Chapter 29 Charlie
Charlie
Isabella has been with us for a couple of days now. If I thought before was overwhelming, everything seems a lot worse. We’ve been glued to each other’s hips; she has been so helpful with teaching me how to act and understand this world from a female perspective.
During the day, we seem like normal best friends, two girls that have known each other for a lifetime, even though it’s only been days.
But at nighttime, the facade comes off and I find myself tangled between her and Luciano.
Every night I’m surprised by how much I enjoy sharing myself with the both of them.
I find myself constantly watching Luciano, worried about how he’ll react, but once again he stands by my side, showing me, teaching me this lifestyle.
I can’t help my feelings from deepening a bit more for him.
My mind constantly wanders towards my parents. How would they react if they saw me now? Would my mother be proud that I’m following in her footsteps? Would my dad be pissed that I have? Would they care that I’m sleeping with both a male and female?
Since the incident at the docks, it seems like if it could go wrong, then it will.
We know who’s behind it, but we have no solid proof, just enough to make everyone jittery.
We’ve been grilling the soldiers trying to find answers, but they’re just as clueless.
The brothers are restless, but I don’t think I’m any better.
Stuck in the media room with Mattia and Izzy, binge-watching movies since Luciano has now decided to put a ban on me leaving the estate, it’s driving me insane.
Thank God he gave Rocco the night off—I don’t think I could handle him sitting and watching us again.
I know he reports everything back to Luciano.
Izzy turns to us. “It’s my last night with you guys. We should do something fun.”
Mattia, barely lifting his head from the floor, mutters, “I’m listening.”
“We should go clubbing.” Her grin is all kinds of trouble. Mattia and I can’t help but laugh at the sheer audacity.
“Luciano won’t let her out.” Mattia nods toward me, like I’m not sitting right next to him.
But Izzy’s already on her feet. “Well, screw that. We’re not asking. Come on.” She grabs my hand and drags me out of the room.
Mattia jumps up. “I’ve got to see this,” he says a bit too excitedly. “You girls really know how to piss my brother off.”
“What do you want me to do? Just march up to him and say we’re going out?” I ask them.
Mattia shrugs. “You can try but he won’t listen.”
“Charlie will make him. You’re the future Donna,” Izzy says, twirling my hair in her hand.
We walk into Luciano’s office as he’s pouring himself a whiskey.
The weight of our world sits heavy on his shoulders.
He stares at us and it cuts deep, cold, sharp, and unforgiving.
I know I shouldn’t push him further over the edge, but Izzy links her arm with mine, giving me a shot of courage I desperately need to help get the words out.
“What?” he snaps, eyes icy. The silence hits hard.
Izzy nudges me. “You’re up,” she dares.
“I don’t have time for this,” Luciano growls, annoyance dripping in his tone.
“We’re going to Pulse tonight.” My voice is steady, but my heart’s pounding in my chest. I’m surprised no one else can hear it.
His glare slices through me. “No.”
“Yes.”
He slams his fists on the desk. “Charlie, not tonight.”
Frustration starts to claw at my chest. How long is he going to keep me trapped here? I step closer, lean in, and lock eyes with him. “We’re going out. You can come or stay. I’m not asking.”
We stand there, neither blinking. He pulls out his phone. “Be ready in ten. Principessa wants to leave the castle.”
Mattia and Izzy high five behind me, smug as hell. Luciano shoots me a serious look. “Ten minutes. Not a second late.”
I bolt from the room, grabbing Izzy’s hand. Ten minutes to get ready is not a lot of time, but I don’t care.
“Hey, what about me?” Mattia calls out to us.
“We’ll be quicker without the distraction,” I tease, winking back at him before disappearing up the stairs towards my room. Inside, I turn to Izzy. “That was… easier than I thought.”
She smirks. “Almost too easy.”