The Emptiness She Holds

Shes back

Chapter 8: She's Back

"Dinner is ready!" I heard my mom yell from downstairs.

Sighing, I stood tiredly from the bathtub and went to change after rubbing the paint off my body for the last hour.

I decided on a two-piece black pajama set with thin socks and styled my hair into twin braids, letting my bangs fall to frame my face.

I grabbed my phone and walked down the flights of stairs, deciding to take my time just to piss them off.

Five minutes later, I finally reached the bottom and walked over to the dining room, where all the males sat stressed out and my mom looked oblivious to their behavior.

"Finally! I thought I was gonna die of starvation," one of the boys said dramatically.

"Oh no, I should've waited a few hours—then maybe you would've really died," I said, rolling my eyes. I could feel all their glares drilling into me as I shrugged nonchalantly.

Someone cleared their throat to get everyone's attention. I looked up from my phone to see Mr. Armani staring at me.

"What?" I asked, irritated. My mother shot me a glare, which I deliberately ignored.

"School starts next week, and I expect you to keep up your grades and pass your classes. Your brothers will help you and show you around," Vincent said.

"Hell no, she can show herself around," Anthony muttered, gruesomely stabbing his food, probably imagining my face on it.

"Good. I wouldn't want anyone to know I live with you. It's truly an embarrassment," I sighed dramatically before taking a sip from my can of Coke.

That earned me glares from all the boys except Daniel, who just smiled sheepishly.

"As I was saying, after this week, my family will be coming to visit. We'll be going to my home country, Italy, for spring break," Vincent announced.

"She's coming!?" someone gasped.

"I'm not traveling anywhere with her."

"Ew, no."

"Thanks for the offer, Dad, but I'd rather not."

"You're fucking kidding me."

Voices erupted in chaos.

Damn, this lasagna is bussing. Mmm, a piece of heaven, truly.

"ENOUGH!" Vincent yelled, silencing the boys.

The only sound was my munching. Couldn't blame me—this was entertaining.

"Just so you know, I'm Italian, so it's also my motherland," I said, rolling my eyes and stuffing more lasagna into my mouth.

"What? Is your dead father buried there?" Zander, the youngest, mocked, making a sad face.

Swift as hell, I chucked the butter knife I'd been holding in my left hand right near his ear.

A little blood dripped from the cut as he visibly gulped.

"Next time, it'll be your eye," I said, venom dripping from my tone. My mother's eyes were wide as saucers — I knew my eyes had darkened; that was the only time she was afraid of me.

I stood up, placed my dish in the dishwasher, and muttered one last sentence before heading upstairs:

"Compliments to the chef."

I got ready for my night mission, knowing this would keep them off my back for the night.

I pulled on black cargo pants with straps for my knives, then a black long-sleeve top, and finally my combat boots.

I tied my hair into a ponytail and pulled my hood up.

"11:05," I mumbled. "Let's make it back before midnight."

I grabbed my gun, strapped it to my waist, and walked to the balcony.

Oh, fuck it.

I leapt, landing in a crouch, then sprinted toward the gates, dodging guards.

I jumped the fence and walked to the nearest gas station.

Guessing it was Wawa... where is i— I stopped mid-thought when I spotted a black SUV and smirked.

"Finally. Did you get lost or something?" Ryan rolled his eyes.

"Well, maybe you could've told me this place was an hour away!" I said, irritated, climbing out of the car.

"Whatever. You're welcome for the car, and they're waiting inside," he said, gesturing toward a building in the middle of nowhere.

We walked inside. It looked abandoned, like a zombie virus had broken out and sent everyone running.

Ryan beckoned me over to a sketchy elevator. I stepped in, uneasy.

"Might wanna hold on tight," Ryan smirked.

"Why the fu—" I started, but the elevator plunged at insane speed.

I dropped to my knees, grabbing Ryan's legs, pulling him down with me.

Ding.

The elevator stopped.

"You son of a bitch," I panted, ready to hurl.

"I said hold on! Not drag me down with you!" Ryan pouted, wobbling as he stood. He helped me up and we walked out.

I was in awe of what Ryan had developed over the years.

Science labs everywhere. Display windows held all kinds of weapons.

The tech and G network speed must cost millions — so many computers and cameras.

"Welcome to your headquarters, Vesper."

I grinned, looking around. People worked on all kinds of things: new tech, inventions, mapping territory, making catalogs of disguises, testing bulletproof chest plates.

"You've outdone yourself," I said, smiling at him.

He bowed like a fool. "Why thank you, Malady."

We walked through rooms: some playing trick games to improve brain skills, others training physically — brawling, boxing, wrestling, obstacle courses.

Ryan led me to a wide double-door room.

He opened them, and the chatter stopped.

All eyes landed on me.

My combat boots were the only sound breaking the silence.

I walked toward the head of the table, radiating power.

Once seated, I brought my legs up, crossing them on the table.

Around the rectangular table sat at least four girls and five guys.

Ryan stood watching me.

I let the silence hang before speaking.

"Hello... I'm... Vesper."

~°~