THE BADDEST PRINCIPESSA

Chapter Thirty Five - Save me

RICARDO POV

I sat in my office back in Italy sorting out some legal business until my phone rang. 

"Capo, it's me. Your Nefews house in America has been raided and the eldest brothers have been detained by the FBI for questioning. Gabriel was arrested for assaulting an officer and was bailed out a few hours ago by Matteo. I followed them to a house that belongs to a person called Richard Cardell who lives with his only son Derek Cardell. Capo, I think you should know this but Mr Cardell is a member of SWAT. I also have no idea about the whereabouts of Aria."

"Find her now," I gritted my teeth, slamming the phone down.

What the heck is going on there? What are Matteo and Gabriel doing living in a house owned by someone in Swat? Have they all gone insane? And how did they lose Aria? How could they allow themselves to be raided? They should have taken more precautions. That's why I was concerned in the first place. Urgh.

I angrily picked up my phone and dialled. "Capo, how can I help you?" The person answered straight away. "I need a flight to Los Angelos right away," I ordered them. "Yes sir. It will be ready for take-off before you arrive." As soon as I slam the phone down, I call my sons to come into my office. Together, we are going to deal with this mess.

ARIA POV

We were all sitting in the living room watching TV in Derek's living room. Mr Cardell has been phoning the FBI the whole morning to find out what was happening with our brothers. So far he has no luck. He said since none of us is 18 years old, if my brothers didn't get out today, social workers would be coming to get us into a placement before the night. I wish we could just stay here but he said we were lucky we got to stay here the night because he didn't have foster status and legally he isn't technically legally responsible for our safety.

Matteo said they wouldn't let us get separated and we might need to run away for a few nights to one of their safe houses.

Mr Cardell just got off the phone and wandered into the living room. "You're going home with your brothers today" he smiles in relief.

"When can we go back home?" I ask.

"Your brothers should pick you up in an hour. The FBI has stopped the search now and you all are clear to go back home now."

Two hours later

Ever since being home, none of us has said anything. We have been in comfortable silence just taking in the presence of each other and feeling safe and together again. Some of my brother's people came in to search the place for any bugs set by the police or any enemies that could've been set during the raid. Thankfully nothing has been found but they are still searching the house top to bottom.

"Capo, sorry to disturb you but there is someone at the gate from social services that would like to meet you. Also, the police are with her as well.

I start freaking out. "What's going on?" I exclaim. Then I tucked myself into a ball and started sobbing. As Gabriel pulls me closer to them into a hug, then throws their arm around me. I am comforted by their words, "It's okay. Ales has this under control. We won't go anywhere, not while Ales exists and breathes", but that doesn't make me feel any better. The pit in my stomach hasn't gone away though.

Alessandro walks into the living room with this woman and some police officers as well. He doesn't even look me in the eye or anyone except Andrea as he walks over and whispers something in his ear. He looks up at me with pity and quickly leaves the room. I saw a single teardrop drip down his face before he left the room. What's going on?