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"Rise and shine, sleeping beauty." Kai's voice came from somewhere around me, the sound of curtains being drawn, following after.

"Go away," I murmured, trying to cover my head with a pillow.

"I'm not doing this," Jordan began. "My jaw still hurts from the last time I woke her up,"

"Wasn't that almost a year ago," Kai chuckled.

"Your point is? I'm not stupid enough to try it again- Wait, how do you know that?"

"Olive and Miles told me everything. Well, Via did most of the talking. Miles always got angry then cooked something to calm himself down,"

Cold hands wrapped around my ankles and the next thing I knew, I was being dragged off the bed.

I resisted, reaching for the object closest to me and swinging it at him.

"Via," Kai chuckled, pulling me further down the bed. "A pillow isn't going to make me stop but good try."

I groaned, swinging the pillow at him again. "This isn't going to end well," Jordan stated.

"You know, you could help me instead of just standing there." Kai struggled to form the words as I fought back.

"No, I think I'm good here. I'm going to say this one last time thought, you should leave her be before-"

My foot came in contact with what seemed to be a jaw and the hands that had been grabbing me were gone.

"-that happens," Jordan completed with a sigh.

"Fuck, how strong are you?" Kai coughed out. "I think I broke something."

I sat up immediately. "I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to hit you. Actually, I did. But I didn't think I'd hurt you. I'm-"

Kai let go of his jaw and grinned. "Worked like a charm,"

I threw another pillow at him. One he easily dodged. "That wasn't funny,"

"Wasn't supposed to be. I needed you to wake up,"

I yawned and stretched before rubbing my eyes. Kai walked over to me, gently pulling my hand away.

"Goodmorning, sunshine."

"I wish you had listened to Jordan." I murmured, my eyes fluttering open. "Why did you have to wake me up?

"Because Miles and Griffin will be upset with Jordan and I if you're not downstairs and ready for breakfast in the next thirty minutes." Kai chuckled, ruffling my hair.

"You're so silly, Kai." My voice was lulled as I was still drowsy from sleep. "Miles and Griffin are in L.A."

That was when it hit me. Jordan was supposed to be in L.A as well.

My eyes shot open, focused on Jordan who grinned back at me. "What's up, Olive?"

"Who's silly now?" Kai smirked.

I scratched my head, confused. "When did you get to Bordeaux? And why didn't no one tell me anything?"

"We're not in Bordeaux," Jordan responded.

"I'm confused," I mumbled.

"Let's save the questions for later," Kai spoke up, grabbing Jordan and I's attention.

He took my hand and pulled me off the bed, pushing me towards the bathroom.

"Kai, I don't know where we are, I'm not going to use some random person's bathroom. You know how I feel about these things," I said and stopped walking.

"We're at the estate in L.A., in the family house." Jordan explained behind me.

"That means I can finally see Xavier right?" I questioned.

Jordan wore an unreadable expression on his face. One that I couldn't figure out what it meant no matter how hard I thought about it.

Weird.

"Didn't I say to save the questions for later," Kai looked at the watch on his hand and began to panic.

"You have a little under twenty minutes to finish up, in there. The sooner you're done, the more likely it is that they won't get upset,"

I wasn't given a chance to ask any more questions as Kai nudged me into the bathroom, closing the door behind him.

"Be a dear and hurry up," Kai called from the outside. "Jordan and I will be downstairs with the others,"

What others?

I didn't think about it too much and focused on getting ready for the day. I brushed my teeth and showered, grabbing a heated towel from the rack and wrapping it around myself when I had finished.

Brushed my hair and dried, wrapping it in a different towel on the top of my head. I headed out of the bathroom and stopped in my tracks almost immediately.

"Surprise," Kat beamed.

"I forgot how adorable you are when you're confused," Xamira squealed, rushing to hug me.

I tried to explain that I was still wet as Kat came up to hug me as well but both ladies ignored me, engulfing me in a warm embrace. I couldn't help the smile on my face as I hugged them back.

"What is going on today?" I wondered after the pulled away.

"Don't worry about it too much," Kat dismissed, turning to the closet.

"Your main focus should be getting ready. Kat put your outfit together... with help from me, of course."

Realization hit me. "Where is the outfit going to come from? I haven't lived here in almost a year and I'm pretty sure I didn't leave any clothes behind."

I stopped talking when Kat held up the outfit, a sly smile plastered on her face.



"How?"

"You're asking too many questions. Isn't it gorgeous?" Xamira giggled.

"It's amazing but-"

Kat handed me the outfit with a smile. "No buts. It is, nothing else."

"We have a tight schedule and we're on a time crunch," Xamira sighed, gently pushing me back into the bathroom. "You need to get dressed,"

I wanted to ask more questions but the look on Xamira's face told me that she was just waiting for me to disobey.

So instead I listened, slightly intimidated by her, and closed the bathroom door, quickly getting dressed before heading out again.

"I know I've been saying this for the longest time but you think I'm joking and I'm really not. Please forget about Xavier and choose me," Xamira swooned.

"Xamira," I laughed.

"What?" She looked over at Kat and smirked. "Kat agrees too, just look at how red her face is,"

"Shut up, it isn't like that." Kat retorted. She turned to me with a big smile. "You look good, Olive."

Xamira's smile grew. "Just good huh? I don't think your body agrees with what your face is-"

"Why are we standing here talking when we need to get her ready?" Kat questioned, interrupting Xamira.

Xam and I shared a look as Kat led me over to my dresser. I sat when Xamira held out the chair for me. I noticed the different objects for both my hair and makeup that were laid out in front of us.

Objects that definitely were not there while Kai and Jordan were still in the room.

"You're so pretty, Vee." Xamira smiled behind me through the mirror.

