No Strings Attached

CHAPTER 51

"What do we tell them?" she asks, tilting her head to the side.

"That we're together now, and you're staying here," I say, trying to keep my voice as even as possible.

She hums in response, looking as if she's thinking it all over. "Let's just go now," she sighs, scrambling off the bed.

"Why are you so nervous?" I ask, "It's not like we're getting married and moving half way across the world,"

I immediately regret my word choice as her eyebrows shoot up, "Watch it," she says sharply, the corners of her lips tilting upwards as I grin at her and hug her tightly.

"Don't be mad at me again Ana," I mutter into her hair, smiling as her pretty laugh fills my ears.

"I'm not mad at you Enzo, it's ok," she laughs, looking up at me adoringly as I give her a shit eating grin.

I interlock our fingers before walking out of our room and down the stairs, Ana walking by my side, her grip on my hand tight.

"This is the worst hard-launch ever," she mutters, and I roll my eyes as I sense that her nerves are getting the better of her. Why is she even so nervous?

I hear laughter coming from the kitchen and pull Ana to my side, draping an arm over her shoulder as I keep our hands together.

The silence is deafening as we walk into the kitchen, everyone's eyes falling to me, then Ana, then our hands.

I narrow my eyes as Everett reaches his hand out to Alessio, who begrudgingly shakes it, pulling his wallet out.

"So I'm assuming you're not coming back home with us now?" Griffon says slowly, and I risk a quick glance at Ari whose eyes are staring daggers at me right now.

"I think I might stay here for a while," she says slowly, her body practically shrinking into mine.

I thank the fucking lord then Azalea lets out a shriek, launching herself at Ana. "You're part of the family now! I have a sister!" she laughs, pulling Ana away from me and into a bear hug.

"You bitch, am I not enough?" Clarisse scowls, only to squeal too before joining in on their hug.

"Do you know how much money you just lost me?" Alessio grumbles, coming up beside me. "But I think you're going to lose more than money if the guys get a hold of you," he adds, motioning towards Ari whose expression remains unchanged.

Alessio breaks out into a grin as the girls let go of Ana, opening his arms wide as she rolls her eyes and hugs him.

"Nice to know that Enzo does in fact have feelings," he teases, and I scowl at him before punching him in the shoulder.

I look over at Mom and Dad, watching as Dad smirks knowingly at me. Fucking asshole. Mom comes up to me, "You chose well ma cheri," she says quietly, "Penelope and Castro would be pleased,"

"I hope so," I breathe out, "But I'm not too sure about Le Aquile Rosse,"

"You're taking their little girl away, give them some time," she chuckles, patting my back softly as Ana approaches Ari.

I don't hear what they say but I breathe a sigh of relief as he smiles at her, hugging her tightly before kissing her temple. She flashes me a smile as I feel my body relax.

My body stiffens as I feel two pairs of hands on my shoulders, looking back to see Griffon on my left and Everett on my right.

They both sling their arms over my shoulders and I swallow, "If you ever do anything to Ana," Everett chuckles,

"You hear what we did to Leonardo?" Griffon asks, and I nod.

"Light work," Everett says,

"You will be wishing we went that easy on you," Griffon says, and I nod again, clearing my throat.

"But welcome to the family," Everett adds, patting my chest before the two return to Gabriel who hasn't said a word.

"Well we should be getting back home," Ari announces, and I frown as I see Ana with an unreadable expression on her face.

"You can stay as long as you want, there's no rush," Mom insists.

"You've been more than generous to us Adelyn, but it would be nice to get home and take a while to recover from everything," Ari says graciously.

"I think it goes without saying that you're all welcome back anytime," Mom adds, "We have a family dinner every Sunday at a local restaurant if you'd like to join tomorrow night?" she suggests.

"Thank you for the offer, we'll have to take you up on it sometime," Gabriel interjects as Ari opens his mouth to no doubt deny.

"Is our stuff in the car already?" Everett asks, and Gabriel nods.

"We'll come out to say goodbye then," Dad says, sounding more cheery than everyone feels right now.

Alessio pulls my shoulder back, waiting for everyone to pile out of the kitchen before we slowly begin to walk behind them.

"I wouldn't say goodbye to Ari or Gabriel if I were you," he mutters under his breath, just loud enough for me to hear.

"Are we not all on good terms yet?" I ask with a light scoff.

"They've never liked you, this is adding fuel to the fire," Alessio sighs,

"Great," I mutter, "This is exactly what I fucking need,"

"Give them time, Ana will warm them up to the idea soon enough," Alessio reassures me, "Just make sure they don't think you're taking their girl away, you get what I mean?"

"Yeah I know," I sigh, pinching the bridge of my nose. Why the fuck is this still so difficult?

I stand back with Alessio as everyone says their goodbyes, taking his advice at laying low as Le Aquile Rosse get into their car and wave one last goodbye before driving away.

I don't even notice Ana coming up beside me until she leans against me. I put an arm around her, resisting the urge to roll my eyes at the gawks I get from my family.

"So I'm not approved of?" I ask dryly, walking back inside with Ana.

"No ones stopping me so take that as a win," she chuckles, putting her arm around my waist.

"It'll all work out in the end, don't worry," she says gently.

I'm sure it will.

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sooooooo they're finally official!

but there's still a fair way to go so buckle in!!

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

Abi <3