Running ✔️ [UNEDITED]

Chapter 16: Rules

AN: here's Chapter 16. Enjoy people. 5k+ reads?! Thanks!
Changed the gang name to 'The Vipers'

Lila's POV:

To say lunch was awkward would be an understatement.

We didn't speak. Just focused eating our spaghetti.

"The food tastes delicious," I said from my spot on the floor.

I heard a chorus of agreements and then awkward silence descended upon us.

"Okay, what's going on?" I asked, getting slightly fed up.

"What do you mean?" Olly replied.

"There's a lot of... awkwardness," I explained, "which means that there's something you guys want to tell me."

"Fine," Alessandro put his fork down, "you're in a gang."

I shrugged, "So?"

"You're 14, Lila," Drake explained, "you've been in a gang since you were 10! You-you should've been having fun and living life to the fullest! Your foster parents should've looked after you. There really shouldn't have been a reason for you to join one of the most feared gangs in the world- let alone be the leader of it!"

I set my fork down, "You're right. There is a reason why I joined," stay away tears, "but I'm not going to tell you yet. I may in the future, but I just don't trust you guys enough right now."

Drake put a comforting hand on my shoulder and it took everything in me not to flinch, "Don't worry, Lila. You can tell us when you're ready." He gave my shoulder a gentle squeeze and I resisted the urge to cry out- there was a large cut there.

Nevertheless, I smiled slightly, "Thank you."

Alessandro cleared his throat, "anyway, Lila, tomorrow you'll be going clothes shopping with all of us. After lunch today, we'll discuss the rules."

X

After lunch, Alessandro lead me to his study, closely followed by Axel and Drake. He solemnly sat at the oak desk and gestured for me to sit in the black chair in front. Sadly, when I sat on it, my feet just barely touched the floor. I heard some snickers at that and rolled my eyes, it's not my fault my brothers are freaking giants!

"We are very happy to have you back," Alessandro started, "but there are rules you must follow:
1. No partying, drugs or smoking

2. No dating- there'll be plenty of time for that when you are older.

3. Respect your brothers

4. Don't go to the third floor- it's where our clients come and some are dangerous. I know you are trained and can handle yourself but just to be on the safe side. You can come as long as one of us is with you.

5. Bedtimes on weekends are at 11pm but on weekdays it's 9:30-10pm since it's a school night," he looked at me sternly, "and I expect you to keep up your grades for school- your report was exceptional from your last one. Not just you but your brothers have to follow similar rules; breaking them will result in punishment. Is everything clear?"

"Yes, sir," I nod, my mind too stuck on 'punishment' to realise what I was saying.

Everyone in the room frowned and I realised what I said. Quickly, I excused myself and left the room.

I practically sprinted to my bedroom, the all too familiar claustrophobic feeling overwhelming me. I locked my door and slid down it, tears streaming down my face. I brought a pillow to my face and let out a muffled scream, dark memories resurfacing. I cried myself sick and felt a small weight temporarily lift off my shoulders. I remembered the 'punishments' I would receive for failing to obey the rules. I hope my brothers won't be as harsh.

Groaning slightly, I crawled in my bed and went to sleep, even though it was only 1pm- physically and mentally exhausted.

Alessandro's POV:

She called me sir. Why would she call me sir? I could tell the others were thinking the same thing.

"Why did she call you sir?" Axel frowned, "you're her brother, not her employer."

Drake chewed his bottom lip, "I think something has happened in her past... something pretty traumatic- notice the way she flinches at a loud noise or when someone hugs her? As badly as I want to ask her, we have to wait until she is ready to tell us."

I nodded and the meeting adjourned. We went back to the living room, expecting to see Lila there with Xander, Vito and Olly. She wasn't there.

"Guys, where's Lila?" I asked.

They shrugged in response, "We thought she was with you," Olly replied.

"She left a few minutes ago... did any of you see her?" Drake said. They shook their heads.

Let the nationwide manhunt begin.

X
We found her in her room- sleeping. I internally breathed a sigh of relief. However, that quickly vanished when I saw the tear tracks glistening on her face.

To everyone's shock, Xander walked up to Lila, kissed her forehead and murmured a few words in Italian that we couldn't hear. Seeing our expressions, he said: "what? She's my sister too, okay. I love her. Don't you dare tell her that I said that," before walking out of the room.

Still slightly confused, we all bid Lila a quiet night- even though it was only 2pm- and silently slipped out.
End of chapter 16
I hope you guys liked it!
Next chapter will be a time skip