The fall of our secrets

Chapter 7

"Playing with fire is bad for those who burn themselves. For the rest of us, it is a very great pleasure." 

Jerry Smith.

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Ethan :

I stood at Nina's door. She was lying on the bed and making some funny expressions with her face. She looked so young and angelic with her eyes closed. There was no trace of the badass woman who managed to do the impossible. I observed her for a few moments, then realised I was being creepy.

I threw the clothes I borrowed from Lillian's closet and was satisfied when she squealed in surprise.

Here go the serene face and peaceful look. She glared at me and made some of her usual blood pressure raising comments. I shook my head and closed the door leaving her alone, but not before hearing her say a soft goodnight.

I loosened my tie and headed to the kitchen. I opened one of the cabinets and swallowed two pills of ibuprofen. My head was killing me, and I was hoping for some rest after this fiasco. I went to my room, changed into my sweatpants, and laid on the still covered bed.

I opened my eyes to the sound of my alarm. It was a long time since I slept through the early hours of the morning. I stretched and rubbed the sleep off my eyes. I took a brief shower and changed into dark jeans and a blue t-shirt.

I smiled when I saw Lillian sitting at the counter eating a bowl of cereals. I sat next to her and asked with a smile. "How are you today?"

"Tired."She said with a yawn. I ruffled her hair and laughed at her sour expression.

"So, how did it go yesterday?" She asked as I went to the coffee machine to make my cup of the day. I opened my mouth to answer her, but Nina's voice interrupted us.

"Good morning," She said as she went to the cabinets in the kitchen and opened one of them.

It was the first time I saw Lillian Salviatti speechless twice in less than twenty-four hours. She turned around and glared at me as if I offended her.

"What is she doing here? And wearing my pajamas nonetheless. What am I missing?"

"I will explain everything to you, Lillian. Just let me drink some coffee, and then we will talk." I said, hoping Lillian would understand and settle down.

"It is easy and doesn't need all of this fussing. Now, I am kind of your 'I don't know who' apprentice." Nina said while rolling her eyes. She poured milk and cereals in a small bowl and started eating while leaning against the kitchen table.

"That's it!" Lillian said angrily and made a move to dive across the counter. I was quicker than her and caught her arm in mine. Lillian glared at me with her angry green eyes. I wished for someone to come and took over, but I knew I was stuck with two girls on the edge of starting a catfight.

I put my hands on Lillian's shoulders and tried to speak to her calmly.

"This girl is my responsibility from now on. I can't leave her alone, even for a second." I heard Nina's snort but decided to just ignore it. "It is not my decision, but you know how choice is treated in this family," I said, feeling angry all of a sudden.

"Was it the don's arrangement?" Lillian asked quietly.

"No, it was my dear father's bright idea." I sighed. It was like the world's weight was being placed on my shoulders. All my plans were crumbling in front of me. I can't afford all of this drama on top of my business and revenge.

Lillian patted my shoulder and broke off from my grip. She gave Nina a warning look and said in an icy voice.

"Look, I don't know you, and I don't care who are you or what you plan to do. But you a word of warning, don't think you are free to do whatever you want. If you are staying here, you will follow our rules. I am not prepared to babysit some wayward child." Lillian finished her speech with a daring look in her eyes. I knew the expression on her face very well. She was turning on her defensive side, and she won't spare anyone foolish enough to stand in her way.