chapter 15

Isabella's POV

As soon as the door clicked shut behind them, I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding. The air in the room felt suffocating, my chest tight with unspoken words. I needed air.

Walking over to the balcony, I rubbed my side, the dull ache reminding me of my less-than-graceful fall. I pushed the door open, the early morning breeze washing over me, cooling the warmth that had crept up my skin during all the chaos. The sky was beginning to shift from deep blue to soft hues of orange and pink.

I leaned against the railing, gripping it tightly.

Miguel wouldn’t call unless it was important. And the fact that he had tried multiple times didn’t sit well with me.

I pulled my phone out again, staring at the missed call notification. Then, just as I was about to dial back, another voice interrupted my thoughts.

“You didn’t hear me come in, did you?”

I turned slightly to see Alessandro standing by the doorway, his unusual relaxed smirk in place.

I rolled my eyes. “If I had, I would’ve locked the door.”

He chuckled, stepping forward. “Harsh.” His gaze flickered over me, analyzing like he always did. “I was just passing by when I realized I haven’t had the chance to give you a full tour yet.”

I arched a brow. “A tour?”

He shrugged. “Yeah. You know, show you the grounds, the best places to disappear when you don’t want to be found.”

I huffed a quiet laugh. “I think I’ve already figured those out on my own.”

He leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed. “Still, humor me. Maybe after breakfast?”

I hesitated. A tour meant spending time with him. It meant lowering my guard, even if just a little.

But avoiding him wasn’t an option either.

“Fine,” I muttered. “After breakfast.”

His smirk widened as if he had won something before he pushed off the doorframe and walked away.

As soon as he was gone, I exhaled and turned back to the horizon. The calm didn’t last long. My phone vibrated again in my hand.

Miguel.

I stared at the screen before answering. “Hey, Miguel,” I said tiredly.

“Oh, so now you pick up? I see how it is,” he teased.

I sighed. “Yeah, well, I was asleep, and my brothers were here.”

“Right, right,” he said, clearly unimpressed. “Anyway, we’re almost there. I swear, if we don’t land soon, I might kill Ryan and Diageo myself. They won’t stop pacing.”

I smirked, easily picturing the two of them growing restless. “Sounds about right.”

“Oh, and your prized possessions are already in the garage,” he added casually.

That got my attention. “Seriously?” I perked up, running a hand through my hair. “Any issues?”

“None. Everything’s clean.” Then, after a pause, he deadpanned, “You’re more excited about your cars than us, aren’t you?”

I chuckled sheepishly. “I mean… maybe?”

He sighed dramatically. “Figures. Anyway, I sent you the location of one of the best racetracks in Italy. You’re welcome.”

“You’re the best, Miguel,” I said, already opening the message he sent. “Look, I have to go. Let me know when everything’s settled.”

“Will do, reina.” he said before hanging up. (Queen)

I tucked my phone away just as I heard footsteps approaching my door. My grip on the balcony tightened. Things were about to get a lot more complicated.

A knock sounded, making me sigh. I was already done with today.

“Come in,” I called, grabbing clothes for a shower, even though my closet connected with the bathroom.

“How are you not ready yet?” Vincent asked from behind me.

“I was on the phone with my friend.”

“Who is she? How long have you known her?”

I laughed hard when he said she, me and girls didn’t exactly get along. “Diageo and Ryan are my best friends. I’ve known them for years. They’re moving here to be with me. They already have a house.”

“They must be really good friends if they’re moving just for you.”

“The longest we’ve ever been apart is a week, and I’m already really missing them.”

Vincent frowned slightly. “Your friends sound… protective.”

“They are,” I admitted with a small smile. “They’re family.”

“Well,” he sighed, stepping back, “you should get ready. Everyone’s waiting for you downstairs.”

I nodded, watching him leave before turning back to my reflection. I knew things were only going to get harder from here. My past and present were colliding, and I wasn’t sure I was ready for the fallout.

I stood up and got dressed, applying more concealer over my bruises before heading out to join my so-called family for breakfast.

The word still felt foreign on my tongue family. Fuck, that word sounded wrong.

After breakfast, Alessandro took me on the promised tour of the mansion. It was extravagant, even by my standards. The four-story estate had everything an indoor and outdoor pool, a high-tech gym, a gaming room, a cinema room, and, as if that wasn’t enough, an even larger private theater. The kitchen was, state of the art, connected to both a formal dining area and a more casual one where the family usually gathered. The library was breathtaking, filled with shelves of books that reached the ceiling.

Then there were the areas I wasn’t allowed to enter as in the private offices. Alessandro didn’t bother explaining, and I didn’t ask. Some things were better left unquestioned.

Despite the impressive tour, my mind wandered. I couldn't shake the feeling of unease, like I was waiting for the other shoe to drop. I forced myself to focus, but I knew better than to let my guard down completely.

I will leave and go be with the lads, but hopefully, my family gets along with Diageo and Ryan. I really would leave if they weren't welcome. I got a text from Miguel a while ago stating that they landed and got to the house okay.

I want to ask oldie to go and visit but I'm scared that he will say no or ask them to come here.

i get up wanting to ask him.

Words 1031