Valentino

The end of the gun points directly into his skull and I take pleasure in watching his dead body drop to the floor. Men instantly run towards the body. With a twitch of my finger, they all fall into the abyss of death. One last rat runs into the room. His eyes lock with mine. His last sight is my middle finger as a bullet goes through his head.

With all witnesses dead, I don't have to worry about my secret getting out anymore. I pack my gun away in an inconspicuous bag I carry with me and leave the building via fire escape. I toss the bag into the backseat of my car and take off towards our workplace. While we train at Fransesco's gym, we have a separate building where we handle our business.

"Sir," A man nods as I walk past them. I don't say a word to anyone until I step foot into Allessandro's office. His steel eyes are already drilling into me before I even knock on the door. Taking a deep breath, I enter the chilly office.

"Valentino, sit down," My eldest brother commands, never removing his gaze from his files. I quietly slide into the leather seat. He doesn't bat an eyelash as he continues shuffling through the stack of documents.

Swallowing my anxiety, I roll my lip into my mouth. "So, what'd you call me for big bro?" I ask charmingly with a small grin.

Amusement flies over his head as his hand pauses writing. Chills run down my spine when his murderous gaze locks into mine. "Do you think this is a joke?" He asks coldly, dropping his pen into a container of its' family.

If there's one thing I know about Allessandro, it's that he's always been too intelligent. For as long as I can remember, nothing has ever been out of place when he's involved. His desk is organized to where everything has a home, is color coordinated in alphabetical order. If even the tiniest thing is out of place, he'll notice. This quality of his had always been a little annoying but it became even more agitating once Principessa came back home.

"No, no, well not really," I chuckle nervously, my tongue suddenly unable to stop spitting out words. "You guys are taking this all too seriously. It was just a little taxi ride. It's not like she died-"

"Valentino," Alessandro cuts me off cooly, causing me to advert my gaze to the wooden floor. "Your careless jokes aren't humorous. Any other useless comments will lead to your credit and debit cards being declined. Am I understood?"

"Yes," I mumble like a scolded child. He could do much worse, that I'm aware of. I probably shouldn't push his buttons right now.

"Now, since you're so inclined to speak, how about you explain to me what was going through your head when you left our little sister alone in the middle of New York City? You've infiltrated the dirtiest rings hiding here, yet you still thought it was a good idea to leave her? Explain to me Valentino because I truly cannot comprehend your ridiculous actions," My eldest brother chastises calmly. His voice remained quiet - calculating. Allessandro's pissed.

I clench my jaw and try to find the strength in me to speak. "Look, I didn't think she was that bothered by the incident. She hasn't said anything about it so I thought she was over it."

"You don't talk about your drug addiction, yet I assume your doing perfectly fine," Allessandro drawls sarcastically. I stiffen as a different kind of fear causes my heart to drop. He knows? I know it's Allessandro but -

"How do you know about that?" I whisper like a child, my voice trembling with emotion. Memories I desperately wanted to forget flash by.

"You should try it kid, it won't hurt ya."

"You like that huh? Here - I'll let you have this bag for free."

"Back so soon? Damn, what happened to that motherfucker who wouldn't even look at it? Shit, I'm not complaining. How much money you got?"

"..Valentino?... Val..?...Shit, shit, shit! Fransesco, call Allessandro now!"

"After what happened last year, do you really think I wouldn't pay attention to that kind of behavior? The moment that you came home that day I knew what happened. You're involved with them again, except this time, you also got your little sister hurt as collateral," He explains, a bit of warmth breaking his cold exterior.

The guilt I was fighting back washes over me quicker than I can block. "So what?" My voice cracks. "What's it even matter to you? You don't give a shit."

A blanket of silence covers the room. "I do," He says so quietly I wonder if my ears are playing tricks on me. "I do care."

"Then why do you only say something when Annaliese gets hurt? Why didn't you say something when you noticed, huh big bro?" I question desperately, trying to make eye contact with him. He faces me head on without a bit of hesitance and it only fuels my irritation. "If you care as much as you say you do, you would've said something. You could've stopped it before everything happened but you didn't. So tell me how the fuck you want me to apologize, when you have part of the fucking blame!"

