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Chapter 17
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The Life The Beginning Chapter 18
GIANNA I woke the next day with a start. It had taken the whole night for the reality of what Victoria had done to set in, and as is usual after one of our encounters, I'm left feeling like I'm suffering from PTSD. The therapist I'd been allowed to see before Becky put a stop to it when I was ten had been getting close to that diagnosis, I'm sure. Though at the time when I overheard her talking to dad, I had no idea what that was and how exactly I'd caught it, it was years later that I figured it out and also understood why Becky had freaked and talked dad into ending my sessions. One more year. That's the secret mantra I've been repeating to myself since my seventeenth birthday. Grandma Eloise had promised that it would all end as soon as I reached that magical age of eighteen. In the meantime, I just had to put up with the sisters grim. I laid there for a few seconds more, getting my bearings and preparing myself for whatever fiasco awaited me beyond the door. My mind was still
The Life The Beginning Chapter 19
GABRIEL Fuck it! Unlike the day before, I didn't look for any out-of-the-way places, just took her to the first open seat I found, which was easy because the onlookers knew to get the hell out of my way when they see me coming. I'd been holding onto my temper pretty well until I sat down across from her and saw her face again. I didn't say anything for the longest while, just looked at her. "Who slapped you?" The bruise had to be more than a few hours old at least, and I hadn't seen any of the twits that surrounded her raise their hand, which is the only reason I walked away without laying them all out. In case you haven't noticed, I do not discriminate when it comes to dealing with assholes. Male, female, the only time they get a pass is if they're under the age of ten. "It's nothing, don't worry about it." I got up without another word and got a jolt when she reached out and grabbed my arm. "Where're you going?" She sounded terrified, but I couldn't put too much focus on that
The Life The Beginning Chapter 20
GABRIEL "I'm breaking into the school tonight, something I need to see. If anything happens, you're the only one who knows where I am." "Dammit, Gabe, can you like find some other hobbies that do not involve breaking the law? I won't get into the academy with a record." "I didn't invite you, asshole." "Yeah, like I'm letting you go alone. Go around back. I'll meet you there." He hung up before I could argue. I didn't have time to mess around with him, and I know from experience he wouldn't listen to shit I say anyway, so why bother. But we'd both promised each other when we were like twelve that we'd keep each other in the loop if no one else. I did it in part to keep his scrawny ass safe when the local assholes were messing with him on the regular, and he'd used that opportunity to switch shit around on me, so that now I have to do the same. If I'd known back then that he'd become such a nosy parker, I maybe would've come up with something else. The house was relatively qu
The Life The Beginning Chapter 21
VICTORIA I settled into bed with my phone feeling more secure about the message and with a new tingling sensation, something more than excitement. Gabe Russo is like every girl's dream. I've known about him for years, but of course, I never thought I stood a chance. His family is like mega-rich, while ours isn't too shabby, but we're nowhere near their level. Not to mention almost every female on campus has been trying to catch his attention since middle school. He's that guy everyone talks about—the sophisticated, standoffish type who somehow always seems light years ahead of everyone else. Not only is he rich, but he's also one of the smartest, if not the smartest, boy at school. Going by his sisters, their family only mingles with those on their level, families of similar wealth, or at least that's how it seems. Then again, Gabe only hangs out with that idiot Lance, who doesn't even belong if you ask me. His family isn't wealthy, and as far as I know, he's only going to
The Life The Beginning Chapter 22
GABRIEL "Moving right along." I kept my tone dry as I told them how to go about doing their part, playing down my interest as best I could. They were hyped, and I had to caution them a time or two before they gave shit up and landed me in the spotlight. "Repeat everything I just said." They rolled their eyes in unison but did as I asked. "Don't forget, just bring it up in conversation at the breakfast table. Ma will do the rest." I guess you can say I'm using my family's weakness against them, but there's no guilt because it's for a good cause. Never said I wasn't a shit kid. I let them head down before me while I hung back for a few before following after them. By the time I reached the kitchen, everyone else was there already. "Morning, son, you look mighty handsome this morning." "Thanks, Ma." I gave my round of cheek busses and took my seat while the conversation picked up again. Smooth as ice, Rosa dropped the first little nugget, and I felt my blood sing. Weird freaking r
The Life The Beginning Chapter 23
DRACO Shit! She's noticed. I've been wary of that very thing happening, have done everything in my power to keep two very volatile situations from clashing without either party realizing that I know. My wife is asleep on my chest, her soft breathing still affording me the same peace and comfort it always has since the beginning. But I worry for my son. I doubt she had any idea what her divulging the truth to him would do to him, my softhearted girl. I kissed her hair and felt a bit of sadness at the situation. For the past few years, I've been keeping an eye on the situation. I didn't know right away, of course, but over time I started to notice the strange changes in Gabe. Not to mention the fact that he suddenly had a very pointed interest in 'the life,' going around me to the old man to ask questions. At first, the old man didn't realize what brought it on. I never shared Sophia's past with him or anyone else. But since he knew I was trying to take our family business legit an
