Julie

I was a little bit annoyed.

Ok, I was A LOT annoyed.

But I mean seriously, can you blame me?

Ok, fine. I’ll accept I'm acting a tad bit selfish, and maybe I’m being a baby but come on.

I’ve spent the last three weeks with Gio, and you know how many times we’ve had sex?

TWICE.

I mean in total.

Why?

Because whatever the fuck is happening with his ‘business’ has him super preoccupied. I go to sleep alone almost every night. At some point, he’ll crawl into bed and by the time I can try to jump him he’s snoring.

Not even cuddling.

Then, when I wake up for school or whatever else he’s already gone out of bed. At least in the morning, he works from the house so I can get a peck on the lips or a brush to the temple before he disappears for the day. I don’t even get to enjoy our daily drives together. I’m either ushered by Dante or Angelou while he disappears with the other one. To say I was a bit starving for some attention and a tad bit of TLC is the understatement of the universe. I’d try to bring it up to him, but it only seems to aggravate him, and he gives me a short response like, ‘I can’t’ or ‘I’m busy right now’ and my favorite, ‘can it wait?’. I was so over this.

So now, as I’m standing in front of my school tapping my foot waiting for my ride I have nothing to do but let all of my anger and frustration build to epic proportions. After twenty minutes have gone by I’m sure that everyone that passes me could see the steam coming out of my ears, by the way, their purposely steering clear of me.

I yanked out my phone and called him. He picked up on the fourth ring.

“Yea Julie.” He sounded put out.

“Hey.”

“What’s up? I’m busy.” He said rushing me. I rolled my eyes when aren’t you these days?

I held in the smart remark at the tip of my tongue. “I just wanted to know if you were coming.”

He sighed deeply. “Coming where? You know I have shit to do. I don’t really have time for this right now.”

I could hear the male voices in the background. “I’m still at – “

“Hold on.” He said, and he muffled the phone as he spoke to someone else. Eventually, he came back on the line. “Look, I have to call you back.”

“Wait!”

“WHAT?!” he was full on pissed.

Oh shit. Really? Fuck him. “You know, fuck you.”

A groan. “I don’t have time to deal with your girly bullshit right now. Can you save it for tonight?”

I laughed humorlessly. “I’ll just save it. I’ve been waiting at my school for over twenty minutes, and no one showed.”

A curse under his breath. “Shit. They’re both with me. I’ll send someone.”

“Don’t fucking bother.” I bit out.

“Julie l – “ he started.

I was too pissed, so I cut him off. “I’m serious. Leave it.”

“Fuck.” I heard him under his breath. “Whatever.” Then the line disconnected.

So that’s how it is, is it?

This path we’re going down right now is only going to lead to one thing. A breakup. I didn’t want that deep down, and I know we’re both at the end of our ropes for one thing or another. Maybe we were doing too much too fast, and we needed space. I think it’s best that I go back home until he gets his shit together. With that decision made, I began my walk home to let my thoughts stew even further. I don’t think that was exactly helping the situation, but it was all I could do.

The house was empty when I got there – thank god. I tossed down my bookbag and plugged up my headphones and let myself drown in music. I didn’t have a shift tonight so I could do my homework later when I was more rational. I had a psych paper to write, and I could see myself inadvertently letting my feelings come out in the essay and then my professor would have me committed. Right, best to hold off.

I’d been zoned out for god knows how long, I didn't even hear the music anymore. I was just thinking about me and Gio’s relationship. The good and the bad, the hot and the sad… and wondering what was going to happen next. Was this business going to be the thing that would finally break us up after all the other bullshit? That’d be something I tell you. I was so lost in my own thoughts, that when a hand wrapped around my ankle, I screamed bloody murder.

I sat up quickly, my heart pounding and saw the last person I expected to see.

Victor.

Again.

In my room. Talk about déjà vu.

I opened my mouth to blast him when I noticed Taylor sitting on her bed staring with a grin.

I rolled my eyes. “I’m out.” Was all I said as I got up and left closing the door behind me. Not knowing what to do with myself I went to the kitchen and decided to make something to eat. Naturally, since I needed to do something with myself to not only calm me from the Gio insanity but the run-in with my sister and that douche and knowing they were under the same roof, I started a meal that would take some time and effort.

Once I was done, I sat down and began eating. I could’ve been eating cardboard for all I knew. I hadn’t tasted a thing. I was now again pissed because after Gio hung up on me, he hadn’t even bothered to call or text. He had no idea where I was or if I was ok and he didn’t even seem to care. That was fucked all by itself if you ask me. But then again, I’m a big girl, and I’ve been taking care of myself for a hell of a long time anyway. Screw men.