"You made those choices Valentino. You're old enough to understand right from wrong. My job isn't to be your parent," Allessandro responds, loosing any trace of gentleness he once had. Part of me knew he was right, but I wasn't going to drop the argument now that we've gotten this far.

"No, your job is to protect me. To help me when you see I'm doing shitty. Instead you focus all your time on your work or with Annaliese. It isn't fucking fair!" I exasperate, standing from my chair in anger. My chest heaves as I barely control the waves of fury running through my veins.

"My work pays for the house we live in, the food on your plate. My work allows you to have choices in your life millions of people could never even dream of. The moment you decided to join the mafia, you chose to protect yourself. You chose to be capable of taking responsibility for your own actions," Allessandro says so chilling, it would take something far sharper than a knife to cut the tension in his voice. "As for Annaliese, she's lived in an environment directly opposite of ours. She was one of the millions who could never dream of your life. She spent years living without a family, without a home. If you want to be pissed at me, fine, but don't you dare take it out on that little girl. She's innocent. She always has been."

For the first time all day, I actually listened to what he said. The moment I snapped at Annaliese, I felt awful. I hurt her real bad, but she didn't even do anything. The worst past is that she just took it. She didn't try to hurt me back. She even forgave me after I continued being an asshole. It's like she's some sort of princess.

My principessa.

I sigh and collapse back into the chair, my hands running through my dreadlocks. "I really fucked up, didn't I?"

Allessandro doesn't answer me for a few moments. "Valentino, what were you doing when you left Annaliese?" His silver rings glimmer in the dim lighting of his office. My shoulders drop in defeat. What's the point in hiding anything anymore?

"They came back," I replied, leaning my head back against the back of the chair. My foot taps against the wooden floor repeatedly. "Those guys that took Annaliese a few months ago? I found out who they work under. A few guys who I used to smoke with found out about it recently and tried to blackmail me using Annaliese."

I also almost starting using again and it took every fucking ounce of self control to walk away.

"Who," His voice rings sharply in the room, the loudest it's been since our meeting began.

My eyes connect with his intensely. "Hestia. Hestia Richardson."

——

Annaliese

"I can't believe those assholes had the audacity to put their fucking hands on you. I swear I ought to beat their asses," Sophie rants, her cheeks turning pink with anger. Nora sends her a worried look and brushes her hand against the warm skin.

I manage a small smile. "It's okay, it's nothing to worry about."

"Obviously it's something to worry about!" Ryder cuts into our conversation, his eyebrows furrowing as his eyes travel down to my neck. "You literally passed out. Seniors decided to not only pick on, but physically hurt someone who should be in seventh grade. Are you not understanding the problem here?"

My lips falter as I fidget with the backpack straps on my shoulders. "It's not a big deal," I say quietly, avoiding their aggravated eyes. We were walking to the entrance of the school to go home and this was the first time they saw me today.

Ashton sighs from next to Ryder. "Anna, you really need to stop being a pushover and learn to stand up for yourself," He mumbles. I quickly realize I wasn't supposed to hear but that doesn't stop the pang of hurt from stabbing my heart.

"Oh, I just remembered I was supposed to go to math tutoring. Like, right now. Be safe on the way home guys, have a good rest of the day!" I rush out as I turn away from them and walk fast in the opposite direction. Tears burn my eyes as my chin wobbles despite my will for it to stop.

I just want everything to stop.

Why can't people understand that I don't want to be hurt anymore than they do? I don't like being targeted. I don't like being touched. I don't like being insulted. I don't like looking at the scars on my skin or the injuries that will always be in my memory. I don't like crying or wincing or cringing. I don't like the smell of the ointment or swallowing pills.

I don't like it at all.

I sniffle as I collapse against a brick wall in an empty hallway, protected by the lockers next to me. Rolling my lips in my mouth, I try my best to keep quiet as tears roll down my cheeks and drip onto the tile floor. My head rests on the soft fabric covering my arms. Forcing air into my lungs, I breathe in and out slowly to calm myself down.

I'm fine, I'm fine.

"I thought I saw an airhead floating in the hall," An obnoxious voice comments from above me. I stiffen and embarassment washes over my body. Can't a girl cry in peace without being found out?

