《Selena Arabella Calos》

I pace the room, phone in my head, trying to muster up the courage to message him. I stop, take a deep breath and start typing. I can do this.

Me
Hi. Can we please meet when you get back and are free?

I quickly lock my phone and throw it on the bed. If I didn't, I know I would keep on obsessing over the message I sent or checking to see whether he replied and what he replied with. I start pacing again to calm down. It's fine. It's going to be okay- no matter what happens. 

I pick up my tablet and start searching for apartment listings to distract myself. Over the past week, I managed to convince my parents to let me move out. It's really hard staying in this house, especially considering I'm alone here most of the time. Jax left a few days ago and my parents left yesterday for business trips. The only thing I'm thankful for is that Grandmother left as well. If I was left alone in the house with her, it would've ended in mutual demise. 

I haven't been able to find apartments that I like though- they're either too small, too far from the city center or not available for at least another month. I want to move out of this house as soon as possible. Every night I have spent here, has ended up with me waking up shivering in fear. 

I keep trying to find an appropriate apartment until someone knocks on my door making me jump. I put a hand on my chest and take deep breathes. 

"Come in," I say, putting my tablet on the desk. 

"Someone is here to see you, Ms Calos," a maid says as she enters my room. I look at her wide eyed. It can't be him can it? I just messaged him like an hour ago.

"Who?"

"Mr Dan-" As rude as it may seem, I don't wait for her to finish. I sprint past her, out of my room and down the stairs. 

And there he is- standing in the middle of the foyer. 

We stare at each other for what feels like hours. He's wearing a white short-sleeve shirt tucked into black dress pants. 

I bite my lip. He looks as put together and handsome as ever, whereas I probably look like a mess. 

My breath hitches as his eyes travel from my face down to my bare legs.

He looks back at my face and clenches his jaw. "Who's shirt is that?" He asks coldly.

I curse at myself when I realise what I'm wearing. I'm wearing a large black shirt which ends just above my mid-thigh. I'm also wearing a pair of shorts, but they aren't visible under the shirt. 

"It's yours," I tell him. His expression doesn't change- he still looks pissed off. "I can give it back to you, i-"

"Did I ask you to?" He says in a rude tone.

"No." 

I almost run back to my room as my resolve to talk to him starts disappearing. 

I take a deep breath and pull down the shirt, so I'm less exposed. "When did you get back?"

"A couple of hours ago," he replies, his tone a little nicer.

"Right," I mutter then look behind me. Victoria, the housekeeper, is looking at us curiously, no doubt ready to report this whole conversation to Mother as per her orders. "Do you want to come into the living room? We might have a bit more privacy there."

Daniel nods and starts walking to the living room. I follow him, closing the door of the living room behind us. Daniel takes a seat on the couch on the other side of the room and I suddenly feel intimidated. The way he's sitting, leaning back with and elbow on the arm rest, makes me feel like he's about to interrogate me.

Which is something he probably has done before considering who he is.

I lean against the wall opposite him, wanting to put as much space between us as possible.

"What did you want to talk about, sweetheart?" He asks me, raising an eyebrow. I hate how he said 'sweetheart'- like it was an insult or a threat rather than a term of endearment. 

"Us." 

"Then talk," he says, his tone rude again, and I narrow my eyes at him.

"Stop being an asshole first."

I can't believe I just said that.

His eyebrows raise in surprise for a second. Then he gives me a sharp look. "Watch it, Selena."

"I can't talk to you if you continue to be rude to me."

He closes his eyes, pinches the bridge of his nose. He takes a deep breath and nods.

"I've thought a lot about this- you, what you do and how it can affect us," I tell him. His face remains expressionless as I talk. 

I take a deep breath. I need to say what I wanted to. I can't let his presence affect my thoughts. 

"I can't do this if you're going to keep lying to me- like you did before." I pause, to give him a chance to defend himself but he doesn't. "I don't want a relationship based on lies- I already have enough of those. If we're going to... continue this relationship. I want you to tell me the truth about who you are and after that I don't want to hear about any of your..." I falter for a second, trying to find the right words to describe what he does and he raises an eyebrow, amused. "... less than lawful activities."

