throb and cheeks flush.

Fabiano took my hand and helped me down the last stair.

We walked out of the mansion. My eyes squinted at the sunlight. It felt like it had been years since I felt it on my skin.

I looked around, momentarily taken back by the number of guards I could see. The front year had at least twenty guards on its border with guns in their hands. The stone boundary, which had barbed wires on it, was high as heck and the large gate was so large I could not imagine even a bulldozer being able to run it down.

I could not get out.

This was glaringly obvious that the second I'd even step out of the mansion, I'd be spotted and even if I wasn't spotted - how was I going to get out? Climb the giant gate or get torn by the barbed wires?

Fear struck me. No way out.

With Fabiano and Giovanni on either side of me, we walked to the large garage on the right of the large estate.

Giovanni pressed the button, making the door slide up, revealing a million cars inside.

Holy shit.

There must be cars worth millions here.

Soon enough, we were settled in one.

I was on the back seat, curled against the door and looking out of the window, trying to pretend I wasn't in the car with them. I was disgusted with myself because of how I reacted to Giovanni's words - I needed to get it together. Catching feelings would be a disaster.

I watched as buildings passed by. Rome was beautiful - every part of it seemed to be filled with beauty. My heart felt full. I had always wanted to come here with Gabby and Astrid. We would have explored the whole of Rome, go to the Vatican city, the pantheon, and so many places. Rome was filled with history and I could feel the history lover in me aching to learn.

I shoved that ache away. Lose your dreams.

They had kept me going till now. The hope that one day I'd be free of everything which threatened to beat me down and then I'd live in history - learn all I could and I'd be happy. And my sisters would be happy with me. Everything would be alright.

Nothing was alright.

My heart heavied further but I didn't let myself cry. I didn't even have anything to live for now. My future was a terrible blur - completely in the hands of two cruel mafia men.

Giovanni stopped the car beside a small cute looking restaurant that had tables set up outside of it.

Fabiano exited the car first, looking around with those cold eyes of his, and then opened the door for me.

He helped me out and then didn't let go of my hand. Stupid rule. His hand was large, rough but not overly rough. My eyes lingered on the rings he wore. There was some sort of engravings on them but the lighting was not quite right for me to see.

He caught me looking but didn't say anything.

I looked back at the restaurant, hoping we'd sit outside.

Giovanni wrapped an arm around me and we walked to the restaurant, instantly escorted by a waiter to a table outside by Fabiano's command.

Had he seen that I wanted to sit outside? Perhaps.

The menus were already there. Fabiano was sitting beside me while Giovanni was across from me. I looked around - at the people passing by and noticed how some of them eyed Fabiano and Giovanni, and then...me.

I was famous - known by my father, of course. The eldest daughter of Jack Campbell - the most honest politician of America.

I knew without having to make sure that some of these people were taking pictures that would end up online. Perhaps this was what the Valentinos wanted all along - to show off that they could have a powerful politician's daughter with them. To show how powerful they were.

A global pissing contest.

I looked at Giovanni. He was watching me closely. He probably had seen the realization dawn upon my face.

Of course, a lunch could not be just that - a lunch, with them. I doubted they did anything just 'cause.

We are in silence as the food arrived. I had ordered for myself - I knew many Italian dishes. They looked impressed but I didn't pay them much mind. I soaked in the false freedom I had, dreading going back to my cell.

. . .

New background.