I sniffle and look up at him with redenned eyes and flushed cheeks. "Just shut up Alexander," I whisper hoarsely, exhaustion weighing into my tone. His eyes darken slightly at my words. "I'm not in the mood today."

"..Who knew you could tell someone to shut up," Alexander comments teasingly, crouching down in front of me with a small smirk. His aquamarine eyes scan my face while I wipe away the remaining tears. "What do you have to be upset about?"

I sniffle pathetically and run a hand through my curly hair. "Don't worry about it," I tell him, all of my energy gone. I focus on the light freckles dusting his nose, cheeks, and forehead. His long eyelashes fan against his tan cheeks. He's a very, very pretty boy. If only his personality matched it.

Alexander sighs and grabs my hands, forcing me to stand along with him. My eyes widen at his action and I look at him like he's insane (which he most definitely is). "You know, I thought it would be refreshing to see you upset but it's really just annoying," He grumbles under his breath. "Come on Airhead, you've got some cheering up to do."

I narrow my eyes at him in offense while he drags me towards the rear end of the hallway. "What's that supposed to mean?" I question as he pushes the door open. He turns back with a small grin on his lips and for a moment I'm shell shocked. The sun hit his wavy hair perfectly and his skin is practically glowing. My cheeks burn and not from the tears I shed earlier.

"You're no fun to tease when you're upset. So put some pep in your step kid. We've got shit to do," Alexander informs me, his lips falling back into thier usual frown. If he smiled more often he would easily be the prettiest boy in the world.

Except for Allessandro. No one's prettier than him.

Allessandro!

"Wait, what about my brothers?" I ask, worry seeping into my voice. Alexander pauses for a moment before taking my phone out of my bag and handing it to me.

"Tell them you're hanging out with a friend," He explains simply, shrugging his shoulders.

"But wouldn't that be lying?" I gasp, hugging my phone to my chest delicately.

Alexander's eyes twinkle with amusement as he leans towards me slightly, his taller height crowding me. "What? We're friends right?"

"Well.. uh, yes," I stammer out, my face flushing red.

"Then what's the problem?"

Everything! Everything's the problem!

Franny😎🖤👹

Hey Franny! 🤙 I'm going to hang out with my friend Alex after school, so don't worry about me! 🥳💁‍♀️💅 I'll text you when I need a ride, okay?! 😇🤩 See you then!! 🥰❤️😘

"I told him," I mutter, giving up on fighting Alexander on anything else. He smirks proudly and tugs me along towards the parking lot, where a white jeep wrangler was waiting for us. Fear forms a knot into my stomach and I tug on Alexander's hand to stop him. "Are you sure this is okay?"

"Yeah?" He asks in confusion. "Why wouldn't it be?"

Oh.

"Oh, uh, no reason," I brush off with a small smile. Pushing him forward, I giggle silently at the offended look on his face. "Just go slowpoke."

He turns to argue. "I'm not fuckin-"

"Alexander Matías Benjamín Kingsley, get your ass over here before I call mom to beat it!" A familiar voice yells across the parking lot. I look over his shoulder curiously while Alexander stiffens. My eyes fill with hope at the familiar silhouette. Is that..?

"Fuck me.." Alexander grunts while I rush past him, a giddy smile pulling at my lips. Her raven hair is colored with blonde highlights while her olive skin is tanner than ever. My fragile body collides with her comforting figure as I squeeze her tightly.

"Clara!" I exclaim, looking up at her brightly. She looks down at me in shock before recognition flashes through her aquamarine eyes.

"Shit... Annie?" Clara breathes out, a wide smile breaking through her stoic face. Her tattooed arms wrap around me tightly like they used too and the nostalgia almost causes me to cry again. "Mi amor, you're all grown up.." (my love)

Clara was the woman who taught me everything that I know. She was the one who taught me about music, reading, writing, and surviving my enviornment. Because of her, I didn't lose hope. She was my family.

"I missed you CiCi," I grin into her shirt. "What're you doing here?"

"I'm picking up Alexander and his little friend.. which I know is you now," She laughs cheerfully. A hole that I didn't realize had been empty became full at her laugh. She's the sister I never knew I needed.