My earbud was snatched out of my ear. “Did you make some for me honey?” Victor teased.

I scowled at him and snatched my earbud back. “No.”

He touched his chest over his heart. “Aww, now that hurts.”

I rolled my eyes. “Can you leave me alone?” I asked.

“It’s a friendly chat. I’m not doing anything to you.” He said.

I scoffed. “Yea, you are.”

He frowned. “How?”

I waved my hand gesturing to him. “Your presence alone is annoying and makes me sick.” I wasn’t in the mood for the avoidance bullshit I usually do.

His face turned dark. “I’d be careful if I were you.” He warned.

I met his look head-on. “Oh, yeah?”

He bared his teeth. “Where’s that boyfriend of yours now?” he asked.

I grinned. “What boyfriend?” I asked teasing him. He looked confused for a beat, and then I snapped my fingers as if I just remembered something and I pointed to his face. “The one that fucked you up, you mean?”

His laugh was menacing. “I’d watch it, little girl. He’s not around to save you this time.”

With that, he turned on his heel and walked away. I felt shivers down my spine because it was apparent that he meant that. “Arent you here with Taylor?” I asked feeling extremely wary and uncomfortable.

“What? You think she’s going to save you?” he laughed humourlessly. “She fucking hates you.” He started to walk off but turned back at the last second. “But, who’s going to save her?” he asked, words full of promise and entirely too cocky.

Something wasn’t right. I felt it in my gut. Call it a premonition, but I knew something was really off. This was very unlike him. Teasing and annoying, yes. But there was something… he was too sure, and he never made threats. He wasn’t about that life. He used jokes to put shit out there. When I was sure he was gone, I picked up my phone with trembling hands and walked into the living room. I considered just bolting, but I couldn’t fucking leave Taylor.

Fuck, it was always Taylor. And you would think by the way she treated me this shouldn’t be a fucking issue, but I wasn’t like her. I pulled up Gio’s number and kept looking over my shoulder. He didn’t answer, and I tried him again. After I called him back to back for the fourth time, he finally picked up.

“Fucking hell Julie, what’s with you today. I didn’t answer for a reason I’m busy.” He was so over me, but I couldn’t give a flying fuck. I was scared.

I spoke to him in a whispered voice. “Sorry.” I rushed out. “It’s just I’m sca – “

I was cut off by him muffling the phone and talking to someone else. He finally came on the line. “Look, I’ll call you when I can.”

NO! “No, wait. It’s just I’m home – “

“I figured. I have to go.” And he disconnected.

I was going to call him back when I heard my sister let out a scream. I dropped my phone as my entire body began to shake. I dove for it and decided against trying to reach Gio again. Instead, I pulled up Dante’s number. I thought of calling him but decided that it was too risky in case he didn’t answer so I typed a text.

Me: I need help. I’m at my house, something bad is happening. Please come.

 I pocketed my phone and steeled my nerves. When my sister screamed again, my fight or flight instincts kicked in, and I took off towards the room. Just as I was almost to the door, it opened. I got a glimpse of my sister restrained to the bed. She was sweating, and there was a needle sticking out her arm. Victor ran right into me sending us both crashing backward to the ground. I immediately began to struggle.

He tried to grab my arms but he wasn’t fast enough, and I was able to lay a strong punch to his face. His head whipped to the side, but he seemed otherwise unaffected. When he was able to get both of my arms down, I did the only thing I could. I headbutted the shit out him. It caused me to see stars, but it didn’t knock me out. It, however, surprised him and caused his hold on me to loosen. I was able to scramble from underneath him. I began running, and he caught up with me in the kitchen. He tried to take me down again but I was too close to the counter, so instead, I fell over it. I felt the air leave my body as my stomach slammed against the edge.

I began to panic, and that’s where I saw the remnants of the chopped vegetables and the big ass knife I’d use to cut them. I picked it up and stabbed him straight through his hand. He released me and staggered back as he gripped his wound. I used the moment to kick the shit out him into his chest sending him flying backward into the table, and it collapsed beneath him. I began running for the door intending to get outside and call the cops. I got the door opened and stepped out as two strong arms snatched me from behind.

How the fuck did he get up so fast?

“Relax little girl.” That wasn’t his voice, and I fought harder. I hand came up to cover my mouth to muffle my screams, and I bit into it as hard a could. “Fuck.” I heard behind me.

“This bitch is crazy.” Another voice.

“Knock her out.”

The no was at the tip of my tongue, but it never came out. I felt a blow to the back of my head, and just like that… it was lights out.

