No Strings Attached

CHAPTER 27

"Any updates?" I ask in a hushed voice, only loud enough for Gabriel to hear as we all eat a quick breakfast.

"I have sightings of Simon over the past few months near his usual location, he still frequents his clubs and seems to live where he did when I first met him," Gabriel says, his voice a whisper as I nod.

"How the hell did his parole hearing succeed?" Everett scoffs, walking over to us as he looks around to make sure no one heard him.

"Take a guess," Gabriel grimaces,

"Fucking Leonardo," Everett mutters, rolling his eyes when Gabriel nods.

"Well let's be thankful it succeeded, otherwise we'd have nothing," I point out, clearing my throat as Lea walks up to me.

"What are you guys gossiping about?" she teases, taking my coffee from my hands and taking a sip.

"Family business sweetheart," Everett says, a stupid grin on his face as he winks at me before walking over to Alessio.

"Sounds interesting," Lea laughs, causing Gabriel to shake his head.

"It's not, he just wasn't given enough attention as a child," Gabriel says, patting my shoulder as he walks over to Ari.

"I can confirm that it true," Griffon says, glaring wickedly at Everett who scowls.

Lea hides her growing smile with a hand as she laughs, causing me to roll my eyes at the way they have the entire family wrapped around their fingers.

All except Vincenzo, who seems to be immune to their jokes and dicky personalities.

"Is everyone packed?" Vincenzo asks, walking into the kitchen.

"And ready for a 12 hour flight? Absolutely," Alessio says in a scathing tone, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

"It's not my fault Leonardo decided to hide in fucking Los Angeles," Vincenzo retorts, his tone indignant.

"Let's not start fighting just yet," Adelyn mutters, glaring at her two sons.

It's going to be a long trip.

————

"This isn't too bad," Ari mutters, walking up the ramp to the De Santis' private jet, letting out a low whistle as he slides his hand along the rail.

"I still don't understand why the whole family is coming," Griffon says in an equally low voice.

"Adelyn isn't, she's staying with her cousin, Ophelia, in France whilst we do this," I point out, stepping into the jet.

"Ana we're over here," Lea suddenly interrupts, looping her arm through mine as she looks at the men. "You guys are down that way with Dad and the rest of the grown ups," she says with a wicked grin.

"Everett should be with you guys then," Ari chuckles, laughing harder as Everett punches his shoulder.

"Have fun Ana, don't shoot anyone," Everett smirks at me, winking before they go down the aisle Lea pointed out before.

"I think I'd prefer their company than some of ours," I murmur, disappointedly watching them leave.

"So would I honestly, Enzo can be a pain in the ass when you're with him for too long," Lea mutters. "Or just in general," I point out, making her laugh as we make our way to the shared lounge.

Issy's already there with Alessio on the couch, both on their phones as they talk about god knows what.

"Where's Enzo?" Lea asks, "We should be taking off soon," she frowns as we sit down on the couch beside Issy.

"Who knows," Alessio yawns, "This way we're guaranteed to all get to LA with no bullet holes in us," he laughs, shaking his head and sighing at his own joke, only to frown as the door is rolled open.

"Spoke too soon," he mutters as Vincenzo enters the lounge and takes a seat on the same couch as Alessio.

"The tension," Lea whispers in my ear, causing me to glare at her as I feel my cheeks heat up.

"Say some shit like that again and I'll throw you out the window," I mutter, crossing my arms over my chest as I move closer to Issy.

"Everett agrees with me," she teases, causing me to gasp.

"He's still on about that?" I say indignantly, making a mental note to kill Everett after this is done.

Lea laughs as she rests her head on my shoulder, "I'm just teasing," she sighs, causing me to smile as I put an arm around her.

"Bitches," Issy pouts, making me laugh as she puts a pillow on my lap and lies down.

"I'm a mother," I observe.

"Mommy," Lea yawns, earning a snort from Alessio.

"You're just jealous, my face is in a woman's lap before yours," Issy murmurs, my eyes almost falling out of my head as I laugh.

"It's ok Al, your time will come," I tease, only laughing harder as he glares at us.

"Yeah but she won't," Lea giggles wickedly, opening an eye to glare at her fuming brother.

"Fuck you all," he snaps, flipping us all off before crossing his arms over his chest.

Issy and Lea both laugh, making me smile at their family dynamic.

They have the large, loving family I always craved after Mom and Dad died. I've always been jealous of families like theirs, a stupid jealousy, but a jealousy which still makes my stomach churn.

I let my head drop to rest on Lea's as I close my eyes, trying to rid my head of thoughts which make me disgusted at myself.

Mom would also say that jealousy was a disgusting emotion; that instead of longing for what others have, I should instead try to be better.

I don't think that's advice most mothers give their daughters, but it's advice that I've kept even past her death. Always trying to make myself better than my competitors, something which probably isn't always healthy for me.

I can't help but sigh as I think back to that time, when I was part of a happy, loving family.

I always liked to think that one day I would marry a man and have the same family that I did. But as I got older, that dream seemed to become a distant fantasy. Something which I've learned will never happen.

It's a shame, honestly, but I've come to accept it.

Even if I've decided I can't achieve the dream I once held, I can come close to it.

I can rid myself of my Grandfather's control, and live a peaceful life for myself. One where I can dictate what I do.

It might be selfish, but I've learnt that you have to prioritise yourself in life. You have to help yourself, especially when there's no one who will help you.

God, what would Mom say if she could hear me now...

//

Sorry for the shitty chapter, I just couldn't think of anything. I think I might have a temporary writers block, but I'll try to produce more chapters soon.

On the bright side, I've planned the rest of the book, and there'll be around 80 chapters, so I hope you guys are ready for a long haul,

I'll try to update again soon, but until then, have a good day/night and don't forget to vote!!

Abi <3