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

Twenty Four

Alessio's Pov

I leaned back in my chair, steepling my fingers as Navy sat across from me, her eyes fixed on mine. The study was dimly lit, the only sound the soft crackle of the fireplace. We'd danced around each other for years, enemies in a game of power and deception. But I'd accepted her offer of truce long ago, recognizing the benefits of having her on my side.

"Mufasa's back," I said, cutting straight to the point. "Do you know anything?"

Navy's expression turned guarded, her voice measured. "No, Alessio. I swear it. I think it's linked to Chris and Nami, though."

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Go on."

"I've heard rumors," she continued. "Whispers of a plan to take you down. I don't know the details, but I think my brother and uncle are involved. They've been acting strange, secretive."

I nodded thoughtfully, my mind racing. Navy's information was valuable, but I knew she'd only reveal what suited her purposes.

"What do you think they're planning?" I asked, my eyes locked on hers.

Navy hesitated, choosing her words carefully. "I'm not sure. But I think it's connected to the past, to what happened with Mufasa all those years ago."

I leaned forward, my voice low and deadly. "I want to know everything, Navy. Every rumor, every whisper. I want to know what Chris and Nami are planning."

Navy nodded, a hint of fear flickering in her eyes. "I'll find out what I can, Alessio. But be careful. If they're involved with Mufasa, it's going to be dangerous."

I smiled, a cold, calculated smile. "I'm always careful, Navy. And I always come out on top."

Our meeting drew to a close, the tension between us palpable. I dismissed her, my eyes never leaving hers. "Keep digging, Navy. I want to know everything."

She nodded, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "I'll find out what I can, Alessio."

I watched her leave, my mind whirling with the implications. Navy's loyalty was tenuous at best, but for now, she was a valuable ally. And I'd use her to uncover the truth about Mufasa's reappearance, no matter the cost.

I let out a sigh of frustration as I gulped down the water in the cup. I slammed it on the desk as it made a clink sound, the echoes lingering in the quiet room. The door clicked open, grabbing my attention as Antonio walked in.

"Was that Navy?" He asked as he sat on the chair opposite mine. I nodded positively at his question, with my head still tilted up staring at the blank ceiling.

"We talked about Mufasa" I faced him as he listened attentively. "He is after me. He has always been after me" I said through gritted teeth.

Antonio took in a deep breath, clicking his tongue. "Cazzo!" He said in italian making me chuckle. "I thought we just spoke italian when we are in Italy? Didn't know we'd bring it to Spain, Fratelli!" I joked.

"Vaffanculo!" We chuckled for a second then getting serious again. "She said she thinks Nami and Chris are ploying some shady shits with him, i'on know" I shrugged.

"We've gotta get to the bottom of his sudden appearance, Ally" He said as I shot him a glare. "You're not Hazel! Don't call me that!"

He stood on his feet, walking towards the door. "Ah! Si! What ever you say. Ally" He put emphasis on 'Ally' as he walked out of the study.

"Puta!" I murmured, going back to my reasoning. Trying to break the puzzle behind Mufasa's sudden appearance.

Hazel's Pov

I stepped out of the house, my heart racing with anticipation and a hint of fear. I was meeting Alexa and Oliver, people who claimed to be my friends, but I had no memory of them. The address they gave me led me to a cozy little café on the outskirts of town. I had been hesitant to come, but something about their words resonated deep within me.

As I entered, Alexa and Oliver stood up, smiling warmly. "Hazel, it's so great to see you!" Alexa exclaimed, opening her arms for a hug.

I hesitated, unsure of how to react. "Hi," I said awkwardly, shaking their hands instead. I couldn't shake off the feeling that I was walking into a trap, that they were hiding something from me.

Alexa offered me refreshments, but I declined, unsure if I could trust them yet. Alexa looked disappointed but shrugged it off quickly. "So, Hazel, we've missed you so much," Oliver said, his eyes filled with genuine concern. "We've been trying to find you for months now."

I took a deep breath, plunging into the unknown. "Tell me about my parents, my past. What happened to me?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Oliver's expression turned somber. "We were best friends, the three of us. We did everything together. But then you went missing, and we were frantic. We sent a search party to look for you, and...and they found your parents' bodies in your home."

My mind reeled, confusion and fear swirling inside me. "Alessio told me my father was a bad man, and my mother was killed by bad people," I said, trying to make sense of it all.

Alexa's eyes widened in shock. "That's a lie, Hazel. Your parents were good people. They loved you so much."

I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. Who was telling the truth? Alessio or Alexa and Oliver? I didn't know what to believe anymore. I thought about Alessio's words, about how my father was a monster, and my mother was killed by his enemies. But Alexa and Oliver seemed so genuine, so concerned.

"I need to go," I said abruptly, standing up. I couldn't take it anymore, the conflicting stories, the uncertainty.

Alexa and Oliver exchanged worried glances. "Hazel, please stay. We have so much to catch up on," Alexa pleaded.

But I was already out the door, boarding a cab back to Alessio's place. My mind was a jumble of emotions, unsure of who to trust or what to believe. I felt like I was walking through a minefield, unsure of when everything would blow up in my face.

As the cab drove away, I caught a glimpse of Alexa and Oliver standing outside the café, looking worried and unsure. I wondered if I'd ever find the truth, or if I'd be forever trapped in this web of lies and deceit.