"You should get started if we want to be on time," Kat told her.

Xamira nodded. She focused on my hair, bringing all of it to the back of my head.

"On time for what?" I asked. But neither of them spoke, just smiled in response.

Behind me, Xamira grabbed some of my hair again and motioned to hold them up when she stopped, letting go of it.

She turned to Kat. "What are we getting her ready for again?"

"Xam," The two of us chorused.

Kat sighed, laughing and I joined her, unable to stop myself. Xamira frowned at first but joined us laughing seconds later.

"Actually, though. I forgot," She giggled.

Kat smiled as she took out her phone, scrolling on it. She looked at me and smiled, shaking her head.

"Thought you were sly, huh?" She headed over to Xamira and leaned down, whispering something in her ear.

"Can someone please just explain what's happening today?" I frowned. "And where Xavier is?"

Rather than adhere to my request, Kat used her hand as a shield to prevent me from seeing her mouth.

Xamira squealed as Kat stood up straight. "Stop, that's so-"

"Xam," Kat placed her hand over Xamira's mouth to stop her from completing her sentence.

Xamira's voice was muffled due to Kat's hand. "Sorry, sorry. I forgot,"

Kat sighed as she shook her head, taking her hand off Xam's mouth in the process.

"You guys are mean," I huffed.

"We wouldn't be your best friends if we weren't," Kat winked at me.

"Now be good and let mommy do your hair," Xamira's eyes widened as soon as she realized what she said.

Kat looked at Xamira. I looked at Kat. Xamira looked at me. Kat looked at me. I looked at Xamira. Xamira looked at Kat.

And the three of us bursted out laughing.

"I'm sorry. I'm just used to saying that while doing the girls' hair," She said after catching her breath.

"Why are you apologizing? Shit was hot as fuck," Kat shrugged.

"I just might have to forget about Xav and choose you. If the offer still stands-" Xamira cut me off by grabbing my face, turning it to the mirror.

"Have you seen how hot you are? Yes the offer still fucking stands. Just give me a time and place. I don't give a fuck what I'm doing, I'll gladly-"

"Down, girl. She was joking," Kat laughed.

Xamira sighed, looking at me through the mirror. "Don't play with me like that,"

We spent the next fifteen or so minutes talking and laughing while Xamira did my hair. The result was beautiful.

It was a simple high bun updo with some strand of my hair left out in the front and sides which she finger curled.

"Done," Xamira beamed proudly through the mirror.

"And with a few minutes to spare," Kat said, looking at the time on her phone.

"It's beautiful, Xam. Thank you," I smiled back at her.

A knock on the door caught our attention.

"It's Diego. Is it okay if I come in? I completely understand if it's not. I don't want to walk in if you girls aren't ready. I can head back downstairs and come back later?"

He paused his rambling. "But they sent me up here to talk to you guys so they might get a bit mad. But I can try to keep them busy for a while,"

Kat and I shared a smile as we turned to a very flushed, smiling Xamira.

"You okay, Xam?" Kat teased.

"He's so fucking adorable it hurts," She headed to the door, letting Diego in.

"I guess I'm coming in," He said but it sounded more like a question.

He held his right hand over his eyes and used his left one to feel around, allowing him to move.

"Aw," Kat and I chorused.

We couldn't help ourselves as we laughed. Xamira shook her head with a smile as she reached for her husband's hand, taking it away from his eyes.

"What are you doing, D?"

"I was going to stay like that. Just in case anyone wasn't decent." He explained.

Xamira reached up to him and Diego immediately leaned down, allowing her to place both her hands on either side of his face.

"You're so cute," She whispered, slightly brushing her lips against his before pulling away.

Kat smirked. "Didn't you come in here to tell us something, Diego?"

"I- they- Xami-" Xamira's actions had left her husband a flustered mess.

The entirety of his face was a deep shade of red, his glasses slowly sliding down the tip of his nose. Xamira noticed this and smiled, gently pushing his glasses back into place.

"You came in here to tell us something, remember babe?" Xamira said softly.

"Oh yeah," Diego turned to face Kat and I as well. "They asked me to come get you, Olive. Something about Xamira not being able to say no to me,"

Xamira cursed under her breath, shaking her head. "Of course they did,"

"They have a point though," Kat laughed, heading to the door. "After you, Diego."

Diego nodded, taking Xamira's hand in his as he walked out the room, heading down one of the set of stairs on the double staircase. Kat and I followed behind them.

I hadn't realized I was hungry until the scent of pancakes and bacon, wafting through the air, reached my nose.

Kat and Xamira shared a look, similar to the one Jordan and Kai had shared earlier, when we reached the bottom of the stairs.

"Someone's cooking smells really good," I commented.

"Someone?" Kat repeated. But there was something about the tone of her voice.

Diego and Xamira headed to the dining table - if I remembered correctly - while Kat and I walked into the kitchen.

Where Griffin and Miles stood in front of stoves, wearing aprons. Their entire focus being the meals they were preparing.

That was why Kat had made that comment. Not someone, some people.

"I feel like this is missing something," Miles held a spoon with eggs up to Griffin's mouth.

Griffin opened his mouth, allowing Miles to feed him, a smile reaching his lips the second he had finished eating.

"You need to stop doubting yourself, baby. It tastes amazing, per usual." Griffin said gently.

"Amazing isn't good enough though," Miles fought back a smile when Griffin placed a kiss on his cheek. "It's a big day for Olive and I want everything to be perfect for her. Including her breakfast,"

Griffin chuckled. "That's why we're making it together aren't we?"

"You both didn't have to do all this," I interrupted.

Both their heads turned to me, small smiles on their faces as I headed closer to them, stopping when I was a few inches away from them.

