No Strings Attached

CHAPTER 44

She's leaving soon anyway, so it doesn't even matter.

I run my hands through my hair and sit up, going to my suitcase and pulling it onto the bed. I take out a pair of black jeans and a black t-shirt, quickly getting changed before walking out of my room and to the kitchen.

I'm glad to see everyone there already, talking to each other and eating their breakfast. "Good news from the hospital, Ev woke up about an hour ago," Ari beams, and I feel a weight being lifted off my shoulders.

"Thanks fuck he's ok," I breathe out,

"Too bad you don't have to be killed now," Ana frowns,

"Nice to know you would've missed me sweetheart," I chuckle, winking at her and watching as a light blush creeps up her neck.

"Once you too quit flirting can you inform us of the plan?" Alessio asks, raising an eyebrow at me as I shoot him a glare.

I clear my throat, "I'm not in charge, Le Aquile Rosse and Anastasia are, so they can tell you fratello," I say coolly, cursing my stupid brother.

"We'll make the hit tomorrow night," Gabriel says, "Using today to do some surveillance of Leonardo and we'll sort out what everyone's doing. Then for the most part, tomorrow will be resting for the evening,"

"Do you know what you want everyone to do?" I ask, for some reason not feeling the defensiveness and bitterness I once did about giving up control.

Gabriel nods, "Ari, Ana and I will go inside ourselves and get Leonardo. We know how he moves, how he fights, his moves, his tactics. We have the biggest chance of succeeding. Vincenzo, you and Alessio will be stationed at the back entrance, if he makes a run for it or calls for back up. Luca, you and Carlos will be stationed at the front, beat the cars for a quick getaway afterwards," he looks around the room with narrowed eyes, "Is that understood?" he asks.

I bite the inside of my cheek and nod, everyone else following suite.

"What do you mean if he calls for backup? We got Simon," Alessio asks,

"Simon has many friends who would gladly continue his dirty work for Leonardo, he might call for help or have people ready to help him," Gabriel explains, "We're planning for the worst, just so we have all possible situations catered for,"

Alessio nods in response, looking over at me as I nod along too.

"I'm going to print out a copy of the blueprints of the motel Leonardo's staying in, that way we'll have a visual of where we're all going," Gabriel says,

"One important thing which Gabe hasn't mentioned is, we want Leonardo alive," Ari adds, "We're going to deal with him how we want back in Italy, so if anyone kills him they can take his place,"

A few eyebrows raise but everyone nods, and I almost feel sorry for the torture I already know Leonardo is going to be subjected to by Le Aquile Rosse. Almost.

"That's it for now, so come back in an hour and Gabe will have the plans so we can organise where everyone's going," Ari announces, looking over at Anastasia before over at Gabriel.

The three of them walk out, and Alessio walks over to me. "Your ego bruised?" he asks,

"Why would it be?" I ask, meeting exactly what he means.

"We're on door watch duty," he mutters,

"And you'll do it with a good attitude," Dad warns, narrowing his eyes at us.

"Let them have this, they've been dealing with Leonardo longer than us, this is their mission," Uncle Carlos adds. Alessio and I both nod.

"Where are the girls by the way?" Dad asks,

"Probably sleeping," I reply,

"And too hungover to function," Alessio adds, "Speaking of, how are you feeling?" he asks, patting my shoulder as I glare at him.

"Never been better, thanks for asking," I reply, my tone unimpressed.

"So Anastasia managed to get you into bed alright?" he asks, a stupid smirk on his face.

Dad and Carlos both let out loud laughs, apparently finding this fucking hilarious.

"Did she get into your bed alright too?" Alessio teases, and my jaw locks.

"She did actually, what about you? Had any women in your bed recently dear brother?" I say coolly, flipping him off as he scowls.

"I love it when my children get along," Dad sighs, shaking both our shoulders.

"Kids, what a blessing," Uncle Carlos adds, smiling as I hear footsteps approaching us. "Pequeño búho good morning," he says, opening his arms for his daughter who looks like she's on the brink of death.

"I'm never drinking again," she groans, resting her forehead against her father's shoulder as he hugs her.

"I always wondered if you got Carlos' alcoholic genes," Dad muses glaring at Uncle Carlos as he punches Dad's shoulder.

"At least I didn't get his smoking habit," Issy teases,

"I kicked that a long time ago, thank you very much," Uncle Carlos says indignantly.

"What about you princess? How are you feeling this morning?" Dad asks, looking fondly at Lea who looks like she's anywhere but present in this conversation right now.

She smiles at Dad and nods, "What's the plan for tomorrow?" she asks.

"You and Issy are to stay here during the raid," Dad says, "Argue with Gabriel, we didn't plan it," he adds when he sees Issy's indignant look.

"Sounds good to me," Lea says, walking over to the fridge. My sister's never been one to care too much about the business side of our lives. She never went through the same training as Alessio, Issy and myself, not caring enough to. Mom and Dad have always been fine with that, and deep down I think they're grateful that their previous daughter is away from all the dangers our lifestyle creates.

"Do we have the day off then?" Issy asks, leaning against her father.

I nod, "We're going over the details of the plan later but you two don't need to be there," I say.

"I need to have a nap so I don't think we'll make it," Lea yawns, and I envy her. I want nothing more than to sleep right now, these last few days have been fucking exhausting.

And the next few will be even worse, but it'll all be worth it in the end. If it means getting Leonardo once and for all, then it'll be worth it. If it means that Anastasia will be safe from her abusive grandfather, and will finally feel secure, then I don't care how fucking tired I am, I'll make sure it happens.

//

Sorry for the short chapter, bit of a filler until the next one. I just know you're gonna love the next 2 chapters, and I'm so excited for them.

I've already written the next 2, and I'll publish the next one tomorrow,

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

Abi <3