Alessandro's POV:

F*ck I messed up. F*ck, f*ck, f*ck! Of course he'd find a way to charm her. Of course, the little brat would like him. Of course, she'd be happy. Why would I think otherwise? It's Ezra, Ezra f*cking Rossi. He probably reads her bedtime stories.

I quickly clicked off his page, I couldn't stand looking at it any longer. Pumpkins. They were carving f*cking pumpkins, and she looked as happy go lucky as could be. Who likes pumpkins? A dirty rotten pumpkin was all it took for her to laugh and smile? A f*cking pumpkin? I could have bought her a million of pumpkins.

It wasn't a punishment; it was a slap in the face.

I haven't seen or heard from the little brat in three months. Three excruciatingly long, painful months. Not a single letter ever turned up. Not one. Not her begging me to come get her, not an apology, not even a check in. This is what I get? This is what I deserve?

I angerly shook my head and reached for a new can of beer on my nightstand. I cracked it open and quickly took a drink.

I sent her off to my brother so, the Russians wouldn't be able to find her. To protect her but also punish her. I thought for some stupid reason, she'd hate it. He isn't rich by any means, h*ll he's just an ex-military man. She could get a taste of life without ease; without all the luxury I've given her. Ezra was always cold and callous around me. A 'strict military guy' seemed like the perfect punishment. Perhaps he could knock some sense into her, teach her a lesson or two. Then maybe I wouldn't seem like the bad guy.

I finished the can before crushing it with my hand and tossing it aside.

Ezra Russo. I've always envied my brother. He had everything. Everything I seeked out. Everything I wanted. Everything I always tried to be. He was funny, kind, charming, polite, strong. He knew how to make people laugh and smile. He knew how to talk to people. He knew how to deal with his emotions. His feelings. He was mom's favorite by far and got every girl I wanted, h*ll I'd come home, and he'd be hanging out with my own girlfriend. Including Kinsley. Kinsley was never just mine or just his, but she was meant to be mine. I found her first, I talked to her first, I fell in love with her first. He stole everything I had and now he has Chiara, too. He's got her wrapped around his finger.

Kinsley. Kinsley was everything, to me and to him. She was beautiful, jaw droppingly beautiful. I couldn't even describe her if I wanted too, she was perfect, there were no words good enough to describe her. Neither of us ever deserved her. I didn't even think love was possible until I met her. She was like a breath of fresh air. She just had this spark about her that pulled both me and my brother in. Mom even loved her. The only one she actually liked. Kinsley made us laugh through anything, but she also tore me and my brother apart.

I've always just been, 'Ezra's brother.' He's always just been seen as better and stronger.

I should've ended him, ended him the day I caught him with her. Then none of this mess would have ever occurred.

I shut my laptop off and put it to the side, my room filled with darkness. The only source of light, now gone.

I ran a hand through my hair. He begged me to let him see her, and I gave in. The only thing my brother didn't have and now he does.

As much as I'd hate to admit it, I do slightly miss Chiara. At least she brought some form of interest to my day, even if it was bad and annoying.

I groggily stood up and went over to my wardrobe, before doing so I flicked on the light. I picked out a clean-tailored suit and some socks.

I ran a hand over my stubble before getting dressed. I should shave.

Whatever, it was too late for that now. I knew what was needed to be done. I quickly draped a blanket over my bed in a lazy attempt to make it, and I pulled out my briefcase. I packed some important papers and finished by placing my laptop and chargers inside. I pulled out my phone and dialed a few workers.

If the ungrateful brat doesn't want to come home where she belongs, then I'll have to get her myself.

-

Chiara's POV:

I groaned as I heard my stupid alarm clock ring for the tenth time. Yes, for the tenth time, the stupid thing won't shut up, I keep clicking snooze for five more minutes, but it feels like those five minutes are five seconds long.

I don't wanna go to school today.

I turned off my alarm clock and I rolled back over as I tried to get comfy again.

Sleep, I just want more sleep. Ugh why does my bed have to feel like the best place in the world on a school day. Why can't it feel this way on a weekend. Make it make sense.

Suddenly my door creaked open, Ezra came barging in with a grin on his face. I groaned into my pillow he was way too happy for Monday mornings.

"Come on kid, rise n' shine. You've overslept for twenty minutes now." He chuckled as he went over to pull open my curtains and blinds.

I hissed at the light and quickly covered my eyes. Way too bright. Who decided the sun should be this bright, at this time?

"Wow I didn't know you were secretly a vampire, guess we learn new things every day, now get up, kid." He said as he chucked a pillow at me.

I removed my hand and squinted to adjust my eyes to the bright light. Pain. Literal pain. "Close the curtains, five more minutes then I'll get up." I mumbled still in my sleepy daze, but I still managed a smile, knowing I would literally just fall back asleep.

He scoffed, "Five minutes my a**, now get up before I drag you out of bed."

I frowned then gave him my best menacing glare before I stood up.

He smiled, "Good morning to you too, vampire."

I playfully rolled my eyes, "Very funny, Ezra."

"I know, sad that a grown man is funnier than you. Now hurry up and get ready for school, kid. Breakfast is waiting downstairs." He said with a grin as he made his way downstairs before I could argue further.

Oh, he did not. He is not funnier than me. He just makes stupid, lame dad jokes all day. I playfully rolled my eyes and went into my bathroom; I quickly washed my face and brushed my teeth. Once I finished that I applied some moisturizer and sunscreen before going to sit down at my vanity.

I quickly ran a brush through my knotted hair, and I did some light makeup. Over the past few months, Ophelia was very helpful in teaching me how to do makeup and some really cute hairstyles. It was nice and refreshing to finally have a girl around.

I quickly began French braiding my hair, I left the two strands in the front out. Once I was done, I went over to my dresser and picked out a cute pair of light denim jeans and my favorite cropped pink sweater.

I quickly slipped on my socks, grabbed my bag and headed downstairs.

The warm, delicious smell of bacon hit me in the nose, I slid onto the island stool and did a spin around.

I noticed he was wearing the apron; Ophelia had gotten him for his birthday, and I couldn't help but laugh.

He raised his eyebrows, then he realized what I was laughing at. "Shut it, brat."

I chuckled and thanked him as he set some bacon and scrambled eggs on my plate.

"Thought you said you threw the apron out because you hated it and would never ever wear it." I teased as I began digging into my food.

He scoffed, "Hate is a strong word kid, I said I disliked it. Bedside's I realized it just made me look cooler. Don't be jealous because you don't have a nice apron to wear when you cook too, kid."

I leaned over to pour myself a cup of fresh orange juice, "Sure, Ezra, sure."

"Do you want a ride to school today kid? He asked as he began eating his food.

I shook my head as I was still eating, "Nope, Leah is coming to pick me up and we're going to walk."

"Good, I didn't feel like driving anyways." He said as he took a chug of his juice.

I rolled my eyes and finished eating my food. I heard a knock at the door, and I quickly went over to the sink to place my dishes.

I swung my bag over my shoulder and jogged over to the front door.

"Bye Ezra!"

"Bye, kid. Be safe and be good."

I smiled, "Yeah, yeah."

I opened the door and greeted my friend, and we began walking to school.