They both ducked down, placing kisses to either side of my face.

"You look beautiful," Griffin gushed.

"So neat," Miles pointed out. "Maybe even too neat," He had a mischievous smile on his face when he noticed my hair, his hand moving towards it.

A knife flew between us and landed on a painting in the wall on the other side of the room, stopping his hand from moving any further.

"I won't be able to redo her hair," Xamira smiled, pointing the glass cup she held in her hand at him. "Don't fuck with me, Moreno."

"Awe, sweetheart. I wouldn't dream of it." He responded, an amused smirk on his lips.

Griffin turned to me. "What were you saying about us not having to make our little sister breakfast?"

"I could have taken cereal or something," I mumbled.

"But why would you when you have us to make you food?" Miles retaliated.

"But-"

"We're falling behind the schedule," The little space between the kitchen and the dining room allowed us to hear Jordan's murmur easily.

"Again, what schedule are we talking about?" I asked with a frown. "And where is Xavier?"

That look. Again.

"Just thank them for the food and come eat your breakfast." Kai's voice followed. "I'll be damned if I woke you up for no reason,"

"He may be obnoxious and rude-"

"Some best friend you are. I heard that," Kai said.

"You were supposed to," Miles responded before turning back to me. "-but he does have a point,"

"Besides," Griffin was the next to speak, handing me a plate of my breakfast. "You wouldn't want all our hard work to be in vain right, small fry?"

The softness of his voice, the mention of his nickname for me and the way those stoic green eyes revealed a vulnerability that I hardly saw, were what dug me deeper into the intense amount of guilt I was already feeling.

"Right, pumpkin?" Miles added, noticing the internal battle I was having with myself.

"Of course I wouldn't want that. Thank you both for taking the time out of your day to-"

Griffin interrupted me with a laugh. One that showed off his dimples. On both sides of his face.

"What are you acting so formal for? We just made you breakfast," Griffin gently nudged me to the living room.

"Go. Before Kai bites our heads off," Miles said. "We'll join you in a few,"

I asked no further questions, heading into the dining room. Huge gold walls stretched up high enough that I had to tilt my head all the way back, just to see where they connected with the ceiling.

The ceiling itself was covered in eccentric art, gold being the dominant theme. Seven chandeliers in total. Three smaller ones in a row, opposite another three. And the biggest chandelier hung in the middle.

Over a large dining table. Large was an understatement. It looked like it'd be able to fit thirty people at the very least.

Then again, that was how most of the house was. Enormous and extravagant.

A bunch of workers bustled around the large space, working quickly like they had some sort of deadline to meet.

Four pairs of eyes turned to me. And before I knew it, I was being bombarded with a series of different questions and statements I was unable to respond to, due to how fast they were talking.

"Nuora, did you sleep well?" Mattia asked.

Laura, Griffin's mother, took my hand in hers. "Olive, love, how have you been?".

"We saw you a few days ago, but we've barely had enough time to catch up." Vincent said.

"Should I start baby proofing the house? Any grandkids for me to look forward to?" Sofia questioned.

Xamira cleared her throat and all conversations were brought to an abrupt stop. "Look at her face, you're suffocating her with all those questions,"

She walked over to me and gently guided me to the dining table, sitting me in the free spot right next to her. Diego, seated on her left.

Kai and Jordan sat next to me. Kat and the parents sat opposite the five of us; Kat in front of me, Sofia in front of Xam, Mattia in front of Diego, Laura in front of Kat and Vincent in front of Jordan.

Miles and Griffin joined us, heading out from the kitchen. Griffin sat next to Kai while Miles sat next to Vincent, looking slightly nervous as Vincent started a conversation with him.

"Thank you," I whispered to Xamira.

Xamira flashed a big smile at me, bringing her fork to her mouth. "Anytime, love."

Kat turned to the four adults. "I know we all missed Vee and want to catch up with her but I don't think she's up for that right now,"

Everyone at the table shared a look similar to all the other looks my friends had been sharing over the course of the day.

I shook my head with a smile. "I don't mind, really."

"Well, if you insist." Sofia smiled at me. "Like I was saying, any grandchildren I should be expecting or- Ow," Sofia rubbed her arm, glaring at her husband. "Did you just pinch me?"

"We could always talk to her tomorrow," Said husband ignored his wife's question, a cheeky smile on his face as he focused on his food in front of him. "Today's already eventful enough for her, as is."

He had said the last sentence under his breath but I was able to make out most of it. Curiosity filled me.

"Is that why you guys have been acting so weird today?" I asked.

Derrick chose that exact moment to walk into the dining room. "The car's ready, fighter. All you gotta do is finish your breakfast and we'll be on our way,"

I could have sworn I heard a sigh of relief from someone on the table but I was too focused on Derrick's question to follow up on it.

"The car's ready for what?" I wondered.

"We're going out," Zayn leaned against the door, his blonde hair in his face.

"Where? Why? Who's coming? Is Xav going to be there?"

So many questions. Yet not one answer.

"You don't need to worry about that right now, Via."

Suddenly, an idea popped into my head. And to be honest I don't know why I hadn't thought about it till that moment in time.

"I could just call him," I murmured, searching for my phone.

"Thought you wanted to surprise him?" Kai was very amused as he watched me.

"Yeah, I did. But no one's telling me anything and I'm worried," I paused. "Maybe it's upstairs. Could I be excused from-"

"Don't bother, pumpkin. I have it," Miles flashed me a big smile. "But unfortunately, I can't give it to you until later. Okay?"

I frowned, crossing my arms in front of my chest. "Well, I'm not going anywhere until someone tells me what's going on."

I noticed that everyone in the room shared that look; the very one that I had seen more times than I could count today.

