AMORE

The gunshots echoed

5 years later

Tabriz, Iran

Bella 

I sighed loudly as I leaned my head on Adams shoulder. He softened his stiff body, relaxing at my touch. I closed my eyes, hearing the men around the table chatter away. Even Adam was talking to someone beside him in a hushed voice, while stroking my hair. It felt so good and I am sure I would fall asleep soon if he continues. The chatter was cut short when Khalid walked in and sat down at the end of the table.

He crossed his arms and cleared his throat. Khalid had grown a lot in the last five years. I had got to know that he too was caught up in the illegal business side of things. He owned several warehouses where he bought and sold weapons. He earned good money, but the business was dangerous. However, I knew that he wouldn't listen to me. He was good at his work and that was mainly why he was doing it. As long as no one got hurt, I was happy. As for me, I had finished my studies and was currently living with my brother in Iran. I didn't have any contact with the familia from England, even if I so badly wanted to talk to James, Scar, Diego, Sara and Lore-

"As you guys may have heard from Ali, the warehouse in Tehran was attacked by the Chinese mafia" Khalid interrupted my thoughts. "Lee left a message in which he stated that he is planning an attack on the Ita-" his sentence was cut short when his eyes caught me beside Adam. He stopped abruptly before pointing at the door. Small chuckles could be heard from the guys who knew about Khalids overprotective nature. Adam nodded his head at him and stood up, softly tugging at my arm to lead me out. I pouted at Khalid, who only shook his head in response.

He had been like this ever since I came to Iran. He didn't let me get mixed up with the business with the excuse of my protection. "The mafia can't hurt you if you aren't a part of the business" was his response when I asked him about why I couldn't be in the meetings. It wasn't a lot to do here. Thankfully the guys were nice and accompanied me out. I was closer to Ali than ever before and did everything with him. Khalid couldn't let him go with the fear of that Lorenzo would find him and hurt him, so he became a part of our family. Tabriz was a beautiful city to live in and the people were great. And let's not even talk about the food! I absolutely loved the dessert and –

"Like what you see?" Adams voice cut my trace. He smirked, crossing his arms over his chest, his muscles bulging out at the action. I slapped his arm lightly, fixing the scarf over my head. It hung loosely on my head, contrasting with my hair that had dropped a few tones lighter.

"Let me think...no" I playfully poked my tongue out at him, watching him chuckle. His eyes twinkled at my response and he scrunched his nose slightly.

"BELLA" The voice of Ali interrupted Adam who was probably going to say something dirty. Adam had always been super flirty and was Khalids best friend. I didn't take the flirtatious behavior to heart. I waved to him, as I ran downstairs to Ali as I heard Adam go back to the meeting room. Ali stood on the end of the stairs and smiled at me teasingly. "Don't even start" I muttered as I walked past him, hearing him laugh out loudly.

I plopped on the couch as I saw Ali following after me; "I am bored out of my mind Bella! I just miss my party life in England" he sulked for the hundredth time this day. I nodded, relating to his statement on a painful level. "You are actually the most boring babysitter ever" I joked, trying to lighten up his mood. I shrieked as I felt a slap on my leg; "Babysitter my ass. Let's go to the dance down town. They are having a festival" he told me excitingly, to which I agreed with the same enthusiasm. "But we have to tell someone" I butted in and added in a reason before Ali could protect; "If something happens, they will at least know where we are".

The meeting was still not done after several hours and seemed pretty important. Ali had tried to eavesdrop and he only catched the words; "Lee" and "bullet". I huffed at him annoyingly before standing up and pushing him away from the door. "Dipshit" I muttered to him, watching him roll his eyes in return. I was about to set my ear to the door, until it came flying open. My face was on the level of someone's knees and I looked up to see an angry Khalid. I smiled sheepishly and stepped aside, allowing him to walk past me to wherever he was so eager to go to. All the men walked out with Khalid as he started shouting orders to each one of them. Adam was back in work mode and traces of his funny personality could be seen. I turned to Ali who had mocked me by saying "Dipshit" to teach him a lesson, until I was turned around by Khalid.

"And you, jāné del-am, will not step a foot outside this house» he told me seriously, his eyes holding both care and worry. (directly translated; the life of my heart- used as endearment for loved ones)

«Why? » I asked him, wanting an explanation to the mood shift amongst the boys. The warehouse had been attacked, but the weapons weren't stolen to my knowledge. What was the big issue then? Why was everyone so panicked?

«Its business Isabella. I want you home okay? The streets of Tabriz aren't safe for any of us until further notice» He tried to explain without giving out too much information. I didn't have time to respond as Akbar, the hacker, called Khalid over. I smiled at him lightly, turning around to the exact opposite of what he had told me.