We were Born to Die

Chapter 12

"How is the work going?" Alessandro's question pierced through the air, I felt a jolt of surprise, nearly causing me to spill my coffee. His sudden inquiry caught me off guard, and I quickly glanced around to see Matteo and Giovanni now focusing their attention on me as well. It was as though the spotlight had suddenly shifted onto me, and I couldn't help but feel a tad uneasy under their scrutiny.

"Good." I managed to reply, keeping my response brief and devoid of any revealing details. It was best to tread carefully when discussing the matter related to my secret missions. The less said, the better, especially in front of my brothers.

Matteo, always the curious one, decided to probe further. "What are you learning?" he asked, his voice laced with a hint of intrigue. His question hung in the air, waiting for an answer that I wasn't entirely sure what to reply. But I had play it cool, act like everything was business as usual, even Daniella's absence weighed on my mind. Daniella had returned to Enrico's estate for work related matters. Meanwhile, I was relishing a very rare day off from the usual lessons from Min-Woo.

During these few weeks, I found myself drawn to spending time with Min-Woo. Our relation was evolving, both in terms of our personal connection and our joint training in hand-to-hand combat. Ryder had also started joining us, adding a new dynamic to our sessions. There was something about his presence that I found intriguing, a stark contrast to the lingering awkwardness between Zane and me.

Zane and I still conversed, but it lacked the ease and comfort I felt with Min-Woo and Ryder. There was an unspoken tension between us, one that I couldn't decipher. Perhaps it was just Zane's nature or a result of his complicated history.

As for Enrico, our interactions had been limited since our last confrontation. Part of me was grateful for the distance; it gave me space to process my feelings and thoughts. Yet, deep down, I couldn't shake the curiosity about his past. What had shaped him into the complex and seemingly arrogant man he was today?

"Bella," Giovanni's voice broke through the swirling storm of my thoughts, I found myself momentarily startled, my gaze flickering up to meet his. "Oh, it's just office work." I replied to Matteo, my words laced with a hint of nervousness. I gestured awkwardly with my hands, trying to convey the mundane nature of my tasks. "Table work and Data managing." It felt like I was performing some sort of bizarre circus act, trying to keep with flow of the conversation.

The atmosphere grew heavy with tension, awkwardness thickening the air like a suffocating blanket. But just as I felt myself sinking further into discomfort, Alessandro's voice cut through the silence. "Daniella mentioned that you're accompanying her on a brief business trip for two days," he said, his words catching me off guard. I blinked, momentarily thrown by his statement. If Daniella had indeed spoken of such plans, then perhaps my mission was closer than I had anticipated.

I mustered up a smile, attempting to play off Alessandro's observation with casual nonchalance. "Yes, I am," I replied, my tone carefully measured as I returned my attention to my breakfast, hoping to avoid further scrutiny. But Alessandro seemed undeterred, poised to delve deeper into the conversation. Before he could utter another word, frustration bubbled up within me, spilling over in a sharp retort.

"For God's sake, can't I have a day off from work without being bombarded with questions?" I interjected, my voice tinged with exasperation. I stabbed at my toast with more force than necessary, the tension in the room thickening with each passing moment. "Stop treating me like one of the guys you interrogate for answers."

A burst of laughter erupted from Giovanni, the sound ringing out like a lifeline in the stifling atmosphere. Alessandro joined in, the tension in his expression easing as he chuckled along with Giovanni. I couldn't help but feel a surge of relief as the tension began to dissipate, replaced by the warmth of shared laughter. But Matteo's reaction caught my attention, his gaze flickering briefly in my direction before he shook his head, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes. He returned to his breakfast with a quiet resolve.

I wander aimlessly through the halls of our lavish estate, feeling more like a guest than the rightful owner. My mind relentless, craving for something to smooth the turmoil within me. Mr. Winston trailing behind me with silent dedication. The day stretches on with a heavy sense of monotony. Matteo and Giovanni have already left for their respective business endeavors. Alessandro is away in Vermont, grappling with the complexities of a crucial deal. His cryptic words about being something "off" with the negotiation linger in my mind adding to my unease.

As the clock ticks towards noon, the only semblance of excitement enters with Daniella, "What took you so long?" I asked, momentarily forgetting my own troubles in her presence.

She responded with an eye roll, a hint of annoyance flickering across her features. "I had work to deal with, you know that." She replied curtly.

I sighed, feeling guilt for my outburst. "I'm sorry, Daniella. It's just been one of those days," I admitted, running a hand through my hair in frustration. "So, when is this mission?" I asked, eager to change the subject and focus on something else.

"Tomorrow." Daniella replied, her tone serious. "And you have to leave at dawn. Enrico wants to discuss the plan with you."

"But that's too soon. It was not until next Friday." I blurt out. "But thanks." I murmured, though I wasn't entirely sure why. She nodded in response and didn't said anything.

