Running ✔️ [UNEDITED]

Chapter 17: Petty jealousy

AN: 7k+ reads? Wow... never thought that would happen 😂 😅
Here's chapter 17. Enjoy people.

Lila's POV: (one month later)

I can honestly say that the last few weeks have been the best days of my life.

The day after the rules were established, the boys took me shopping which was an... interesting experience to say the least.

Flashback

"Drake, I don't need that many clothes!" I yelled in exasperation as my irritating brother put yet another shirt on the ever growing pile. Vito was a couple aisles away, browsing through electronics that I would need.

I picked it up and put it back, "please, I don't want you to spend your money on me!"

Drake's eyes softened, "Principessa, we've missed your entire life! Please give us a chance to spoil you."

However, I can be incredibly stubborn when I want to be. After a few minutes of puppy eyes, begging and blackmail, I managed to convince the boys to at least run the clothes by me first before getting it.

"How about this one?" Olly held up a crass yellow neon dress.

"Looks like the sun threw up on it and I don't wear dresses," I wrinkled my nose in disgust.

And that's how the hours flew by; we exited the shop with more clothes than I've ever had in my life and the widest smiled plastered on our faces.
End of flashback

The only thing I'm missing are my friends- Solomon, Reece and Will. They texted on our group chat that they'd be delayed in coming and I'm getting worried.

Currently, I'm in Alessandro's office surrounded by my other brothers, wondering what I did this time. He said he wanted to meet me for 'important business' and I wondered what that was.

"So, Lila," Mr Drama Queen cleared his throat dramatically, "you will be starting school in two weeks time. You have the choice to either continue at your old school, or go to the same school as Xander and the twins."

I turned the idea over in my head. On one hand, I was comfortable at my old school, even if I got bullied occasionally. On the other hand, it might be time for a new change...

"Which school do you guys go to?" I asked.

"St Benwood Academy," Olly replied and my eyes widened. That was the school directly opposite to my current one. The children there loved to snub us and treat us like dirt. I would love to get back at them.

"I'll go to your school on one condition," I leaned back in my chair, "can I have a different surname to you guys?"

I noticed a brief flash of hurt wash over all my brothers faces and I hastily amended, "It's not because of you- I know some people at Benwood and I know you guys are pretty popular. I just don't want any extra unwanted attention, please."

Alessandro nodded, "Okay, what would you like it changed to?"

I thought deeply, my eyes darting around the room. Finally, they landed on my watch and I smiled, "Smith. I'd like it to be Smith please."

Alessandro nodded and was about to reply when the doorbell rang.

"I'll get it," Axel said, exiting the room. I heard the door being opened and voices being spoken.

"What do you guys want?" I head Axel say, but not unkindly.

"Um, are you sure we're in the right place, Reece?" I heard a wonderfully familiar voice ask.

"Yes, Solomon I checked the address about 20 times. Hey Axe, is there a Lila residing here by any chance?"

"REECE!" I yelled, running out of the room and stopping in front of the door, "Hi."

"Lila!" Will shoved Reece out of the ways and swept me in a bone crushing hug, "I've missed you!"

"You too," I squeaked out.

"Will, you're crushing the poor girl," Reece tutted, "it's good to see you too, Lila." He gave me a gentle hug, his amber eyes sparkling.

I walked up to Solomon and extended my arms, "Hug."

"How about a pat on the back?" Sol suggested.

"Hug," I demanded, the other two laughing silently behind me.

Solomon sighed and gave me a slightly stiff hug and I grinned. Round one to Lila.

"What is going on?" I heard Axel say.

"Reece, Will and Sol, meet my biological brothers. Alessandro, Axel, Drake, Xander, Vito and Olly, meet my non- biological brothers."

"You're the lost Vincenti Princess?" Reece was shocked when I nodded.

Xander stormed off for some reason and the others smiled, though it seemed a little forced.

"We know who they are sorella," Sol chuckled, "we work together, remember?"

"Yeah, I knew that, just getting rid of the formalities," I rolled my eyes.

"Keep rolling your eyes, you might find a brain back there," Will teased.

I huffed in annoyance, "why are you guys here?"

"Firstly, to come check on you," Sol started, "ans secondly, we have a problem in the gang."

"What is it?" I asked, putting my serious face on.

Sol looked quickly to my brothers, "it actually concerns all of us. Is there a place where we can discuss this?"

"My office," Alessandro said at once, "come on, let's go."

Xander's POV:

I went to my room and sulked. When Lila called them her 'brothers' I was jealous. It really hit me that we'd missed her whole childhood.

When our parents first informed us that Mom was pregnant with a girl, I was so excited. Even though I was only three, I made plans on how to become best friends with her and shower her with love and affection.

And now, when she came back, all I've done is push her away. I'm scared that this is alla dream and by getting close to Lila, I'd end up hurting her or me.

Groaning in frustration, I grabbed my motorcycle keys and went out. I needed to clear my head.
End of chapter 17.
Do you guys want me to include Zoe in the next few chapters?
Thanks for reading!

Reece:
Amber eyes, brown hair, 23 years old

Will:
Brown eyes, blue hair, 23 years old

Solomon:
Cold blue eyes, neatly combed black hair, 24 years old.