MILLIE
My chest constricted, a familiar sensation that seemed to tighten its grip whenever my thoughts ventured down a certain path. It was a question that haunted me in quiet moments: What if Gio and I were different, just regular people navigating life without the weight of our circumstances? What if we could roam the corridors of our college together, arm in arm, just like any other couple? But as tears welled up in my eyes, I knew deep down that this was an impossibility. Gio’s fate had been etched long before, a destiny veiled in shadows and danger that extended even to those we called allies.
Interrupting my reverie, Dario’s concerned voice broke through. We paused a few steps away from our classroom, and he released my hand. His eyes searched mine as he asked, “Are you alright?”
I managed a shaky smile and shook my head, the ache in my heart spilling over into my expression. “I can’t help but wish Gio could experience this with me.”
Dario’s voice carried a note of wisdom beyond his years. “We’re all bound by the paths set before us.”
As we stood there, a group of boys our age sauntered past. One of them cast a flirtatious grin my way, and I was taken aback by the blatant attention. Unexpectedly, a low growl rumbled from Dario’s throat.
His protectiveness warmed my heart, and I suggested, “You know, if you give them the impression that I’m your girlfriend, they might back off. They’re arrogant, but even they can see you’re not someone to trifle with.”
His hesitation was palpable, but then he relented. “How would you want me to act if you were my girlfriend?”
I hurriedly clarified, “I mean, without any actual kissing.”
A hint of amusement flickered in his eyes. “Millie, trust me, the thought of kissing you wouldn’t cross my mind. You’re like a little sister.”
His candidness brought forth a fond smile; Dario was the big brother I’d never had. He closed the distance between us, encircling my waist with a protective arm, his hand resting gently on my hip. The closeness felt foreign, and my muscles tensed involuntarily.
Dario’s gaze held mine as he checked, “Is this alright?”
I gave a hesitant nod, my cheeks flushed with embarrassment at my own unease. “Yeah, I’m just not used to being this close to anyone except Gio.”
Understanding flickered across his features. “I get it. Ready to head in?”
With a deep breath, I steeled myself. Together, we stepped into the classroom, the dynamics shifting instantly as the other guys backed off the moment they saw me by Dario’s side. It was a new chapter, my first day as a college student, and with Dario as my anchor, I faced the uncertain journey ahead.
~*~
I practically bubbled with excitement during our journey back home, the anticipation of recounting my day to Gio was almost overwhelming. This time, the stories I had to share extended beyond my usual tales of shopping escapades or the latest book I had been reading.
Just then, Dario’s phone broke the moment with a jingling ringtone, prompting him to glance at the screen before answering. “Gio,” he announced into the phone.
My curiosity piqued, I turned towards him, waiting for the conversation to unfold.
Dario’s nod confirmed something positive. “Sure thing. Yeah, everything went smoothly.”
My eagerness couldn’t be contained any longer. “What did Gio want?” I inquired, eager to unravel the mystery.
“He’s still at the Sphere. He wants me to bring you there. Seems he’s planning to take you to our dojo for some training once he’s done,” Dario revealed.
A mixture of surprise and anticipation caused my eyes to widen. It had been ages since Gio and I had trained together, but my decision to attend college seemed to have spurred him to reconsider. What struck me as unusual was Gio’s directive for Dario to bring me to the Sphere. Swiftly, I removed my wig, smoothing down my slightly wilder-than-usual hair.
After gathering my gym attire, we set our course towards the Sphere. Parking right in front of the entrance, Dario was notably quicker in opening my door this time, earning a fleeting look from me before I made my way inside. The afternoon sun still hung in the sky, casting a warm glow. Although the club wasn’t open for business yet, Jorge, stationed at the entrance, acknowledged my presence. Clad in jeans and sneakers, I deviated from my usual attire, which appeared to be a surprise to him, though he refrained from comment.
Navigating past the cloakroom, we entered the heart of the club. Hues of blue, white, and black dominated the scene. The bar counter, resembling frozen water carved into form, showcased a pale fluorescent blue shade. “This is new,” I remarked, taken aback.
“Gio had it redone recently. Staying at the forefront requires us to maintain our clubs,” Dario explained. My gaze was irresistibly drawn to the platforms adorned with poles in the center. “And pole dancers are essential for that?” I quizzed with a hint of amusement.
Dario’s shrug seemed to acknowledge the crowd’s enraptured response. “They send the audience into a frenzy.”
Gio had kept mum about renovating his club. I wished he would confide more of his daily life in me. It crossed my mind that I needed to discuss this with him, to emphasize the importance of shared involvement in all things related to the Famiglia. Perhaps his invitation for me to visit was a step in that direction.
Guiding me towards the rear of the Sphere where private rooms were clustered, Dario eventually led me into an office of sorts. Vague memories of the space from the past stirred within me, particularly the incident involving roofies. Gio and Sebastian were both perched on the edge of a desk, deeply engrossed in conversation. When I entered, Gio’s gaze met mine, lingering momentarily on my hair, and a pleased expression graced his features.
“Harper has been curious about you,” Sebastian chimed in by way of greeting. A pang of guilt twisted within me, a reminder of the secret I had kept about attending college. Yet, Gio’s insistence on keeping our circle small and secretive had guided that choice. Harper would inevitably find out soon, given that we usually spent each day together.
“He’s aware now,” Gio interjected.
Sebastian’s voice carried a hint of teasing as he continued, “You do realize that the moment Harper discovers you’re going to college, she’ll want to follow suit?”
I offered a casual shrug. “Then so be it.” Gio’s warning glare directed at me was unmistakable, his reservations about Harper still evident. However, that was a matter he needed to address.
“How did it go?” Gio’s stride brought him closer, his possessive kiss pulling me against him. His eyes, however, shifted towards Dario, not me.
“It went smoothly,” I confirmed. “Dario played the role of the perfect boyfriend.”
Gio’s chuckle resonated in the room.
Sebastian’s grin widened. “Did Millie at least meet your expectations?”
Dario’s laughter joined the conversation.
A smirk tugged at Gio’s lips as he lowered his gaze, an air of dominance surrounding him. His eyes seemed to convey a single message: I was his.