— San Diego —

Antonio ~

"Yes, we're on to it. We'll find him soon." I assured my father who was on the other side of the line and he was pretty mad. But I didn't blame him. I was also beyond frustrated with the complications in here.

Everything was a mess and Manuel already got his scolding for it. What else could I say? He's sometimes too dumb and careless. Including with Ellie.

She was his worker all this time. Here in Basque. Right under his nose. He wanted to fire her so bad after the discussion in his office, but I convinced him not to. She's been helpful to us and I assigned Max to watch over her in case Martinez tried to catch her unarmed again.

She wasn't happy about it and punched Max in the face when he tried to drive her home after her shift in Basque last night. He still had a small bruise on his left cheekbone the morning after which was impressive.

I had to admit she's a hard nut to crack. She knew that we could keep her safe, but also wanted her privacy, for which Max had never heard of. So in conclusion, I think they're going to get along just fine. { note the sarcasm }

"I cannot believe Manuel was that blind to let it become so serious."
I sighed and rubbed my temple as the words left my father's mouth. I didn't like my cousin and we fought in any possible situation, but I wished this only time I could defend him. Father said that he would transfer the supplies trafficking in San Diego to me till Manuel stepped back on his feet.

He was not pleased with the changes. But at least he still had his strip club.

"Nico and our people are on their way to Sitka. They should be back by tomorrow with the imposter." I reverted the subject back to business.

"Talking about this bastard...no one from our trusted men can find information about him. He's a full ghost." He said in frustration.
We tried searching him up too, seemed like his name wasn't even Nathan. He was all from ashes that wind blew off to its disappearance.

"Not for long. As soon as Nico brings him over, I will make sure he regrets being born at the first place. I promise we'll handle this, padre."

"Mi rendi orgoglioso, mio unico figlio." (You make me proud, my one and only son.)

"When is he coming back, Dario?"
I faintly heard aunt Maria's voice in the background. Some biting words between them followed where Father was scolding her not to interrupt him and she intensely spoke back at him with her harsh tongue. Nico luckily got the temper of his father who was one easy going man with sense of humour.

I chuckled at the messed up situation. I missed seeing their absurd arguments then after five minutes they apologised to each other and drank Limoncello in the back garden.

"When are you and my son coming back, Tony?" She spoke into the phone, pulling me out of my thoughts. I could feel her smile while she was talking and it transferred to me like a virus.

"Hopefully in a couple of weeks, zia Maria."

"This is fantastic to hear, dear. I will organise you the best ball for your return!"
I rolled my eyes at her excitement. First thing I wanted to do after flying back home was to rest. But I knew better than to argue with aunt Maria.  

"I...that sounds amazing." I murmured blankly in comparison to her voice full of emotions. She's not the nicest I had to admit, but when it came to me and Nico she was melting.

"Leave the boy to work, Maria!"
Father's voice appeared in the background and they started arguing over again. They could be both in their forties, but it didn't compensate the least for their childishness.

******

— 6:34 pm / College —

Ellie ~

It had been a long day. I spent the whole afternoon in college hanging out with friends or having lectures. Now I had to let Max drive me home and I didn't want to. He was being all weird and quiet. I think he's still mad at me for punching him in the face.

As to the devil himself I haven't seen him since yesterday night. He was in Basque and witnessed the scene between me and Max. I think I saw him genuinely laugh when he saw Max's bruised cheek, but it could be just my imagination.

"Helloo? Earth to Ellie?"
A hand was waved in front of my face and I blinked away all the memories. Andrea was smirking at me with her dark purple coloured lips while having a certain sparkle in her eyes.

"What's up?"
I smiled and she pointed behind her not so discreetly. I glanced over her shoulder and noticed Max waiting by his car, his gaze burning holes in us.

"How come did this hot man just call out for you?"
My jaw hung open in offence at first, but then I let it slide and chuckled.