 

*****

Giovanni

I felt like a douche. That was the second time today that I hung up on Julie. I don’t know how the fuck she did it, but the girl gave me some type of conscience. The thing is, it’s not like I want to treat her like this. The thing is, I know Julie. I know what she wants, and I’m not intentionally keeping from her. She wants to feel loved, and she wants me loving on her, but right I just can't. We’ve made no headway into who the fuck is behind this shit, and after I’d gotten another threat against my family, I couldn’t afford a distraction.

Julie.

That body. That mind. That smart as fuck mouth… was exactly that. A distraction. I could get lost in her and forget about the world, but I couldn’t afford that right now.

I’ve been using all my resources and manpower to find out what the fuck is happening, and I’m ready to pull my hair out. Every time it seems like we make progress, we hit a fucking brick wall. I figured when she’d call me earlier she went home. I fucked up and totally forgot about her, and I knew that was the only place she’d go. Honestly, it’s probably for the best. It’s better than her being in my home with or without me and feeling ignored. When all this shit was said and done though, I had plans to make it all up to her. Fuck, I’d romance the hell out of her if that’s what my girl needs to feel better.

But only when this is done.

I looked up from the footage I was reviewing to see Dante start to slip his phone from his pocket. I glared. “Whatever the fuck it is, is not more important than this. Your booty call can wait until we’re done.”

He grimaced and slipped it right back in. “My bad, boss.”

After about thirty minutes or so, I felt like I was going to pass out. No one has eaten since breakfast, and I know these fuckers were useless hungry, so we broke to get our heads back on and to eat. I walked away from the table and ran my hands through my hair for the thirtieth time for the day. I held my phone in my hand as I contemplated calling Julie back to apologize, soften the blow. After thinking about it for five minutes, I said fuck it and called her.

Voicemail.

Voicemail again.

Fuck she was pissed.

I slipped my phone back into my pocket as I realized I was going to have a hell of a lot of making up to do. My hands were practically itching for her, but I knew once we called it a night I’d be fucking useless again. I needed to find a balance. Thoughts of her being unsatisfied and going to seek it elsewhere plagued me, and I was ready to commit murder. Those thoughts consumed me, and I initially didn’t hear Dante’s panicked voice.

He shook me, and I snapped out of it. “What the fuck?!” I blasted him.

He ignored my tone. “We gotta go. I have a text message from Julie saying something was wrong at her place.”

I was already running by the time he finished speaking. Me, Angelou, Dante, Pops, and Uncle Pac loaded up into the car and was off in minutes. It was a miracle we didn’t get pulled over or end up in a highspeed police chase because we broke every fucking traffic law imaginable. I didn’t give a fuck about any of that, all I could think of was getting to my girl and making sure she was ok. I was hoping this was some cry for attention. If that were the case, I would walk into a church tonight and repent for every single one of my sins – and lord knows there's a lot of them. I held onto that hope the entire ride to her house.

That shit faded the minute we pulled up. The front door was wide open, and that left a churning in my gut. I hopped out the car and was in before anyone else. I drew my gun and began moving from room to room. Everything looked ok until I hit the kitchen. There was broken glass from a plate, the table was broken, and there was blood all over the place. My stomach immediately clenched. But I kept going because I had to find Julie. Dante had run past me straight to the back.

“Boss, get here quick,” Dante called sounding uneasy.

My stomach dropped.

No.

I ran that way, the others footsteps like a stampede behind me but all I could hear was the blood rushing to my ears. I burst into the room and saw a figure on the bed. I instantly felt sick and thought I was going to die. I felt like I was going to pass out.

“Son, get your shit together. It’s not her.”

It took a minute for the words to filter in and the room slowly started to come back. I looked again, and he was right. It was Taylor, strapped to a bed. She looked either dead or unconscious.

“I’ve got a pulse. It’s faint.” Dante called out.

I ran over to them. “Taylor.”

No response.

“Taylor,” I called again.

Nothing.

“Dude, she needs attention,” Pops noted. “Get doc.”

“FUCKING TAYLOR!” I boomed as I slapped her.

She came to and looked disoriented. I grabbed her shoulders as Dante and Angelou worked on releasing her. “What happened?” I asked and noticed the needle sticking out of her arm.

“Took her… have.. to.. find.” She muttered.

I extracted the needle from her arm, and she didn’t even flinch. What the fuck did they do to her? “Where is Julie?” I pressed.

Her eyes zoned out. “Don’t know. Gone. Victor.” She said in broken sentences.

I didn’t understand. “What do you mean?” I asked.

“Guy. Victor.” She shivered and then her body arched off the bed.

I motioned to Dante. “Where the fuck is the doc?” I asked.

“On the way, he said to keep her going until he gets here. He’s not sure if he can…” he trailed off and waved a hand. “Save her. No idea whats in her.”

I shook her. “Talk to me, tell me what you know.”

