Sabrina, the sweet, bubbly girl next door, never imagined being pulled into a world of danger. But meeting Julian, a captivating mafia member with a dark past, changes everything.
As she falls for him, she's torn between love and the dangerous secr...
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I walk out of the cafe, Val's words still tumbling around in my head. I know she was trying to get me to see things from Julian's side, but it's hard when it feels like he's done nothing but push me away.
I sigh, pulling my coat tighter around me as I walk down the street to my car, trying to shake off the conversation.
Then my phone rings, and I see Mamá on the screen. Just the sight of her name has my heart dropping—I realize I didn't tell my parents where I was last night.
I answer, trying to keep my voice steady. "Hola, Mamá."
"¿Dónde estabas anoche, Sabrina?" she asks, her voice laced with concern. "We haven't heard from you in a while, and you didn't come home."
(Dónde estabas anoche, Sabrina? - Where were you last night, Sabrina?)
"I know, I'm sorry, Mamá," I say, quickly thinking of an excuse. "I, um... me quedé en casa de Valentina."
(me quedé en casa de Valentina - I stayed at Valentina's house)
I feel the lie press heavy on my chest. I could've told her I was at Alejandro's, but somehow, that doesn't feel right.
Mamá pauses, then her voice softens. "Sabes que solo queremos saber que estás bien," she says gently. "We just want to make sure you're safe."
(Sabes que solo queremos saber que estás bien - You know we just want to know that you're okay)
"Lo sé," I reply, guilt gnawing at me. "It was just... last minute. I'm sorry for worrying you."
(Lo sé, - I know)
There's a beat of silence, then she says, "Bueno, cuídate, por favor. And if you can, ven esta noche. Your papá and I would love to see you."
(Bueno, cuídate, por favor. ven esta noche. - Well, please take care of yourself. Come tonight.)
"Sí, Mamá. I'll try." We say goodbye, and as I slip my phone back into my bag, the guilt lingers, curling around me like a shadow.
As I'm driving home, my phone rings, and Alejandro's name lights up the screen.
I pick up, feeling a small smile already starting.
"Hey," I say, trying to sound casual, but there's this flutter in my chest.
"Hola, preciosa. Get ready," he says, a playful edge to his voice. "I'm taking you somewhere today. Make it something nice, yeah?"
(preciosa - lovely)
I can't help but grin. "Oh, really? Where?"
"Not telling," he replies, laughing. "But you'll like it. Just trust me."
"Alright," I say, trying to hide the excitement in my voice. "See you soon, Ale."
As I get home, I head straight to my room to get ready, barely pausing to greet my parents.
After a quick shower, I pick out one of my favourite outfits—a fitted dress with just the right amount of elegance—and take my time with my makeup and hair, letting loose waves frame my face.
An hour later, I'm finally finished. When I go downstairs, my mom catches sight of me from the living room, her brows raising slightly.
"Where are you going, mija?" she asks, an amused look in her eyes as she takes in my outfit.
(Mija - Darling)
"Just hanging out with Ale," I say, trying to keep my tone casual.
Her eyebrow arches. "Hanging out? Looking like that?"
I feel my cheeks warm. "Yes, Mamá, we're just friends," I insist, knowing she doesn't buy it for a second.
She gives me a little smirk, but thankfully doesn't press further. "Está bien, be safe," she says, waving me off as I head out the door, feeling a mix of nerves and excitement.
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I pull into my driveway with Camilla still quietly sniffling beside me.
Once inside, I guide her to the couch, grabbing a tissue and gently wiping the tears that streak her cheeks. "Everything's gonna be okay, Cami," I tell her, holding her gaze until she gives a faint nod.
I take out my phone, as I dial Matteo's number, a knot tightens in my stomach. The line rings, and I can't shake the thought of how he'd react if he knew Camilla was here.
It feels like I'm crossing a line, maybe even betraying him. Matteo's made it clear how he feels about her—there's so much bad blood between them, so many things he hasn't told me but that I can see just in the way he talks about her.
I can only imagine his anger if he found out I brought her back to my place like this.
Matteo finally picks up, and I clear my throat. "Hey, listen, I'm not coming back in today," I tell him, keeping my tone steady. "I've got something I need to handle here."
There's a pause on his end, and I wait, tense. Finally, he says, "Got it, man. Just let me know if you need anything." He sounds normal—no suspicion, no questions—but guilt creeps up on me anyway.
As I hang up, I glance over at Camilla, who's curled up on the couch, trying to collect herself. She looks up, eyes still red but a hint of a smile breaking through when she sees me.
I give her a reassuring smile. "Alright, I'll make you some tea. Then we'll put on a movie. Something light, mindless—you don't even have to think, okay?"
She nods, her smile growing a little. "Sounds good."
I head to the kitchen, grabbing the tea and water, trying to focus on anything but the thought of Matteo's reaction if he knew.
AUTHORS NOTEE
Guys I promise later in the story you'll get the whole lore of why Julian became close to Camilla!!
