With you in my arms.

Chapter 1

Linus POV

I'm pretty sure my best friend, Alonzo, is in the mafia. Being his secretary, it's no surprise that I have these thoughts. Yes, he is a successful businessman, but no amount of legal business can explain the money he has. Do we really need this many bodyguards? There's like 4 every corner. Other than that, his family. He is one of 3 boys(Giovanni, Alonzo, and Massimo). Every time I've been to his house, somebody slips up.

Flashback

"Linus, darling, I'm so glad you're joining us for dinner today," said Mrs. Bianchi, Alonzo's mom. She's albino. With her long white hair in an elegant bun and her violet eyes that seem soft yet sharp, she sure is a beautiful woman.

"No, it's my pleasure, Mom. I love your cooking, so I'll come anytime you call." I call her Mom. After 7 years, I've warmed up to his family pretty well.

"So, Linus, how do you like the position of being Alonzo's secretary?" asked Mr. Taira, Alonzo's dad. Yes, they have different last names. I think it's pretty cool.

"It's okay. Work is work."

"Linus is overqualified!" pouted Massimo. "If you ever want to have some fun, come to me," Massimo said with underlying intentions. I laugh, as does everyone else.

"Dad, today at the warehouse I..." Massimo exclaimed before he was promptly cut off by Gio clearing his throat.

Present

How do I tell them that I don't care? Honestly, I'm quite a selfish person. I care for things that benefit me, and that's it. Not saying that I go out of my way to be rude, but I lack a bit of... empathy for strangers.

"Lonzo, I'm coming in," I state as I knock for the fifth time.

"Wait, Linus..." yelled Alonzo before I walked in on him with a redhead. "Man, I told you to wait," said Alonzo, eagerly pulling up his pants. This is nothing new.

"Whatever, just sign these," I huffed, handing him documents. He signs them immediately, without looking. Is he insane? "You're just gonna sign them?" I ask.

"What? Yeah," he states, all innocent.

"What if they're documents that transfer all your assets to me?"

"You would never, right?"..." Wait, Lin, let me see," he shouts, but it's too late, I'm already out the door.

He's right; they're not. They're just documents for an upcoming business deal. God, I want to quit this job. Alonzo offered it to me because his last secretary apparently caught feelings, but knowing him, he probably lovebombed her.

It seemed like a good opportunity at first, but it turns out I like a quiet life, not being bugged every 2 seconds for documents or favors.

Opening a restaurant is my dream life. Maybe one connected to a hotel or something, so I don't have to spend money on advertising. With that thought, I go down to the cafe in the building.

"Linny!" Shrieked Massimo. Just as I was about to respond, I was pulled in for a hug. "Does Lonzo have a new receptionist? She won't let me up," whined Massimo. Quietly stroking the head nuzzled in my shoulder, I replied.

"Yeah, the other one is on maternity leave. Why didn't you call?" Massimo has always been a little brother to me. The first time I met him, when he was 12 and I was 16, we instantly got along.

"You know Lonzo doesn't pick up."

"I mean me," I said as I eased out of the hug. Taking a good look at his face, he sure has grown. Beautiful dark brown hair, paired with emerald eyes, he possessed a softness that the rest of his family didn't. He was cute in a boy-next-door way.

"You're staring," He smirked.

"I am, you've grown so much since before."

"Yeah? I sure have, in other ways too."

Saying that with such a playful tone, and a wink in his eyes, I couldn't help but burst out laughing.

"Go up, I'll tell the new receptionist," I say, trying to compose myself. He's cute, in a little brother way, and he knows it. Nothing is ever going to happen between us. If anything, there's someone else I like...

Anyways, after telling the new receptionist who to look out for, I make my way back to the cafe. I want a sweet treat.

"One tiramisu, and a latte please."

"Sure thing, your total is $10.52. Would you like to pay by card or cash?"

"Card, please," I say taking out my wallet. As I reach in for my credit card, I hear a beep. I look up to see Giovanni. Great, looks like the three musketeers are in the building today.

"Thanks," I say, not even questioning it anymore. This has happened more times than I can count. Every time we are with each other, I don't even have to think about taking out my wallet. Also, not going to question anyone paying for me.

"Sit with me," said Gio, his tone firm.

Giovanni, the most composed of the 3 siblings. I met him when he was 24. We have an 8-year age gap. Being the oldest, he may seem cold, but in reality, I think he's the sweetest. Whoever gets to be his partner in the future sure is lucky...

A pang of sadness hits me, but I push it away.

"What's up today? I just saw Simo here earlier."

"Linus, how are you liking the job here?"

Fuck, his voice. Just him calling me, my name just rolls off his tongue.

"It's okay. Other than people bugging me and walking in on Lonzo with women, it's a fine job."

"Good."

Gio is a simple man, one of few words. I first met him when I was eighteen. At that point, I had already been friends with Lonzo for 2 years. Apparently, he was studying abroad or something. He was always attractive, but I think he gets finer with age. A sharp, chiseled jaw, high nose, and magnetising gray eyes. We sat there in silence, me taking peeks every so often.

"There's an event tomorrow, come with me." Sounding more like a statement, I wonder if he really is asking. Although I don't mind, anything to spend time together.

"Okay, what time?"

"7:30, so come at 6."

"I will," and with that, he gets up to leave. I wish he would stay.

Ignoring those feelings, I sit there with my latte and tiramisu, lost in thought. Is he still with the redhead? I should have warned Lonzo about his brothers coming.