Hidden in the Ashes (Book 1 of The Rossi Legacy series)

Chapter 1

POV: Iris Laurent

Adonis Cain was the last person I wanted to rely on. After everything that had happened between us, the thought of seeing him again made my stomach twist. But Matteo was leaving me no choice. Like it or not, this setup was kind of perfect. Matteo would never suspect I'd be hiding in an apartment at The Ashford—let alone with Adonis of all people.

I stared at my phone, anxiety knotting in my chest as my thumb hovered over the call button. Reluctantly, I dialed the number for The Ashford.

"The Ashford Apartment Buildings, this is Daphne speaking! How may I assist you?" came the overly perky voice on the other end.

I hesitated. "Uh, yeah, hi Daphne. I'm calling about an ad I saw for a roommate. It mentioned contacting Adonis Cain. Can you connect me?"

"Of course! One moment!" she chirped, way too cheerful for my mood. I rolled my eyes as the call switched to some corny hold music, making me regret my decision already.

Adonis and I used to run into each other all the time. He's a member of The Revenants—one of the few gangs with the guts to stand up to the Rossi family. The Rossi's respected them for that, or maybe just tolerated them because they had no choice. Things were... tense but manageable, but with the Rossis making nice with the Castellans that balance was bound to shift.

Matteo loved partying with The Revenants because they promised the best high in town. But the drugs always made him unpredictable, and I was the one cleaning up after his messes. There were plenty of nights he nearly got himself killed, and I had to step in to keep things from going off the rails.

Adonis had always been there—watching. From what I could tell, he was more than an enforcer; he was calculating, always observing the room like he could see through people's bullshit. He'd only step in when it was necessary, which, thanks to Matteo, was more often than not.

The last time we crossed paths, Adonis looked at me like I was nothing. Like I didn't even matter. That look... I still remember it, how it burned. He despised me because of Matteo. And now, here I was, about to ask him if I could move in with him. Life was cruel.

The hold music clicked off, and a voice I knew all too well came through the line. "Hello?"

That deep, familiar voice sent a shiver through me. God, I wasn't ready for this.

"Hi, Adonis, right? I saw your ad for the sublet and was hoping it's still available." I did my best to keep my voice steady, trying to sound confident.

A pause. Then a low chuckle. "Is that Iris Laurent I hear?"

I could practically hear the smirk in his voice. Of course he would recognize me.

"And what on earth would you be doing calling me about a sublet? Shouldn't you be all cozy with your Rossi boy?" His words were coated with amusement, taunting me.

"Yes, this is she. And if I were, I wouldn't be calling you now, would I?" I shot back, already feeling the frustration building. "So, is it available, or am I just wasting my time?"

He chuckled softly, clearly relishing my irritation. "Living with Mrs. Matteo Rossi—now that sounds like a bit of a gamble. What's in it for me, hmm?"

"What's in it for you?" I snapped, my patience wearing thin. "Rent money, that's what! But if you're just going to mess with me, I'm ending this call."

"Alright, alright, easy there tiger," he said, still grinning through his words. "Rent's $500 a month, if I do decide to take your offer. All utilities included. You'd have your own room, your own bathroom. We'd share the living space and kitchen. Think you could handle that?"