No Strings Attached

CHAPTER 49

My body jolts as my eyes snap open, looking around to see through the windows that the plane is landing.

I look up to see Enzo, looking down to see my body is practically morphed with his. I lift my head from his shoulder and remove my legs from his lap.

"Sleep well sweetheart?" he asks in a low voice, his arm still around me. I hum in response, rubbing my eyes to try and wake myself up.

"Are we back in Italy?" I ask, still feeling completely disoriented.

"Just landing now," Enzo murmurs, removing his hand from my waist. I look up to see Ari walking towards me.

"We're going to the house to get a few things before going back to the De Santis' estate, wanna come?" he asks, his gaze flicking to Enzo momentarily before settling on me.

"Why don't we just deal with Leonardo at your place?" I ask,

"Technically this is a hit from their Mafia, meaning we can do what we like with him, but under their roof," Ari explains, clearly agitated by this.

"I'll come with you guys," I say, standing up as the plane smoothly lands. I don't give Enzo a second look as I walk away with Ari to where Gabriel is standing, trying to ignore the guilt.

"We'll stop by the hospital to see the twins," Gabriel smiles, throwing his arm around my shoulder.

I can't help the wide smile which spreads across my lips, comfort flooding me at the thought of all of us being together again.

Fuck I've missed Everett. And Griffon, of course, but I haven't heard one of Everett's stupid jokes or dumb comments in what feels like forever. I miss my dumb, funny uncle.

The door revealing a ramp down from the jet opens, and I walk out behind Ari.

"Careful, we don't need a repeat of Everett," Gabriel chuckles, clearing his throat awkwardly as Ari and I both turn back to look at him.

"Funny," Ari says in an unimpressed tone,

"Maybe leave the jokes to Everett," I suggest, raising an eyebrow at Gabriel as he shrugs.

We walk down the ramp and to one of the cars lined up for us. I begrudgingly get into the back, letting Gabriel sit in the passenger side as Ari drives.

"Just over an hour drive to the hospital, so get comfy," Ari sighs, starting the car before slowly driving out of the runway and through to the private carpark leading to the exit.

I lean my head against the window as Gabriel puts on some music; some band he's convinced himself is 'cool' as he went to a few of their gigs whilst travelling.

I keep myself from sighing as I see Enzo and Alessio emerging from the jet. I'm not sure what the fuck is happening between us, or what we are now, but I don't think I have the energy to stick around and find out.

"You alright back there Ana?" Ari asks, his hour laced with concern as he looks back at me.

"Just tired," I smile, feeling content with my half-truthful statement. Tired is a good way to put it I think.

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I sit up straight and unbuckle my seatbelt as Ari finally drives into the hospital carpark, parking the car in the closest vacant spot.

We all get out of the car and wait for Ari to lock it before walking to the elevator in the carpark. A comfortable silence settles between us as we stand shoulder to shoulder in the elevator. I can't help the way my lips tilt upwards at the thought of all of us being together again. My little family back together again.