No Strings Attached

CHAPTER 22

I groan as I sit up, stiffness making my body even sorer as I try to recall the events of last night.

I pull the sleeve of my hoodie up to see dried blood caking the ripped stitches. I lick my thumb and try to clean off the blood, giving up when it just tears the stitches further.

My head whips up when I hear the door opening, immediately standing up to face whoever's walking in.

I'm relieved to see Azalea and Clarisse walking in with a pretty tray of food.

"Our Dads made breakfast so we brought you some," Azalea smiles, offering me the tray. I smile at her as I sit down at the table, watching greedily as Azalea puts the tray on the table and sits on the other chair.

"We're so sorry about last night," Clarisse sighs, sitting on the table as I stab at the pancakes on the plate. I shake my head as I shove a fork-full of pancake into my mouth.

Azalea sighs, "We wanted to stay and find out what happened, but Enzo ordered us all out," she explains.

"It's not your fault," I mumble, wiping my mouth as I look at the two girls.

"We'll get you a proper room tonight too," Azalea frowns, looking around the dim little room we're in and shuddering.

"After you finish your breakfast we'll take you upstairs, Enzo's out so he won't know," Clarisse says pleasantly.

"Nice to know at least 2 people want me here," I laugh, popping a raspberry into my mouth.

"Everyone wants you here," Clarisse says, "Except Enzo but he's always salty,"

I hum in response, "I'm sure he's just looking out for your safety," I say grimly, "And to be fair I did try to kill him,"

Azalea shrugs, "I'm pretty sure he's just angry that you fooled him for so long," she says, "And that he The Fiore Mortale go,"

I freeze and open my mouth, unsure of what to say. How the fuck do they know?

"Leonardo sent a message to Enzo and spilled everything. He didn't say you were, but we know that all of our men who were killed were done by The Fiore Mortale because of the mark left on them," Azalea hurriedly explains.

"Guess the cats out of the bag then," I mutter, a new hatred for my Grandfather brewing.

"Where's the letter?" I ask quickly, before they can ask anymore questions.

"In Enzo's office, we'll show you," Azalea says, "But first we'll take you to your room,"

I nod as I chug down the orange juice and stand up, wiping the crumbs off me as the girls lead me down the depressing corridor and upstairs.

I'm grateful that we don't run into anyone as we walk up another flight of stairs and down an elegant hallway.

"You can stay in the room in between Issy and I's" Azalea says, "We already filled it with our clothes so you have plenty,"

I'm slightly taken aback by their generosity, feeling unsure of what to say.

"We'll give you some time to have a shower then we'll show you the letter," Azalea says, making herself comfortable on the bed as Clarisse follows suite.

"Thank you," I say, smiling at the pair as I go into the walk-in robe before making my way to the ensuite.

Maybe staying here won't be that bad after all?

————

I finish drying my hair before I pull on a pair of black sweats and slip a black hoodie over my head, looking at my reflection one more time before walking out into the bedroom.