Mafia's African Rose

Shadows of Danger

                   

           Being in the same air as Alexio sucks. Seeing him with her makes my chest tighten in ways I hate to admit. Ciara always beams at him like he's the answer to all her prayers. It's sickening. Alexio, of course, doesn't give her the attention she craves, but that doesn't make me feel any better. It's been days since we last spoke. He's been trying to talk to me, but I've made it a point to ignore him.

I feel utterly uninterested, down, and drained. Most of my time is spent in my room, with Nora and Alexa occasionally keeping me company. Ciara, though—she's perfect. When I saw them leaving together yesterday, they looked like a power couple straight out of a magazine. I told myself it didn't matter, but deep down, I hoped she was secretly a bitch—it would make hating her so much easier. Alexa, ever observant, mentioned how suspiciously nice she seems.

It's noon, and I'm still in my pajamas. I glance at myself in the mirror and groan. "I look like a zombie." My hair, however, is growing unbelievably fast. I chuckle at the thought. "Blonde isn't blonde-ing anymore," I mutter to myself, shaking my head. "I'm insane."

Feeling restless, I step out of my room in search of Nora. As I wander, I spot Alexio's dad storming out of Alexio's office. His face is thunderous, his anger palpable. He shoots me a glare, one filled with loathing. The intensity of it sends a shiver down my spine. I don't move until he disappears out the front door.

"You're Angel, right?" a voice startles me.

I turn to see her—Ciara. Her smile is anything but friendly.

"Yes," I say, my voice flat.

She tilts her head, her eyes scrutinizing me. "Tell me," she begins, her tone dripping with disdain, "what did you do to make him so crazy about you? I need some lessons."

I blink, taken aback by her directness. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Oh, please, cut the bullshit. I see the way he looks at you."

Right. She's definitely a bitch.

"I think you have something to do," I say, my voice calm but firm.

She frowns. "What?"

"Something like preparing to marry a man who doesn't want you," I reply before walking past her without looking back. She mutters something under her breath, but I don't care. I'm not in the mood to deal with her.

I continue my search and find Nora and Alexa sunbathing by the pool.

"Angel, you look like a ghost," Nora teases.

"Like you've seen one," I reply dryly, rolling my eyes. Alexa chuckles softly.

"Can you get me a black dye?" I ask Nora.

She sits up, her brow arching. "I think it's time you go and make yourself look human again," she says, standing up. "I'll bring it to your room."

"Thank you," I mutter, already turning to leave.

"Angel, you need to stop doing this to yourself," Alexa calls out behind me.

"That's what I'm about to do," I reply over my shoulder.

"I think a girls' day out will fix this," she says, standing as well. "Get ready—we're going out."

I hesitate, but she smiles warmly.

"No need for that dye," she adds. "We'll go to a salon, get your hair dyed and a fresh haircut."

"Okay," I say softly, surprised to feel a flicker of excitement. For the first time in days, my mood lifts ever so slightly.