"You wanna know why we've been acting weird right?" Kat asked.

Xamira was the next to speak. "And why you're all dressed up?"

"Why we've been following a schedule?" Kai questioned.

Jordan chuckled. "Why no one's telling you anything?"

"And most importantly, where Xavier is during all this and why I'm yet to see him," I insisted. "Yes,"

"Then you have to trust them when they say you should go with them, nuora." Mattia's smile was soft as he looked at me.

"You are family. They wouldn't do anything that would put you in danger," Laura added.

"Believe me, if there was any possibility of you being in danger, those three would not be onboard." Kat chuckled, pointing to Miles, Griffin and Kai.

"We all know we wouldn't let anything happen to you," Kai said to me.

Griffin looked at me, his gaze intense. "I'd rain hell down on any person who even thought of trying to hurt you."

"And I'd help hide the body," Miles smiled a goofy smile. "Granted, I'd be the reason they died in the end, but still."

I sighed. "You guys promise Xavier is not in Bordeaux?"

"He's here in L.A." Xamira assured me.

"You two weren't the only one's getting tired of the flying from country to country," Vincent explained with a small smile.

"This is what happens when two kids are in love. I think it's cute and someone," Sofia interrupted herself with a cough glaring at her husband. "Could learn a thing or two from them about romance."

The dining room erupted into a fit of laughter while Mattia shook his head, the smile on his face growing as he looked at his wife with so much admiration.

"There's never a dull moment with you, huh?" He kissed his wife on her cheek. "One of the many things I love about you,"

Sofia's face heated up and laughter was heard again. This time accompanied by a series of aws.

"Keep talking to me like that and the girls are going to be big sisters." She mumbled.

"Sofia," Laura laughed.

"Moving on," Xamira said quickly, trying her best to ignore her mother's statement. "What we're trying to say is you need to trust us,"

I contemplated for a few seconds, realizing that there was no point in them doing all this if it wasn't for a good cause.

"I'll get to see Xav soon though, right?" My voice came out smaller and more desperate than I had intended.

A series of aws were heard again; mostly from Laura and Sofia. Miles, Griffin and Kai looked at me; their smiles soft and gently, full of kindness and empathy.

At the same time, they looked like they would murder Xavier if he was the reason I frowned, let alone if he hurt me.

Xamira and Kat smiled and squealed, rushing up to me. Well, Kat smiled. Xamira squealed, rushing up to cup my face in her hands.

I had to crouch down a little which made everyone laugh harder.

"You're so cute, I'm gonna cry." Xamira said. And true to her words, tears clouded her eyes.

"No, don't cry." I said quickly, panicked that she was actually about to cry.

"Sweetheart," This was the first time Diego had said anything since I came into the dining room.

He got out of his seat and walked towards Xamira, stopping a few feet behind her. "You're making her worried." His voice was soft like it always was.

Xamira let go of me and turned to Diego. "But she's so cute,"

He held his arms out, a loving smile etched on his face. "Come here, Xami."

Almost immediately, Xamira made her way into her husband's embrace, burying her face in his chest.

"To answer your question," Zayn chimed in. "Yes, you are going to see Xavier soon."

Something seemed off about the way he had spoken. Like he was physically hurting as the words left his mouth.

But I chose not to ask questions about it. The sooner we went on this outing, the closer I got to seeing Xavier.

I missed him. Fuck, I missed him so much.

"You ready to go?" Derrick asked me.

I nodded quietly. The two brothers turned to the living room and I followed after them.

Behind me, Xamira let out a sob. "She misses him so much. That's so cute. I can't anymore,"

"Babe," Diego chuckled.

"We'll be in a car behind you guys," Miles called. "Xamira needs to calm down first."

I turned around before leaving the dining room and nodded, waving them goodbye before following after Derrick and Zayn again.

Although a part of me was hesitant to be in a car with just the both of them.

The last time I was in a car alone with them was during Xavier and Xamira's birthday ball almost a year ago.

Where I had gotten shot, trying to protect Xavier.

My hand instinctively moved to the left side of my lower stomach, where the scar from the stitches I had gotten was beginning to fade.

Bringing my attention back to the car ride, I realized that even then, when I had been in a car with Derrick and Zayn, their brothers had been there.

Most especially, Wyatt.

A teasing laugh reached my ears. "Awe, that look tells me that someone missed me."

My eyes shot up, meeting his ice blue ones peeking out through strands of white hair that shielded them.

He watched me in amusement, leaning against the front door frame with his arms in his pockets.

"Wyatt," I rushed up to him, tackling him into a hug.

He managed to get his hands out of his pockets and wrapped them around me before I collided into him. His laughter could be heard a mile away as he spinned me.

"Yeah, I was right. You missed me," He flashed me a smile as he looked down at me.

I rolled my eyes, playfully shoving him away. "Only because you're the only person who will tell me what's going on today,"

"Mhm, and you're not saying that because you're to stubborn to admit you actually did, right?" Wyatt smirked as we walked through the front door after Derrick and Zayn.

Four black cars were parked outside of their house and guards patrolled the area, several lined up next to each car.

"Whatever," I dismissed, refusing to tell him what he wanted to hear. "What are you doing here though?"

"I am your bodyguard, am I not? Wherever you go, I go." He whispered his next words so only I could hear. "You didn't think I'd leave you alone with my brothers, did you?"

I smiled briefly but it was gone as I became more curious of our destination. "But where exactly are we going? What's going on with everyone?"

"What do you mean?" He asked, holding the door to the backseat of the first car open for me. Derrick and Zayn went into the next car.

"Surprise," Lexi sing-songed from the passenger seat as soon as I had sat down.

"Hey, Laurent." Preston grinned at me from the driver's seat.