She seemed completely paralyzed now, and she looked at me in wonder when she finally met my eyes again. “She didn’t go dark. She needs to see black. She going… to… fight it, but she can’t.” she started to shake. “Needs it.” she attempted to shake her head, but it was a small movement. “Tell her I’m gone. Tell her that she needs the darkness to help me, she’ll know what that means. She’ll do it. She’ll get away.” She said.

She was losing her shit, I was sure of it. What the fuck is this black shit she’s talking about? The drugs or whatever the fuck is taking its toll. I tried one more time. “Tell me something I can fucking use! I have to save her.” I begged.

She tried to make a smile instead her lips just cracked open causing more blood on her mouth. She started to speak again, but her eyes started to roll back.

I gripped onto her tighter. “Tell me something.”

Her body arched off the bed. “Dark!” she screeched. “Wants… money. Wants you. Just say that to her.” She got out before she started convulsing. I backed away not sure what to do when the doc pushed into the door, and I was ushered out.

“What did she say?” Dante asked.

I shook my head trying to get it all right in my head. “Nothing. She didn’t tell me anything, all she kept saying was make sure I let Julie know something about darkness and black. I don’t know what that means.”

Dante and Angelou looked at me curiously and confused. “What are we going to do?” Pops finally asked.

I shook my head. “I don’t know, but I think I’ll be getting a ransom call for her. That’s all I got. She said something about me and money, I guess payment? She just kept going on and on about nonsense. Wanting me to tell Julie something.” I told them.

“What?” Angelou asked.

I shrugged. “Something about black. It might be some code shit for them, but I don’t know that’s going to help my girl. She even told me to say to them she was gone… but she was mostly blabbering, not making any sense. Maybe Taylor’s a goth? I’ll remember it, but I don’t think I have shit to make another move and it's pissing me off. She also said the name, Victor. The only Victor I know, is her sisters squeeze for the moment. Julie’s punk ass ex. She brought him up too, but I think she's too fucked to give me details.” I said.

“So all we have to go on is Victor and black? Maybe that’s the color he was wearing?” Angelou suggested trying to put that shit together.

I shrugged. “I’m not about the guessing game. I want Julie back, and I’ll do anything that I need to do to have her back.” I said affronted.

The doc walked in at that moment, and we all stepped out of the room to let him do his thing. “What now boyo?” my uncle asked.

 I cursed. “We find this Victor mother fucker.” I turned my attention to Angelou. “Get the fucking word out. I want his ass, alive.”

“Copied.” Louie was pissed himself and walked away to take care of that. In the meantime, I still didn’t know where the fuck Julie was, and it was making all my demons come alive.

I looked at my dad. “Pops. I wanted to make things straight.” He knew I meant the business, my life.

He looked back knowingly. “I know.”

I shook my head. “Right now, that’s all out the window.”

He nodded. “I know that too.”

“Every mother fucker that even had a thought about this shit is dead,” I told him and sized him up. He was all about me getting shit right, he pushed it once I proposed it. Now, I was challenging him. Because no mother fucker was going to stop me… not even pops. “Problem?” I asked.

He cocked his head to the side. “You love her?” he asked. Although, his facial expression seemed like he already knew the answer.

“Damn right. And I don’t give a fuck who stands in my way.” A threat.

He nodded. “Agreed. We’re getting my princess back by any means necessary.” He shook his head. “I’ll get my people on it.”

I sighed in relief, and for once I didn’t feel any type of way by him calling her his princess. That’s how he refers to my sisters too, and that’s his way of saying my girl is family. “Dad.” Was all I could muster.

For the first time since I was a kid, my dad threw his arms around me and pulled me into his chest. The touchy-feely shit was usually reserved for my mother. I felt vulnerable but, fuck. My fucking girl! I appreciated the gesture, and in a sense, I felt that he was comforting himself as well. He loved the fuck out of Julie, I could see it clear as day. Shit, since the moment he knew she fucked up Alex he started falling for her ass.

“I need her back.” I crocked out for his ears only. I felt useless and… FUCK ME, I'm pretty sure I wanted to cry.

“we will get her back son.” My dad reassured me.

He released me, and I looked to my dad as I did as a kid. As if he hung the world, and had all the answers. “But… how? I don’t know where she is or if shes…” I swallowed my emotions. I couldn’t even finish that statement.

He patted my shoulder and pushed me back, so I was eye to eye with him. “If you’re going where I think you’re going I would be concerned. Have you met my girl?” he asked.

I gave him a partially watery smile. “I know her better than you.”

He shook his head. “Apparently not. If you were going where I know you were then you don’t. she’s a fighter, and you should know better than me, she’s going to bring hell down on those fuckers.” I smiled.

