Lennox POV
Liking someone is a really weird feeling.
Dean and Mingze made me go to a blind date once. They say that if I didn't know the other person, I would have less expectations from them and I can easily vibe with them.
They lied.
Delilah though... she's the first person who I can vibe with without trying. She makes it so easy to be comfortable around her, even when we just sit in silence sometimes.
I don't know why but I look forward to seeing her every day. I love to listen when she rants. I can't wait for her random questions and suggestions that pop into her head. I love her smile- hell, I love the sound of her laugh.
The little things about her reminds me that there's a reason for me to fight to live. Not survive, but live.
Sitting in the pool with her in my arms and she joked about with Ming was the best thing I was experiencing and enjoying.
Until she appeared. My fucking cousin.
Don't get me wrong, I love her. Well, I used to. Until she turned her back on me- on our family
The moment I felt her presence in the empty kitchen, I whirled around.
"What the fuck are you doing here?!" I seethed.
I was having mixed emotions. Fear and anger.
Draya only smiled. "Hello, cousin."
I wanna fucking punch her.
She kept her lazy smile as she walked towards me slowly, taking the time of her life.
"Tangling up and warming our beloved enemy's bed?" she chuckled. "You're brave, I gotta give you that."
I scoffed. "Yeah, and what about you?"
"Oh that dumb boy." she smirked. "He was the one who invited me. For a hacker in a freaking mafia, I'd thought he would be smarter."
"But you," she chuckled humorously. "Dad would love to punish you in ways you'll never imagine."
"My dad's dead." I seethed, stalking across the kitchen.
Without thinking, I shoved her, causing her to stumble backwards. She blinked, already expecting my actions.
"Dad's fucking dead." I burst, closing my fingers into a fist. "He's not our dad. He's not my dad. He killed my dad."
I was close to screaming and breaking down.
A stupid smirk appeared on her face. "C'mon, cous. Hit me." she challenged, knowing full well I fucking won't.
It wasn't because she's my cousin. Nor was it because I don't hit girls- well, I don't, but this bitch is another level. I knew if I laid a finger on her, I'll been dead. And I'll die suffering.
I wanted to punch her, to let my anger out on her for all she's done to me, but I couldn't. Not yet. Not when I've just found something to live for.
Someone to live for. I've found my anchor and I'm not letting her go any time soon.
"FUCKING HIT ME." she screamed in my face.
Without warning, a fist swung in my direction and I stumbled backwards, trying to catch my footing.
"Hit me!"
And I almost did.
"Is everything alright?" a deep voice asked- demanded.
I exhaled and shook my head, thankful that someone came in.
Then I froze when I realised who it was.
Giovanni Solace Rossi. Don of the Italian mafia.
For someone who's just twenty, Solace was well-respected and powerful in the underworld even though he's only the second in command. Hell, he was more respected than the don of the Russian mafia- an old bitch that man is, btw.
Tattoos poked out from his neck and arms through his white t-shirt. His hair was slightly messy and wet from the splashes by the pool. Not gonna lie, he looked a lot like Delilah. The facial features and all.
Even when his brows shot up.
"I asked a question." he said boringly.
"No." Draya answered somewhat rudely. "I was just getting a drink."
"Drinks are all outside." the underboss said, narrowing his eyes. "No one is allowed in the mansion."
"Well-"
"Get out." he waved lazily to the door. "Now."
Draya swallowed, giving him a dirty glare before stalking out of the kitchen.
I was about to follow when the don stopped me.Shit. Shit Shit. He's not gonna kill me right?
"Are you alright?" his voice loud and clear in the empty kitchen.
I paused by the counter and nodded slightly, even though he couldn't see me since he was looking for something in the fridge.
"Yeah.." I said when I realised he was still waiting for my reply.
Solace stared at me for a little longer and I shifted uncomfortably.
"Are you sure?"
'Yes."
"You don't look alright." he shrugged.
He popped open a can of beer and took a long sip.
"I can't let you go back out in that condition." he told me.
He placed the can down and looked at me again, his tattooed arms crossed in front of his chest.
"Why not?" I asked hesitantly
Why was he even talking to me? He's the underboss of a successful mafia and I'm just a nobody who watched my future fall apart before me when I'm just a kid.
"Because," he started. "You're gonna make my sister worry and I'm not letting her go unhappy today."
Sometimes, I gotta remind myself that this ruthless killer actually has a heart that cares about his family.
Just like how my parents were.
"Why would she care?" I mumbled.
No one cared about me. I'm not important in anyone's life.