"Lexi? Uncle Pressy?" The smile on my face was huge when I saw them.

The windows on all the vehicles the Russos owned - cars, ships, yachts, jets, helicopters - were tinted and bullet proof so I had no idea they were inside.

Preston rolled his eyes at the mention of the nickname while Lexi let out an amused chuckle.

"Uncle Pressy?" She repeated.

"The girls called me that while I was babysitting," He explained.

Lexi beamed at Preston. "It has a nice ring to it, don't you think?"

I chuckled as Preston's frown deepened. "What are you guys even doing here?"

"Joining you on your trip," She replied, matter of factly.

My eyebrows drew together in confusion. "But you don't even know- you know, don't you?"

"My fiance and I don't keep secrets from each other," Her eyes twinkled with curiosity as she looked at me through the rear view mirror.

"Seeing as I'm the designated driver, I have to know where I'm going." Preston responded. "By the way, where is-"

The door to the back seat was yanked open, interrupting Preston. Wyatt entered the car, sitting next to me, holding what seemed to be a briefcase.

"There he is," Preston said, allowing Wyatt to settle in before beginning to drive.

I noticed there were two cars in front of us, filled with guards. Behind us two cars followed.

According to what Preston told me, the car directly behind us had Derrick, Zayn, Miles and Griffin. And the car behind that, had Kat, Jordan and Xamira.

Preston said Diego had gone home to stay with Paige and the girls. Two cars full of guards followed behind the car that Kat, Jordan and Xamira were in.

My curiosity got the best of me as I stared at Wyatt. "What's that?"

"Well, I noticed a devastating lack of snacks in this vehicle so I took it open myself to acquire some." He explained, opening the briefcase to reveal a bunch of different snacks he had stuffed in there.

"Help yourselves to whatever you'd like," He told Lexi and I.

"You're winning me over, Bianchi." Lexi reached over and grabbed a bag of chips.

Wyatt offered me a bar of chocolate, which I gratefully accepted. I had a little piece before my mind went back to the conversation I was having with him earlier.

"Back to what I was saying, Wyatt. Do you know what's going on?"

Wyatt looked at me confused, his mouth stuffed with cheaps. "Going on with who?"

"Everyone?"

"What are you talking about?"

"Their strange behaviors? The whispering? The looks?" I questioned, unable to decipher if he was joking or not, "What's happening?"

Wyatt scratched his head. "There's something happening? If I knew anything, I would've told you as soon as I saw you." He paused before his eyes widened.

"But that would explain why I woke up to just dad in the house. Arlo, Derrick and Zayn were gone. The next thing I know, Preston's knocking on the door and saying we're going to the main house."

I stared at him in shock. "So you're saying you are as clueless as I am?"

"From the look on his face, he's more clueless," Lexi pointed out with a smile.

Preston spoke up. "No one told him anything," He followed the cars in front of us out of the estate.

"You know what she's talking about? And you didn't tell me?" Hurt flashed across Wyatt's face.

"It's not like that, Wy." Preston sighed, his eyes fixed on the road. "It's just that you have a reputation for-"

"You can't control the shit you say. In other words, you can't keep secrets." Lexi deadpanned. "Which is okay. Really. We all love you for who you are, incapability to keep your mouth shut and all,"

"Careful, four eyes. Arlo isn't here to protect you." Wyatt's smile was teasing.

Lexi rolled her eyes. "Four eyes, how original. You're the only person in this car who isn't wearing glasses so don't be surprised if you get beat up by the three of us."

"We wouldn't do that," I told Wyatt quickly.

"Like I was saying before I was interrupted," Lexi looked at Wyatt. "We accept you regardless but today is really important,"

Wyatt frowned. "And you guys think I would've told Olive, despite it being a super important day?"

"Wy, you said you would've told her if you knew a few minutes ago." Preston said.

Wyatt huffed and folded his arms in front of his chest. "Well yeah, she's my best friend."

Preston locked eyes with Wyatt through the rearview mirror. "I understand that. But you need to understand that you don't keep secrets; you don't know how. And no one is saying that's a bad thing. We're just saying that today, we need the secret kept."

"Yeah, yeah." Wyatt's frown turned into a pout as he sunk further into the car seat.

"He's like a little kid. So adorable," Lexi grinned.

Before either of us could comment, a notification went off on all of their phones.

Outside, the cars in front of us came to a halt on the side of the road, all the other cars following suit slowly afterwards.

"I'm guessing they all got the notification," Lexi said, her voice low as she opened her phone.

Wyatt's frown was gone, replaced with a serious and calculating gaze. "Must be important as fuck if we're all getting the same text."

"Or," His eyes glimmered with a danger I had never seen in them before. "Someone's trying to scare us by sending threats. And I'm really hoping it's a threat."

"Easy Wyatt. It isn't a threat; it's from Sofia." Preston said, pushing his glasses up on his face.

Lexi's phone rang and she answered it almost immediately, putting it on speaker phone when she identified the caller.

"You guys got her text?" Kat's voice came through the phone.

"Yeah. Just finished reading it actually. What do we do?" Lexi responded.

"I just talked to Xamira. She says we have to go but soon, it will be Olive's call seeing as she's about to-"

"Careful, you're on speakerphone." Preston spoke up.

"Thanks for the heads up, Al." Kat sighed.

"Sorry, sorry. It slipped my mind." Lexi took the phone off speaker mode, bringing it to her ear.

"Yeah, my bad. No. I'm pretty sure she isn't onto anything... yet. Yeah. Okay, we'll meet you guys there. Okay, bye."

After Lexi hung up, I noticed the cars outside had started moving again. Only this time, they were turning around.

