Ziya

T W E L V E

JAE

Smoke billowed from my lips as I exhaled the smoke from my cigarette. Ziya was a Romano. I did not expect that.

Movement from behind me alerted me of their presence before they sat next to me

"You better not be thinking about my sister you little shit," Lorenzo growled out as he settled into his seat, cigarette in hand.  

"I wasn't raised to lie. So I won't say anything instead." I murmured in response.

Another chair being pulled out caught my attention and I realised I was surrounded by the elder Romano boys.

"Marco, Callan. To what do I owe the pleasure?" I turned to speak to them both. I respected them immensely because of how long I've known them. They were like my brothers.

"We're here to make sure Lorenzo doesn't kill you. But we are also curious as to your friendly nature with our sister. Care to explain?" Marco responded.

"Great observation. I'll make sure no harm comes to her, don't worry. She's safe." I said, staring up at the sky.

"That's not what we asked and you know it you little shit. Do you like our sister?" Lorenzo huffed out, clearly annoyed I wasn't responding like he wanted.

Silence stretched as I considered the question. "Her aura just pulls me in. I can't explain it. I've known you guys for so long that I can't lie to you but I want you to know that I will not back down. I like her. A lot. I was serious when I talked about her safety. I will never jeopardise that. You have my word on that. When she's with me, she'll be safe. I would give my life for her." I breathed my feelings out in front of them. Maybe this will get them to see me in a more serious light.

The silence hung in the air once again. I looked at their faces as they contemplated what I said. I know I'm a piece shit most of the time, but I'm serious with this and would never joke about her safety. She meant too much.

"Okay. I trust you. But you fuck that up, you make a single tear leak from her eyes or cause her any pain, I will kill you with no hesitation." Marco spoke with such seriousness in his tone. 

"You hurt her at all, you're dead meat boy." Lorenzo threatened before all three stood to leave me. Callan squeezed my shoulder and nodded, an unspoken conversation happening between us. Don't make us regret this his eyes spoke. I'm pretty sure mine represented a scared deer.

Now I just have to see Ziya and tell her how I feel, without scaring the shit out of her.

~"~

I steadied my breath before I raised my fist to knock on the door. Shit, my heart was pounding in my chest. I'm so fucking nervous. Before I even get the chance to knock, someone walking in the room catches my attention. The soft pattering of feet and the little squeak clued me in on who it was. I gently knocked on the door waiting for her to open up.

There was a little rush towards the door then it cracked open ever so slowly. Ziya peeked through the small slit of the door and I sent her a small smile to show who it was. She let out a breath and then opened the door for me to see her properly. She looked so adorable in her clothes. It looked like she had taken the clothes from one of her brothers because they literally dwarfed her small frame. 

"Hi, sunshine. I needed to talk to you, is it okay if I come in?" I softly spoke. I never spoke softly for anyone, but for her, I'd do anything.

"Of course, Jae. Is something wrong? Are you okay?" Her pretty face flickered with worry, and I wanted to ease all of her worries and take them as mine. She opened her door wider and made her way to the small seating area by her balcony.

" How are you doing sunshine? I know it's a lot to take in but I wanted to check you were okay with everything?" I spoke once I settled myself next to Ziya. The sofa was comfortable and conveniently small which made it easier for me to be as close as possible to Ziya. 

She fiddled with her small fingers and avoided my gaze by staring straight in front of her, thinking about the events. "A little overwhelming and very shocked to say the least. I didn't have much hope for a family so I'm very surprised by the turn of events." She softly said as she scrunched her nose in confusion. She looks so adorable. 

My hand was resting on my thigh, very close to where she was fiddling with her fingers. She unconsciously began playing with my fingers as she began to retrace the evening. As she continued to talk, the topics changed to what she likes and dislikes and how working at the diner has been for her. I could listen to her talk for hours. 

"You're really pretty." I blurted out once we were sat in silence for a few minutes. Clenching my eyes shut, I cursed myself for being so stupidly direct. I peeked out of the corner of my eye and saw the angel blushing a bright red. So fucking pretty.

"What?" she squeaked out. 

"I didn't mean to blurt it out and scare you! I'm sorry! I was just sitting here thinking about how fucking pretty you are and how you always smell like fucking strawberries and then I couldn't contain my stupid fucking mouth. But you are really fucking pretty and you make me smile a fuck ton. And I get this weird feeling in my stomach like something is flying around in there when you smile and you make me fucking giddy..." I trailed off when I noticed the shy smile on her face as she turned to watch me talk.

"Jae, are you saying you like me? Like you have a crush on me?" Ziya asked with this adorable fucking smile on her beautiful face.

"I think it's more than a fucking crush sunshine. I would like to take you out, if you want?" I asked as I fiddled with her fingers. 

"You swear a lot. Like a lot Jae. And yes, I would like to go out with you sometime." She smiled as she laced her fingers through mine.

Pure fucking joy is what I feel right now. Grabbing her hand, I left a small kiss on the back of it then turned her wrist over and left another one on the inside of her wrist. 

Fuck yeah. Guess who has a date.

This motherfucker.

Hey guys!! 

I know, I know. It's been a minute but I swear I'm trying to open up more time in my schedule to write and finish the story for you. 

This was meant to be a short story but thinking of the plot line and what I want to add, I may have to extend it so who knows.

Anyways, happy reading you cutie patooties <3