ELIAS' POV

I smiled in relief as I stumbled through the gates to my estate.

I probably stink as I'm covered in some mud and sweat.

I can see my family's guards eyes widen as they see me come through the gate.

I can tell that I look worse than I thought from their expressions as they come closer to help me.

I didn't care, though. I was just happy to be home.

I sighed in relief as someone took my belongings off of my aching shoulders.

My shoulders felt so light without the bag.

It felt heavenly!

It was that feeling that made me grit my teeth and demand my bag back.

It was the only thing connecting me to Alina.

I could not loose it.

I would not loose it.

I didn't care that my steps slowed or that I almost fell due to the weight of it.

I saw some guards running to my house, going to alert my family of my return.

I will definitely be getting a golf cart for our driveway in the future.

Why the fuck is it so long?

My legs are aching, and are threatening to give out any minute.

I did not take my chances with the opportunity given to me by Alina.

As soon as I had to travel anywhere on foot, I was running.

I wasn't on foot for most of my journey, as I was able to use cash to pay for train tickets as well as use a cap that Alina supplied to hide my face.

When you're in the mafia, you have a dangerous life.

The reason I took such caution running from the Italians was because I didn't know who they had alliances with. I didn't know if I was deemed important enough for the mafias they had alliances with to track me in their own countries once the Italians knew I was missing.

I know that the Italians truly had a reason to take me.

We didn't have an alliance with each other, so they couldn't take my word on what I said.

It is a common thing, for mafia families to meet after an incident like this happens just so both parties understand the situation that has happened.

It helps stop mafia wars from attacks caused by blind rage and such.

I'll tell my dad to send them a little message saying he knows about what's happened.

I would not be attending that meeting.

As much as I would like to see Alina again I will not risk her being connected to my escape.

And I do not want to take the risk of slipping up whilst there, so I'll take myself out of the equation.

I see her as the sister I never had.

In the Italians defence I was caught in a sketchy place and saw an important incident.

I was originally there to visit my friend for a couple of days.

Sadly, I did see what happened that night.

It was a pure coincidence. I truly was at the wrong place at the wrong time.

The Russians hijacked a shipment that I now know belonged to the Italians

I stayed hidden as well as I could but their leader caught my eye.

I saw a flash of recognition in his eyes and I knew that when he dragged his thumb across his neck and then placed it on his lips that the threat was real.

The Italians and the Russians were at the top of the mafia food chain.

He knew I wouldn't snitch.

And I wouldn't. I would not loose my family.

I needed to keep quiet

I also need to find a way to get any sort of information to the Italians. It needs to be without me giving the information

If I could pin it on someone then the Italians would get the information they need whilst proving my innocence.

They wouldn't need me anymore.

I'd have to tell my dad that when they talk next, we need an alliance with the Italians.

I didn't want to take any chances with the Russians and making friends with the Italians was the best way.

The Russians have people everywhere.

If they don't, they know someone who can work for them.

Sometimes people are even forced.

It might be your cashier, your local dog walker, maybe even your sports coach.

Everywhere.

I lift my head to see my personal guard William embrace me.

I cut him off before he can say anything.

"I need you to do something for me!" I tell him with urgency in my voice.

"Of course, but we need to get you checked out first, Sir!" He replied.

"No! I need you to do this for me, now. Please!" I urge him.

He stared at me for a moment before sighing and begrudgingly agreeing.

"You need to go and get a job at the Giovanni estate" I told him as his eyes widened in recognition of the name.

"But....but, why?" He told me in a shaking voice.

"They have a daughter, called Alina. She saved my life. In return I need you to look out for her. I want you to call me whenever, and I mean ever that you think or know that something has happened to her." I told him.

"You are my most trusted man on planet Earth. I wouldn't send you there otherwise!" I continued.

We'd sort out the small details later but him agreeing right now was all I needed.

I trusted him with all my heart. He is trustworthy.

He nodded in reply, looking quite happy with himself.

"It's not a vacation, William!" I told him.

She needed to be safe.

I laughed as his smile dropped off of his face and he started pouting.

I finally made my way to the foyer of my house with Williams help.

I look up to see my family rushing down the stairs as if their life depended on it.

I saw my parents eyes covered with dark bags and my heart ached for them.

I cried in their embrace.

I hugged them with all my might, scared to let them go.

My sibling were apparently all sleeping, having spent every waking moment searching for me.

I spilled the details as on as I could with them.

We migrated to the living room where I asked for my laptop from one our workers.

My parents gave me a questioning look so I continued telling them about everything.

I reached into my bag to grab Alina's old phone when my hand grazed on something.

I picked the item out of the bag, and almost teared up looking at it.

I stared at the slice of cake in my hand before I got to work, thankful to be back with my family.

Happily in debt to my saviour.

My little sister.

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ALINA'S POV

I walked hand in hand with Adrian into school this morning. He needed it.

This morning was eventful to say the least.

Firstly, I had to fight my way out of Matheo's bed, due to the death grip he had on me.

It was as if he didn't want me to leave, even whilst he was asleep.

I found it really cute. Matheo actually wanted to be with me instead of just tolerating me.

I felt like we hit a milestone last night.

I have forgiven him, but I have not forgotten what happened.

He's trying everything he can, and that really does mean a lot.

I just don't want to be hurt by my own brother again.

I made a quick detour to my room in order to get my dollar, as usual.

I did my morning routine, smoothly with the same people as usual.

