Saint Or Sinner?

Fifty One.

The moment Dylan passed out, I shoved his limp body off me.

The door burst open, revealing a furious Luciano. I'm fucking dead, aren't I?

He yanked me into his chest, his grip on my waist possessive and unyielding.

"You were too close, Gem. You let him touch what's *mine*," he growled, his voice low and dangerous.

"How did you expect me to get the job done, Mister?" I snapped, glaring at him with defiance.

His hand clamped onto my elbow, his dark eyes blazing.

"Watch your attitude, *dolcezza*," he seethed, his voice a warning that sent a shiver down my spine.

Andrew and Sandro stormed in with two other men, hauling Dylan's unconscious body away.

"What's next?" I asked, my tone sharp.

"We've got men stationed at the port to seize the goods when they arrive," Luciano said, his eyes glinting with danger. "As for Lago, I know exactly how to handle him."

We left the hotel room and returned to his sprawling mansion.

Now gathered in his office, we sat in tense silence, each of us tossing out ideas as we strategized our next move.

"Luciano, is that really a good idea?" Lorenzo asked, his brow furrowed.

"Lago loves his sister too much to bear losing her. We kidnap her, and he'll break," Luciano replied, his voice cold and calculated.

I twisted my lips, weighing their plans. Both Luciano's and Lorenzo's ideas had merit, but Luciano's was riskier—darker.

"Both plans are solid, but Luciano's is dangerous," I interjected.

"Exactly, Don," Russo chimed in with a smirk. "We're sorry, but we still need Camila's acting skills. You'll just have to endure the torture of watching her with someone who isn't you—Lago Othello."

Luciano growled, his fury palpable, and I felt the heat of his gaze as Russo's taunt hung in the air.

After the meeting, I retreated to my room, but before I could settle, a knock interrupted.

"Come in," I called.

Ava peeked inside, her eyes hesitant. "Bestie..." she whispered.

I grabbed her wrist and pulled her into a tight hug.

She tensed at first but melted into it, hugging me back.

"Ava, I get why you kept it from me. With everything going on, we haven't had time to talk. I'm not mad," I said softly.

"But... you were mad at Don Luciano?" she whispered.

I sighed and gave a small nod.

"I know that, Ava. And while your betrayal should cut deep, somehow I understand. You were protecting yourself... and in some way, protecting me too. But Luciano..."

I paused, my throat tightening as unshed tears shimmered in my eyes.

"I don't know how to explain it, but his deception hurt more."

She gave me a soft, understanding smile and placed her hand gently over mine.

"Thank you," she said, voice low. "For forgiving me. And for being the best friend anyone could ask for. You have such a sweet soul."

I rolled my eyes at her cheesiness, but I couldn't deny the warmth blooming in my chest.

"Come here."

We wrapped each other in a tight hug.

When I finally pulled back, my mind began to drift—to something else.

"If you're here and Dylan's locked up, who's with Kira?" Worry crept into my voice.

Ava laughed. "You've gotta stop stressing about that child-adult. Kira's fine. She's staying at a friend's house."

"Why wouldn't I worry? You said she's an adult with a kid's brain. No one can handle her like we do," I said, panic rising.

"You're right, your sister can drive anyone insane, but I think this guy's got her under control. She's behaving—mostly," Ava teased, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

"What do you mean?" I pressed.

"If he wasn't younger than me, I'd be all over him," she teased. "Kira's crazy, but she's got good taste in men."

"What the fuck, Ava? You let her stay with a guy? What if that idiot gets her pregnant?" I snapped, my heart racing.

"Chill, Cammie. She's reckless but not that reckless. The guy lives with his parents and stays at his uncle and aunt's apartment near their school, so they're supervised. He doesn't seem like that type," she explained, trying to reassure me.

"You can't judge a book by its cover, Ava. Look at Dylan," I pointed out, my voice sharp.

"I know, I know." She hesitated, her expression turning serious.

"There's something else I need to tell you. It's why I let Kira stay with this guy."

"What?" I braced myself.

"Your sister... she had a crush on Dylan," Ava admitted.

"What?" My eyes widened, shock hitting me like a punch.

"That's not even all," she continued. "Dylan once mistook Kira for you, and hugged her from behind. She thought it meant something... until he called out your name."

I took a breath, anger rising in my heart.

"Then one day after school, he saw her with Axel—dropping her off. Dylan started questioning her, pretending to care, but it was clear he was only worried about how I'd see him. The next day, he apologized and told her... she could be your replacement if she gave him what I wouldn't."

Ava's voice grew quieter with each word, as if she knew how much it would hurt.

My heart shattered, rage boiling in my veins.

Dylan... who the are you?

"What's the guy's name? The person she's stating with."

"Axel Salvador. I think his dad's a well-known surgeon," Ava said.

I nodded, still uneasy but trusting Kira was somewhat safe.

Still, I'd dig into this Axel guy later. Right now, all I could think about was driving a blade through Dylan's heart for trying to manipulate my little sister's feelings.

Furious, I stormed out of the room, striding toward Luciano's office.