No Strings Attached

CHAPTER 42

And I'm not sure which version of it I prefer; the hating game we used to play, or whatever the fuck is happening between us right now.

We both get into the car, a silence falling between us as Vincenzo starts the car and begins to drive off.

The drive to the airport is 40 minutes, each minute as silent as the last, and I can't tell whether it's suffocating or comforting.

On one hand, the silence could be filled with a long put off discussion regarding what we're doing with each other. But on the other hand, Vincenzo had a point when he said that some questions are best left unanswered. Meaning the question forever on my lips, what is happening, will perhaps never be answered.

But that doesn't matter. We both understand that I'm leaving along with the rest of Le Aquile Rosse after we finish the mission. It's something we've both understood since the beginning, and something I have no intention of changing.

We finally arrive at the airport, and Vincenzo drives to a private underground carpark, somehow reserved for his family. The control the Mafia has over their selected European countries is baffling, even law enforcement stepping out of the way for them. But I can't complain, because during my stay with the De Santis' it's been quite handy. Especially with all the flying we've had to do, chasing these idiots around.

We get out of the car and Vincenzo locks it before leading me to an escalator. We get in and I watch as the windows reveal daylight, watching as we go higher and higher up in the airport. The doors eventually sound and open, and we walk out to a small waiting lounge, filled only with Vincenzo's family.

"We'll leave as soon as the rest of Le Aquile Rosse arrive, then we'll meet Carlos and Issy at our hotel in the Vatican City," Luca says, narrowing his eyes at Vincenzo who returns his father with a small shake of his head.

Lea comes and links her arm through mine, "There's two buildings facing each other in where we're staying, we'll all share one, then all the grown ups will have the other," she says,

"Are we not all adults here Lea?" Alessio asks, raising an eyebrow at his sister.

"You know what I mean," she scowls,

"If you're all adults then why do I need to tell you to stop bickering," Luca asks in an amused voice,

"Alessio was picking on me Dad," Lea says in an injured tone, putting on a hurt expression as she does and sits next to her frowning father.

"We can't have that, can we princess?" Luca says, glaring at Alessio whose jaw is well and truly on the floor right now.

Suddenly both Lea and Luca start laughing, "Alessio close your mouth, you look like a fish son," Luca chuckles,

Alessio sticks his tongue out at his father, only making him laugh louder as Vincenzo rolls his eyes and sits next to his brother.

All heads turn to the elevator as the bell rings, revealing Ari and Gabriel. I can't help but frown as I see them, only half of my family stepping out into the lounge.

"Everyone ready to set off? Our luggage is all packed into the jet already," Vincenzo says, standing back up alongside Alessio.

Ari and Gabriel nod and I drop back to walk alongside them as we all follow Luca and Vincenzo out to where the jet is landed.

"The last league," Ari mutters,

"Took long enough," Gabriel adds, "In hindsight, it would've been quicker to just do this ourselves,"

"It was your idea to accept their offer and align with them," I remind him,

"I stand by my decision, but that doesn't mean I can't complain about how long it's taken," Gabriel says stubbornly.

"You two sound like the twins right now," Ari chuckles, a weak smile forming on my lips. "Don't worry Ana, Ev with be alright," he adds, patting my shoulder.

"Did the doctors tell you that?" I ask wryly,

"They say he's stable," Gabriel chuckles, as if he can't believe it. As if he's finally sick of this bullshit like everyone else.

We trail into the jet, splitting off into different cabins, and for once I stay with the remainder of Le Aquile Rosse, retreating back to my family.

I rest my head on Ari's shoulder, and he kisses my forehead. "It'll all turn out alright Ana, just you wait and see,"

————

I lift my head at a sudden jolt, looking around to see Ari and Gabriel looking equally as groggy as me. I look out the window and relax as I see we're just landing, landing badly, but landing nonetheless.

A knock on the door causes me to finally sit up, rubbing my eyes as Ari calls out, "We're coming!", followed by an unimpressed roll of his eyes.

All three of us annoyed at behind woken from our sleep, we walk into the main part of the jet, making our way to the ramp and walking down.

"I probably have ptsd from these stupid things," Ari says dryly, trying to lighten the mood with a weak joke. "At least it took Vincenzo off his high horse and gave him a good shock," Gabriel mutters.

I can't help but laugh at his comment, getting into the backseat of a black car as Ari and Gabriel get into the front.

"This is some nice family time," Ari grins, "We never do this anymore,"

"Once we're finished here and Everett's out of hospital we'll have to start going to the track again," I say, feeling and sounding like an eager child.

"I've missed that place," Gabriel sighs, and I agree with him; missing how I'd show up unannounced at Le Aquile Rosse's estate and we'd go out to the track together and fuck around. The closest thing to a family outing I'd get.

The drive to the hotel we're staying in is short, not far from the airport, only 30 minutes. Gabriel puts on his shitty music which no one likes, forcing me and Ari to suffer the whole way.

We eventually make it to the hotel, and I see two dandy coloured buildings facing each other, joined by a courtyard in the middle.

The buildings span across 2 stories, vines and other pretty flowers snaking along the buildings.

We park beside one of the buildings in a designated parking spot and get out, joining the De Santis' who are all standing in the courtyard.

"Ana hurry up!" Lea calls out, standing alongside Issy as Ari gives me a nudge. "Go on, she's calling," he grins, winking at me as I laugh at him.

I catch up to the girls and as I've grown accustomed to, Lea links her arm through mine.

"Come on, we're getting drunk tonight," Lea says,

"In the nicest, most respectful way possibly Ana. You look like you need to get shit faced," Issy adds.

I laugh along with them, knowing I have no intention of joining in with their fun. I heard what drinking did to my Grandfather and then how it made him act towards Mom, and I have no intention of seeing what it does to me.

But that doesn't mean I can't look after Lea and Issy as they're stumbling around.

Tonight should be interesting...

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guys i woke up this morning and my stomach hurt so fucking much then i started throwing up and then passed out on my bed for like 5 hours. so sorry that the chapter is a bit late! (and also short)

and to the people who comment about whether or not they should stop reading my books, or announcing they're leaving. just leave. no announcement is needed! just leave! no one will miss you!

until next time, have a good day/night and don't forget to vote!!

Abi <3