My dad studied me, and I looked at him confused. “Son. Can I ask you something?” he asked.

I shrugged. “Yea, anything.”

I was still unsure. “You remember when she was talking about studying crazy people before? Why?”

I thought about it and shrugged. “She said because her sister thought she was crazy,” I answered.

He gave a non-answer, and before I could question it, the door opened. The doc poked his head out, “she’s going to be ok. They gave her something to knock her out, but it was a lethal dosage. I was able to counteract it, and she should be fine.” He announced.

“Can I question her?” I asked.

He shook his head. “She’s out… but when she regains conciseness then yes. Unfortunately, I don’t know when that will be. That shit has to be worked out her system first. If you don’t mind, I’ll stay to monitor.”

I nodded my acceptance. “Fine. I am going to run to the hospital to get whatever I might need in case of an emergency. I will be back as soon as possible.” He informed me.

I walked up to him and clasped his hand. “Thanks, doc.” He nodded his acceptance and left. To him, this was a normal job for the Ruzzo’s. For me? He did my girl a favor. I know that no matter what, she gives a fuck about her sister, even if she shouldn’t.

 

*****

Giovanni

It’s been a week and a half since I’ve lost my girl.

I was like the walking dead.

I wanted to kill every mother fucker on the planet.

I was worried out of my damn mind. I’m pretty sure I'm losing it altogether. My mind and body was craving her. She was my drug, and I was fucking addicted. You know what they say about junkies. Beware, because they would do damn near anything for their next fix. I’m bound to agree to that sentiment.

We’d found Victor’s place, and of course, the mother fucker was nowhere. We went everywhere, talked to everyone, but the fucker was just… gone. No doubt he was hiding or on the run, but I was going to catch that mother fucker. There wasn’t a place on this earth – fuck this universe he’d be able to hide from me forever.

I even tracked down the mother fuckers mother and put her on ice but no dice. Apparently, they were estranged because of Taylor and the shit she got him into in high school. Then there was Taylor. Doc said she was doing better, but the bitch was still out. I needed her to wake the fuck up because she seemed like the only person who could have answers.

“Boss.”

I looked up to see Angelou hovering by my desk, a wary look on his face. I tensed. “Yea?”

“We have a problem.”

I stood so fast, my chair fell backward crashing to the floor. “What happened? Is it Julie?” my mind, it always came back to her.

He gave me a look of pity and dropped his head. “No sorry, still nothing new.”

I sighed and dropped my head. “Ok. Then what the fuck could it be now?” I asked.

“One of the restaurants… it was torched.” He cringed at his words.

I pinched the bridge of my nose and tried to keep it in, but I fucking couldn’t. The next thing I knew shit started flying as a string of curses came pouring out. “THIS FUCKER IS DEAD!” I roared.

I began pacing. “if we don’t find this fucker soon, I’m going to just start fucking killing every fucking person until I find the son of a bitch.”

Angelou was watching me warily. “Boss?”

I knew what he was asking. I shook my head. “No. Fuck no. And I’m not taking a downer. I cant afford that shit with everything going on. The last thing I need is to be off my game. I’m fucking handling it, controlling it but I don’t know how much longer I can.” My hands began to clench as the need for fucking blood started to consume me. “We need to find this fucker or else this whole fucking City is going to be a dangerous fucking place.”

Angelou just watched me. “Boss, I hear you.”

I looked at him in disbelief. “Oh, you hear me?” I asked sarcastically. “You don’t have a fucking clue what I’m fucking dealing with.”

He stood tall and glared at me. “Yes, I do. I know that Julie was yours but we all cared about her and we’re all fucking worried too!”

I stopped and stared at him. “Is.”

He frowned. “What?”

I calmed a fraction as it sunk in. “You said she was mine. She is mine.” I clarified.

“Shit. I didn’t mean…”

I nodded. “I know.” But I sobered as I was once again reminded that I had no fucking clue which it was. I sighed, “let’s go handle the latest bull shit.”

We’d been at this fucking wreck for three hours before we decided to get the fuck out of there. I was pissed about the fire, but nothing was taking priority over my girl. Never a fucking gain. When we tried to back into the timeline, and I realized that she sent the text right after I’d blown her off and hung up on her, I wanted to shoot myself. She called me for help, and I treated her like a nuisance. Karma was a cold bitch.

 

*****

Sofia

Carlos: Hey pretty girl.

Me: Hi

I blushed. I’d met Carlos on my way home from school three weeks, and he was way cute! He was a freshman in college and the sweetest guy ever. I could see the difference now between the boys in my school and the mature guys.

Carlos: When r u going to let me take u out?

I grinned.

Me: Not sure, it might be a while.

Carlos: ☹

Carlos: Y?