He purses his lips then stares directly into my eyes. My breathing shallows as I wait for him to speak.

"Your words indicate you have a certain level of knowledge about what it is I actually do. Am I to assume you want me to confirm what you already know?" He asks me, in a very to-the-point tone and I nod. "I am a member of the Cosa Nostra. I'm going to be a don of the Marchetti family in a year's time. I'll be taking over from my mamma's father- Leopoldo Marchetti. Both my parents are unaware of my involvement in Mafia, and I would prefer you don't say anything to them about it." 

Despite his calm, seemingly harmless tone, I know that was a threat. He waits for an acknowledgement from me. I nod. 

"I am also the CEO of Castello Enterprises- a company which I inherited from my papà last year." He stands up and walks towards me. "Is that the truth you wanted?"

"Yes."

"As for your second request- about not wanting to know what I do for the Mafia, that's going to be easy enough to comply," he says. He stops walking when he's within arm's length. "Do you want anything else?" 

I shake my head. He takes another step. We're so close now that all I can see is him. I take a sharp breath when I feel his hand start to wrap around my hair. His other arm snakes around my waist to pull me closer. 

"Jesus, I missed you so fucking much, baby," he says, and for the first time today his voice isn't cold or rude. He slightly pulls at my hair so I look up at him then kisses the corner of my mouth. "I almost went fucking insane thinking of you leaving me."

"As did I," I mutter against his lips. He gives me a small smile before capturing my lips with his own.

-

I stare at myself in the ceiling mirror. I've changed so much in the past three months- the change is subtle, something that most people won't even see but it's there. My eyes look tired and have lost the shine they had before. My face looks bony even though I'm eating so much better now. I look like frail. And for the first time in my life, I wish I had a bit more weight on me. 

"Good morning, cara," Daniel says, coming into the room. 

I continue to stay at the ceiling. "Morning." There is a dip in the mattress as Daniel sits on it. "When did you get changed?"

Daniel straightens his tie and looks up, meeting my eyes in the mirror. "A couple of minutes ago. I had spare clothes in my car."

I sit up on the bed and turn my head to look at him. "My parents will kill me when they find out you stayed over, if they haven't already found out."

I'm not allowed to sleep with anyone. My parents barely allowed me to have sleepover with Nat. They still don't know that I slept with Daniel every day when I was staying at his parents' house.  Even though Daniel and I never did anything other than sleep, when they find out about it- let's just say I'll wish I was back in that place. They probably won't even let me move out.

Daniel leans closer to me and kisses my forehead. "They won't do anything. I'll deal with them," he whispers. For some reason, I believe him. "When are your parents coming back?"

"Tomorrow."

He closes his eyes and rests his forehead against mine. "I wish we had more time."

"I'm moving out," I blurt out and his eyes snap open.

"When?"

I shrug. "As soon as I find an apartment."

For a moment I see a hint of indecision on his face but when he looks into my eyes, it's gone- replaced with determination. "Move in with me."

My mouth hangs open in surprise- I definitely was not expecting that. "I- Isn't it too soon for that?"

"We practically lived together for two months before you moved back here."

"I know, but-" I stop and try to think of a way to justify my hesitation. "We've only been on one date." He looks at me blankly, like he doesn't understand my point. "We haven't even discussed what we are yet."

He tilts his head in confusion. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, who am I to you? Am I your girl-"

"You're my everything, baby," he says, quietly. I blink and open my mouth to reply but nothing comes out. He smirks at my reaction. "Now that we have gotten that out of the way, you are moving i-"

"My parents will never agree to it," I interrupt before he can continue. He rolls his eyes, not believing my reason to be valid enough. "They barely allowed me to move out and live on my own. I had to agree to so many of their conditions just so I could live on my own. If I tell them I'm moving in with you... their condition will probably be marriage."

Daniel looks impassive. "And?"

I blink at his reaction. If I had told any other man that I would only be allowed to move in with him if we were married, he would be long gone by now. But Daniel doesn't seem to think it's a big deal. 

