Deadly Alliances

Chapter 11: Stay With Me

**TRIGGER WARNING - MENTION OF RAPE, DRUGS, AND MURDER**

A/N -  This chapter is very sad and upsetting. It will all make sense in the end. There will be the little stars where the trigger warning starts for those of who are sensitive to these topics. You may just want to get some tissues now.

Song: Stay With Me - Sam Smith

Juliette's POV

I'm stressed.

And confused.

And anxious.

How do I know what to wear to a stupid dinner party? What is a mafia wife supposed to wear?

I finally settled on a simple, black dress that hit my ankles and some heels. I let my hair fall in its natural curls. I put on a bold red lip because that felt like something a mafia boss's wife would do.

I felt a small amount of relief when I realized that Vera, my brothers, and Aria would be there.

Flynn and I arrived at his Uncle Rory's house. Uncle Rory, who'd made me feel uncomfortable at our wedding. I didn't say anything, though, and let Flynn enjoy seeing his uncle.

The house was nice and beautifully decorated. Rory greeted us with open arms, making my hug last a little too long.

Flynn pulled me aside and said, "We might get separated tonight because of all of the people. Are you gonna be okay?"

I nodded. "I'll just find Aria."
Eventually, we did get separated so I went and found Aria and my brother, Valentin.

Valentin had his hands protectively on Aria's back, which is typical. Valentin had always been protective over his wife.

Aria squealed when she saw me. I smiled brightly and hugged her.

"Look at you!" She wiped her imaginary tears. "My baby's all grown up!"

I laughed at her antics. "Thank you. I looked in my closet and said 'what would Aria do?' But it's clear that I need your closet. Where did you get that dress?" I spun her around, showing said dress off.

Aria blushed. "It's Chanel. A little early Christmas present from the husband."

"Walk him like a dog, sis. Speaking of Christmas, what do you want?" I asked, trying to get some information early.

"Honestly? I don't even want anything. I just want to spend time with my family," she said modestly. "What do you want?"

"Okay, hear me out." I pointed my champagne glass at her, smiling. "I've been seeing so many videos of cute bunnies ..."

"No!" Aria laughed. "I see where this is going!"
"I want a bunny!" I giggled.

"Flynn is not going to get you a bunny!" Aria cackled loudly.

I frowned and narrowed my eyes playfully. "He'll get what I tell him to get. He can't stop me from fulfilling my childhood dreams of getting a bunny!"

A server came out and announced that dinner was ready. Aria and I started walking towards the table, but I was intercepted by Rory. Aria said she'd meet me back at the table, but I honestly wished she had stayed.

**(TRIGGER WARNING STARTS HERE)**

Rory handed me a drink. "Pretty little lady, where's your husband?"

"Probably at the table, where I should be," I snapped lightly. I tried to walk away, but he grabbed my arm and spun me back around.

My eyes flared and anger surged through me.