I sighed. It was four in the afternoon on a Saturday, the perfect opportunity to plan a date… but that was only for normal chicks I guess. The whole thing with Julie being in hiding for her safety put us all on lockdown. It would’ve been hard enough trying to sneak out for a date on a regular day. I’ve been on some, I usually tell my parents that I’m out with one of my girlfriends and they cover for me. Now? I can’t go out unless it's with a full security team.

Me: Just some personal stuff

Carlos: … oh.

What to say to that? I was thinking of the perfect response when another text came through.

Carlos: I really like u, u know that. But if u don’t feel the same, u can just tell me. No hard feelings and maybe we could be friends.

What? No! He was like the hottest guy that asked me out. -l

Me: No, nothing like that.

I watched the bubble pop up at the bottom of the chat saying he was typing.

Carlos: oh good.

Carlos: Can I tell u a secret?

Hmm.

Me: Sure

I was curious.

Carlos: I’ve been thinking…

Carlos: a lot

I was biting my lip in anticipation. What was he going to say? When the bubble didn’t come back, I waited.

Then waited.

And then couldn’t wait anymore.

Me: Go on…

Carlos: I really want to know what it would b like to kiss u

Oh, my.

Still my beating heart.

Are those butterflies?

I swooned.

I have been fantasizing about that since the day I met him! I had to fight the urge to pull up twitter.

#SQUEAL

#THEHOTGUYWANTSTOKISSME

#BEJEALOUS BISHES

I had to play it smooth.

Me: Oh yea?

Carlos: Yes… I do

Carlos: I was really hoping u would finally let me take u out tonight so that I can find out at the end of the date

Shit. This was not fair. I really wanted to kiss him.

Carlos: If u cant sneak out for a date… can u sneak out for a kiss?

I bit my nails thinking… because god did I want to.

Carlos: JUST a kiss. I promise.

What’s a girl to do? I mean, I knew my family was excessive and overly protective as per usual. I’m sure this time wasn’t any different. I was on the fence though, as I remembered Julie’s situation. Although, I still wasn’t sure what her troubles had to do with me.

I was practically gnawing on my lip. I shouldn’t go, and my dad would probably have my head if I got caught. But, I could have him meet me right by the gate. Nothing could happen, I’m still on the house grounds.

Oh god, but I was nervous. I needed advice.

Me: KELLY!

Kells: WHAT?!

Me: Remember that boy Carlos I met?

Kells: How can I forget? All u do is talk about him!

Ugh, she was such a shit face.

Me: whatevs u biotch

Me: u know how I’m on lockdown and sheeeet right?

Kells: Um… Duh! You totally missed the party last night. Effing amazeballs.

Rub it in why don’t you.

Me: He wants to meet up with me.

My phone vibrated.

Carlos: ??

Shoot. I needed to move.

Me: Hurry, I have him waiting for an answer

Kells: If hes as hot as u say………..

Me: Yes! I’m fanning myself right now

Me: I cant go out, go out… but he wants to kiss me

Kells: WHAT?!

Kells: Kiss his ass off heffa and then tell me about it! HURRY!

I laughed. Well alright. I went back to my texts with Carlos.

Me: Ok

Carlos: OK?

Carlos: R u sure?

Ugh. He was so considerate. It was so cute.

Me: Yes.

Carlos: Where do I meet u?

 I sent him my neighbor's address and rushed to spray on some perfume, fix my hair, brush my teeth, and change my clothes. Then, I touched up my makeup.

I think I look good.

I was crazy with nerves as I waited for him to get back to me. I’m not sure if he was too quick or too slow, but finally, he wrote me.

Carlos: I’m here pretty girl

Me: Coming

I’ve done this more times than I’m willing to admit. I slid open my window and shimmied to the ground. I went around the back way and made my way onto the neighbor's lawn. I made my way to the front of the house where I saw a sports car.

Nice.

I walked up to it and went to the passenger window. Carlos rolled it down.

“Get in, sweetheart.”

I bit my lip unsure, and he gave me a grin. “You’re not supposed to be outside.” He said looking up at my neighbor's house. “I don’t think It’s the best idea to do this here.”

I rolled my eyes and gave myself a mental forehead slap. I climbed into the car with him and buckled my seatbelt. He looked over at me and gave me that same smile he did when he asked for my number. Thankfully I was sitting to avoid the whole knees weak thing.

“Maybe we should go to the corner?” I suggested, suddenly afraid of being caught.

“Your wish…” he said lifting my hand and pressing a kiss to the back of it. “Is my command.”

So dreamy.

 

*****

Giovanni

 

We were in the car heading back to meet up with the others. They said Taylor had finally woken up and I was anxious to talk to her. My phone rang, and I glanced at the screen. Unknown flashed back at me, and my blood turned to ice. I immediately answered.