The night before the mission was relentless, to say at the least. My mind was a tangled mess of anxiety and the memories that I wished would just fade away. I had trained tirelessly with Min-Woo, and knowing he would be there this time should have given me some comfort. But there was something gnawing at me, a lingering unease that I couldn't shake off.

I glanced at the clock beside my bed, its luminous numbers mocking me as they revealed the ungodly hour. Nearly four in the morning. Time to steel myself for the challenges ahead. Dragging myself out of the bed, I stumbled into the bathroom for a quick shower, hoping the cold water could wash away some of the tension coiled within me.

Emerging from the bathroom, I made my way downstairs, my step silent as I navigated through the dimly lit hallway. And there he was, Matteo, sitting alone in the shadows, a solitary figure with a bottle of alcohol for company. It struck me as odd – Matteo never drank alone. "Mat," I whispered, my voice barely a breath as I approached him. I didn't want to disturb the others who slept peacefully in their beds. His tired eyes met mine, but despite the weariness etched into his features, he offered me one of his warm smiles. That smile, a flicker of light in the darkness, was both comforting and heartbreaking.

My brother was a mess right, yet undeniably captivating. His brown hair, once meticulously styled, now tousled from a long day's work. Yet, even in disarray, he possessed a charm that could ensnare the hearts of millions. Handsome in that rugged, effortless way that only he could pull off. His features were a symphony of masculinity – a sharp jawline, arched eyebrows that betrayed his emotions, lips that were normal yet held promise of unspoken words, and a nose that stood straight and proud. His trimmed beard and mustache added to his allure framing his face with a hint of mystery and danger. Dressed in a simple white shirt and a black vest, Matteo looked every bit part of a man who walked the fine line between law and chaos. Perhaps he had just returned from office.

"Bella, what are you doing at this hour?" Matteo asked, his voice husky, his tone mixture of concern and curiosity, tinged with the roughness that defined him.

I sank into seat beside him, grateful for the familiar presence of my brother. "Just leaving for work." I replied, reaching for the bottle he held out for me. The liquid burned down my throat as I took a sip, the familiar warmth spreading through me. "Daniella and I, we're going for the business trip. Remember."

Matteo's gaze bore into mine, searching as if trying to decipher the thoughts swirling within me. "I know I shouldn't drink at this hour, especially before heading to work, but I can't leave you alone like this." I confessed, my words laced with a hint of guilt.

A small smile tugged at the corners of his lips, "Is everything alright, Bella?" Matteo's voice cut through the silence, filled with genuine concern as he studied my face, searching for any signs of distress.

I met his gaze with a practiced smile, masking the turmoil within me. "I'm fine. It's just work, getting used to the demands of it all." I reassured him, the weight of my words hanging heavily in the air between us.

Matteo's expression softened, his eyes reflecting the depth of his concern. "If there's anything wrong, or if you need to talk, you know I'm always here," he offered, his words comforting reminder of the unwavering support he provided. I nodded, silent acknowledgment of his offer. Despite our frequent clashes and disagreements, beneath it all, there existed an unbreakable bond forged by love. With a weary sigh, Matteo rose from his seat, the weight of exhaustion evident in the lines etched upon his face. "Now, I'm off to bed. See you in two days." He murmured, pressing a gentle kiss on my cheek before disappearing in the darkness, the echo of his footsteps fading behind him.

I took a few sips from the bottle, the liquid sliding down my throat, momentarily soothing the nerves that seemed to coil tighter with each passing second. As I left for Enrico's estate, the weight of the mission ahead settled heavily on my shoulders, mingling with the anticipation that always accompanied these clandestine meetings. Arriving at the gates, I was met with the familiar sight of the guards, their stern expression softened only by the flicker of recognition as they scanned me for weapons and verified my identity. With a nod, they granted me passage, and I made my way through the sprawling grounds towards the conference room.

Inside, the atmosphere crackled with tension. Min-Woo, Zane and Ryder were already seated. Two empty chairs were left, one for me and one for Enrico. I took my seat. Min-Woo's smile greeted me, warm and reassuring. Returning the gesture with a soft small smile of my own, I felt a flicker of warmth amidst the cold steel of our surroundings. But my attention was soon drawn to Zane, whose disheveled appearance betrayed a relentless night spent. His hair tousled, his eyes heavy with exhaustion, he seemed like a lone wolf, untamed and unpredictable. A black hoodie paired with. . . underwear? The incongruity of his attire momentarily furrowed my brow, until his glare silenced any further inquiry, a reminder of the dangers that lurked beneath his cool surface.

Turning my gaze to Ryder, I found a stark contrast to Zane's rugged demeanor. Clad in a black long-sleeved t-shirt and matching cargo pants, his appearance was impeccable, every strand of hair perfectly styled, every movement calculated with precision. He exuded confidence and beauty.

And then there was Min-Woo, exuding elegance and confidence effortlessly. His choice of all-black attire, from the snug t-shirt that hinted at his toned physique to the practical cargo pants and sturdy combat boots, spoke of a man who was prepared for anything. His dark eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief, a trait that instantly settled something in between us the day we met.