Book two of 'The Vengeance Duology'
Five years ago, the lads and I made the biggest mistake of our lives-a reckless decision that shattered everything.
We destroyed what mattered most, but my deepest regret is how much I hurt her.
Every moment of pa...
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"Arrivederci," Tom says cheerfully to the captain as we approach the jet.
"Tom, that means bye," I correct him, stifling a laugh.
His face flushes. "Oh, um... err..."
"Buon pomeriggio," I say smoothly, glancing at the captain with a polite nod.
"Yeah, what she said," Tom adds, recovering quickly, his arm sliding around my shoulder as we step onto the jet.
I smile to myself. He's trying so hard—clueless, but sweet.
We settle into our seats, and I glance at Tom. "When are your parents getting here?" I ask, crossing my legs.
"They should be here any minute," he says, checking his watch nervously.
Before he can say more, I hear Nicco's voice booming from the entrance. "Ciao, figli di puttana!" he shouts, climbing onto the jet with a smirk. Behind him, Lucas and Jacques are barely holding back their laughter. I bite my lip, trying not to laugh myself.
"What was that?" Tom asks, looking thoroughly confused.
"Nothing, man," Nicco says, giving him a friendly pat on the shoulder. Without a second thought, he throws his stuff onto the seat across from me and slumps down lazily.
"That's my mom's seat," Tom says, clearly uncomfortable.
Nicco just shrugs, completely unfazed, while Lucas and Jacques take seats on the opposite side. Jacques sends me a wink, his silent way of telling me everything's okay.
Ten minutes later, I hear a sharp voice from outside the jet. "Carry our bags," a woman snaps, her tone cold and demanding. Nicco glances over at me, eyebrows raised in a 'what the fuck' look. I can barely suppress an eye roll.
Moments later, Tom's mother, Elizabeth, struts onto the jet, followed closely by his father, David, and younger sister, Samantha.
"Woah, I could get very used to this, my soon to be daughter in law!" Elizabeth gushes, practically bounding over and squeezing me in an overly tight hug.
"Ah, yes," I manage to say, stiffly returning the embrace. Because really, what else do I say to that?
David approaches me next, giving me a quick, polite hug. "Ignore her," he whispers with a grin.
I chuckle lightly, appreciating the bit of relief. Then there's Samantha. She saunters in, arms crossed, offering nothing more than a stiff nod. "Valentina," she says coolly.
"Samantha," I reply with a nod of my own. It's obvious she doesn't like me. I couldn't tell you why either, despite my efforts to bridge the gap. I've tried to be friendly, to reach out, but she's made it clear—she hates me.
"Hello, Jacques," Elizabeth greets him with a smile. Jacques gives her a curt nod, keeping it polite but distant.
"And who are these incredibly handsome men?" she asks, eyes gleaming as she points to Lucas and Nicco.