"Max? He's not that hot." I exclaimed calmly and she gasped. Okay, I mean he's pretty nice on the eye. But wasn't she into musicians and preferably guitarists?

"Does he play any instruments? It looks to me like he does. Damn, look at these fingers."
I scrunched my nose up and rejected with all my power to look towards him while my purple haired friend was drooling in her mouth.

"No. He doesn't." I said shortly and she pouted. But I bit my tongue before I could blurt out he's part of a freaking gang.

"I'm still going to ask for his number."
She shrugged and I simply let her walk over to him. He would either react good or flip out.

But maybe if she's distracting him I would be able to catch a taxi..

"We meet again, beautiful." A smooth voice behind me said and I spun around, colliding with broad chest.

"Ouch..what the fuck, James?"
I sighed while moving some hairs out of my face that messed up from the contact with his sweater.

His emerald green eyes widened and he stepped back. "Sorry, didn't realise I was so close."
I let out snort at this like it was the most ridiculous thing, but I quickly regained my posture.

He's creepy sometimes. I don't think it's on purpose. He used every possible moment to get close to me and it was giving me the shivers.

"Do you need anything?" I asked with fake smile and he stupidly smiled back with his straight and white to perfection teeth.

"Well, I was thinking about you.."

Why? In what circumstances did I come up in your head? But of course, this stayed in my thoughts.

"..and I wondered if you wanted to come with me and my friends to a party at the beach tonight." He said and excitement flashed over his eyes.

"I really can't, James." I responded without even thinking.

"Are you coming or do I need to get you?" Max bit harshly, his tone never matching his fake smile. He looked scary like that. What if he wanted to take it back on me for hitting him? I'd been worrying over this the whole day and I came to a conclusion that he totally looked like the revengeful type.

James narrowed his eyes at him while Max's gaze looked deadly now.

I didn't know which one was worse..going with James to a party or with Max, including the possibility of getting hurt.

Then I made up my decision.

"Party sounds fun."

******

The sun was just setting down when we arrived. Laugher and voices were colliding in the air, making me feel uneasy. When I took in the view though, it was mesmerising. The gold flickered from the sun into the ocean and the small waves made it even more magical.

I was pulled out of my trance when a shoulder bumped against mine. It was some guy carrying beers. I looked to my side and James was taking in the view as well. With his emeralds shining against the last rays of sunlight, adding some shades of golden in his orbs and his light blonde hair messed up on the top of his head and waving its ends times to times from the breeze, his masculine features..I could say that he was one gorgeous specimen.

Yet I couldn't help, but think about someone else's orbs whenever I looked at the ocean. The deep blue thunderstorm colour got imprinted in my mind without my permission. I shook my head in attempt to get him out of my mind.

"I'm going to get us something to drink." James announced with small smile. I nodded politely and urged by one of his friends, I sat around the bonfire.

******

It had been an hour and all I could think about when I saw these people was Hazel. I needed to tell Antonio about her as soon as possible. She could be going through a lot right now while I was at a stupid party with people I didn't know well enough.

James was sitting next to me and discussing something about football with his friends. He tried to make me feel comfortable as much as he could. He even borrowed me his jacket when he noticed I was cold.

I dropped my empty bottle of beer on the sand and went in for his. This reverted his attention and his brows raised up when he turned his face at me and noticed I was already gulping down his drink faster than normal. I was surprised I didn't choke. I wasn't the alcohol type of person. It's my fifth or sixth time drinking.

"Whoah there. I thought you didn't like the beer." He teased with a charming grin.
That's what I said when my mind was clear. Now it's too foggy in there, I probably should be careful with making decisions.

I pressed the back of my hand against my lips after I finished off the liquid in the bottle and I coughed softly, making him chuckle. I didn't even feel his hand on my back until he started making small circles with his fingers.

My cheeks felt warmer which hinted that I had more than enough alcohol.

This time he didn't turn back to his friends. His eyes moved back and forth across my face like he was studying every inch of it. Suddenly, he leaned in and his lips brushed against my ear. "You're cute when you're blushing."

