My First, My Last, My Everything

Chapter 30

Gabriella

The next morning, I woke up and breezed through my usual routine before slipping into a pair of black, snug yoga pants and a dark blue tank top. I gathered my brown hair into a loose ponytail and swiftly put on my converse.

Initially, my plan was to hit the gym, but I decided to swing by Anthony's office first to catch up on our plans. We'd been back from Lakeview High, and I was curious about what he'd learned from the person he'd visited at the school. The tension of not knowing was getting to me, especially since I was worried about Liana and Tyson.

Exiting my room, I walked down the narrow hallway that led to Anthony's office. A knock and his voice called out from the other side, so I entered, shutting the door behind me.

Despite yesterday's issues between us, I wanted to move past it and regain our previous rapport. Anthony stood by his table, engrossed in scribbling on scattered papers.

His sleeves were rolled up, revealing his muscular forearms, and his hair was slightly unkempt. I paid little mind to his appearance, closing the door and walking over to him.

"What's the latest update?" I asked, raising an eyebrow as I looked at the sprawled papers.

"These are plans about the Phoenix gang's hideouts. Been trying to track down their movements but it's hard because they keep moving from one place to another with no permanent base," he replied, taking a sip of his drink.

"Are any of these locations connected to where they might be keeping Tyson and Liana?" I inquired, sifting through the papers.

"I've been trying to piece that together. I sent some guys to scout these places. If they find anything, we'll take it from there," he explained, leaning against his desk.

"Anything about my parents?" I questioned.

"They're safe, but it's best not to contact them. We don't want the Phoenix gang getting wind of it," he cautioned.

"Understood. Any messages or threats from the gang regarding Liana and Tyson?" I asked, my worry evident.

He fetched an envelope from his drawer with a red stamp on it.

"Just got this today. Take a look." I took the envelope, unfolded the paper inside, and read the message.

~The Antonio And The Black Army~ 

 We know you're working together to rescue your friends but too bad that you'll both have to do more then just working together just to see them alive again.We've already informed miss Gabriella Antonio that she needs to give her title up by the end of this month if she wants to see her little friend again. As for Mr Castillo, if you wanna see your second in command alive and well, then in return we want you. A life for a life. We'll let you know the location by the last day.You both have one week only till the end of this month so time is ticking, your friends are dying.-PG

I crumpled up the paper and tossing it on the table. 

"I'm heading to the gym to blow off some steam. Keep me posted." I exited his office without waiting for a response.

My anger fueled my desire to hunt down the Phoenix gang and make them pay, but I also understood the need for preparation.

Their threats were a serious matter, and I had to ensure I was ready to face whatever came my way.

Entering the gym, I paused as I noticed Jay and Cleo having a serious conversation in the corner. They turned to me, their discussion apparently interrupted by my entrance.

"What's going on?" I asked cautiously, intrigued by their interaction.

"Just showing Jay around the gym. You here to train too?" Cleo inquired.

"Yeah, just got back from Anthony's office. We might need to act sooner on our mission," I explained, looking from one to the other.

"Any concerns about your parents?" Jay queried.

"They're safe for now, but we won't get in touch with them yet. Don't want to jeopardize their safety," I replied.

Anthony soon joined us shirtless, prompting Cleo to join him eagerly. Their interaction stirred my irritation.

"So, what's up with you and Cleo? Friends with benefits?" I couldn't help but ask Anthony as I saw them together.

He looked up from his weights. "She's just a friend," he said firmly.

"Right, a friend . Just keep her off my man and we won't have any other problem," I said, upping my pace on the treadmill.

"Don't worry, I'll make sure she's occupied that she won't even remember him existing at all," he retorted.

The gym's atmosphere shifted as we continue to argue. But we weren't discussing Jay and Cleo anymore; we were discussing us. The hurt and jealousy were laid bare, the history between us rearing its head.

We both stopped running on the treadmill and got off. His proximity escalated, and his words brought back our old intimacy.

My heartbeat quickened, my resolve wavering. He leaned in close, my lips almost brushing his, and his arm snaked around me, trapping me against the wall.

"Don't," I warned, my voice shaky.

"Say it," he breathed against my skin, the sensation electrifying.

"You can't always have what you want," I managed to say, my voice quivering.

His grip tightened, and his lips found mine, igniting a flood of emotions. Memories, longing, and regret surged as he pressed his body against mine. I was torn, trapped between wanting to pull away and succumbing to the familiarity that still had a hold on me.

"You miss this," he whispered, his lips brushing against mine.

"No, I don't," I protested, the tears that I fought to suppress escaping.

"I hate him. And I want you. Is that too much to ask?" It was a question I couldn't answer, not without sacrificing more than I was willing to give up.

The intensity dissolved as he released me and walked away. The aftermath left my heart aching, torn between love and reality.

The reasons we couldn't be together were complicated—our families, our entanglements with Cleo and Jay—and our past was a barricade.

Was that too much to understand?