Iris

•*Chapter 3*•

I heard loud footsteps trudging down the hall and felt my breath get caught in my throat. What if they don't like me? It's not like there's anything there to like. They did my mom a favor when they decided to keep me. I mean look at me, they must really hate themselves to request my presence.

"Iris!"

I came out of my thoughts and met the beautiful, stone cold eyes of Alejandro. The only difference is there were four more pairs behind him.

"I.....um sorry... I was just.........." I trailed off with my eyes glued to my old worn out shoes, not knowing what to say. Trust me, you would be speechless two if you were in the presence of five intimidating males.
I heard one of them whisper in Italian, "probabilmente non posso nemmeno parlare di, povera creatura."  (Probably can't even talk, poor creature.)
My head snapped up immediately trying to find the gaze of the culprit of that statement. My fists were clenched and my breath was increasing in speed. My anger has always been hard for me to control and I lose my temper all the time.

"If your aim is for me to not hear you, sorry to say but you fail. My apologies for disappointing you but I am more than capable of speaking. If you have something to say about me, say it to me or don't say anything at all concerning me. Clear?"

My eyes widened and my head snapped back down when I realized what I just did. Shit! Way to go Iris, as usual you just can't keep your damn mouth shut! That would usually result in about 2 slaps, a punch to the rib and a night in the basement. Well, day one and you already messed shit up. I hear someone coming towards me so I look up. Alejandro is making his way over to me threateningly slow, while the others have wide eyes and hanging jaws. My attention goes straight back to Alejandro and I see him raise his hand. Oh no not again! I immediately flinch waiting for the flesh to flesh connection.

Wait? Why haven't I felt anything yet?
I took the risky move to open my eyes. Alejandro has confusion written all over his face.

"Iris, did you think I was going to hit you?" I avoided his eyes. I seemed to do a lot of that around him. But I couldn't help it! He was just so fucking scary!
"No.....I, um...........yeah. I did." I replied. I actually feel a little bad. Maybe he wasn't going to hit me, but after all those years of abuse I guess it was just a natural response. I wish I could help it but it seems to be out of my control.

"Listen to me. I may get really angry at you and I can be pretty intense, but I will NEVER hurt you, do you understand?"
He seemed genuinely hurt by my accusation so I nodded in understanding.
"Use your words, Iris." I muttered a quick yes. Alejandro sighed and turned back to the four boys standing there patiently waiting to be introduced. Some of them looked happy to see me while one just looked really irritated. That just made me all the more self conscious. I wasn't used to this rich ass lifestyle they were living, and it would take me some time to get use to all this wealth.

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"Ragazzi, (boys), introduce yourselves per favore. (Please). One boy stepped out first. He has raven hair, with the trademark blue eyes and pierced ears. He gave off a really friendly vibe.

"Ciao bella. (Hello beautiful). I'm Luca. Your second eldest brother. I'm 21 years old. If you need anything, you don't hesitate to come to me okay?" He finished with a glistening smile. And it was really contagious. I smiled back at him and replied with a weak okay. I thought, if Luca is 21 that means Alejandro is 24.

The next brother stepped out. This one was really edgy. Like a bad boy aura surrounded him. I don't think we're gonna get along that well. He had black hair with blonde tips and blue eyes.
"The names Mateo. I'm 18 years old. If you need anything...........don't come to me."