Now, the 2 guard cars that were once behind were leading, followed by Xamira, Kat and Jordan's car, then Miles, Griffin, Derrick and Zayn's car, then ours and lastly the 2 guard cars that had been in front of us.

"Is something wrong?" Wyatt asked, his voice muffled by the chips he was eating.

"Our trip is going to have to wait; there's been a change of plans." Lexi explained.

"What kind of change?" I questioned, confused.

Preston looked at me through the rearview mirror. "There's a meeting you need to get to,"

....::::**•°✾°•**::::....

"I'm so bored," Wyatt groaned, throwing his head back on his chair.

"I'm sorry. Are our propositions boring you?" The first of the three investors asked, his tone mocking.

Wyatt sat up straight, his gaze deadly as he sized up the man. "Didn't I just say that?"

"Carry on with the presentation. We don't have all day," Griffin remained calm and collected like he had been through the entire meeting.

We arrived at Xavier's office, Russo Industries headquarters, almost five hours ago. Which meant we had been in the meeting for 5 hours.

The three investors rambling on and on about how profitable a collaboration between their company and Russo Industries would be for both parties.

But somehow, I was yet to see how we would profit from the arrangement. All the benefits they listed only covered aspects where their company was lacking.

The investors had requested that only a few of us join them for the meeting. After some deliberation, Griffin, Miles, Jordan, Wyatt and I attended the meeting while the others went back to the cars to wait for us.

The second and third investors glared at Wyatt from their seats on the opposite side of the table.

The second one turned to Griffin. "Your mutt lacks training."

Griffin's eyes narrowed, his expression neutral yet intimidating. Jordan sat up straight, a scowl on his face. Miles took his hand off his face, glaring daggers at the men.

The dangerous gleam apparent in Wyatt's eyes was a contrast to the giant smile he wore on his face.

"Lacks the ability to know how to speak to his superiors to be precise." The third one agreed. "A fine trait called respect,"

The tension in the office grew thick. Yet no one stopped the men. They were all waiting, watching. Wanting to know just how much they would say before they realized just how much shit they'd gotten themselves into.

But by then it would've been too late.

"You should know your place, boy." The first one spoke again. "Groveling at our feet where you belong."

I'd had enough. Unlike the others, I was only able to keep calm for so long while they spewed absolute nonsense.

I was usually able to control my temper but this time it was different. My eyes blazed with fury, my rage a scorching fire.

"He isn't a mutt and he doesn't lack training. If anything you should be the ones groveling."

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the corner of Griffin's mouth lift up; a proud look on his face.

"He took time out of his day to hear your inane proposition on a collaboration with Russo Industries, fueled by your greed and inability to work for yourselves."

"Speak to him, or any one, like that again and you'll be choking on your tongues."

Shock resonated on the three men's faces before it was replaced with disgust. Miles noticed this first, folding his arms tightly across his chest, his eyes fixed on the men.

Griffin leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, his chin resting on his interlocked hands. Jordan's scowl deepened and Wyatt titled his head to the side, amusement dancing on his lips.

"I suggest you choose your next words carefully," Jordan said.

"Seems to me the bitch doesn't know to hold her tongue in the presence of a man," The first man said, blatantly ignoring Jordan's warning.

Miles moved towards the man but Griffin stopped him, holding his hand out. Miles was livid and was confused as to why Griffin stopped him but didn't retaliate.

"Comes in dressed like a stripper and has the audacity to speak to us in such a way?" The second one scoffed.

The third one rolled his eyes. "Dumb cunt-"

Embarrassment flooded my veins, traveling up my arms and stopping on my cheeks in the form of a light pink tint.

I looked away from the three men. Of all the things they had said, that statement - that word, was the only one that had gotten under my skin.

When I looked up again, Griffin had his hand around the throat of the third guy. Jordan had tied the second guy's hands to his legs using the tie he had been wearing and Miles restrained the first one.

The three of them had been brought to their knees a few inches in front of me, restrained by one of my guys.

Wyatt stood next to me, a scowl etched deep into his face. If I thought Wyatt smiling earlier was scary, he was fucking terrifying now.

"What the fuck do you think you're doing?" The first man sputtered.

"Those tongues of yours," A humorless laugh left Miles' mouth.

"Don't tell me you're upset. The whore had it coming." The second one spat.

Jordan's leg connected hard with the side of the man's head, sending him into the chairs behind him.

The other two watched their associate hopelessly gasp for air, blood trickling down the side of his face. Unable to do anything as he was tied up.

Jordan shoved his hands into his pockets, his cold gaze fixed on the man. "You insulted two members of our family. Upset doesn't begin to cover what we're feeling."

"Seems to me you bastards don't know how to hold your tongue in the presence of a donna," Wyatt's voice dripped with venom.

The reality of who we were and what they had gotten themselves into appeared to have finally sunk in. But it was too late.

Griffin's voice was dark as his hand tightened around the third man's throat. "Remind me, what did you call my little sister?"

"I didn't mean-"

Griffin squeezed harder until a crack was heard and the man yelped in pain. "Don't lie now. You were so confident a few seconds ago. What happened?"

"We're sorry." The second man sobbed. "We didn't realize you were the horsemen,"

"You're sorry you insulted powerful people, not sorry for what you said." Miles interpreted. "There's a difference,"

Griffin sighed, running his free hand through his hair. "As much as I would love to teach you three a lesson, we have places to be and things to do."

He let go of the man he was holding and clapped his hands together. Immediately 6 guards entered the room.

"Take them to Wyatt's den. Make sure they're restrained and keep them alive until he's able to talk with them. Understand?"

The guards nodded and moved to carry the men out of the office, two guards to one man.

"As for our business meeting," Miles started.

"Consider this a formal termination of your company," Jordan continued.

