Corrupted Values

Chapter Fourteen - Decision

“... Nico?” I answer quietly.

“Nicolas Garcia?” He asks in an irritated tone. I nod looking back down at my hands.

“He said he wouldn’t tell Marco. I saved his life after being shot, so he said it’s a life for a life.” I rush out feeling anxious.

“And you believe him? He’s part of the Caldeiro Mafia and you think because you saved him he’s going to keep your secret?” He says in an agitated tone. As I take in his words, I start to think about if I really can trust him or if he's playing me to make sure I don't run again. I watch as he gets up and walks to the bar cart, pouring himself a glass of bourbon and sipping it. I look back down at my hands, trying to distract my mind.

“If he knows, it won’t be long before Marcus finds out,” he says, sounding calmer. I take a breath as I think about whether my father is right or not. Should I move in? Will it be safer for me? Will Nico tell Marco? I ask myself before he interrupts my thoughts.

“What about that little friend of yours I saw you with? You think she's safe while you're living there? If Nicolas knows where you live and who your friends are, you're putting her in danger.” He says with a stern face. He’s right. Staying with her puts her in danger. I think to myself before deciding if this will be for the best. We sit in silence as I contemplate my decision before coming to the conclusion that this will also be what's best for Remi.

“I’ll move in.” I say looking back up to him. He looks at me and I see what looks to be pride wash over him before his face goes emotionless once again.

“This isn’t how I wanted this to go but I promise this will be for the best.” He says, pouring another glass. I hope so. I say to myself as I look down. I continue to anxiously fidget with my fingers.

“I’ll have my driver meet you out front. He’ll drive you home. You can have a week to say goodbye to your friend before you move in. We’ll start your training once you're back.” He says and I nod as I listen to his words. With that said, he walks out of the room and I head outside. The car ride is quiet while I sit in the back thinking about everything that’s happened. I ask him to pull over a block away from my building so I can get some air while I think. I get out and thank him for the ride before watching the car drive off and disappear around a corner. I start to walk down the sidewalk, only walking past a few people every few seconds. I slowly make my way to my building. I take in a breath of cold air and look up at the dark sky. The only light coming from the street lights

“Azzy?” A voice says, catching my attention. I look to my right and my breath gets caught in my throat.

“... Marco,” I say softly. My heart thumps seeing him again. I unconsciously make my way into the alleyway, leaving the busy street behind.

“I’m sorry for the way I talked to you before.” He says, leaning his back against the wall of the alleyway and looking at me. He’s sorry? I think to myself.

“And thank you for helping Nico. He gets on my nerves but life would be harder without that bastard around.” He says playfully, rolling his eyes. I smile to myself at his remark.

“I haven’t talked to him yet but I’m sure he’s doing better than he would have had you not helped him.” He says sincerely. I feel myself relax hearing he hasn’t talked to Nico yet.

“No problem.” I say with a small smile. I go to walk away when I feel his hand grip my arm gently. I look back, meeting his dark eyes with mine. I admire his strong features. Why does he have to be so attractive? I ask myself. He lets go of my arm and my eyes fall to the ground, not feeling confident in this situation.

“Azzy…” He says softly while I feel his eyes on me.

“Yes?” I answer timidly. I look up at him and see a flash of desire in his eyes before he masks it. I feel him analysing me and my body stiffens.

“You're so beautiful.” He says genuinely. My heart quickens as I listen to his words. I haltingly look up at him. My mind is torn. Part of me wants to run inside while the other part of me wants to stay with him.

“Thank you.” I say shyly, smiling. As I look in his eyes, it’s as if nothing is happening around us. The noise of the city dissolves as we stand here. A slight wind comes through the alleyway, pushing some of my hair into my face. Marco takes a doubtful step towards me. He slowly brings his left hand up and brushes my hair from my face, putting it behind my ear.

I look down feeling nervous and bite my lower lip. Gently, he brings his fingers under my chin and brings my face up to meet his gaze. His eyes go to my lips before coming back to my eyes again. He slowly leans down till our lips are millimetres apart. I can feel his warm breath on my lips and smell his cologne. Before I know it he closes the gap between us and presses his soft lips against mine.

I hesitate for a moment before giving in to the kiss. For something so wrong, it feels so right. I wrap my arms around his neck while he wraps his around my waist. The kiss deepens as he pushes me against the wall. What am I doing? I ask myself before I pull my hands down to his chest and push him away. I look up to see confusion in his eyes.

“I gotta go.” I say as I swiftly move around him before he can say anything. I make my way to the building before I race up the stairs, enter the apartment and lock the door.

“Azzy?” A voice behind me makes me jump. I quickly turn to see Avery sitting in the living room while the TV’s on.

“Oh… Hey Avery.” I say as I put my keys on the counter.

“What’s wrong with you?” She says in an arrogant but curious way.

“Nothing. Where's Remi?” I ask looking around.

“She went to bed already. She works early tomorrow so she wants to get a good sleep.” She says before turning her attention back to the TV. Without another word, I make my way to my room to change into grey pyjamas before I sit on my bed. I brush a stay strand of hair away from my face and am brought back to the way Marco did it. I feel my face heat up thinking of him. I flop back onto my bed remembering the moment we shared. I crawl up on my bed and tuck myself in under my soft grey blanket and fall deeply asleep.

I wake up to the alarm clock going off to tell me it's eight in the morning. I turn it off before I slowly roll over as the warm morning sun brushes against my face through the thin blinds. My eyes squint as they adjust to the light. I stretch out my arms, yawning.

"Azzy?" I hear Avery call as she knocks on the door before slowly opening it.

"Morning," I tiredly say as I sit up.

"I know we've had a rocky start… but do you wanna go to the mall with me? Remi's working and I don't have any other friends here." She says nervously. I sit for a moment and ponder her question before answering. Honestly, I don't have anything planned. I'm still not needed at Arise till tomorrow, but do I really want to spend my day with Avery?

"... Sure. I'll get ready and be right out." I sleepily say, rubbing my eyes. She walks out of my room quietly closing the door behind her. After a few moments, I get up and walk to my dresser, opening and closing the drawers and getting an outfit out. I pull on a pale red crop top and ripped jeans before I grab ankle-high black socks. I walk into the bathroom to brush my teeth before brushing out my long hair and putting it into a half ponytail. I walk out of the bathroom and into the living room.

“Hey Avery. Ready to go?” I ask as I put on my high tops.

“Yeah.” She says, smiling. We walk out of the apartment, locking the door before heading downstairs. We exit the front doors and start walking down the noisy streets of New York.