"Marriage, Daniel. Do you know what that it? It's when two peop-"

"I know what marriage is, Selena," he snaps, his eyes narrowed at my condescending tone.

"And you don't care about that being my parents' condition?"

"I don't see anything wrong with it," he replies.

"Why not?"

"Because then you'd be officially mine and I would be allowed to end any man who even looks at you in the wrong way." I would think he was joking had it not been for the serious expression on his face.

"I don't want to get married yet," I argue and he rolls his eyes again. "I'm serious, Daniel!"

He glances at me for a moment, but he keeps his face expressionless. "Fine, you can move into the apartment below mine."

"I-"

"Your father won't have any reservations seeing as how he owns it," Daniel says and when I try to argue, he puts his finger on my lips. "You will be able to live on your own. We will be able to see each other whenever we want. It will almost be like we're living together and we don't even have to get married. What more do you want?"

I consider his arguments. He is right. "Fine. But I still want to see it before I move in, so I can change anything I want to."

He smiles triumphantly and I roll my eyes. I should have known he wouldn't give up until I gave in. "Of course. I have to go to the office today, but we can go see it in the evening."

"Okay."

"Okay," he says then kisses my forehead. 

I frown. "You've never kissed me on the lips when we're on a bed."

His gaze darkens. "I would rather not put myself in situations where I know I'll lose control."

I blush when I realise what he means. "Oh."

"Yeah. And since you've made it clear you don't intend to marry me anytime soon, I would rather not tempt myself."

"Who says I want to wait until marriage?" I say just as he gets up from bed.

He stops and looks at me. I suddenly feel warm from the heat of his dark gaze. I look away from him.

He bends down, grips my jaw and tilts my face up. "I don't give a fuck about what you want. I'm not fucking you until we're married."

I don't know why I said what I did, seeing as how I always wanted to save myself for marriage. Not only that, but if my parents found out, they would lock me in the house forever. I guess I wanted to see his reaction. And now that I have- let's just say I haven't had the urge to play with fire like this before.

"Kind of conceited to assume I was talking about you, wasn't it?"

His eyes harden and he gives me a look that makes me want to take back my words. "So help me God, Selena, if you give any other man, a reason to even think of fucking you, I'm going to make you watch me kill him."

I should be terrified right now, anyone else in my position would be. Instead, I feel more attracted towards him than ever. God, when did I become so toxic?

"Is that fucking clear?" Daniel asks me, his grip on my jaw tightening. I nod, mindlessly. "Good girl."

For a moment neither of us says anything. I open my mouth to apologize but I change my mind at the last second, "When do you have to leave?"

A look of surprise crosses his face at the sudden change in topic. "I have some time. Do you want to have breakfast?"

"Yes," I reply in a daze. I didn't expect his demeanor to change so suddenly. 

"I'll make something while you get changed."

-

"Pancakes!" I exclaim excitedly when I see a stack of them on the counter.

"Nutella pancakes," Daniel adds, smiling. He looks back at me as I sit on the counter and put a couple of pancakes in my plate. I grab a fork and dig into the pancakes. One of the few positive things to come out of my kidnapping is how my relationship with food has changed. I have been eating better now since I have before because I know, now, what it is like to be forced to starve. After that, I can't imagine doing that to myself willingly. 

Daniel scans my attire. I'm wearing a simple sleeveless lilac knee length swing dress with white high heels. "Are you going somewhere?" 

I nod. "I have to go to my mother's office today. She's probably going to make me work without a salary for a year if I don't start working soon."

Daniel grins as he starts eating too. "Knowing your mother, that's probably right."

"When should I meet you at the apartment?"

"I'll pick you up from your mother's office at six," he says with finality, then looks at me, daring me to argue with him. 

"Okay," I reply and he relaxes a bit. I bite my lip, suddenly feeling guilty again for what happened earlier. "I didn't mean what I said this morning, I'm sorry."

He doesn't look at me. "Which part?"

"All of it. I don't even know why I said it in the first place."

