Nova Grace

07

Chapter 07| NVI

"Don't mean to come off cold...I don't want to be alone"

— Hard sometimes, Ruel

𑁍 Nova 𑁍

I woke up today and realized something...I'm getting weak. Always have been but I'm losing my barriers

Having a panic attack yesterday after Carson's kidnapping attempt? That was so embarrassing. Rune is the only one to ever see me vulnerable

I can't let the others see me like that. This is what I get for trying to stop being a bitch, the whole not caring demeanor helps me keep myself in check

So that's what I do...I go back to being closed off and bitchy.

I woke up extra cranky today, then I found out that Rune handed our guns — and only ways of defending ourselves — to Emilio

Also the reason why I'm currently sitting on the kitchen counter while Emilio interrogates us about why we had to have them

"We told you, we used to place bets on fights. I'm sure you know the fucking dangers in the Underground" I snap getting impatient

Lucas is making himself a fresh glass of lemonade and cooking eggs for everyone. He's going to the animal shelter later — he volunteers there on Saturdays

Santiago is leaning on the doorway drinking his pre-morning workout smoothie. I've learned he spends tons of times in the gym. He's eyeing me in a cold calculating way while he plays with his lip piercing

There's always longing and affection in his gaze when he looks at me — which I choose to ignore — but they're becoming wearier around me, probably feeling the increasing hostility I radiate

But Rafael is the one who has me on edge right now, he's in the furthest corner of the kitchen, watching and overanalyzing

He hasn't said a word all morning, wearing an expensive looking button up shirt and slacks. He said he was going to work

I keep sitting on the counter, swinging my legs to ease my anxiety. Rune stands leaning against the counter with his arms crossed

Elías is still sleeping according to Lucas who went up to offer him breakfast and got a pillow to the face

"Nova we all know that's not just it, you are hiding something. Santiago tried to track any bank accounts you might've had but there are none so we want to know where all the money you earned went" the dad of the year says

I tense

"You fucking did what?" I snap and Emilio sighs

"That's not the point, baby girl. All we want is to keep you safe and if someone is hurting yo—"

"You're too late to play the protective daddy now, Emilio. Don't 'baby girl' me. I'm sorry to tell you but you're late to the party so fuck the hell off because I'm not telling you anything" I grit out

He flinches so bad I want to carve a knife into my chest and twist. God, why do I have to be like this?

Fuck! I miss my old self. I was a sweet reader minding her own business and sure as hell was a good daughter despite our mother being scum