|| Book 1 of the Syndicate Series || [Standalone]
When young Diovanna is framed for something she didn't do and is sent off to a "boarding school" she feels abandoned and betrayed. But one thing was for sure, this boarding school was no ordinary sc...
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My heel hits the hard surface before I feel the cool night air nip at my skin.
Arabella's arms still rest around my neck while her legs wrap around my waist- her head resting on my shoulder as the sound of her even breaths fill my ear.
My body doesn't feel so light anymore and the pain is slowly retaking my senses. I push the pain to the back of my mind and focus on waiting for the others to make their ways out the car.
Rylee steps out after me and I don't have to look to know that the rest are following suit- waiting for me to lead them into the mansion.
It isn't until a warm hand places itself on the small of my back- and begins leading me to the front- that I start moving and they begin to follow behind.
The cool air hits like a refreshing breeze as I make my way toward the mansion.
When we reach the steps leading towards the front door, Nikolaos stops me. He doesn't say anything, just gently takes Arabella- situating her so she holds him like she previously did me.
Arabella is by no means heavy, but my body was exhausted and I'm not sure if I would have been able to climb the steps to the front door.
Without a word, Nik reaches down and takes my hand in his before helping me up the steps. His warm hand is a complete contrast to my cold one.
I gently let go of Nikolaos's hand and step in front of him when we make it to the front door. I push it open and begin to walk inside- Nik's hand finding mine once more, as if he doesn't want me to leave him.
I'm not sure I'd let go of his hand even if he wanted me too.
The feeling of anxiety begins to creep back up on me. Sure I was confident back at the safe house, but right now I'm about to face everything I don't want to- not to mention I'm completely sober without alcohol or drugs to get me through this family gathering.
As if sensing my rising anxiety, Nikolaos tightens his hand in mine- his body moving impossibly closer to mine. "Relax," he whispers soothingly. "Everything will be okay όμορφο κορίτσι." His breath fans my neck as he speaks, his words offering a certain sense of comfort only he can provide.
I nod my head acknowledging his words, my feet never once faltering as I step into the living room. Most of my family is scattered along the couches- exhausted from tonight's events.
Elijah is treating some of the injuries some of us sustained. Some of the aunts are missing, and I notice Gia, a few of my cousins are missing as well, probably with Ruth and Luna or simply too tired to stay up and talk about the events tonight.
At the sound of our footsteps, most people glance at us- some people narrowing their gazes on Nik and I's conjoined hands.
Despite their intense gazes, I don't hesitate to make myself comfortable on one of the only empty couches in the living room. Nikolaos takes a seat beside me with Arabella still asleep.