Griffin moved closer to the first man, his face inches away from his. "We did some digging and found some not so great things about you guys."

"Fraud, embezzlement of funds, tax evasion, participation in sex trafficking. Everything is about to be on the internet. Your careers are over."

"We'll find new jobs for staff who deserve them. As for you guys, your name just went up in flames." Miles resumed.

The men said nothing as they were being carried out by our guards, much to Wyatt's amusement.

"Don't miss me too. I'll be back before you know it then we can get to know each other better, yeah?" Wyatt called after them. "I can tell we're going to have so much fun."

The second the guards stepped out of the office, my four guys turned to me. Every trace of anger and malice was gone and was substituted with worry instead.

Griffin's eyes searched my face. "You okay?"

"Yeah,"

"You sure?" Jordan asked and I nodded.

"So why are you about to cry?" Miles' voice was soft as he spoke.

I hadn't registered the tears that were accumulating in my eyes until a stray tear rolled down my face.

"I miss Xavier," My voice came out small. But I knew they had heard me.

I hadn't realized just how much I missed him until that moment.

"Come here, grumpy." Wyatt held his arms open.

Unable to hold back the tears, I walked into Wyatt's embrace, letting my tears stream freely down my face.

His hand cupped the back of my head while the other rubbed my back. "I know, it's okay."

"It's not okay." I sniffled against this chest. "I haven't seen him in so long and I miss him and no one wants to tell me where he is,"

"You are such a baby," Wyatt laughed at me.

"Don't aggravate her, Wyatt." Jordan sighed.

"I'm not a baby." I pushed him off me with a huff.

Miles walked up to me, gently wiping away the remaining tears from my face.

"How about we head to the lake?" Griffin offered. "It's usually very pretty this time of night,"

I sniffled as Wyatt smiled at me. "Okay,"

I was beyond tired. I'd been out the whole day and hadn't seen Xavier. I just had to hope that he'd be around when we got back home.

....::::**•°✾°•**::::....

"Ow, Wyatt." I grumbled when I had scratched my arm on yet another tree branch.

"Sorry. I didn't know that was there,"

"That's what you said two branches and one rock ago. It's a miracle there aren't any holes in my outfit."

"Kat would have my head if I let anything happen to your outfit,"

I sighed. "Where are we going?"

"What makes you think I know?" He replied.

"Huh?"

"All they told me was to keep my hands over your eyes and that I'd know..." He trailed off, cutting himself short.

"Know what?"

"Know when to stop walking," He lifted his hands from my eyes.

It took me a few seconds to get used to the lighting. The moon shone brightly above us, its beams dancing on the surface of the water.

That was when I took note of where we were. A lake. But not just any lake.

Xavier and I's lake.

Granted we were still in the forest that led to the lake but I could see the vast body of water through some of the trees. And a few meters ahead of me, the forest cleared out to showcase the beautiful lake.

I turned to find Wyatt holding a rose out to me. He could already tell I had questions and just shook his head, placing the rose in my hands.

A blue rose. Void of any thorns. Because someone had cut them all off.

Wyatt nudged me a little, encouraging me to walk towards the forest clearing. On my way, a bunch of my other friends were waiting for me, each of them handing me a rose just like Wyatt had done.

Even Arlo had given me one along the way but I was too tired to ask where he had come from or what he was doing there. I was too tired to ask any of them what they were doing there.

I reached the clearing before long and what I saw stunned me to silence. Or rather who I saw.

"Xav," I breathed out.

The roses fell to the ground as I stared at him in shock for a few seconds. Then my legs started moving; a slow walk turned into a brisk one, which turned into a jog and before long I was running.

He held out his arms for me, waiting patiently as I ran up to him. I reached him in a few seconds, jumping into his arms the instant I was close enough too.

"Hi, princess." He whispered into my hair, his arms wrapping around the back of my legs.

"Hi," I couldn't stop the series of sobs that followed after. I tightened my arms around his neck, burying my face into his shoulder.

"You know I can't do the tears, baby."

Was it just my ears or was he-

I pulled my head out of his shoulder and the tears that slid down his perfectly sculpted face confirmed my suspicions.

I cupped his face, using my thumb to wipe away the tears that had fallen. "Why are you crying, amore?"

"I missed you."

Three words. One sentence. That broke us completely. Shattered any form of self control we had left.

Xavier knelt down with me in his arms and we both broke down. Sniffling, crying, gasping for air as we drew the other impossibly closer.

"Nobody would tell me where you were and they all said I should trust them but weren't telling me anything and-"

Xavier cut off my rambling by bringing his lips to mine. It was a soft, passionate kiss. All our emotions poured into it as I kissed him back.

Longing. Sadness. Relief. Joy. All that and more.

I ran my fingers through his hair and noticed something. I pulled away to find a dazed Xavier looking at me,

His eyes were glossed over from his crying and something else. I just couldn't put my finger on it.

But whatever it was, mixed with the way he was staring at me - wide eyed, mouth slightly opened. Like he'd do anything and everything I told him to, made me feel very powerful.

"You cut your hair." I smiled.

I reveled at how much shorter his hair was, strands of his hair falling into his beautiful blue eyes. His ears glittered the silver star stud earrings and simple gold studs - his go to look.

Despite them not matching the gold theme of his outfit, Xavier hadn't taken off the star stud earrings sending a storm of butterflies to my lower abdomen.

His tattoos glimmered under the moonlight, barely hidden by the black dress shirt he was wearing. The first two buttons were left undone, revealing the gold chain that he always wore.

He had on matching black dress pants and I could feel the imprints of the rings adorned on his fingers against my waist.

He mumbled something incoherent, his gaze fixed on me. I tilted my head slightly, watching him admire me.