The early risers club.

My smooth morning had a massive bump in it around 7 am.

I had the biggest shock this morning when Adrian walked into the kitchen.

7 o'clock in the morning.

Birds chirping, 7am.

Me and Rocco's straws from our smoothies fell out of our mouthes from shock in unison as we stared at each other before returning our gaze to the scene before us.

Marco himself was stunned into silence, which was unheard of.

My dad rushed over to him and started feeling his forehead and checking his face.

"Are you feeling ok son? This is unatural for you. You must be sick, really sick. We might have to take you to the hospital!" Dad said as he fused over Adrian.

I laughed at what he was doing, until I realised dad was deadly serious about taking him to the hospital.

"Dad, stop it! I'm fine. I just can't be late for school today!" Adrian whined to him with an embarrassed face, but he was having none of it.

He was even threatening to wake up mom before 8am.

And that was a dangerous game to play.

Ultimately, Adrian was let go after a gobsmacked Marco reassured him that he was fine.

Dad kept his eyes on him for the whole morning though.

By the creases in his forehead, he truly was worried.

Adrian came over to sit next to me.

I could tell that there was something on his mind.

Not only was he picking at his nails, but he kept fiddling with his hair, he kept pushing it to the right side.

Whenever he's nervous he pushes his hair to the right.

Whenever he's comfortable he pushes it to the left.

"Spill" I told him.

"Are...are you still ok with me hanging out with your friends today? I know I'm moving into your classes so I don't want to be the overbearing big brother!" He told me nervously.

"Of course I don't mind Adrian. I can't wait to get to spend more time with you! We have 10 years to make up for!" I told him.

He pushed his hair slightly to the left, and I smiled.

We were going to have a great time together!

My heart felt calmer as I thought about it.

I felt safer with Adrian by my side, even more with him moving classes.

He'd be with me for most every second of the day.

Lucia wouldn't dare hurt me.

She wouldn't dare go near me.

I had my number one protector, my own personal knight.

I'd be safe.

Or so I thought.

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I walked into my first lesson of the day, which just so happened to be one that I had yesterday to see Raphael with a big grin on his face as he held the door open for me.

I saw my brother squint his eyes towards him.

I too, looked at Raphael.

My gaze went straight to his face, to see him smiling at me.

My gaze continued upwards as I smiled back.

His hair seemed less unruly today

It seemed different.

As if it was styled.

It looked good on him was my first thought.

My second thought was how good his style was today.

His outfit today screamed elegance and money.

He pulled it off really well.

No! No, I can't think that.

I'm supposed to avoid him and hold a grudge against him, not compliment his pretty face.

I turned away as soon as I could trying to get his little dimple and glistening blue eyes out of my mind.

Adrian helped me to my seat, but our little journey was cut short when I saw Elle sitting with a shocked expression next to a bouquet of flowers that were on my desk.

Adrian helped me sit down before taking my crutches and grabbing a seat from the table in front of us and turning it around so that he faced me and Elle.

"OMG Alina, you've been here for less than a week and you've already got a secret admirer!" She told me with excitement.

I saw her smile slip for a second but I thought nothing of it.

Adrian viewed the flowers with disgust.

"If this guy was truly deserving of your love he would have gotten you roses, your favourite. You should settle for no less!" He told me whilst giving me a pointed look.

I rolled my eyes at him whilst laughing.

I didn't know how he knew that roses were my favourite flower, but it made me happy that he did.

I spied a little piece of paper sitting on the top of the flowers.

Just as I was about to grab it, a hand beat me to it.

I spun around in my chair, only to come face to face with Reese.

Something flashed in his eyes as he read the paper before he gave me an award winning smile.

"Sorry about that Alina. I wrote you a note about what I wanted to say this morning because I was too scared to say it out loud. But I've found my confidence now." He told me.

"These were from you?" I asked him.

He blushed as he nodded in reply.

I mean Reese looked quite handsome but I didn't think he like me like that.

He cleared his throat.

"Since laying eyes on you for the first time, I've felt a feeling I've never felt before. Just thinking about you puts a smile on my face. Not only are you extremely pretty, but you're kind and funny. I want to get to know you better. So if you'll let me, could I take you on a date?" He asked me with a blushing red face.

(Cringy I know but please bear with!)

I cringed at that little speech, but a part of me did find it cute.

I had respect for people who went out and fought for what they wanted. The little speech also felt kind of personal which meant it came from the heart.

The whole class seemed to waiting in anticipation for my response.

"Sure?" I told him, a little unsure.I wasn't sure if I like him like that but I was out under pressure and I didn't know what else to do!

"Thank you! That's truly made my day, babe!" He replied with a smile on his face as he put his shoulder around me.

I saw Adrian death stare Reese after he said and did that.

Babe didn't sound right coming out of his mouth.

Our whole class seemed to be cheering for us so it was hard to not feed into the happy atmosphere they created.

Our friends were overjoyed even if Jake did seem a little jealous.

I saw Raphael at the other end of the class looking down for some reason.

I tried to make eye contact but he didn't lift his head at all, as if trying to hide his face for some reason.

His jaw was clenched. I knew that.

I couldn't stop staring at him.

I wanted him to look at me.

I needed him to.

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SALVATORE'S POV

SHIT.

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A/N LET ME KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS ON THIS CHAPTER! It's not the best, as it doesn't have much action so I'm sorry about that . What's your opinion on what Reese has done? We're those really his flowers?