In the shadowy corridors of the Italian underworld, Hailey Torres is not your typical princess. Far from the glitzy fairy tales, she's the youngest member of a notorious mafia family, surrounded by nine protective brothers. Her parents' divorce left...
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A week had passed since our memorable diner rendezvous. In that short span of time, Tobias had seamlessly integrated into our lives, becoming an integral part of our circle. Surprisingly, we had forged a strong friendship in such a brief period.
As I lay in bed with Oreo, my faithful canine companion, thoughts of the upcoming college journey flooded my mind. Tomorrow marked the beginning of this new chapter, and the weight of it hit me suddenly. Jumping up with a start, Oreo startled and scurried away, seeking refuge under my pillow. Chuckling at his antics, I couldn't help but wonder how college had crept up on me so quickly. Time seemed to have flown by, leaving me both excited and apprehensive for the adventure ahead.
The door creaked open, and in walked Luke and Sam, their familiar presence bringing a sense of comfort to the room. They made themselves at home, settling onto my bed without hesitation.
"H, you should probably change out of those pajamas," Luke remarked with a playful grin.
I chuckled and obliged, slipping out of bed to rummage through my wardrobe. As I turned back, I caught sight of Oreo emerging from his hiding spot under my pillow. With slow, deliberate steps, he made his way over to Sam, who scooped up the little ferret with gentle hands.
I couldn't help but smile at the scene unfolding before me—a cute bromance, as I liked to call it. My beloved brother and my mischievous ferret, two beings so different yet bound by an inexplicable bond.
As I dressed for the day ahead, my mind couldn't help but wander to tomorrow—the day I would finally taste a semblance of freedom, albeit in the form of college. It wasn't complete liberation, but it was a step forward, a beacon of hope in an otherwise mundane existence. Swiftly, I transformed into my chosen attire, opting for a cute yet comfortable ensemble featuring loose-fitting pants. Ready to face whatever the day had in store.
Stepping out of my wardrobe, I bounded across the room and flopped onto the bed beside Luke. His eyes met mine, and a smile spread across my face. Those eyes... Luke was blessed with them, resembling mine but carrying a hint more of Dad's influence. I recalled Dad's words, how he used to tell Luke that he had his eyes, while mine were a blend of Mom's and his. And then there was Sam, inheriting Grandpa's eyes. It was a curious dance of genetics, each of us carrying a piece of our family's legacy in our gaze.
"H, what are you looking at?" Luke's voice interrupted my thoughts. I giggled mischievously. "Just admiring your ugly eyes and thinking about how pretty mine are." With that, I leaped up from the bed and dashed towards the door, not bothering to glance back. Behind me, I heard the familiar rustling of Oreo, our skittish pet, likely spooked once again and darting off. Meanwhile, Sam sat there, his expression a mix of confusion and amusement.
Just as I reached for the door handle, I felt two strong arms wrap around my petite frame, pulling me back with a playful force."Luke, stop!" I shrieked through laughter, squirming in his grasp.