He glances at me. "I figured."

"Then why did you get angry?"

"I'm possessive of what's mine," he replies as he puts both our plates in the sink. 

"As am I," I mutter.

He watches me for a second. "I haven't even thought of any other women since you."

My heart swells with happiness at his confession. "Yeah?"

"Yeah."

I grasp him by the lapels of his coat, pull him towards me and press my lips against his. He remains still, not pushing me away, but not responding to my kiss either. Before I can pull away, he grabs the back of my neck and kisses me hard, as if he's trying to punish me. That's the second time he's kissed me like that- and I can't say I hate it. 

"I'm still fucking pissed at you," he whispers, pulling away for a second. I open my eyes to look into his stormy blue ones and open my mouth to apologize again but before I can, he presses his lips against mine again and slides his tongue inside. He groans when I run my hands through his hair and sucks on my tongue. He moves his hand from the back of my head to my throat and squeezes, making me moan. I feel like I'm melting the longer he kisses me and I've never felt something so good before. I'm breathless and dizzy but I don't try to pull away from him. 

At least not until someone clears their throat from behind me. I push Daniel away and jump down the counter- but I'm so light-headed, I almost fall on the floor. But before I can, Daniel wraps his arm around my waist, pulls me up and makes me lean against him. 

"I'm going to take away your walking privileges if you keep falling," Daniel growls in my ear.

"Sorry," I mutter then look at the person who cleared their throat and my heart drops. 

They're here. 

All of them. 

All my friends. Including Alex, who looks heartbroken and angry at the same time. "I- what are you guys doing here?" I ask them, once the shock of seeing them has passed.

"We heard you were back," Blake replies, looking incredibly confused. Natalie mirrors his confusion. 

Alessandro is the only one who looks amused by the scene before him. I narrow my eyes at him and he grins. "Daniel," Alessandro says, slightly tipping his head forward in acknowledgement. 

"Alessandro," Daniel replies, returning the gesture. His voice is clipped and cold but Alessandro smiles mischievously at his greeting. 

"You know him?" Blake asks Alessandro. 

"He's Raf's friend."

"Oh," Blake says, then looks at me.

With a start I realise I haven't introduced them. I curse at myself for forgetting my manners. "Um, Daniel, these are my friends, Alexander, Blake, Natalie and well, you know Alessandro."

"Hello," Daniel says, his tone far from friendly.

"Guys, this is Daniel, my-" I pause not knowing how to finish. When I asked him this morning, he told me that I was his everything. But I obviously can't repeat that in front of my friends, especially since Alex is here too. Daniel squeezes my waist impatiently and I clear my throat. "Well, boyfriend, I guess."

There is a chorus of 'hellos' from my friend before everyone falls into an awkward silence.

Blake clears his throat. "Uh- If you guys are busy, we can-"

"No, I was just leaving," Daniel says then looks at me. "Are you going to be okay?" He whispers and I nod. He pecks my lips. "See you at six." 

"It was nice to finally meet everyone," Daniel says to my friends and they all smile awkwardly. A look passes between Daniel and Alessandro before Daniel leaves that leaves Alessandro amused. 

"Pancakes?" I ask everyone and I look up to see three angry faces.

"Sure," Alessandro says then looks at Blake. "You're not having any?"

Blake looks at the pancakes and I feel his anger waver. "Fine, but only because I can't let any food go to waste."

I smile as both of them sit down on the kitchen island and start stuffing their mouths. Two down, two to go. 

I look at Nat and find her glaring at me. "I'm not going to be bought with food."

"I never said you were," I tell her then look at Alex. "Alex."

He looks at me and sighs. "On one condition."

"Anything."

"Tell us everything. The whole truth. From the beginning."

"Okay."

Nat and Alex both take a seat and I take a deep breath. 

Obviously, I can't tell them the truth. No one other than Alessandro can know it. But I knew this would eventually happen so I came up with a story that supported what my mother told my friends- about me going on a vacation. 

