Humble Abode
1303 Words
Chapter Two: Humble Abode
Alexia POV
I'm not sure why my parents thought it would be a good idea to bring up kids while they're still living their vigilante youth. They have a lot of valid reasons for why they do what they do but sometimes that can come at the cost of their children's safety.
When I say children I mean me. My twenty-two-year-old self.
They've always protected me since birth, given me extra security and guards so that nothing could happen. But a few days ago I was informed that they cannot guarantee my safety anymore and it's best if I go and live with my brother for a little while. He will be able to protect me more than they can.
At this age, I just want to live a normal f*****g life. No longer having to look over my shoulder at every given moment in case I'm kidnapped and held for ransom. I'm done with their dangerous lives, ones that can be taken at any moment with their profession.
But what makes it worse is that my brother's life is no safer. In fact, it's probably more dangerous.
He's the underboss in a gang or something to do with dangerous people. Just what I need. More gangs, more bad people, more murderous situations I can find myself in.
Gabriel has always lived life on the edge. Ever since he left home at nineteen and joined the dark side, he's always wanted to do things that give him a thrill. And joining a gang was one of them.
We've always been close, especially growing up. He was my big brother who protected me from bullies and nasty boys, even the nice ones. He threatened those whom I actually liked and they never came within two feet of me again after crossing my brother.
I hated his protection as a kid but now I realise it came from a good place.
Now I'm going to live with him after five years. Things are definitely going to be different this time around. Both of our lives have drastically changed and now he's known as a dangerous man.
All I want to do is study and become an astrophysicist and let my relatives' wild lives pass me by.
I don't want to live up to their achievements, if you can even call them that. Is wanting a simple life too much to ask for?
---
When my plane lands and I make it through security with no hassle, I am picked up on the other end by my brother.
He's changed so much since the last time I saw him. He's grown into a man.
Tall and muscular. More tattoos than I remembered from two years ago. And since when did he wear jewellery? The mafia changed him. I don't remember him having that scar slashed through his eyebrow the last time I saw him but I don't even want to ask.
He's wearing a grin as soon as he spots me, opening his long arms wide. I take a couple of steps forward to meet his embrace.
"Oh God," he mumbles into my hair as he wraps his arms around me. "It's been so long, Lex."
"I know." He pulls back and analyses my face. "You've all grown up, little sis. Damn. You're not twelve anymore."
I push his arm and roll my eyes, earning a laugh from him. "Whatever. You're still a pain in my ass. You saw me literally two years ago."
Gabriel looks down at my bags and slings my backpack over his shoulders and takes my suitcase. "How are you?" He asks as we walk outside to the car park.
"Not bad," I shrug, my eyes resting on the setting sun which has lit up the sky into a beautiful shade of orange. "There is only so much to feel when your parents start panicking and usher you out of their presence because s**t might go down."
Gabriel gives me a side look and we stop by a car. The driver steps out to place my bags into the boot. I slide into the back of a sleek black BMW and my brother moves in beside me.
"Hey." He snaps my eyes back to his attention. "Let's just forget about it, alright? You're here now and you're free to do whatever you want in our protection."
"I signed up for the Open University." I blurt out and Gabriel's eyes go wide.
"You did?"
I nod and purse my lips, staring out of the tinted window of the car. "Yeah. I've started studying astrophysics."
"Wow." He swipes a hand across his brow. "I mean I remember you always being interested in science s**t, the planets, and galaxies, and whatnot but I didn't actually think you would sign up for it."
"I like to learn about the unknown." I turn back to him and greet him with a smile. "You know that I've loved it since I was young. Mum and Dad bought me that telescope and I didn't sleep for like a month. Remember?"
Gabriel laughs and then nods. He leans forward to ruffle a hand on my head and I push him away.
"Aw, my smart little sister. You put me to shame, didn't you?"
"Get off," I swat his hands roughly.
---
We soon pull up outside a large modern house. One with windows for walls and wooden-clad materials. Pillars, a pool, and a tennis court.
Of course. They live in a f**k-off mansion. One that must cost millions.
The driver parks outside the house in a car park and before I get the chance to get out of the car, Gabriel leans over to grab my shoulder.
"Look Lex, there is one thing." He sighs and I narrow my eyes at him.
"What?"
"Lonzo. He's grumpy as f**k and he lives here. It's our house and he is the boss but please don't do anything to f**k up or piss him off. It's in your best interest that you can stay."
Gabriel retreats his hand and pushes it through his dark brown hair.
I quirk an eyebrow and shuffle back to examine his expression. "So you'd leave your flesh and blood to fend for themselves because of him?"
He tuts at my response. "Obviously not. But Lonzo says he doesn't like strangers."
An unattractive snort escapes my body. "That's ironic. How did he even create a gang?"
"Just play nice."
"When am I not?" I flash a sarcastic smile.
"Lex. I am warning you."
My eyes roll painfully and I pop open the car door. "Gabriel, I won't do anything to him or to you. I'm going to be busy studying and doing my own s**t. Okay?"
"Okay," he nods and steps out of the car.
He walks to the boot and pulls out my belongings. An older woman wearing black clothes and an apron walks down the front steps.
"Harriet, can you put these in the spare bedroom for Alexia?"
"Of course, Gabriel." She nods.
I shake my head. "I can do it." I lean forward to grab the handle of my suitcase.
Gabriel moves it out of reach. "That is why Harriet is here," he responds.
"Are you an i***t?" My voice grows louder. "She is a woman and my bags are f*****g heavy. The least you could do is help."
"That's not how it works around here, Lex. You're gonna get used to it."
I narrow my eyes at him and reach forward for my suitcase again. "I can carry them myself if you're not going to help her. She might be your housekeeper but Daltons carry their own. No?"
Gabriel smirks in my direction and crosses his arms over his chest. "I guess."
"Then great. Show me the way to my room."
- Writer
