Chapter 12
Ava’s POV
I gasped. Fabio was sprawled on the couch. legs wide, his breathing slightly labored. He looked exhausted. His lips were bruised, though not terribly, and there were bruises on his arms and face.
What a surprise. It seemed he and Dante had engaged in far more intense training than he and I had.
“Cecille. I said quietly,
“Yes, Miss Ava” she replied, approaching me.
“Please get the first aid kit. I whispered,
She nodded and went to retrieve it, then she returned a few minutes later. Thank you.” I told her. “You can rest now, Cecille I’ll take care of this.”
living room with the Don.
She smiled and left me alone in the livi
I opened the first aid kit and placed it on the center table. Sitting beside him, but maintaining a respectful distance, I carefully dampened cotton balls with rubbing alcohol
Just as I touched the cotton ball to his lip, he moved. And suddenly his hand caught my wrist, his eyes opening, “What are you doing? That stings”
1 gently pulled my hand away. Just returning the favor,” I said.
He took my hand. guiding the cotton ball back to his lips. His eyes held mine as I dabbed at the bruise. You can.” he murmured, then closed his eyes again. He didn’t flinch as I cleaned the wound on his lip and then applied ointment to the bruises on his face and arms. I worked slowly and carefully, trying not to cause him any more pain.
When I knelt to clean the bruise and graze on his left thigh. I had to be even more cautious. It was larger, more severe. Thankfully, there wasn’t much blood, or I wouldn’t have been able to look at it.
He spread his legs slightly, giving me better access. He groaned as the rubbing alcohol touched the raw skin. “Why do you let yourself get hurt like this? I asked softly.
“Ava,” he replied, his voice low, “I grew up in a family where violence and brutality were the only solutions.”
I looked up, our eyes locked. A strange sensation washed over me, like an invisible magnet drawing me closer. My tongue felt thick and useless. I couldn’t seem to look away.
“What’s going on here? A familiar voice cut through the tension.
Diego stood in the doorway, impeccably dressed in his black suit, eyebrows raised. “If you two are going to… do that, do it in private.” His gaze dropped to me, kneeling by Fabio’s injured leg. Fabio’s eyes followed his brother’s, a trace of surprise crossing his face as he seemed to understand Dante’s words.
“It’s not what you think, asshole,” Fabio growled.
I scrambled to my feet, awkwardness burning in my cheeks, and grabbed the first aid kit. I was just… cleaning his wounds”
“Oh, really? So Fabio’s needing a woman’s help with his boo–boos?” Diego smirked, strolling into the room with a briefcase in hand. “So, where’s Dante?” he asked Fabio
“At the pool drowning himself. Fabio replied flatly.
Diego turned and walked towards the pool. I just wanted to escape. My heart was still racing from being near Fabio, and I was exhausted. I needed something to calm me down!
“Excuse me,” I said, turning my back without glancing back.
I shut my bedroom door, undressed, and jumped into the shower, letting th Afterward, I opened the window. Down below, I saw Diego, Fabio, and Dante. They looked serious. Diego opened his
the warm water wash aw
ash away the day’s stress.
1/2
briefcase, and instead of a gun, he pulled out papers. He handed
a pen
to Fabio.
Chapter 12
+8 Pearls
Then, Fabio looked up, straight at my window. I quickly shut it and sat on my bed, confused. “What was that?” I muttered. Down by the pool, I could hear their voices, though I couldn’t make our the words clearly.
“So, you’re signing this now?” Dante asked.
“Yes,” Fabio replied, his voice firm. “It’s time.”
“Are you sure about this? Diego asked. “There’s no going back.”
I’m sure, Fabio said. “This needs to be done.”
“Good.” Diego said. “Then let’s get this over with.”
Curiosity ground at me, but I pushed it down. None of my business I reminded myself.
I took a deep breath and locked my door. No way was I going down for dinner with those three tonight, especially after jeverything that had happened. I wasn’t about to start bonding with them.
I texted Cecille, asking her to bring me food. A few minutes later, she knocked, and I smiled as I took the tray. Thank you. Cecille
“You’re welcome, Miss Ava If you need anything, just text or call. I’m always available,” she winked and smiled politely.
I closed the door and ate at my little table. Later, I heard the sounds of a party coming from the pool. Laughter, music, and the distinct sound of too many voices. I peeked out the window and saw a chaotic scene: women, strippers, and a general air of wildness. Fabio stood apart, a beer bottle in his hand, watching the revelry.
Then, my breath caught in my throat. His eyes moved, settling on my window. Oh, hell no. I yanked the curtains closed. lowered the lampshade, and dove under the covers, trying to force myself to sleep
Why is my heart doing this? I thought, frustration bubbling up in my head. I hate him for making me feel this way.
I yawned and drifted off to sleep. Later, in the dead of night, I felt a warm hand slide up my thigh, then to my waist. I thought it was a dream, but it wasn’t. The hand was definitely groping me. I groaned and tried to shift away. The scent of alcohol filled my nostrils, and then a hot tongue traced the line of my neck. Before I could react, he plunged a syringe into my neck..
“W–Who are you?!” I kicked him away, my head spinning. The drug was working fast, but I couldn’t let it win. The window. Yes. That’s my only escape. So I jumped.
“HEY! WHAT THE HELL!” he yelled behind me.
I crashed into the pool with a loud splash. Gasps and shouts erupted around me.
