If We Were Villains

27

Angelo talked to Tabitha, drinking his milkshake, though he glanced at me every few minutes. I stared at my hands, wondering how much trouble I'd be in for leaving the property unannounced.

"I think we should get going now, Alina," Angelo said, before smiling at Tabitha. "It was great to meet you, Tabitha. Do you need a ride home?"

"No, it's just a short walk. Thanks though."

"You are welcome to visit anytime. Alina, I'll be outside, don't be long." He reached into his jacket pocket, put down a twenty dollar bill and left the small cafe.

I waited to hear left until I glanced at Tabitha. I shot her an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry ... I kinda snuck out of the house to meet you."

"Alina," she said, face palming. "Your brother probably thinks I'm a bad influence."

"He invited you to his house. I don't think he'd do that if he thought that." I stood, pulling on my sweater and smiled. "Thank you for coming. I'll see you at school tomorrow?"

"Of course. We'll talk more then."

I waved and left the cafe, walking to my brother and Christian standing outside his SUV. Angelo leaned against the door, his arms crossed against his leather jacket. He and Christian were deep in conversation when they noticed me, quieting. Angelo opened the door and I slid into the seat, surprised when he motioned for me to move over as he got in beside me.

"Alina, you are not in trouble." I glanced over at my brother, surprised. He chuckled. "God knows that we've done the same ... but don't let it happen again, okay?"

"It won't happen again."

"I don't want to be that overprotective, overbearing brother but I would appreciate if you told someone, me or Killian or Soren, when you leave the property."

"Because someone might kidnap me again?"

He nodded. "I can't take the chance. It's hard for me to even let you go to school," he said with a deep sigh and smiled. "Tabitha seems like a good friend."

I nodded. "She's great. Angelo?"

"Yes, bambina?"

"I'll tell you next time I want to leave the house. I'm sorry."

"Don't worry about it. You should get some rest. Goodnight, bambina." I gave him a quick hug before heading upstairs to my room.

I struggled to sleep that night. I tossed and turned and had nightmares when I did manage to get a few hours sleep. The fourth time I woke, I checked my phone, groaning when I took note of the time.

3:15 a.m.

I threw back the covers and stood, almost falling face-first because of the pile of books next to the bed. I stepped around them, switching on the lamp on my nightstand.

Light infiltrated the room. I trudged out of my room and into the dimly lit hallway, tiptoeing past my brother's room and down the stairs, entering the kitchen.

The light was already on, making me pause when I noticed Soren leaning over, rooting through the fridge. I snuck up behind him and pinched his side.

"Fuck," He yelped, smacking his head, dropping the strawberries onto the floor. He glared at me and I let the laughter bubble from my lips, unable to contain it at the look on his face. "Alina, what the hell."

"Your face," I said, snorting.

"This isn't funny," he snapped, bending to pick up the strawberries. "You could have given me a heart attack, I thought you were an intruder. Jesus, you sneaky brat, we really should get you a bell to wear around the house."