"You're Lennox." the man said as if an explanation is already provided. "The boy who climbs through her window almost every night."
I resisted myself from blushing
"God knows what you two are doing in her room." he sighed.
"We didn't do anything." I murmured.
"Mm. The hickeys on her neck say so otherwise." he chuckled.
This time, I blushed uncontrollably.
Solace smirked. "She cares about you. I can see it in her eyes when she talks about you."
"She talks about me?" I couldn't help but ask.
"Yeah. So you better not break her heart." he warned, his protective side slowly appearing. "If she comes home crying about something you did, I will kill you."
His eyes were sparkling with evil and playfulness. Despite it being a joke to him, I know that he'll actually kill me.
"I won't." I said quietly. "I wouldn't ever hurt her."
"Good." he smiled. "Now, go and join your friends-"
A string of loud footsteps echoed and a second later, Deli's head popped in.
"There you are!" she said in relief. "I thought you disappeared on me."
She had this whole wide doe eyes on her, taking the breath out of my lungs. I don't think she even realises it.
I smiled at her softly, my whole body and mind instantly relaxing at the sight of her. She narrowed her eyes on her brother before walking over and slipping her hands into mine.
She leaned close to me and I instantly pulled her closer by her waist.
"Sol didn't interrogate you, did he?" she asked rather loudly.
Her brother scoffed and flipped her off, earning a huge grin from Del.
He took a sip off drink. "I feel like I'm witnessing a crime right now." he zeroed on my hands, still on his sister's waist. "Go anywhere else and I'll shoot you right here."
"Stop with the alpha shit." Del groaned.
"Get lost, sorellina."
"But you'll miss me." she pouted with her doggy eyes.
"That I do." he chuckled before waving her off. "Go have fun, Deli. But not too much fun." he winked.
Del faked gagging right at the moment Dean and Mingze entered.
"Damn, Rayne, I didn't know our divorce would affect you this way." Ming sighed. "One would think that you hate me."
"Divorce?" Solace frowned, confused.
"I know right.' I agreed in disbelief.
We shared a smile.
"Oh god." Del exhaled. "Dean, never let these two alone and out of your sight."
"They're gonna go all alpha protective over you." Dean laughed, making me glare at him.
"Why are all of you here?" Solace scowled.
I couldn't help but feel something I've never felt before. The more I stood here, watching the exchange, the more I scoffed at myself from believing all the rumors' about him.
He's actually a caring person. I think.
"Cause Del invited us, duh." Dean scoffed.
Ming smacked the back to his head. "We're here to get the cake for Maxwell." he clarified, giving Dean a dirty look.
Solace's eyes shot up in surprise. "You got a cake?"
"Duh." Del scoffed. "Ming baked it, by the way."
"You bake?"
"My mother owns a bakery." Ming explained politely. "When I grow up, I wanna take over."
Del lets go of my hand and helped Ming take the cake from the fridge.
"You made this?" Solace asked, still in awe.
"Mm. It's chocolate." Ming said, "I wanted to make an ice cream cake but Del wanted chocolate so..." he shrugged.
A minute later, we exited the kitchen and into the backyard.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU-" my gang of people started singing.
More people joined us as we made our way to Maxwell who was gaping at us wide eye.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MAXWELL. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU." we sang.
"No fucking way." Maxwell breathed, tears pooling in his eyes.
"Buon compleanno, fratello maggiore. Ti amo." Delilah said before hugging the life out of him.
Del stepped back again with a proud look on her face.
"Esprimere un desiderio."
Obeying, Maxwell closed his eyes and made a wish. Then he opened his eyes and blew the candle.
We cheered.
"By the way, that me is nothing like me." Maxwell pointed at the drunk sugar man made by Ming.
Everyone who knows him well only scoffed.
He gave them a lopsided grin. "You forget about the headphones. I pass out with headphones on."
We burst out laughing.
"Where's you even get this cake?"
"Ming made it." Del, Dean and I said in sync.
Maxwell's mouth dropped open. "Marry me, Mingze." he said dramatically.
Here we go again.
"I'd have to think about it.' My best friend said thoughtfully. "I have a wife right now."
"He's already divorced once." Del added.
"Shut up, Rayne. We don't tell people about my love life."
How is he my friend-
"I'll buy you everything you want!" Maxwell voiced.
"We're married." Ming announced loudly.
I love these people.
I pulled Delilah towards me and whispered into her ears, "I'll marry you one day."
The thing that surprised me more was that I could feel myself speaking from the very truth. I do want to marry her one day
She blushed deeply and I rested my chin on top of her head.
Teenage love makes me crazy.
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