“Who the fuck is this?”

An amused chuckle filtered through. “My, my, where are your manners?” the man taunted. I could pick up on an Italian accent.

“Where the fuck is Julie?” I asked. I was trying – holy fuck was I – to be calm, but I just couldn’t manage it.

“How was the fire? I heard about it. Such bad luck you seem to be having these days. You should maybe change careers and become a firefighter. Somehow I sense more in the future.”

I was going to enjoy killing this fuck. “Did you call me to fucking play games or can we get down to business and what the fuck it is you want. Where the fuck is Julie, and what’s this shit about?”

“Ahh, straight to the point hmm?” he sighed. “Well, if you must know…” the fucker was taunting me. “It’s simple. I want it all. You and your family think you’re entitled and deserve this city, but you simply are worthy. I’m going to take it from you, and I’m going to enjoy every second.”

Fuck all this bullshit. He could try, but he wasn’t taking shit. “Where. Is. Julie?” I asked enunciating each word.

“She’s more beautiful than I thought she would be. What I heard didn’t do her justice, but then again girls are catty. I can see why she was jealous. But I can see why you got rid of her.”

I frowned. “What the fuck are you talking about?” I asked.

“You know, the bimbo with the breast. She’s a horrible lay.” He said, and I knew. Rebecca.

“What about her?” I asked even though I was starting to piece it together.

“She was only too happy to have an ear to vent to about you and the woman in your life.” She said happily. “And about the woman in your life…” He paused. “Tell me something… is she as fucking sweet as she looks?” he asked.

I don’t think I’ve ever been so filled with rage before. “If you put a finger on her, I will enjoy cutting each fucking one off and making you eat it.” I meant every word.

He laughed. “Oh, I will put more than a finger on her. I can’t wait to put them all on her.” He laughed again. “Oh look, she seems like she’s so happy to hear your voice.” There was some shuffling on the other end. “She wants to say hello.”

I sucked in a breath and held it. I needed to fucking hear her voice, to know she was still alive and I still had time. I put my phone on speaker. Angelou and Dante were tense. “Gio?”

SHIT! My fucking entire being felt the relief from hearing her voice. “Baby.”

The phone was silent for a beat before she spoke again in a rushed tone. “They have – “

“Ah, ah, ah…” he tsk’d. “That wasn’t very good now was it.” I heard the sound of flesh hitting flesh and a whimper.

“Don’t fucking touch her you asshole! I’m going to – “

He cut me off. “We’ll be in touch. I have a girl who needs to be taught a lesson.” Then he was gone.

FUCKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK!

I lifted my hand to launch my phone when it rang again in my hand. I scrambled to answer it and wasn’t exactly happy to see Pop. I answered. “That fucker called me, but Julie… she’s alive.”

“That’s good son.” But he didn’t sound right.

“Dad?”

“I’m sorry Marco, but it’s your sister. Sofia is missing.”

Fuck.

My.

Life.

We hightailed it back to the house, and I had one goal. Taylor. I pushed myself into the room and stared her down. She looked back at me frightened, and if she knew anything or had anything to do with this, she damn well should be.

“Where’s Julie? Is she ok?” she asked.

I frowned. “Why the fuck do you care? You made it your mission in life to hurt her.” I wasn’t buying the caring sister bullshit one bit.

She scowled at me. “I didn’t want this.”

I scoffed. “You sure about that?” I could see her being happy with Julie gone.

Her back straightened. “Oh no, you fucking don’t. You don’t know shit, so don’t pretend you do. I have a reason to fucking hate her.” She softened. “I don’t hate her, I don’t like her, but I don’t actually hate her.”

“I know Victor was involved.” She nodded. “And Rebecca,” I added.

Her head snapped up, and she frowned. “Seriously?” she seemed genuine.

“Before we start this discussion, give me a reason why I should believe you weren’t involved.”

She gestured to the IV attached to her. “I uh, didn’t do this to myself.”

I shrugged. “People don’t always hold up their ends of a plan the way you expect.”

She sighed. “Ok. So, I’ve always blamed her for the reason I didn’t have my father in my life.”

I frowned. “Why?” I asked.

She shook her head. “I’m not going there.”

I advanced on her. “You fucking better.”

She didn’t pale or back down. “I won’t. You think you know Julie, but you don’t.” I opened my mouth to argue, but she held up her hand stopping me. “I don’t mean that in the way you think. I’m sure you know her personality. I was there when you got a front row seat. Julie has secrets. She won't ever tell, and they’re things I would never either. If there was one way I’ve ever proven any  loyalty I have to my sister it’s been keeping her secrets.”

