𝐁𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐅𝐔𝐋 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐎𝐒

Bonus Chapter 0.3

ADELINE
MEADOWS

Valentina shook her head, her eyes filled with a mix of disappointment and worry. "What if you get caught? You're messing with fire, Addie. We're eighteen years old. We've never stepped out of the mansion without guards."

"He's not that bad," I defended, trying to stay calm. "I think he's a good person."

Valentina's eyes widened. "He crushed his father's throat, Addie. He's a criminal, a notorious monster. Everyone knows him, and you want to see him? Just because he saved you at that party doesn't mean you should go thank him."

I sighed, the weight of her words pressing on me. "I know, but... the necklace Grandma Bridget left me with him—it means a lot to me. You know how much she meant to me. And by the way, you keep talking about me, but you have a crush on someone too—your brother's best friend. So don't start with me."

Valentina's face softened, and a small smile tugged at her lips when I mentioned her crush. Not just a crush—she wrote poems about him. She knew how much my grandma meant to me, and she wasn't going to argue this one. "Agreed, but Christian and I are far from each other. Take Valentino with you. That man is dangerous. If Uncle Grayson finds out you're visiting someone like that, he's going to get mad."

I understood where she was coming from. I was supposed to be the "good girl," not keeping secrets from my family. "Where is Bridget?" I asked, changing the subject.

"She and Damien went out. Ever since they confessed their love to each other, they've been traveling non-stop."

I smiled, relieved by the distraction. "Hello, pretty ladies," Valentino's voice broke through the tension as he walked into my room, jumping onto the bed beside us. "You're my twin, right?" Valentina teased, placing her hand on his bicep.

Valentino furrowed his brows, reaching into his pocket. "Mhm, what do you need? If it's money, I've got you covered."

Valentina rolled her eyes. "Damien and Dad give me an allowance, I don't need your money too. Can you sneak Addie out somewhere tonight?" Valentino's smirk appeared, and he turned to me. I knew exactly what he was going to say.

"Of course, do you want to sneak out with me? We're going to have so much fun. I'll even help you take those clothes off." His voice dropped to a teasing tone, and I couldn't help but roll my eyes.

Valentina hesitated before blurting out the truth. "No, she wants to go to Mariano's club."

I could see the shock in Valentino's eyes. He stared at me for a long moment, his expression shifting from disbelief to anger. "Hell no," he scowled, shaking his head. "Absolutely not."

"It's because of the necklace, Valentino. The special one Grandma Bridget left me."

Valentino shrugged, unamused. "I'd rather buy you a new necklace than let you anywhere near that guy."

"Please, Valentino." I moved closer, holding his hand, pleading with him. "I promise I'll stay close to you. Nothing will happen. Just ten minutes. Aren't you supposed to be the troublemaker of the house? You can sneak me out—just one night."

"Just because I'm the bad kid doesn't mean I'm going to turn you into one. You're a good girl, Addie, and if Uncle Grayson finds out I snuck you out, he'll kill me."

"Good girl." The words stung. Why did everyone keep saying that? When I sent Valentino a pleading look, he finally relented, nodding.

"I'm going to finish writing my poem," Valentina said, kissing my cheek. "I love you both. Show me your ballet moves when you get back. Wake me up?"