Romeo and Juliet

60- M

-- Self-defense Arsenal--

Thank you, Josie, but that is a lie. However, I do see what she is trying to do. I can award her some points for trying. The chauffeur is as crunchy as I am right now.

"If you prefer to ride with him, that is alright," Romeo says, a serious look etched on his face. "But you need something to protect yourself if you ever find yourself alone. I hope it never happens." His gaze fixes intensively on mine. "Holly managed to get you some things."

Holly beams with pride, clearly looking for Romeo's approval. Bitch, move. I can use this crutch as a weapon with you if I want to.

"Mini stun gun, pepper spray, penknife... I think we're going to need a bit more," she replies, referring toward Josie.

Josie quickly shakes her head and rummages through her bag. "Don't worry about me. I have everything under control," she insists, nonchalantly pointing her open bag in our direction. I steal a quick glance at her self-defense arsenal and burst into laughter. Good grief! This girl is a force of nature. If only I had befriended her sooner; I could have used that pepper spray on Julissa.

Just then, Josie receives a phone call and steps away for some privacy.

"Perfect..." Romeo murmurs before darting another intense look at me. But his glare doesn't faze me; he looks even hotter today, and my inner admirer squeals in delight.

"I need you to stop talking about what happened. Any slip could lead to your parents finding out and my father coming after you," he warns, his tone low and serious.

"Well, you didn't tell me what you and he spoke about the other day," I retort.

"That is none of your concern," Holly interjects as she reclaims her spot next to Romeo.

"I got involved in this because of you," I accuse, pointing an accusing finger toward Romeo. "If you had just told me that your family is wrapped up in some mafia mess, I would have figured out a way to protect both Karina and myself. I just hope they don't reach Jude and Michael." Panic surges through me, and I struggle to push away the harrowing thoughts that threaten to overwhelm my sanity. The fact that Mike is unknown as Karina's dad makes things somewhat easier, but it does little to soothe my racing heart.

"His anger is directed at us. For hiding her," Romeo states, almost as an afterthought.

I shake my head vigorously. "You do realize that if he can't find her and has nothing to pry from us, he'll go after the people we love?"

His eyes drop to his hands, betraying the unease buried beneath his calm facade. Deep down, I know I'm right, and one day I will have to break the news to my mom. I can only pray we never reach that point.

"Karina called the other night," he says, referring to the night of the accident. "He could be tracing the call right now. But I trust Karina; she's resourceful, and I know she'll make it difficult for him. Hopefully, that buys us precious time to find a solution."

How do we fix this? We're tangled in a web spun by dangerous people who meddle in criminal affairs. No one walks away from this unscathed... or alive. It's a harsh reality, but that's how it goes.

Josie finds her way back to my side, and I notice Romeo retreating, his presence suddenly feeling distant. I hadn't realized how close he had been until now.

"I'll see you before you leave to give you the items," he says, flashing a smile that lightens his intense demeanor. "Josie can stick with you in case you need anything from her bag." With that, he walks away, leaving me speechless.

Oh, God! I can't help but adore this man, especially when that mischievous smile graces his lips.

"He is gorgeous," Josie says, her eyes following Luca who is now standing up, perhaps to go to class. I can't help but agree wholeheartedly, my gaze lingering on Romeo's silhouette that's moving further away.