"Hey baby," Sean's voice came through the phone.
"I thought you had other plans," I said, leaning back on the couch.
"That was before I started missing you," he replied smoothly.
"Aww, isn't that cute of you. Where are you?" I asked with a smile.
"I can't say... but I've got a massive surprise for you this evening. I may not be there in person, but I'll send something to keep you occupied in my absence."
"Sean, what are you up to?"
"You'll see."
"Sean!!"
"Hey baby, can't take a hint?" he teased.
"Nope, I really can't."
"Fine. But you'll have to wait. And hey, save what you want to tell me until after the surprise, okay, kitty?"
"Okay...?"
"Can we talk later? I'm in the middle of something," he said quickly.
Just as he said that, I thought I heard a voice in the background—one I recognized. But I brushed it off. People sound like other people all the time, right?
I ended the call and sighed. The hours ahead weren't just filled with surprises—I also had a truth to reveal.
My thoughts wandered to Adrino. The tightening in my chest returned. He always had that effect on me.
I grabbed my phone and dialed Larisa—my so-called love therapist.
"Hey bitch! If I don't call, you act like I don't exist," she answered dramatically.
"Oh no! I'm sorry—I've been so preoccupied."
"So I'm such a burden now, huh? No time to even check in?"
"No, no! The mob's been acting weird lately... and I've been working with your brother."
"Wait—Adrino?!"
"Yep. Him. So... you see why I've been a little distracted."
"And now you decide to tell me?! When? How? Why?!"
"It's complicated..."
"You two are complicated. Start talking."
"Okay, fine. I've got an enemy breathing down my neck, wearing a silver chain. I'm working with Adrino—strictly business—for the sake of the mafia. My life... and Papa's life, might be in danger."
"Who the hell dares chase after my bitch?! Only I have the right to kill you—and I'm not ready for that yet."
"Lara, it's classified."
"So you won't tell me?"
"Of course I will. His name's Roger Jamey Walton."
"The Russian hot dude?"
"Yeah... wait—how do you know him?"
"He was my ex."
"Huh?!"
"Yup. Met him six years ago at a gala. I was just sixteen. He was already unhinged—and totally obsessed with a girl he knew from childhood. I hope he's not after you just because you're my bestie."
"Wait, did you live in Russia?"
"I'm the next heir to the Italian mob. If Adrino doesn't have a successor, I step in. So... yeah. Long story."
"Interesting."
"So how's everything else?" she asked.
"Not bad. But I'm stressed."
"And Adrino?"
"Surprisingly... he's nice. In a weird, unexpected way. And guess what?"
"He admitted he likes you?"
"Yes! Wait—how'd you know?"
"I knew he liked you. I was just waiting for him to admit it. Girl, it was obvious."
"Really?"
"But the big question is... do you like him?"
"I don't know. I mean, whenever I see him, my chest tightens. I feel like I can't breathe."
"Like you can sense his presence even when he's not around?"
"Exactly. And when he touches me—even lightly—I feel weird. Like I'm turned on without him even doing anything."
"Girl, I get it."
"I feel cursed. Or drugged. I don't like how he looks at me—like I'm fragile. Like I need protection."
"Confirmed."
"Confirmed what?"
"You're in love with him."
"Shut up."
"I'm serious. Adrino's gotten under your skin. And honestly? I don't blame you. If I weren't his sister, I might feel the same."
"So what do I do? What if it's just lust or confusion?"
"Okay. Does Sean make you feel this way?"
"No."
"Antonio? Your enemy?"
"No."
"You see? It's not lust. And it's not hate. It's love. So either reciprocate or walk away before you dig deeper."
"How do I walk away?"
"Never speak to him again."
"Never?"
"Never."
"Okay... thanks, Lara. I'll think about it."
"Good. Call me later, okay? Love you."
"Love you too. Bye, Larry."
Now the decision was mine to make.
Do I follow my heart or my mind?
Sean... or Adrino?
Blackout