Gianna
The humof the hair dryer fills the bathroom as I dry my hair. My fingers rake through it, detangling the knots. I enjoy the process of drying my hair; it calms me in a way I can't explain. I stare at my reflection in the mirror, but I'm lost in my head.
I called Vito almost immediately after I returned to my room. You can hardly tell if Vito is happy, but I guess sharing the information pleased him in a way.
My thoughts move from Vito to Finn. I haven't seen him in two days. I don't know if he's avoiding me or if it's just a coincidence. But even in his absence, he finds ways to make his presence known. Every morning, afternoon, and evening, Bernard, who I found out is Finn's butler, brings me food. He cares about me and makes sure I'm alright. Guess he's right.
He is responsible for me.
I turn off the dryer, and the room drowns in silence again. Silence that has been eating at me. I pick up my brush and drag it through my hair, making sure the waves are intact. I sigh, taking in the tank top and shorts I have on before adding lip gloss over my dry lips. I draw a mental plan of my day in myhead. Read a book, probably nap. Continue reading until the sun disappears and I force myself to sleep.
I walk out of the bathroom, and I turn to the food sitting on a plush chair beside my suitcase. I finally emptied my clothes into the room's closet. I had been avoiding it because I felt all of this would become real if I hung my clothes in the closet, but they were getting rumpled, and I eventually hung them to pass the time.
I move closer to the plush chair, taking off the light cloth that covers the large tray of breakfast beneath. Bernard had stopped by this morning to drop it off, making sure he asked if I needed anything. Thank goodness I don't have to step out of this room to eat or join the Irish for dinner.
I don't want to come across Ailish. I've been trying to avoid her since the incident in the hall. I feel like if I remain in her presence for too long, she'll figure me out, and that can't happen. The display and scent of waffles, bacon, and strawberry smoothie make my mouth water. I cut a slice of waffle, putting it in my mouth, moaning as the waffle, drenched in syrup, melts on my tongue.
Whoever is the chef in the estate kitchen deserves an award. I put another slice in my mouth, enjoying how fluffy it is, before sending it down with the strawberry smoothie. I taste a hint of vanilla, maybe banana in it as it travels down my throat. Suddenly, I feel sick, the food I just ate refusing to settle. Finn cares for me, and I'm betraying him. I feel like an awful person.
My appetite disappears, and I walk to the bedside, picking up my book to read when I see my phone flashing with Finn's name on the screen. I pick up the phone, but before I can answer the call, his name disappears. I see a missed call notification, and when I swipe down, I see Finn has called me fifteen times.
My brows draw together. Why would he call me this many times? Is everything alright? I try to call him when the roomdoor bursts open and a very angry Declan walks in. His eyes search the room until they land on me.
"I told you not to fucking cross me, Rosso," he says with a sharp, cold voice that sends a chill down my spine. He's angry. My heart drops to my stomach, and I back away from him even though he's at a good distance from me.
I swallow, my throat tight. "What are you talking about?" I barely manage to form words.
"Don't fucking lie to me. I know you told Vito about the weapon shipment." How did he find out? Did Ailish say something? Even though my insides practically feel like jelly, I stand my ground.
"Weapon shipment?" I say, faking the confusion that's etched on my face. I have to make it believable. "I didn't tell Vito anything, and I know nothing about this shipment."
"You think I'm a fool. You think we're all fools because Finn's got your back. Look here. The Italians attacked my shipment. That has never happened before. You walk into my home, lie, and now you're trying to deceive me."
I thought Vito's anger was the worst, but right now, standing in front of Declan, I feel my legs grow weak. My throat grows dry with every second that passes, and my heart threatens to escape my ribs. Even amidst this fear, I know I can't admit to the truth.
I had expected this much when I told Vito. I have to stand my ground. "I didn't do anything. I didn't tell anyone anything, and I had no idea about the shipment."
"If you insist on lying to me, I'm going to make you suffer in the worst way you can possibly imagine," Declan says, taking steps towards me, but I take careful steps backward, fear oozing from my body.
"I don't know anything, Declan," my voice drops into a plea. I pray this moment will just end, and my prayer gets answered when Finn bursts into my room, breath ragged, his chest risingand falling as he takes in the situation. I immediately feel relief with his presence and let out a breath.
Declan turns to him, but before he can speak, Finn rushes to my side, grabbing my hand gently but with urgency, and pulls me behind him, shielding me from the heat of Declan's deadly gaze. "She didn't do it, Declan," Finn says between breaths, his voice firm and desperate like he's willing the truth to life. There's no hesitation in his tone. He believes me.
"Get out of my way, Finn," Declan warns, and it's not the usual edge I've heard in his voice when he's annoyed with Finn. No, this is colder. There's something visceral in the way he says it, something that says he's not bluffing. He looks like he wants to rip Finn's heart out and reach for mine.
Finn doesn't flinch. "Think about it," he says with a louder, more forceful voice. "She knew nothing about the shipment. How would she know? It's top secret," Finn defends, his hand still wrapped around my wrist like he's scared I would disappear.
"I've given so many chances to you because you're blood, but there are some lines you shouldn't cross," Declan says, taking another step closer.
"I don't know anything, Declan. I'm literally always in this room," I add, easing Declan's concentration off Finn. Declan is quiet. He doesn't seem like he's going to let this go, and I don't think he believes me. Finn glances back at me, worry creasing his face, and my mind goes to my phone. This is why he called me over fifteen times. He was trying to warn me about Declan.
I look away from Finn and to Declan. "I promise you, Declan. I didn't tell Vito anything. He cut all communication with me the day he threw me out, and I don't intend on rekindling the relationship." I hope this convinces him or at least gets him to cool down.
Declan goes quiet, too quiet, his eyes narrowing at me. His silence scares me. What is he thinking? What's going to happento me if he doesn't believe me? Since my phone is bugged, he should know I'm not in contact with Vito, and I'm watched by guards twenty-four hours a day.
"You say you're innocent?" he asks, his voice a great deal lower than before. "Yes, I am," I answer, stepping away from behind Finn, with hopes he'll let it go and leave.
"Alright, I believe you," Declan says. My eyes widen in surprise, and I can feel Finn feels the same way from his grip around my wrist. Declan raises his brows and I could have sworn I saw a smirk on his face. "Since you're not the mole, you have to prove it."
