Love & Affinities (18+)

55

SOFIA MARCELLO

It's been an hour since we've reached the safe house. Adriano is busy checking up on the status back at the wedding, creating a new plan while I'm here fiddling with the ring around my finger. It's too big on my dainty fingers, not really my type.

But I wear it for now so I at least have something to do. I'm just thankful that nothing happened to him. The telephone in my room starts ringing, snapping me out of my thoughts.

"Yes?" I ask into the telephone.

"Sir, asked you to come down for some food, madam."

"Okay, I'll be there." I hang up. I go to change into a new set of clothes when it starts ringing again.

"Did you forget something?" I sigh and rub my forehead.

"Hello, Sofia." My eyes shoot open and a breath catches in my throat at the voice. How did he get the number to the telephone? Is there a spy? I need to act smart but it is quite difficult in the midst of the calm right before the chaos that awaits us.

"What do you want?" I ask trying to keep calm.

"I see that you did not follow my instructions." How did he get to know so quickly?

"I don't get what you're implying." I try playing dumb but he's no fool.

"For fuck's sake, stop playing dumb. You told him about the attack." He chuckles while my heart beats against my ribcage.

"I didn't until it broke out." The one thing I can do as of now is to delay this conversation enough to get something out of him.

"But you did tell his fucking brother about it. And that's what's going to make you pay now. There's something at your door. Lure him out to that place by 7 tonight or trust me, I'll do worse than you can ever think of." What the fuck? My eyebrows tense.

"What do you- Hello? Hello!" Fuck, he cut the call. I pull open my door to see an envelope. Picking it up, I tear it open to find a photograph. A gasp leaves my mouth when I see Alex with my mother.

What's even more surprising is the fact that it's anything but threatening. They seem happy in it. I flip to the back to see a few writings. It's dated around the same time we thought that Alex was dead. And a small message was there. Tick Tock, Bella.

My heart rate picks up as I see the place written on the back. Dawson's manor. It's the same place he first met me at. The place where everything began. Why can't he just leave me alone? How am I even supposed to convince Ad to go there with me. It would be too obvious.

Although I hate my mother when it comes to realize how she could have stopped everything, I can't let her fend for herself. I can't stoop that low. But I can't let anything happen to him. He's my everything.

The door opens, startling me. I compose myself before he can notice any difference. I don't have enough time. I can't even tell him or call anyone. Who knows if this place is bugged?

"Tell me each and everything you knew about his plans and why you did whatever you did. But before that, finish your food. We need to move." Alex can't be finding out anymore information.

"Um, do you think we could sit outside?" He seems hesitant. "Please." He hesitates but nods reluctantly.

He carries both the plates to the field with men surrounding each and every corner. I grabbed my phone on the way and I'm planning to use it to my potential. We sit on the ground and I take a bite, chewing hurriedly.

"When you're done chewing, start." I gulp down my food and start off with everything from the moment I ran off to the elevator. How Alex threatened me. He grinds his teeth and clenches onto the fork, barely eating anything.