Goddamnit..he couldn't be any more cheesy even if he tried. A stupid giggle escaped from me despite my attempts to tone it down.

He took this as a positive sign and his hand wrapped around my shoulders, pulling me closer to his chest. I had no idea why I didn't push him back. Neither could I explain why I agreed to his suggestion to take a stroll down the shore.

"It's nice, isn't it? You should come with us more often. The guys really like you."
He seemed genuinely happy and I was here trying to figure out where all my common sense disappeared.

I kicked the sand while walking. Nope. It's not in there.

"Do you think so?"
James cut in and got me flustered. I simply smiled and nodded in hope it would do the job. As soon as he looked away from me, my smile dropped and I sighed in relief.

"James, I think I should-"

"Will you let me-"

We both spoke in the same time and the warm colour rising up to his face and ears made me laugh.

"You go first." He said alike gentleman. But I shook my head. I was going to tell him I wanted to leave, so I could at least hear what he had to say.

He sighed and nodded. Out of sudden he looked nervous. Something flashed through his eyes when he took a step closer.

"I wanted to do this...for so long." He murmured in low whisper, making my legs wobble. But not from happiness or excitement. Instead it was panic and fear.

His lips pressed against mine as he gently squeezed my hand that was in his and his other arm wrapped around my waist, pulling me in tight. No no no...

"Ellie!" An angry voice echoed through the air and came to my ears. I immediately got the familiar shivers down my body and my hands shot up to James's chest, pushing him away from me. He stumbled back, shocked from my actions, but then his eyes reverted to something behind me and his body stiffened.

I was grabbed by my forearm and yanked to turn around, facing stormy blue eyes.

"What are you doing here?" I breathed out barely in a whisper while he was staring intensely at a certain one behind me.

It felt so awkward for some reason. I bit on my lip and it somehow made Antonio snap out of this staring contest and I yelped quietly as his grip tightened around my arm.

"I'm here to bring you back home." He said with narrowed eyes as if scolding me. His voice was ice cold, but his eyes held so many emotions that I couldn't even name.

"But I-"
I wanted to protest, but the moment he glared at me I knew to shut my mouth. Even my drunk self was scared of his ass.

"She doesn't want to go, dude."
James interrupted and made me cringe. I haven't seen anyone talk back to Antonio and I didn't know what his reaction would be.

******

Well, let me just say that it wasn't a pretty view. James's attitude got him a broken jaw and I got pissed off Mr Antonio for the rest of the car ride back home.

He never glanced my way even when I intensely stared at him and for some reason I got frustrated. I wanted to sprint out of the car as soon as he came to a stop, but I saw unfamiliar streets and then we entered an underground parking.

"This isn't home."

He didn't give me any response and got out of the car so I had to do the same. He twirled the car key around his index finger while walking towards steel doors that slid open when he pressed a green button. I stumbled over my own leg and almost fell, but he luckily didn't see that.

"I'm not coming with you." I exclaimed confidently as I stopped in front of him. He didn't seem satisfied with my answer and took a threatening step forward.

"Don't piss me off even more or I will lose it." He hissed, his warm breath fanning the side of my face.

"Listen to me, Mr Antonio-"
My words got caught in my throat when one of his hands went to my back and the other under my legs, lifting me off the ground and he carried me inside the lift.

I shrieked at the sudden movement, but before I knew it I was standing back on my feet in the square room with perfectly clean mirrors on the three walls.

"You don't need this anymore."
He scowled as his hands removed swiftly James's jacket and it disappeared out of sight when he threw it out before the doors fully closed.

"Hey! You're the meanest person I have ever met."

I was just overreacting and he sensed it too, because he smirked and leaned back against the wall. I did the same with the wall behind me and looked down at my shoes. I had so many questions and stuff to say...but nothing was coming out.