The Life The Beginning Chapter 24
GIANNA I spent the rest of the afternoon waffling between excitement and dread. Everything was finally settling in, and when I was called up to the desk just before the last bell where I was asked if I was prepared for my first tutoring session, it all became real. Even the teacher seemed a bit flustered since, from what I know, this is not how this is done. I've never heard of anyone being chosen to tutor on such short notice, and especially not someone who hadn't signed up for the task. But they all swear I had, that my name was on the list. This is one of the things that confuse and scare me. Victoria, for all that she's scholastically challenged, will know as well that that's the way tutors are made. There's no way she or her mother will believe I had nothing to do with this that I didn't purposely put myself in the way of Gabriel Russo, who seems to be the new trophy on her to-do list. The thought of what she'd do once I return home had me on pins and needles, warring agains
The Life The Beginning Chapter 25
GIANNA Their words made me nervous and excited all at once. Nervous because even as I sit here with them, I can't help thinking about what awaited me at home and excited because they were the first people since mom died who'd wanted just me as a friend. I'm not sure what Victoria did to piss them off, but I couldn't help being secretly pleased that someone at least had seen through her bullshit. Add the fact the Russo twins are like royalty in our community, and that just makes it all the sweeter and that much more terrifying. Then a sudden thought struck, taking some of the gleam from the afternoon. "Wait, is this a joke?" From their surprised looks, I doubted that it was, but it never hurt to ask. This way, when it turns out that I am, in fact, right, there'd be less egg on my face. "A joke? What do you mean?" I think it was Anna who spoke, but I'm not sure since I can't tell them apart. "Yeah, like a prank." "Of course not. Why would you think that?" The other twin spoke u
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The Life The Beginning Chapter 43
GABRIEL "How do you know where I went? You keeping tabs on me?" "Lance." He rolled his eyes and looked around the room, stalling for time, no doubt. "How'd you know that clown was at the door?" "Okay-okay, the girls forgot to tell him not to show up here after your talk with them last night. They only remembered when the doorbell rang and signaled me to follow you." That was enough of an explanation for me since I never doubt his word. Doubt not the man you choose to be your friend. I didn't ask him anything more because if there was something important, he would've told me. Instead, we left to go join the others. I was a bit torn after that little dustup about leaving her, but there was something I needed to do. Only Pop was downstairs waiting when we made it back. "Where's everyone?" "Women, they're still getting dressed. I think they're making a fuss over Gia." "A fuss over Gianna, what do you mean?" "Calm down; they're just getting her dressed." I didn't know if I
The Life The Beginning Chapter 42
GABRIEL Lance hounded me the whole night until I was ready to kick him out of my room. But then he let slip that the twins had already gabbed, so what was the point? I couldn't even be mad or seek retribution; after all, I'm the one who taught them when they were about six or seven that he was to be trusted. In the end, he came to his own conclusions, which apparently all led to him being right, and I was just steps away from getting hitched. I finally told him I was tired and took back one of my pillows to cover my head to escape him. I think he was still lecturing me when I finally drifted off. In the morning, we went downstairs to a madhouse. There were boxes of food covering the kitchen counter, the girls were talking a mile a minute with excitement, and even Gianna looked like there was some life in her. I was still too unsure of myself to face her, so I focused on the extravagance of food and the culprit responsible. "Pop, what did you do now again?" He looked over from h
The Life The Beginning Chapter 41
GABRIEL As expected, the twins were still up rehashing the night's events when I walked into their room after leaving Pop. "Hey, big brother, what's up?" Nice try! "What's with the uninvited guests?" "It was Sheila's idea, ask her. You know how impatient she is." Anna was quick to explain. "Impatient about what?" "Nothing, look, they're going to be at the party in a few weeks; everyone just thought it would be a nice icebreaker for Gia to meet them tonight, so by the night of the party, they'd be like old friends." Who the fuck is everyone? I keep forgetting that I've taught my sisters everything I know, but I get the feeling they're using that shit on me. "Are you two running game on me?" "Never, who would dare? You'd just beat us at it anyway." Uh-huh. "Do me a favor, don't do anything where she's concerned without running it by me first." They both rushed to agree, but that wasn't good enough. If it were, we wouldn't be here. "Eh, look at me, both of you." I waited
The Life The Beginning Chapter 40