Blake, Alex and Nat look at me expectantly while Alessandro eats the pancakes and plays a game that looks suspiciously like candy crush. I roll my eyes. The least he could do is be less conspicuous. If the others find out that he was in contact with me, they would be as mad at him as they are with me.

I take a deep breath and start telling them the fabricated truth. How Daniel and I met at a party at Rafael's house, how we decided to get away from everything to see if there was anything real between us. I tell them about parties I never attended, places I never visited and people I never met. The only truth I tell them is when Nat asked me about my feelings for Daniel. I tell them how much I love him and I see the hurt on Alex's face when I tell them that. 

I try to swallow any guilt I feel- I never promised Alex anything, I never led him on. In fact, I discouraged him from feeling anything for me and he didn't listen. I warned him that he would end up getting hurt and he didn't listen and now I have to watch him face the consequences of that. And it's breaking my heart. 

"Do your parents know that he was with you the entire time?" Nat asks me and I shake my head.

"No. They would kill me if they did. They just know we met a couple of times and went on a few dates."

Alex glances at me. "Did you sleep with him?"

My mouth hangs open in shock. I can't believe he just asked me that. "That's none of your business."

He scoffs. "So, you did."

I narrow my eyes at him. "I didn't. At least not in the way you're thinking. Even if I did, it shouldn't concern you."

"Of course it should. You're my best friend!" He shouts at me.

"So is Alessandro, but he hasn't said anything," I bite back.

Everyone looks at Alessandro. He looks up from his phone and rolls his eyes, looking bored. "She is right. What she does with her boyfriend is her business, and his, no one else's."

"He's so much older than her, he could be taking advantage of her. Don't you care about that?" Alex asks Alessandro angrily. 

"He's not!" I argue but everyone ignores me.

"He's barely five years older than her. You've dated women with a much bigger age difference," Alessandro retorts and I want to hug him. I can always count on him to be on my side.

Alex glares at Alessandro. "I am not as innocent as her!" 

I don't bother saying anything this time, knowing they aren't going to listen to me. Alessandro rolls his eyes again. "She may be innocent but she's not dumb. She won't do anything that she knows is bad for her. And I know Daniel, he may be an asshole at times, but he would never do anything to hurt her. He's not the type of person who takes advantage of other people."

"Whatever!" Alex shouts, then storms out. 

Blake looks at me and smiles sadly. "He'll come around eventually. I'll talk some sense into him. Just be careful, Sel, and don't disappear again."

"I won't," I promise him as leaves to go and talk to Alex.

"Something happened that both of you aren't telling us," Nat says to me and Alessandro once Blake leaves.

Both of us glance at each other and sigh.

"It's better if you don't know, Nat," I tell her, my voice a mere whisper.

She inhales sharply. "That bad?"

"It's a lot worse than you think," Alessandro replies. Nat looks at Alessandro in surprise- this is the first time he is talking to her properly after finding out about her boyfriend.

After getting over her shock, Nat comes over and gives me a hug. "I'm so sorry."

And those three words are all it takes for me to breakdown in front of my best friends. 

-

A/N

Omgggg this book is almost over which is making me lowkey sad even thougb there is a 95% chance of a sequel.

I haven't been updating as much because I have been kind of depressed becausr of one of my professors. God, I want to go back in time and drop his course when I had the chance. In the beginning he acted so nice and throughout the semester he acted like the best instructor ever. In the end though, he fucked up up- I have a fucking C- at 82%. Most of the class has Cs and no one has an A. Not even an A-. And my GPA suffered so much because of this. Before this the lowest grade I ever got was a B and I cried at that- now I wish I got a B in this course.

The only thing good that came out of this course was I met my boyfriend- when we got partnered up for the midterm. Tbh, this course kind of felt like a match-making course because more than half of the pairs partnered up for the midterm ended up dating.

Yeah, I will hate hate this course for the rest of my life.

Back to this book- I just realised I ship Alessandro and Selena so much omg. I hate that they are just best friends why couldn't they date? They're so perfect for each other. But I love Daniel so that's not going to happen.

This has gotten a little too long.

Bye✌️