I felt a tingle in my spine. “You won't tell me?” I asked.

She shook her head. “No.”

“Do you think they have anything to do with this?” I asked.

She shook her head again. “No. It’s nothing like what you may be thinking. Again, she would have to tell you, if she ever will. Victor has nothing to do with any of that.”

“Are you going to help me?” I asked her. I wanted to really gauge where she was in all this.

She nodded. “Yes, I might do fucked up shit to her. But I don’t want her fucking dead. That’s my sister.” She shook her head. “It’s so fucked up that it takes something like this happening for you to realize how big of an asshole you are. If something were to happen to her… she would go thinking I hated her like you think. Her last memories – shit all of her memories of me were horrible.”

I wasn’t here to assuage her guilt or reassure her, because she’s right. She was an incredible bitch, and she has to live with that choice. “Tell me everything,” I demanded.

She nodded and sighed. “Ok, so I hadn’t dealt with Victor in a long time. I was scared to death you were going to kill me, and I knew that he still had a soft spot for me and he sold and had a few bucks. We had an agreement. He gave me the money, and I was working it off by…” she paused.

I waited a minute and when she didn’t continue, I pressed. “By?” I was impatient.

She cleared her throat. “Working… for him.” I got what she implied. He was her pimp. “Anyway, Becca found me. I was in a club one night, and she basically said she hated my sister. She offered me the money in exchange for helping her get you back. I didn’t give a fuck about her or her motives. She was offering me the money I could use to get the fuck away from Victor.” She laughed to herself. “Bitch only gave me half the fucking money. Anyway, that’s why I was still with him. I still had debt to pay. We were at his place getting high and drinking, and he got a phone call. After that, he kept insisting on us coming back here. I didn’t think of it because well… why would I? I was surprised she was even here. She’s been gone since that dinner.” She sighed. “He was talking about wanting to try something kinky and new. So I was just like fuck it. He left the room to get some water…” she trailed off and frowned. “Come to think of it, he never came back with anything. This is where it starts to get murky for me. I guess I thought that he drank it in the kitchen? Anyway, he tied me up, and then he started giving me this cold look I'm not used to from him.”

She shivered. “Then he said that he loved me… but, he knew I didn’t love him. That’s why he wasn’t gonna be sorry for what he’s about to do. I was confused, and then he pulled out a needle. I didn’t shoot up with him… ever. I thought he was going to take it. Then he fucking shot me up. I screamed, and I heard Julie coming. I saw her for a second, but he caught her in the doorway and then they both went down. Then there was commotion, and I had no idea what was happening. The drugs started to kick in, and I heard voices with Victor’s and I kind of blanked. I have no idea what happened afterward.”

I sighed. It was a bit helpful, but not by much. I know I had another person to fucking hunt down, Rebecca. That bitch was dead.

“When you were out… you said Victor’s name.”

She nodded. “makes sense.”

“And you told me to tell her that you were gone.” She frowned. “And some shit about black and darkness.”

All the blood drained from her face. “Wh… what?” that shit did mean something. “What does that mean?” I asked.

She shook her head. “I cant…”

I groaned. “Let me guess… another secret?” I asked.

She nodded. “But you should, you know… if you can. Tell her, that they drugged me and I died.”

I frowned. “Don’t you think she’s going through enough?! How fucking selfish could you be?” I was getting pissed, and she was close enough for me to strangle her ass.

“No. no. You just don’t understand. It’s not about me.” She pleaded.

She must've seen my thoughts on my face. “So tell me something.”

She began to shake. “Ok.” She acquiesced. “But, don’t ever…. Ever tell her this.” I nodded. “She’s afraid of the dark.”

I looked at the bitch like she had ten heads. She must still be on drugs. I knew for a fact, Julie wasn’t afraid of the fucking dark. She was fucking useless. “Ok.”

I started to leave, and as I was closing the door behind me, her soft voice trailed behind me. It was so soft, it might’ve been a whisper. “Trust me.”

I paused. “Why should I?” I asked my back still to her. “I want to save her.”

A soft chuckle. “Because…. She can save herself.”

I frowned. “What?” again I was confused. “Do you know what they can do to her?” I asked.

“You don’t know what she can do to them.” Taylor threw back.

It wasn’t long until I got another unknown call. It was to confirm what we already knew, he also had Sofia. He wanted me to give myself up in three hours, and against my better judgment I informed the fuck that succeeded in killing Taylor. He cackled out a laugh and relayed the message to Julie. I heard her wail of pain at the news and cursed myself. I started to take it back when Taylor’s last words filtered back… ‘trust me’… ‘you don’t know what she could do to them’ Shit. I don’t know why I chose to, but I did.