GABRIEL The ride home was a testament to my patience and the love I bear my family. As soon as everyone climbed into the limo, the twins went on some kind of campaign. "Ooh, Gia, you were a hit. The guys couldn't stop asking about you. I got you their num…bers. Give them to you later." Anna changed her tune after I gave her a death glare. Thank heavens the conversation changed to something less annoying, and I was able to keep my cool until we reached the mansion. "For heaven's sake, Gabe unhand the girl." Rosa tried to get in between us once inside, but I thwarted her. "I'll see you and your sister after I get Gianna settled." "Uh, okay." So damn obvious. Now I think it's those two who forgot that I taught them everything they know. I walked Gianna upstairs to the guestroom, and she was dragging. Not used to late nights, I guess. "You tired?" "No, I'm too excited to sleep. You?" "I'm fine. Why don't you get ready for bed? I'll stay until you fall asleep." Yeah, beca
The Life The Beginning Chapter 39
GABRIEL "Let's go, people. We can't always be the last ones walking in everywhere we go." Lance grabbed the twins leaving me to take Gianna's arm to follow. "You don't know why they like to be late?" He gave me a look like I was stupid over his shoulder. Of course, he knows; he knows them as well as I do. "How else are we going to show off this?" Anna did a flourishing wave of her hand up and down her body clad in a black and gold evening gown that came to her knees. Of course, Rosa was dressed the same, the two of them a perfect accompaniment, to the more grownup style of Gianna's gown. Jewelry, I forgot to get her some. She wore a pair of diamond and sapphire studs that I was sure belonged to one of my sisters and a choker to match that went well with her eyes. I would've gone with D-Grade ice diamonds; flower petal-shaped maybe. Her eyes are the only colored gems she needs as far as I'm concerned. Besides, are we at the jewelry buying stage? The ass walking ahead of me wou
The Life The Beginning Chapter 38
GIANNA "Breathe, Gia, breathe; he's gone." The twins surrounded me as if they thought I really was going to pass out, which may not be far from the truth. I'm not sure what's making my heart race faster, the way he looked at me, or the way he looks in a tux. "Come, sit." My legs were still rubbery from that kiss on the forehead. I could still feel the light pressure of his lips against my skin. They led me to the bed, and I plopped down since my knees were barely holding me up at this point. They've been like that ever since I walked into my borrowed room to find the mountain of shopping bags waiting for me there. Since Gabriel was the only one to leave the house, there was little doubt that he was responsible, and the realization had filled me with a warmth so intense it took my breath away. I'd been both embarrassed and pleased that he'd done it, and when I finally opened the bags and saw what he'd bought, I could've cried. Beautiful dresses and skirts, blouses made of the fine
The Life The Beginning Chapter 37
GABRIEL My family should change their name from Russo to Obvious. Everyone did their best to ensure that Gianna and I ended up next to each other, which turned out to be a good thing. "You're afraid of flying." She had a death grip on the seat arm, and we hadn't even left the ground yet. She turned wide uncertain eyes my way. "I've never flown before. Mom and I used to take the train to the city, or sometimes dad would drive us." I reached into my bag for my iPod and wireless headphones and placed them over her ears. "Close your eyes, just listen to the music, don't think about anything else." I covered her clenched fingers with mine and rested my head back against the seat. "Close them!" I felt more than saw her open her eyes to look out the window. It was the tension in her fingers that gave her away. "Ready?" I felt her nod and pressed play on the iPod where I'd left it earlier. I wasn't surprised to feel her start to relax, but then there was a different kind of tension comin
The Life The Beginning Chapter 36
GABRIEL I don't expect them to listen; more importantly, I don't want them to. I want them to fight me on this so I can destroy them at will and get this shit over and done. They can have no way of knowing that whether they listen or not this time, they're still going to pay for the tears she shed today and every tear she shed before we met on account of them. The best course of action was to give them over to my sisters for now, until my anger cools enough that I can think of something other than putting a bullet in each of them. I've had years to channel the anger against Ricci and tame it into some semblance of order. But her shit was just sprung on me out of nowhere, and there's no time to plan the way I'd like to. That doesn't mean that I'm going to let it end there, though. I'm just going to let the twins start shit off, give myself time to be rational again. Maybe they'll wish for death by the time I get through with them, who knows, but I know there's no way I'm letting t
The Life The Beginning Chapter 35
GABRIEL After my little talk with Pop, I was still nowhere near close to being calm, but I was able to speak without grinding my teeth. "You can call him, let him know she's fine, but it's going to be a while before I can get to him. I've gotta get back to her; she should be finished with her bath by now." I started to leave to go back to her. I've been nervous the whole time away from her, something else that's new. I don't do nervous energy. "By the way, I've got the guys working on fixing the door." It took me a second to figure out what he was talking about. "It might be a wasted effort." "What do you mean?" "There's no need for a door if the house is no longer standing." He muttered the word ‘fuck' under his breath, but I heard him all the same. I wasn't interested in hiding my anger this time, wasn't in the mood to wear the mask of tranquility that usually shields my inner thoughts. In fact, I haven't handled any of this with my usual practical calm. Even as