"Xav, you cut your hair." I repeated, hoping to gauge a reaction from him.

"Yeah. Didn't cut it the entire time you left but Arlo advised that you'd prefer it this way." His words came out breathy.

"I love it this way," I told him, running my hands through it a few times. "It's very you,"

My hand trailed down from his hair to the side of his face before stopping at his jaw. I traced my thumb on the outline of his lips, watching each reaction he made.

His eyes fluttered, his arms around me tensing with every movement I made. I decided to test the waters.

I pushed my thumb into his mouth slightly and his eyes shot open, instantly finding mine. His eyes widened, making him look as innocent as ever before his lips wrapped around my thumb, sucking on it.

A notification from his phone startled us, causing me to jerk away from him slightly. I steadied myself by bringing my arms back around his neck.

Xavier was livid. He looked like he'd murder whoever it was that had interrupted us.

His left arm remained around me while he answered the call with his right. He sighed a minute later, ending the call.

"What's wrong?"

"I had a meeting scheduled for tomorrow but the client explained that his trip had to be cut short and explained that right now is the only time he has available." He explained, brushing the strands of hair out of my eyes.

I placed a soft kiss on the tip of his nose. "What are we waiting for then?"

....::::**•°✾°•**::::....

Mr. Maheras smiled at him. "You provide us with a secure base in L.A and we give you more man power. A beneficial compromise on both ends,"

We got to Xavier's office about twenty minutes ago. Mr. Maheras, the client Xavier talked about, walked into the building the same time we did.

And this man was tall. A good 5 inches taller than Xavier which meant I had to crane my neck up to get a look at his face.

For someone so tall who emanated a scary aura, he had a permanent smile on his face, the glasses on top of his nose making him look less scary than he actually was.

But I could tell that beneath all that sunshine was a darkness that even he had no control over. After all, everyone had their demons.

"A secure base meaning we offer you protection and access to equipment during your stay in L.A, am I right?" Griffin asked.

"Exactly right. Although I am unsure how long I will be staying in said base. But I will need something long term." A thick Greek accent was prominent as he spoke.

"You're asking for a lot in return for just man power, don't you think Xavier?" Jordan turned to Xavier. "Hello?"

"Hm?" His voice was soft and deep at the same time sending shivers down my spine.

I bit back the smile that threatened to appear on my face. Xavier hadn't been paying attention. And I was the reason why.

Since our encounter at the lake, Xavier had been more... desperate than ever for me to touch him.

It didn't matter what exactly I did. He just wanted me; needed even and it made me feel invincible.

"An alliance between the two of you would make more sense," I spoke up.

"That way your resources would be available to each other at any point in time," Wyatt continued, picking up on my idea.

"An alliance between Russo Industries and Maheras Inc.," Mr. Maheras rubbed his chin in thought. "That could work. As long as Mr. Russo agrees?"

All eyes turned to Xavier who was entirely focused on me.

"Princess, please." He murmured so only I could hear.

I lowered my voice as well. "What are you asking for?"

"I can tell you haven't completely forgiven me. What can I do to make it up to you? I'll do anything. Please." His voice grew desperate towards the end.

"Mr. Russo? Hello?" Mr. Maheras looked at the both of us, a smile tugging on his lips.

"Hm? Yeah, I agree with whatever Olive said."

The knowing smile on Mr. Maheras face grew larger when he heard Xavier's words. I chose not to focus on it.

Before long, Jordan had drawn up papers for the agreement and all that remained was for the two men to sign it.

"Please baby," Xavier tried again, sounding more desperate than I'd ever heard him. "Yell at me, punch me, tell me you hate me. Fuck I just need you to forgive me. I'll do anything."

"All we need now is Mr. Russo's signature," Mr. Maheras' voice echoed in the background.

I was too occupied with Xavier to pay attention to anything he was saying.

"Get on your knees and beg," I replied as a joke, a small smile on my face.

"Xavier, I need you to sign here and-"

Griffin stopped short with the papers when Xavier immediately knelt in front of me, much to my surprise. His hands wrapped around my waist as he looked up at me.

Everyone in the office remained quiet, shock clouding their expressions. Everyone except Mr. Maheras who grinned wildly like he knew this would happen from the start.

Heat rushed to my face. "I was joking, Xav. Get up."

"I wasn't." He responded, still on his knees. "I'll remain here on my knees before you and worship you as the goddess that you are. Everyday for the rest of my life if I have to, anything, if it means I'd earn your forgiveness."

I don't know if it was the fact that he had knelt before me in front of everybody in here or the fact that he looked so vulnerable looking up at me.

But something in me snapped.

Wyatt coughed somewhere in the background. "I'm sure Mr. Russo will sign the papers. Mr Maheras, if you could please follow me to the other office, Griffin, Jordan and I will tell you the benefits you now enjoy as ally of the Russos'"

Mr. Maheras flashed his signature all knowing grin, glancing over Xavier on his knees in front of me before getting out of the chair he was seated in.

"Katalaveno pws einai na exeis emmoni me kapoion," He muttered under his breath. "A pleasure doing business with you, Mr. Russo." (I understand how it feels to be obsessed with someone)

The office cleared out soon after Mr. Maheras followed Wyatt out, Jordan and Griffin following behind them.

It was just Xavier and I.

I looked down at him still on his knees and smiled, using my fingers to tilt his chin up to me. His eyes were glazed over with desire, his breaths coming out in shallow puffs.

"Now, pretty baby." I started, running my thumb across his lip. "What am I going to do with you?"

....::::**•°✾°•**::::....

I don't have an excuse y'all. Just don't give up on meeeeeeee.

C.O.D.: Your acne makes you look like a pretty prickly porcupine <33