The Debt of Love {The Fractured Hearts Series Book 1}

‡ Fourteen ‡

Hazel's Pov

I lay in bed, my heart still heavy from our earlier argument. I heard Alessio's knock on the door, but I ignored it. I didn't want to face him, didn't want to hear his apologies or excuses. I just wanted to be left alone.

But Alessio didn't give up. He kept knocking, kept pleading with me to open the door. "Hazel, please open up. We need to talk," he said, his voice soft and gentle. But I didn't budge.

He knocked again, his voice a bit louder this time. "Hazel, I know you're in there. Please, just talk to me." I felt a pang of guilt, but I pushed it aside. I wasn't ready to forgive him yet.

But Alessio didn't give up. He kept knocking, kept pleading with me to open the door. Finally, I threw off the covers and got out of bed, padding over to the door. I unlocked it and pulled it open, standing in the doorway with my arms crossed.

Alessio looked relieved, but also worried. His eyes scanned my face, taking in the tears and the hurt. "Hey, I'm sorry about earlier. I know I messed up," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

I shrugged, not wanting to hear it. But then he dropped a bombshell. "We're going to Italy tomorrow."

My heart skipped a beat. Italy? How was that even possible? I'd always wanted to go, but never thought I'd have the chance. And besides, I didn't have a passport.

But Alessio just smiled. "Antonio sorted everything out. Your passport, the flights, the accommodations. We're all set."

I felt a flutter in my chest at the mention of Antonio's name. Alessio's younger cousin or older cousin? I certainly don't know but Antonio has been more than a friend to me, he has been more of a brother than a friend to me and he made me feel like I belong here somehow even if I don't feel like it sometimes.

But I pushed those thoughts aside. "How did Antonio even...?" I started to ask, but Alessio just shook his head.

"Don't worry about it. Let's just say he has his ways. We leave tomorrow, okay?"

I nodded, still feeling dazed. Italy, with Alessio,Antonio,Lionel and some other family members who I haven't met and for goodness sakes, I gonna meet his parent!...this was going to be interesting and draining. Also terrifying as hell

As I stood there, Alessio's eyes locked on mine, and for a moment, I felt like he could see right through me. Like he knew all my secrets, all my fears.

That's if I even have secrets.

But then he smiled, and the moment was broken. "We'd be leaving by 8am sharp. So make sure your luggages should have been packed and you would be ready," he said, turning to leave.

I watched him go, feeling a mix of emotions. Excitement for the trip, but also trepidation. What would happen in Italy? And what did Antonio have planned? How are his parents like?

~

Allesio's Pov

I led Hazel through the winding streets of Tuscany, my heart racing with excitement and nerves. We finally arrived at my family's estate, a sprawling villa that had been in our family for generations. I could feel Hazel's eyes on me, taking in the grandeur of the place.

As we stepped inside, my brothers Antonio and Lionel greeted us warmly. "Welcome, Hazel!" they chimed in unison, their smiles genuine. Antonio, ever the charming one, took Hazel's hand and kissed it gallantly, while Lionel, the quiet one, nodded in greeting.

But I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease. My father, Navas, was nowhere to be seen, but I knew he was watching us from the shadows. And I knew that he wouldn't hesitate to reveal the truth about Hazel's parents' death if it suited him.

I took Hazel's hand, leading her deeper into the house. "Let's get you settled in," I said, trying to sound calm. But my mind was racing. What if Navas said something? What if Hazel found out the truth? I couldn't bear the thought of losing her, not now that I'd realized my feelings for her went far beyond mere protection.

As we reached the guest room, Hazel turned to me with a smile. "This is beautiful, Alessio. Thank you for bringing me here."

I smiled back, feeling my heart swell with emotion. "You're welcome, Hazel. I'm just glad you're here with me."

But as I looked into her eyes, I knew that I had to keep the truth from her, no matter what. I couldn't risk losing her trust, not now that I'd finally found a way to redeem myself.

I helped Hazel unpack, my hands brushing against hers as we put away her clothes. I felt a spark of electricity at the touch, and I knew that I was in trouble. I was falling for her, hard.

As we finished up, I heard a noise behind me. I turned to see my father standing in the doorway, a sly smile spreading across his face.

"Ah, Hazel," he said, his voice dripping with malice. "Welcome to our humble abode."

I felt a chill run down my spine as Hazel smiled back at him, oblivious to the danger lurking beneath his words. I knew that I had to keep her safe, no matter what.