He's Mine - How to 'illegally' tell people HE's MINE in 99 ways

Chapter 11

"I, maybe, am a monster but you made me!"

~~~

It's been a month since all that Darius fiasco and it's been rather peaceful. Darius doesn't visit now or gets in touch with dad. We've had no attacks and our business is going smoothly. My team and Matteo are still working behind the scenes while I help dad in the missions. Jared did hint that it could be the silence before the storm. Never knew how true his observation could hold.

I pull out my earphones as I step inside the house. The place is eerily still... too quiet. Something feels off. What the hell is going on?

"Maa! Dad! Jared!" I shout, my voice echoing through the silence. That's when I hear it—a faint, rhythmic beeping.

My heart pounds as I rush back outside, fumbling for the earpiece in my pocket. I jam it into my ear. "Team, do you copy? Anyone, report!" I demand, my voice tight with urgency.

"Yes, boss!" Marcus responds immediately. "Who's on watch at my house?" I ask, moving swiftly toward the car. But before I can get inside, the explosion hits.

The force throws me to the ground, and I instinctively cover my head. Fuck. This Darius mess is spiraling out of control.

"Boss! Boss!" Someone is yelling my name, but the world tilts, and darkness closes in as I lose consciousness.

~~~

I hear voices—faint at first—and someone's hand gripping mine. A dull pain pulses in my head, and I groan as I try to shift.

"She's waking up! Call the doctor!" I recognize the voice—Alessandro?

Where the hell am I?

I blink, forcing my eyes open, and slowly take in my surroundings. The familiar walls of Alessandro and Luca's room come into view.

"Maia? Boss, hey!" I hear from my right, and I turn to see Valentine holding my hand.

"Hey, kiddo," I manage, my voice raspy and weak.

She hands me a sipper bottle, urging gently, "Drink." I nod and take a sip, the cool water soothing my dry throat.

"How long?" I ask, trying to sit up. Alessandro moves to help me, propping me up.

"Two hours since the blast," he replies, his voice tight with guilt. "I'm sorry, Maia. I should've been there earlier. I—I failed you."

I shake my head slowly, eyes narrowing. "Am I alive?"

He looks at me, startled by the question, but nods.

"Is my family safe?" I ask again, and he nods once more.

I raise an eyebrow, eyeing him. "And you lot? Are all you dumbheads safe?"

He nods again, visibly relieved.

"Then you didn't fail me, Alessandro." I give him a small smile, and he finally relaxes a little, nodding back.

Before I can say more, Matteo bursts through the door, practically storming inside. "I'm here! I'm here!" he shouts, pushing Alessandro aside as he plops down beside me.

"You!" He jabs a finger at me. "You are an idiot!" he yells, and I roll my eyes.

"Sure, nerd," I say, unfazed.

But his face is dead serious. "What if you hadn't been smart enough to run outside? What if you'd died, Maia? You're my twin! I could've lost you."

His voice cracks with anger, but it only makes me chuckle. "Yeah, and you'd be stuck taking Dad's place." I smirk, trying to lighten the mood.