WHISPERS IN THE DARK

Chapter Four

*BEEP* *BEEP* *BEEP*

I groan as my alarm blares. It feels like I just fell asleep, only to be jolted awake. After lying in bed for about ten minutes, staring at the ceiling, I finally decide to start my day.

I head to the bathroom to freshen up, then return to my room to throw on leggings and a hoodie. Making my way downstairs, I’m greeted by the enticing aroma of freshly baked bread and bacon. Naomi and Steph are already at the table with my parents.

“Good morning, darling,” my mother sings cheerfully as I grab a warm slice of toast and an apple. “Morning,” I reply with a smile, sliding into a breakfast chair.

Naomi clears her throat and turns to me. “Mother reminded Steph and me that we’re going dress shopping this afternoon for the charity gala next month.”

I roll my eyes and ask what time we’re leaving. Just as my mother starts to answer, Luca storms in, striding past us with purpose.

“Callie, a word,” he grunts, heading toward the back door. He stops just outside and peeks his head back in. “Now, Callie!” he growls, clearly agitated.

“Oh, you’re in trouble,” Steph and Naomi chime in unison. I slam my hand on the table and follow him out into the garden, ready to confront him.

“Who do you think you are, speaking to me like that in my own house?” I yell as I trail him further into the garden. Luca scoffs and turns to face me.

“Why was Maliki sneaking out of your room at 5 a.m. this morning?” he demands.

I stare at him blankly before laughing. “That’s none of your concern, Luca. What’s your problem?”

“The audacity,” I think to myself, feeling incredulous.

Luca shakes his head. “You met the guy less than twenty-four hours ago. Is it appropriate for him to be sneaking out of your room at five a.m.?” He continues, “This isn’t like you, Callie. You don’t sleep with random men, you don’t even let men touch you.”

Shocked and speechless, I watch as Ryan, Cole, and Maliki approach us.

“Is breakfast being served yet?” Cole grumbles, rubbing his stomach.

“Yeah, it’s all laid out in the kitchen. Go ahead. And Ryan, Naomi’s in there too,” I say, managing a smile before turning back to Luca to continue glaring at him.

Ryan taps Cole on the shoulder and races towards the back patio doors. “Race you!” he shouts, laughing. Cole quickly follows him.

“So, what random men are you sleeping with, Callie?” Maliki smirks, glancing between Luca and me. Luca grunts and storms off.

“I’ve got stuff to do; we’ll talk about this later, Callie!” he yells as he disappears around the side of the house.

I shake my head and turn to see Maliki grinning. “Hi,” I say, smiling before heading back towards the house. Maliki catches up with me. “Wait up. Do you have any plans tonight?”

Before I can answer, Naomi bursts out of the back patio doors, screaming. Maliki and I exchange confused glances before laughing as Ryan runs after her, covered in flour and raw eggs.

“Get your sexy little ass back here, it’s your turn!” he yells, cracking an egg over Naomi’s head. They both giggle as they come back towards us.

We all head back inside, and I pour myself a coffee before sitting down. “Miss Callie, I’ve put out some fresh toast for you. Yours looked a bit soggy,” the housekeeper says with a smile, before cleaning up the mess on the floor.