Eyes So Blue I Drown

15| Recorded

ARABELLA

How was he able to rescue those girls from such crimes?

Does he work with those FBI agents?

The mystery surrounding Luca and his activities intensifies with each passing day. It's been two days since I'm living here, and I can't pinpoint a single thing that was typical.

I watch injured people getting taken away from here. I see all the people here are different when they are in their working hours. They aren't the same.

Luca, particularly, exhibits a noticeable change—less reactive, avoiding drama, and shrouded in secrecy. He's not always available and talks very less about himself. And all these things lead me to the same question in my mind.

What the motherfucking work does he do?!

I extend the door and enter Luca's fucking "bar by night and restaurant by day".

I've been coming here with Leah for the last two days. It's closed today to the public so we all are here to relish. The night lights here give me club vibes.

The shift in music from a soft lofi melody to "Romantic Lover" triggers memories, a song which he used to dedicate to me. I knowingly scan the area until my eyes meet those blue orbs, now intensified in the dim lighting. His smirk doesn't escape my notice.

Seated alone, toying with his shirt buttons, a mobile in hand, his smirk remains conspicuous.

Renzo, with a playful exclamation, sweeps me into a dance, gracefully twirling me around. Surprisingly, I manage to stay steady on my heels.

Amid the dance, Leah advises him to slowdown. Renzo tugs my shoulders, locks hands, and starts dancing with me.

My mobile rings, but I'm too immersed in the half-dancing and half-jumping with Renzo. I wonder, is he drunk? The faint scent of liquor confirms my suspicion.

"Renzo slow down, my mobile is ringing!" I grow my voice and get out of his clasp.

Walking on wobbly legs, I enter one of the restrooms as my head spins. An unknown number from LA, California, calls me. Intrigued, I wonder who might be missing me now.

Before I can answer, the call is declined, and a message notification appears on my mobile screen. Without hesitation, I tap it open.

Its a... video. The first look that I notice is Dustin. He's with Darla in this video. I didn't expect him to contact me, not after that day.

He and Darla used to date each other, a year ago. Until the actual demon of this shithead came to our knowledge.

My grip on my mobile gets loosened when in this video, a scene of a bedroom begins to play. Dustin tacks her against the wall and without waiting any more seconds, he tears her clothes apart. They both are making out and all of that is... recorded?!

The sound of her grunting and groaning serves the atmosphere and I tap back. My mind began to race with fear and several questions.

Why would he record it? Why would he send this to me? I swear if he is playing any game--

Another message pops up.

'Liked the vid?' I read.

'Listen to me, little angel. If you don't want this video to get viral... do as I told you. It was so foolish of you to think I would leave you after that' he sends me.

I clench my fist.

'What you're thinking about? Should I upload it on social media?' he sends another.

I can't let that happen...

'I'll do. Give me some time.' I press send.

'Good, my smart girl. And don't try to play something with me, the second I realize you're betraying, I'll press the post button. The paparazzis would like it' he warns, making me bite my lips between my teeth.

He needs some serious help.

I turn off my mobile and inhale a long breath. There's no way I can do anything when he has this sex tape saved in his account. I never thought this is what had been hiding behind that blameless face.

What to do now?

I scroll through my contacts.

"Hello?" I voice when he picks up my call in a flash.

"Hi Ara, what's up?" Neville speaks.

I sigh, I'll have to tell him. "Dustin. I got some messages from him"

"What? Why he's contacting you after all this time?"

I brief him on everything and could already feel him boiling in rage. "I don't know what to do now... we can't involve the police in it, not at least right now."

There's quietness from there.

"Neville?"

"I'll take care of it. Don't worry" he insists. What he would do in such a complicated situation?

"What-"
"Don't think, Ara" he cuts off. I groan, he can at least tell me what he's going to do.

"Just... don't tell Darla and Erin about it yet, okay?" I say.

"Yes."

I hung up the call. Just a few days ago they both got the good news, new happiness filling their life, and now this...

I sigh and walk outside.

Just to see a girl throwing herself on Luca. What the fuck? He suddenly watches me standing here and push the girl off him.

"Bella I-"
I walk casually and pass by him to the exit door.

"Fantino, get this slut out of my sight right now!" I hear him roar.

I don't realise when I started strolling fast to where I just came from. The room. Because what I just witnessed is making me restless, even when I don't want to feel this way.

I've frustration running in my veins for him. I can hear him following me. I stride inside the room.

"Bella, she was-"
"I don't think you owe me an explanation."

A pause lingers between us, as if even he's wondering why he found himself giving explanation.