Blood and Roses

chapter 13

Camille

It had been weeks since Zoey and I last hung out like this. Life had gotten hectic, and I hadn’t been as available as I used to be. Between work, Rafael, and trying to balance everything in between, I barely had time for myself, let alone my best friend. I could see the curiosity in Zoey’s eyes the moment I sat down at our favorite café. She wasn’t one to let things slide easily.

“So, you’ve been MIA for a while now, Cami,” Zoey started, raising an eyebrow. “What’s up? You never have time to hang out anymore.”

I sighed, stirring my coffee absentmindedly. “I know, I’m sorry. It’s just… things have been crazy.”

Zoey leaned back in her chair, folding her arms. “Crazy like Rafael-crazy? Because I saw his car outside.”

Her words caught me off guard, but I shouldn’t have been surprised. Rafael’s sleek black car was parked outside, waiting for me. He was going to take me to work after this, another change that had become part of my life now. I bit my lip, feeling the weight of the conversation I knew we were about to have.

“Yeah,” I admitted, glancing out the window toward where his car was parked. “He’s picking me up after this.”

Zoey’s eyes narrowed playfully, but there was concern mixed in. “So, it’s that serious, huh? Last time we talked, it was just casual dinners and those gifts. Now I see his car outside, and you’re never available anymore.”

I took a deep breath, trying to find the right words. “It’s official now. We’re… together. Really together.”

Zoey’s expression shifted from playful to serious, her eyes studying my face. “So, what’s going on, Cami? Why haven’t I seen you for so long? Is it because of him?”

I looked down at my coffee, feeling a mixture of guilt and uncertainty. “Yeah, it’s been him. Things have changed, Zoey. Being with Rafael… it’s different. It’s not just about the gifts or the dinners anymore. We’re in deep, and it’s real.”

Zoey blinked, her brow furrowing. “Real, like… you’re officially in a relationship with the mafia guy?”

I nodded slowly. “Yeah. I know it sounds crazy, but he means a lot to me, Zoey. We’ve been spending a lot of time together, and it’s serious now.”

Zoey let out a deep sigh, shaking her head. “Cami, I get that he’s important to you, but you haven’t been around for weeks. You’re shutting out everyone who’s not Rafael. That’s not like you.”

“I know,” I murmured, feeling the sting of her words. “It’s just… everything with him is intense. There’s so much to deal with, especially now that we’re official. He’s been setting up these safe zones for me, planning things in case something goes wrong. It’s a lot to handle.”

Zoey’s eyes widened. “Safe zones? Like… for you? That sounds serious.”

“It is,” I admitted. “He’s worried about people using me to get to him. That’s why he’s being so careful, setting up places for me to go if things ever get dangerous.”

Zoey stared at me for a moment, then shook her head. “Cami, this is more than just being with some guy. You’re stepping into his world now, and it sounds like it’s pulling you away from everything and everyone else.”

I sighed, knowing she was right. “I don’t want to lose myself, Zoey. But it’s hard. I care about him, and he’s trying to protect me. I just don’t know how to balance everything.”

Zoey reached across the table, taking my hand. “I get it. I know you’re in love with him, but don’t disappear on me. Don’t disappear on your life.”