✰ ✰

"𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭"

My head ducks down as Nicolo rages another punch. As he misses yet another shot, I grin triumphantly.

I creep around him predatorily, pulling the red gloves in front of my face. "I dare you to try again," I said, smiling.

He chuckles and jerked his head back to clear his sweaty hair from in front of his eyes. "I'm only going easy on you," he said, smirking.

"Stop being so cocky, little brother. It's not a good look on you," I sniggered and shot my upper forearm at him.

He stepped back and launched a foot behind my leg, sending me tumbling to the ground.

He chuckled and pressed his shoe against my stomach, crushing me. I grabbed his foot with my arms and yanked him to the floor.

I squirmed as he landed right on top of me. "Get off me, you hippo!" I shrieked, and he rammed his red glove in my face, groaning as he pushed off me.

"You play so dirty, Jesus!" He huffed.

He was now lying flat on the mat, his cheek pressed against it. I giggled at his position and instantly got up off the ground.

"It's only been an hour, and you're already exhausted," I grumbled as I attempted to lift him off the ground. He groaned and swatted away my glove.

"I'm worn out," He murmured. I snorted and yanked my gloves off my hands. "From what exactly?"

He gave me a sly smirk as he glanced up at me.

Oh no.

"Fucking."

I started gagging immediately, flung my gloves at his head, and stepped over his sprawled body.

"Ew, Nicolo. You're such a male," I spoke as I walked out of the room.

"No shit!" He replied and I rolled my eyes and then had mindlessly stumbled into something. Groaning, hands held me stable and I glanced up quickly.

"Oh, hi," I blushed and stepped back, rubbing my forehead. He let go of my grip and took a step back.

"What are you doing here?" I asked him, pinning my hands on my hips.

I watched as his gaze moved sensually down my body. My breasts, no doubt glistening with sweat—along with the rest of my body—were his eyes lingered along.

He licked his lips and ran his hand through his hair as he returned his gaze to me.

"Talked to your father,"

My brows shot up, and as they did, my father emerged from the shadows, just behind Roman.

He looked at me and nodded towards the stairs beside me.

"Go change, we gotta talk."

My eyes widened as I glanced at the two powerful men in front of me—overwhelmed, I scoot to my feet and practically sprint up the stairs.

As soon as I get into my room, I pull out a pair of white sweatpants and a black tank top and toss them on my bed before heading to the shower.

My shower was much shorter than my typical one-and-a-half-hour sessions. I was far too anxious about what was happening downstairs.

I had no idea what 'talked to your father' meant, but it was either related to the whole leaving situation or something else entirely.

I blow-dried my hair and then tossed it up in a messy bun, after changing. I rushed out of my room and down the corridor to my father's office.

My mother, father, Uncle Dre, and Roman were visible when the door was opened.

Jesus Christ, what in the family meeting...

The only person who was missing was my brother who I assumed was also presumably showering right now.

Their heads all turned to me as I came in, and I closed the door behind me. Uncle Dre smiled and beckoned for me to take a seat next to Roman.

I sat in the leather chair, looked around the room before settling on the boy beside me. He looked at me too, on time, and I instantly felt much more at ease.

"So, what's this about?" I questioned, my gaze shifting from my boyfriend to the three other adults.

My father spoke first.

He nodded towards the boy beside me and stated, "Roman's offered a deal." Uncle Andre then went on to say more.

"He's offered to take you on his four-month business trip to keep you safe. Both of our men will be with you, and either I or your father will be coming to visit you every now and then ."

"And me!" Outside the door, Nicolo yelled. I pursed my lips to keep myself from laughing as everyone ignored the boy.

"This is purely for your safety. Given the recent incidents, we think you should stay out of the city for the time being," My father stated, sternly looking at me.

I averted my attention from his ominous stare and pretended to be deliberating.

I can't believe how easy this was.

Yeah, thanks to your boyfriend.

"Of course, you are not obligated to agree to this. It's only a consideration if you aren't sure of it." Uncle Dre said, taking me away from my subconscious.

"Only if you're comfortable with this, Arabella." After that, my father added.

I looked to my mum to see how she reacted. She caught my eye and gave me a warm smile.

Biting my lip, I nodded and smiled.

"I think it's a great idea."

"Great!" Andre smiled as he clasped his hands together.

"You leave next Wednesday," My father declared as he stood with the rest of the family.

Roman took a step forwards and extended his hand to shake my father's. Doing so, I watched Roman place a blue folder on the desk and then move away.

"I'll come pick you up Wednesday evening," He said turning to me. I smiled softly as I nodded my head.

I watched as something flickered across his soulless gaze, I struggled with the urge to hug him but had only watched him glance away and walk past me, straight out the door.

"Also, you're meeting my girlfriend tomorrow night,"

Everyone's attention snapped towards Andre.

"Girlfriend?" My mother exclaimed, turning to face my father.

"Did you know, Landon?" My father nodded and she smacked his shoulder lightly, causing him to frown.

"Why didn't you tell me!" I giggled quietly as Andre flinched while she exclaimed staring at them both.

"Sorry, baby," I looked away as my father kissed her cheek.

"Also, we can set up online lessons for you if you still want to study?" Andre inquired as he approached my side and draped an arm across my shoulder.

"That'd be great," I said smiling, and he nodded, ruffling my hair.

When my father cleared his throat, we both turned back to face him. He nodded at Andre to leave, and he nodded, patting my back and leaving me alone with my parents.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" My mother inquired, her eyes warm and loving.

I smiled widely. "I'm more than sure."

My mother smiled, moving away from her husband and embracing me in a tight hug. "I'm going to miss you,"

"I'll miss you even more," I replied as I kissed her on the cheek. She smiled as she continued, "It'll be nice for you to get out again."

I agreed once more. She then walked out of the room, pausing to glance at my father.

"So, dad, you're cool with me leaving?" I asked, taking a step forward and tilting my head to assess his response.

Slowly nodding his head, he shifted his gaze to his desk and took the folder Roman had given him with one hand.

"I trust him," His words had caused my eyes to widen almost immediately. My father trusted no one.

I and our small, close-knit family were the only people he trusted. Furthermore, his wife, Nico of course, Uncle Dre, Aunt Vi and Uncle Eliot.

Him to trust Roman was probably the most important yet shocking thing to me.

"Really?" I asked, surprised. He hummed and shifted his gaze away from the folder as he took a seat on the desk.

"He's earned it. Keeping you safe in a way that our own men couldn't," He muttered and looked out the window.

As it fell silent, I chewed the inside of my cheek and shifted on my feet.

"Do you trust him?" He asked.

Flashes of Roman and I went through my mind, deliberately rewinding memories after memories of us together, and I nodded.

"I do."

✰

Hi beautiful's!

I apologise for the shorter chapter, I sort of wanted to get this whole ordeal out of the way. I hope it didn't seem too rushed.

Thank you for reading!

I love you always,

- lei <3