Forever Found | a sequel

15 | I'm A Liar

Maddox King

That bastard! He acts like I don't have eyes all over the place. Why would he come all the way here for a girl who has no interest in him.

This all started because I was all about following my fathers orders. You know, so he would let me run the business without his hovering. I want to change it all. His rules, the way his shipments work.

Especially,  the fact that he is a traitor to his own allies.

Then, my phone started ringing.

Dad.

"Yes?" I answered as I wrapped the towel around my waist.

I could here my dad huff on the other side of the phone. "How have you settled in?"

"Enough with the casualties. I know you want something so spill."

"I am your father. Don't speak with me that way. Have you mentioned the ordeal to Romano?"

I rolled my eyes. "No. He's barely here half the time. It's like he's here for breakfast and dinner and then he's just gone."

"Fine. Keep me updated. We will talk soon."

I never wanted to get to know Valentina, but he insisted.

He wanted me to follow her here.

I told him no, but it was either me or

I want to keep her safe from Irina.

I'm a liar.

However, my father wants to make this arrangement.

Valentina

It was the next morning and I got dressed in black platform docs, denim shorts and a white sweatshirt. I went downstairs for breakfast to find my family setting up the food. Maddox was sitting, as though he was thinking deeply.

From behind me, Luca came running behind me and jumped behind Maddox from the couch.

"Get down Luca," my mom scolded.

King laughed. "It's fine, Laura. Luca's my new best friend," he turned towards me and smiles, "sorry Val."

Luca giggles and sticks his tongue out at me.

I laugh with them and help my mom and sisters set the table. Marina is having a pop up shop later and we are all going to support her.

————

Marina, Venice, Mama and I spent hours setting up the displays while Lorenzo and Maddox moved the boxes of thing in and out do the tiny shop.

"It's coming together, huh?"

Marina smiled. "It's amazing."

The shop truly did look amazing. There was a mix of neutral and pale colors that accented the clothes my sister designed. Marina liked everything  perfect and she didn't want to leave it in the hands of workers she didn't know so we helped her.

People were lining up outside the door all's round the block. I decided to look through the rack of sweaters in the back. From the corner of my eye, I saw Maddox shoot up from his chair after speaking into the phone. He was scolding in his phone in some language I didn't know.

That's weird.

I was tempted to follow him, but it wasn't my place. We haven't even known each other for that long, but I feel like I've known him my whole life.

Marina interrupted my thoughts. "Guys! It's time for the opening."

We all watched her go to the front and cut the ribbon. Body guards surrounded the area making sure we were all safe, and that no one was stealing merchandise.

The crowd was mostly girls because that was my sister's focus. I stared out the large front windows and saw to men fighting outside. I hadn't put on my contacts this morning, so i couldn't see who it was. One of them rushed through the door.

The security guard stopped him. Marina walked that way and she looked confused. I decided to walk over there to see what is going on.

"I need to talk to her!"

Marina then asked, "Who?"

It was Tyler.

"Aubrey dammit!"

I walked closer. I knew i couldn't hide forever. I just thought I had more time.

"Guys, it's fine. He is my friend. Come on Tyler let's go," I said pushing him away from the store. I wasn't going to let him ruin my sister's big day.

We walked across the street to talk on a little park bench. I wonder what he's doing here? Where's Maddox? I hope he's not angry about this.

"What are you doing here Tyler?"

He brushed a piece of my hair behind my ear. "I'm here because I care about you. Unlike, that thing that's here with you."

I sighed. "Tyler, I just don't feel the same way. Why can't you understand that?"

His eyebrows furrowed in anger. "So you think I'm a liar?! No! You don't understand that he's just using—"

BANG

BANG

BANG

That sound was all to familiar. With each bang I felt my heart drop. Glass shattered, people screamed, but one noise stood out the loudest.

My mother's voice crying in agony.

"VENICE!"