"Of course the Airhead is buddies with my sister," Alexander grumbles from behind us. I turn to see a grumpy frown on his face, his eyes glancing from our hug to the ground every few seconds. Why's he sad?

"Do you wanna join the hug too?" I question, furrowing my brows. I open an arm to invite him in. "There's room for you too, Goose."

"Hell no, and what the fuck did you just call me?" He exasperates, his jaw dropping once the nickname slips past my lips. Fair's fair Goosie. You call me Airhead, I call you Goose.

"I can add an 'ee' on the end if it makes you feel better," I smile innocently.

"How about not asking me at all?" He suggests sarcastically, his lips forming a thin line. I purse my lips and then stick my tongue out at him, only for him to return the favor.

Clara bursts into laughter again at our squabble. "Now I see," She grins. Squeezing me tightly once more, she lets me go and opens up the passenger seat door. "Come on in kiddos. It's time for dinner with Mamá."

Hopping into the front seat of her jeep, I send a cheeky look to Alexander right before we end up bickering again.

——

"So you're really the Invernizzis' little sister? Damn," Clara comments, her eyebrows raising in interest. She turns down Taylor Swift on the radio so I can hear her better. "No offense Annie, but that shit couldn't be more unexpected."

My smile turns awkward. "What do you mean?"

"Okay, hear me out. They're like.. fucking big guys with shitty attitudes, and you're like.. like a little bunny rabbit who gives all the other animals it's carrots for fun."

"Tell me about it," Goosie grunts from the back of the car. Clara and I ignore him.

"They aren't mean, I don't know why everyone keeps saying that," I frown. "They're always nice to me."

Well, Valentino's been a little iffy but I'm sure there's a reason behind that.

"I'm sure sweetie," She comments, turning into a lavish neighborhood. I gawk at all the houses we pass by. "It's just like how I treat Alexa back there."

"Alexa?" I smirk.

"First off, you literally stole all of my cheerios this morning and then told Mamá I'm the one who ate it all. Second, don't call me Alexa, that shit's weird. Third, I just don't like you," He scowls, sending daggers to us. Maybe I'd find it intimidating if he wasn't all the way in the backseat.

"It's okay Goosie, I still like you," I say with an amused tone. He curls his lip to argue with me when Clara pulls into a driveway.

"Okay kiddos, we're here. Alexa, get the groceries. Annie, come with me. We have much to catch up on," Clara smiles. She opens my door for me and pulls me out, leaving Alexander to groan about all the bags he has to carry. We're about to enter the doorway when I pretend to be shocked.

"Oh, I left my phone in the car. I'll be right back," I tell her. Quickly turning back around, I make sure she's in the house when I go to Alexander. I start putting some of the bags through my arms.

"Seriously, you don't have to help," He grumbles under his breath.

Closing the trunk to the car, I send him a small smile. "You would've just been grumpy for the rest of the day, so don't even."

His silence shows his agreement and we both bring the bags into the house. My eyebrows raise in awe at the luxurious decoration and eloquence, as well as the Spanish accents mixed in the decor. "Alexander! ¿Qué te está llevando tanto tiempo, hijo? ¡Date prisa!" (Alexander! What's taking you so long, son? Hurry your ass up!"

"Mamá, there's someone with me," Alexander shouts back. A loud crashing sound comes from the room to the left and a woman a little taller than me comes striding into the room. Her dark brunette hair is pulled into a fancy bun, her golden hoop earrings contrasting beautifully with her tan skin. Her hazel eyes land on me with judgemental intent, similar as to how Allessandro observes everyone around him.

"I love your dress," I blurt out, smiling excitedly at the resemblence it has to Snow White's. My nerves increase with every second she stares at me. I have no idea how to interact with mom's. Considering.. you know. "You look like a princess, like Snow White or Pocahontas. Or both! Like, double."

Shut up, shut up, shut up, shut up.

Well, it's not like she can abandon you too.

She blinks a few times as she looks me up and down. After a small glance to Alexander, the coldness in her eyes disappear. "Thank you, encanta. I'm Alexander's mamá, which means you call me Mamá." (sweetie)

I gasp. "Oh my, I couldn't do that! That's so disrespectful-"

"Airhead, chill," Alexander whispers to me, so quiet I barely hear him. "Just accept it."

I look to him worriedly.