𝗨𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲

Chapter thirty

Isabella's POV:

The sharp crack of the glass bottle shattering under my bullet echoed through the empty field. Rowan nods approvingly, "That was good." His voice carries a note of respect, but I catch the faint surprise in his eyes. I've been training with him for a week now, and though my body aches from the constant practice, I'm proud of how far I've come. I can hit any target from almost any distance.

I turn to leave, my boots crunching on the gravel as I head towards the house. Rowan's been trying to apologize for days, ever since his careless comment about my body. He's apologized a zillion times, but it's not enough. My name wouldn't be Isabella if I didn't make him sweat a little.

"Lela, come on, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you," he pleads, jogging to catch up. I pause, considering his offer.

"Fine," I say, stopping in my tracks, "But under one condition."

"Anything." His relief is palpable, hope sparking in his eyes.

"You'll teach me self-defense." I cross my arms, waiting for his response. He stares at me, clearly caught off guard.

"Self-defense? Fine," he agrees, sighing heavily. A grin spreads across my face as we make our way back. He has no idea what he's signed up for.

Hours later, I'm in the kitchen, placing a batch of freshly glazed donuts on a plate. After the night Noah shared that devastating story with me, I wanted to do something to lift his spirits. I woke up alone this morning, knowing he was probably working out, trying to keep his demons at bay. My heart aches for him, but I push those feelings aside and focus on the task at hand.

I remove the cupcake tray from the oven, the sweet aroma filling the air. The cupcakes are for the guys, but the donuts are for Noah—a small token to show him I care. I set everything up and head to the living room, where I find Ava chatting animatedly with Mason and Liam. Rowan, Lucas, and Daniel are sprawled on the opposite couch, while Noah is perched on the armrest, engrossed in something on his phone.

"Guys, help yourselves," I say, setting the plate down on the table. Rowan reaches out, but I shoot him a sharp look. "Not you, Rowan. I haven't forgiven you yet," I add, my voice dripping with mock-seriousness. He slumps back, pouting like a child.

I take a seat beside Noah, leaning into his side. He wraps an arm around my waist, pulling me closer. The warmth of his touch sends a comforting shiver through me. Liam, ever the jokester, grins at us. "Aww, the lovebirds are at it again."

"Shut the fuck up, Liam," Noah growls, his voice carrying a dark edge. But I can't help the small smile tugging at my lips. Being in Noah's arms feels safe, like nothing bad can touch me.

Ava, always observant, asks, "What did Rowan do this time?" She glances at him with an amused smirk, already guessing the answer.

Rowan fidgets uncomfortably, his face turning a shade redder. "I might have said something... about her... um, you know, boobs."

The room goes silent. I raise an eyebrow, meeting Ava's gaze as she stifles a laugh. "Haters are going to hate, love," she says, throwing a playful glare at Rowan.

Rowan shrugs, trying to play it cool. "I was just being honest."

"Honest?" I scoff. "At least my boobs are bigger than your dick." The words fly out of my mouth before I can stop them. The room erupts in laughter, everyone's eyes on Rowan, who now looks like he wants to disappear into the couch. I bury my face in Noah's chest, mortified but also strangely proud of myself.

Daniel's voice cuts through the laughter, "She ate and left no crumbs!" More chuckles follow, and the tension eases back into lighthearted banter. I peek up at Noah, who's watching me with that intense gaze of his.

"You look beautiful," he murmurs, brushing a stray curl from my face. My heart flutters at the softness in his voice.

"Are you okay?" I ask quietly, sensing the weight he's carrying. He nods slightly, but I know better. I lace my fingers with his. "If you ever want to talk, I'm here. Or we can just cuddle, bake, whatever you need." His lips twitch into a small smile.

"What if I want something else?" His tone is teasing, but there's a serious edge beneath it.

"Anything you want," I reply, leaning in closer, our faces inches apart.

"What if I want to fuck you?" The words hit me like a freight train. My breath hitches, my cheeks burning under his gaze. For a moment, I'm speechless, but then I recover, leaning in just enough to brush my lips near his ear.

"Then you'll have to earn it," I whisper back, a smirk tugging at my lips. His eyes darken with amusement and something more, something dangerous.

"I can't believe you just played me," he chuckles, shaking his head. I nestle into his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart.

Noah's POV:

I stride into Kai's cell, the stench of fear clinging to the damp walls. Kai looks up with a sneer, his laughter grating against my nerves. "Noah, I'm ready for whatever you've got. But you know I'm getting out of here soon, right?"

I don't bother responding. He's already dead; he just doesn't know it yet. Without a word, I pull out my gun and empty the clip into him. Thirty-three bullets, one for each of his sins. The air is thick with the scent of gunpowder and blood by the time I'm done.

I turn to the guard standing outside the door. "Burn the body. Make sure there's nothing left." The guard nods, and I walk out, not sparing a second glance at the carnage behind me.

On my way back to the mansion, I stop to grab a bag of chips. Rose loves them, and after everything, she deserves something that makes her smile. When I arrive, a guard hands me an envelope. Inside is a photo of Rose in the kitchen, baking—innocent, unaware.

The message scrawled on the back makes my blood run cold.

È fantastica, goditela perché non la lascerò a te troppo a lungo. VD

(She looks amazing; enjoy her because I won't leave her to you for too long.)

The Violet Devils. Those American bastards. I thought I wiped them out, but it looks like I missed one. War is coming, and Rose is in the crossfire.

I rush inside, needing to see her, to make sure she's safe. Ava tells me she's in the library, and I find her there, fast asleep on the couch, a book covering her face. I gently remove the book and tuck a stray curl behind her ear. She's too pure for this world, too good for someone like me. 

I can't do this; this woman shouldn't get involved in this; war is soon to start; I can't risk her life; I wasn't supposed to fall for her in the first place; I need her to stay away from me; she should return to New York.