As the sleek car rolled down the winding road, My face heated up at last nights memories, after I accidentally blurted out that I wanted to start a family to Carlos, he was being genuine when he said that we should try, I shouldn't have said that, because he somehow managed to convince me and we actually slept with each other. I watched the trees blur past outside the window, my mind a raging war. How could I let myself sleep with the most dangerous man in my city? One side said, the other said We love him, It's a good thing we slept with him. These two thoughts fought for a place in my mind but both of them wasn't winning
Carlos shifted in his seat beside me, breaking me from my thoughts. "You okay?" he asked, his voice low and concerned, a hint of warmth in his tone that always made me feel safe.
"Yeah... just thinking," I replied, glancing at him. "It was nice to escape for a bit."
He nodded and didn't say another word, probably guessing what I'm thinking already
As we approached the grand mansion, a sense of familiarity clouded over my already chaotic mind. The marble façade gleamed in the afternoon sun, the elegant lines and curves of the architecture standing tall against the blue sky. I couldn't deny that this place had become a refuge for me in a way I hadn't anticipated. The air smelled comforting and reassuring, wrapping around me like a warm embrace, making it feel as though I had always belonged here, despite having only lived here for a few months.
After parking, we stepped out of the car, and I followed Carlos up the stone pathway leading to the entrance. The sound of our footsteps echoed softly against the marble floor as we entered the foyer. The high ceilings and expansive space made the mansion feel even more imposing, yet I found solace in the way it enveloped me, its opulence a stark contrast to the chaos that had defined my life.
Gabriel was waiting for us at the bottom of the grand staircase, arms crossed, leaning casually against the polished marble railing. He wore an air of formality that always came naturally around Carlos, a mix of respect and brotherly concern that both comforted and amused me.
"Welcome back," he greeted, his expression shifting from casual to serious in an instant. "How did the party go? Did you manage to gather any intel on Lilith's brother?"
Carlos stepped forward first, his demeanor shifting as he prepared to relay the details. "Actually, we did. But we need to talk about something important first."
Gabriel straightened, his casual posture transforming into one of attentive focus. "I'm listening."
Carlos began recounting the conversations we had overheard at the party, detailing names, snippets of information, and how certain mafia leaders might have connections to my brother's death. Each revelation hung heavy in the air, and I felt a mix of hope and anxiety bubble within me.
"There's a chance some of the high-ranking members know more than they let on," Carlos continued, his voice steady. "But we need to be careful about how we approach them, especially the enemies."
Gabriel nodded, his expression turning serious as he absorbed the information. "And you think it's worth pursuing?"
"Yes," I replied firmly, the conviction in my voice surprising even me. "I can't go back to N.O.V.A. now. I'm too close to finding the truth."
Gabriel studied me for a moment, and I could sense the worry behind his guarded expression. "You're sure about this? You know the risks involved."
"I am," I insisted. "I need to know what happened to my brother, and I won't let anything stand in my way. Not even you."
A flicker of understanding passed through Gabriel's eyes, and after a tense moment, he finally nodded. "Alright. Just know I'll always have your back, no matter what."
"Thank you, Gabriel," I said, relief washing over me.
Carlos moved closer to me, his hand resting lightly on my shoulder. "We'll keep you in the loop, Gabriel. You're part of this too."
Gabriel's expression softened as he glanced between us, a hint of a smile returning to his lips. "Good. Just don't go doing anything reckless, alright? I'd hate to have to rescue you both from a mess you can't handle."
I mentally scoffed at how ironic those words were,
Considering I'd slept with his boss just yesterday
After our discussion, the tension in the room eased, and we settled into a more relaxed atmosphere. I felt a surge of gratitude for the support surrounding me; having both Carlos and Gabriel on my side made me feel invincible.
"I should probably get back to my training," I said, shifting the conversation. "I need to stay sharp if I'm going to infiltrate the mafia properly."
Gabriel nodded, a playful grin breaking across his face. "Just don't forget to take breaks. I wouldn't want you turning into a robot or something."
I laughed. "Trust me, I'll make sure to fit in some fun."
As Carlos and I headed toward the training room, I glanced back at Gabriel, who was watching us with a knowing smile. There was an unspoken bond between us—one that transcended the chaos we had found ourselves in.
As we entered the training room, the familiar scents of leather and metal greeted me. The space was vast, filled with equipment, and I felt a spark of determination ignite within me.
"Let's get to work," Carlos said, rolling his shoulders as he prepared for a sparring session. I nodded, adrenaline coursing through my veins.
For the next hour, we trained fiercely, exchanging techniques and honing our skills. Each movement was fluid, a dance of trust and strength. Carlos pushed me, and I pushed back, both of us lost in the rhythm of combat. It felt empowering to be back in control, to harness the power I needed to uncover the truth.
After our training session, we headed to the kitchen, laughter echoing through the halls. The atmosphere was warm, the scent of freshly brewed coffee filling the air. I leaned against the counter, catching my breath as Carlos poured two mugs.
"I can't believe you survived that," he said, teasingly. "I thought I was going to have to call in a medic."
"Oh, please," I shot back with a smirk. "You barely even scratched me."
He raised an eyebrow, a playful challenge in his eyes. "You're just lucky I have a soft spot for you."
My mind immediately flashed to last night and I pushed it down before it shows on my face that I was thinking about it
Our playful banter continued, filling the kitchen with a lightness that contrasted the heaviness of our earlier conversation. For a moment, it felt like we could forget the dangers lurking around us, just two people enjoying each other's company.
Eventually, our laughter faded, and a comfortable silence settled between us. I found myself lost in thought, contemplating the challenges ahead.
"Lilith," Carlos said softly, breaking the silence. "I want you to know that I'm here for you. Whatever happens, we'll face it together."
I met his gaze, feeling the weight of his words sink in. "I know. And I appreciate it more than you realize."
As we stood there, the bond between us felt stronger than ever. I could sense that we were both ready to confront whatever came next, hand in hand.
The mansion felt alive, the air crackling with possibility. I was ready to face the truth, to seek vengeance for my brother, and to embrace the unexpected path my life had taken.
With Carlos by my side and Gabriel watching over us, I knew I could take on anything.
