Aligned

Chapter 3: Estrella

"Enough of these games. Who the hell are you, and how do you have personal information about me?" I demanded, my voice laced with a threat.

"Calm down, darling. We're only here to talk and deliver a message on behalf of Mr. Moretti," replied the blue-eyed man.

"Don't call me that. Who exactly is Mr. Moretti? I don't know anyone with that last na—" I cut myself off, recalling Astrid's earlier explanation.

"Look, you took his death hard, and I knew you cared for him, so I looked into any family he might have had. I found some hits under the lastname 'Moretti,' and I didn't want to tell you because of how hurt you were."

I retrieved my gun and disarmed my house, then cautiously opened the door, finding the man leaning against the door frame, looking down at me with a slight smirk. I held my gun up, pointed at him, and said, "Start talking, pretty boy."

Sitting down at my kitchen table surrounded by these men, Astrid finally entered and immediately seemed captivated by the blue-eyed blond boy. I couldn't blame her, but her schoolgirl-like reactions were making it hard to concentrate.

"What is it?" I asked, my tone stern.

The man introduced himself as Leo. "I'm one of Mr. Moretti's bodyguards and one of his closest friends."

"Thank you for the introduction, Leo. Now, can you please explain what the fuck is going on?

"Estrella, I need to tell you something, but I'd rather explain it to you in person. You'll need to pack a bag for an extended stay because this is not just a reunion; it's also a mission," Leo said in a calm tone.

Astrid and I exchanged confused glances. "Let me get this straight," I began. "You come to my house, surround me, follow me, tell me that someone from my past is alive, despite witnessing their death, and instruct me to pack for an undisclosed mission?"

Leo simply responded with a simple "Yes."
________________________________

Later, in my room, Astrid inquired, "How can you be sure you can trust him?" as she helped me pack.

"I don't know," I admitted, "but I need to find out if he's really alive. How else would he have that recording. Why go through all the trouble just to show me that message?"

Astrid regarded me with soft eyes, expressing her understanding. "I get it, but your safety is my priority."

I held her hand, looking into her eyes, and said, "I know, but I want you with me."

Astrid looked puzzled when I pulled her out of my bedroom and toward Leo. She asked, "What are you doing?"

I confronted Leo, staring into his eyes, and stated, "I won't go unless she comes with me. She's vital to my missions. She can hack into anything within seconds, not to mention she's my best friend."

Leo didn't hesitate and cut me off, saying, "She can come. I don't think the Boss would ever say no to you, anyway."

I glanced at Astrid with wide eyes, and she mirrored my astonishment.

"Enough chit chat let's go, pack all your things; we have a flight to catch," Leo said.

Astrid joined in with a question, "Where are we going?"

"Italy," Leo answered.

________________________________

As the plane journey continued, I couldn't help but feel nervous, though I did my best to conceal it. Astrid was fast asleep beside me with her head resting on my shoulder. I made sure to cover her up and then turned my attention to Leo, who was watching her with soft eyes. Once our eyes met, his expression shifted from soft to serious. Smirking at him, I playfully rolled my eyes.