Wait, something was indeed coming up..oh no. You're not about to throw up. I took a few deep breaths and tilted my head back. Why was everything becoming a total nightmare?

Antonio ~

She was wrecked. I wasn't sure it was a good idea to bring her back home in this condition. So here we were...in my apartment.

I still had some doubts, but at the end it's just for one night so she could sober up before she went back.

I was beyond mad at her for not going with Max. He called me in panic that she disappeared and thought she was kidnapped again. That's until we tracked her phone and I found her with some guy's tongue down her throat.

She somehow got cut while touching a decoration in the hallway and we were currently in the bathroom inside of my apartment. She was sitting on the counter with her injured hand out, swaying her legs like a child.

I rolled my eyes. Why did she have to get drunk?

I put small bandage over the cut in her palm while she was staring weirdly at me. "Why are you avoiding my gaze?" She asked, taking me aback with her boldness.

"What do you mean?"
I could only pretend I didn't understand. I wasn't going to start argument with her in this state even if I was fuming from the inside.

"You never answer me either."
When I glanced up at her she had her full bottom lip out in a pout which made it hard for me not to chuckle and stare little more than necessary.

"Let's take you to bed."
I tried helping her down the counter, but her hands gripped my shoulders in protest. I looked at her with confused face expression as her hands traveled up to my neck and stopped there.

Her hazel eyes were full with innocence when she stared at me.

"You know, you have amazing eyes." She purred in soft voice, her gaze becoming more and more intense. Her slightly wavy brown hair was framing her gentle features, giving her an angelic look. "Why do you always look troubled?" She asked, taking me out of the trance.

In the process of studying her I somehow ended up closer, with my hands on the counter and her legs were spread before me, her thighs brushing my hips just the slightest.

"I have a lot of stuff on my mind." I responded with frown and clenched my jaw as her fingers went exploring my chest.

"Am I on your mind too?" She asked casually as her head cocked to the side, but I noticed the deep breath she sucked in while waiting for an answer. She couldn't be doing this to me right now..

"Ellie.."
My voice came out huskier than intended to when I grabbed her wrists in attempt to stop whatever this was, but she jolted them away from my grip.

"Wait...don't break this with your shitty mood." She snapped back and left me here being all flustered. Break what?

As I was about to speak, her lips connected with mine, shutting me up before I even had the chance to talk. Her mouth moved in slow, sensual rhythm that immediately drove me crazy to take control. A woman had never kissed me like that before or even if they tried, this couldn't compare in any way possible. She still had faint taste of beer in her mouth, but I preferred to ignore it as my hands roamed down her curves I had noticed little too late. She had small and fragile body frame with tiny waist and little wider hips. But the first thing I noticed was her perfectly rounded ass in her cute little high-waisted jeans when she walked up her porch that night I drove her back home from Basque. I couldn't help myself at the appearance of the memory in my mind and gave it a gentle squeeze and as a result she whimpered, the sound getting muffled by the kiss that no one urged to end.

"Oh, cazzo." I cursed under my breath as her teeth brushed over my jaw. My anger only helped my lust for this problematic girl rise up and in a matter of seconds I had her in my room. With my mind being a huge blur, I placed her down on the bed and hovered over her. The seductive look in her eyes made me groan lowly and bite on her bottom lip while my hand slid up and down her side, curving up the end of her shirt in the process.

"Antonio.."
My name came out of her soft lips in a moan as I sucked on a spot at her neck and she gripped my hair between her fingers. I was getting more and more intoxicated by her tender skin and flower scent. She giggled as I lifted her hands above her head and started kissing down her chest where her top was cut low. Her body was slightly shivering in pleasure with every contact, letting me have the effect I wanted. This was until her breathing slowed down and when I glanced up, she was fast asleep.

— — — —
{ Whoops, this turned out longer than I expected.
But ahh something finally happened between Antonio and Ellie!
If you're disappointed with the end, believe me, it had to be like this for a reason.
Hope you enjoyed reading and please vote and comment <3 }