Book Two
Valerius Armani would do anything for his daughter. He'd even sacrifice his own life for hers.
But every sacrifice come with a price and Eleonora Armani had to pay for it.
Ten years have passed since Eleonora Armani watched her father get...
School really isn't as bad as everyone makes it out to be. Sure, most kids smell and the water fountains have been growing black mold but really, if you mind your business, it's not bad.
That's what I've spent the past four years of my life doing in school. Keeping to myself, doing my work, asking for help when I need it. I haven't really made friends because they're not worth keeping when I'll be leaving soon anyways. When I find papà, I'm leaving everything but Devin and Naomi behind.
"Yeah and when that Anthony kid fell flat on his face, I couldn't help but laugh!" Devin is telling us at lunch.
"You're evil." I tell him.
"Don't think I didn't catch you laughing too." He points a look at me. When we catch each other's gazes, we burst into laughter.
"You guys are so dumb." Naomi chides, eyes rolling. "But did you hear we got a new kid?"
"No. In our grade?" Devin asks.
"Yeah."
"What's their name?" My curiosity gets the best of me.
Naomi shrugs.
"Way to be helpful." Devin rolls his eyes sarcastically.
Just then, as if it were an early two-thousands rom-com, the cafeteria doors bust open and in walks a kid our age, wearing a black leather jacket. So on trope.
He's hot, I'll give him that. Brown hair, bright yet darkening eyes. And maybe I stare for too long because his eyes catch mine. He must have felt me looking.
"Ou la la." Devin chirp. "New hottie."
I break my gaze away and hit him playfully. "You say that about everyone."
"Can't help it." Devin shrugs. "I'm desperate."
Both Naomi and I let out a huff of a laugh.
Lunch goes on and only two minutes later, I feel a presence beside me and Devin and Naomi go still.
"Is this seat taken?"
I contemplate throwing my leg up and saying yes but I don't. Instead I turn to look behind me.
And there is Mr. New hottie. According to Devin.
My mind thinks for a moment or two. Then I decide. "Go ahead." I side over a little and he takes the seat, setting his cafeteria food down.
"I hope you don't mind." He almost mumbles.
"Oh not at all." Devin winks.
The guy seems to shift awkwardly and I pursue my lips. I'll give this guy one day and he'll never be back to sit with us.
"I didn't realize how large American High Schools were." My head turns.
"American High School?" He looks to me and suddenly processes my words. "You sound pretty American to me." His accent is all American.
"I just meant.. I was homeschooled before." He smiles sheepishly and rubs the back of his neck. "I'm not very good with being around people."
"Well, seems you and Ells here will have a lot in common." Naomi nods to me and I roll my eyes. "She's a bit of a loner." She whispers as a joke and I roll my eyes.
"Stop being annoying." I say playfully.
"Anyways..," Devin butts in. "My name is Devin, that's Naomi and that is Elle Bell." He smiles.
"I'm Rowan." The boy greets back. His voice is subtle, much more than his appearance. He turns to me. "Elle Bell?"
I bite the inside of my cheek. "It's Eleonora."
"Eleonora." He smiles softly. It pricks the hairs on my skin. "Pretty name."
"Thank you."
My eyes meet Devin's. You're blushing! He mouths and my eyes go wide. I shake my head no repeatedly.
• • •
To my surprise, when we get to lunch again the next day, Rowan sits with us again.
I thought for sure when Devin asked if he was up for "testing out the waters", he wouldn't show again. Aka, Devin basically asking Rowan if he would be interested in having a relationship with a guy. It left red burnt into Rowan's cheeks for the rest of the day.
"Hey, you're still here." Devin comments when Rowan takes a seat next to me.
"I am." He nods.
"Surprisingly." Naomi mutters, pulling the crust off her pizza. "Hey, I heard that Chloe has a little crushie." She winks at Rowan and I huff a laugh.
"..Crushie?" Rowan questions slowly.
"Dude. Chloe. The little blonde over there." Naomi points, not so subtly. "She likes you." Rowan continues to frown. "Y'know, she's got eyes for you or what not."
Rowan holds a gaze over to the blonde cheerleader. "I don't intend to do anything about that." He shrugs like the prettiest girl in school doesn't have the biggest crush on him.
"Why not? I'm gay and even I know she's hot." Devin chuckles.
"Not my type."
"Yeah and what is your type." I ask almost jokingly.
A part of me might be curious though. Maybe too curious. I bite the inside of my cheek.
"Brunettes." He says flatly. "I've always had a thing for blue eyes too."
My heart seems to beat louder than before. It almost feels like I'm not real. How do I even respond to that? No words can explain the pounding of my chest so easily.
So, I settle for silence.
The devil really must have sent someone to spy on me because there is no way this man is real.
He's just too perfect.
• • •
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