Chapter 5

CHARLOTTA

My ride came to a stop a few minutes later, and alighting, I smiled at the driver, before handing him his payment. He nodded and smiled back before zooming off. I couldn't get an uber because my app was pretty glitchy, so I had to use a taxi considering the bus stop was just a stone throw away from my street.

I reached into my purse and took out my phone to turn on the music app. With the headphones on the first song started playing, the music seemed to drown out all the chaos earlier today and my complicated feelings towards Bruce. The fact that I will be working for that son-of-a-bitch means that I could be seeing him every-fucking-day. I couldn't help but feel powerless when I'm around him.

When I finally got to my apartment building, I was feeling anxious. Someone has been in here. I could sense it, though nothing seemed out of place. Pulling my keys out of my purse and opening the door I walked into the living room, and there was no sign of anybody anywhere. Then I headed to my bedroom before stepping in, I flicked on the lights, and right on my bed, someone was sitting comfortably with their backs turned towards me.

"Who are you? And what do you want?" I yell afterward.

"Surprise!”

"Jesus Christ! Bella?" I screamed, frowning in confusion, “You are going to give me a heart attack.”

Anabella Russo, 22, is my best friend and partner in crime. She has been in the game longer than I was and that made it easier for me because I got to learn all the tactics from her. She's tall, dark-haired with olive skin and sultry eyes. She's an Italian with a slight accent that made her sound sweet and sassy. The kind of woman who knew how to use her looks to get whatever she wanted.

She laughed, standing up from the bed and wrapping her arms around me as she pulled me in for a long hug. I wrapped my arms around her, hugging her tightly before a smile formed on my lips, my heart swelling at her sight. “How long have you been in town?"

"I hadn't been here for long; I arrived a few hours ago and thought I should pay you a nice visit. It's been ages since we last saw each other," she said.

"You're such a sweetheart," I said, clapping my hands together in excitement. "I thought I'd never see you again!"

"Oh, come on now gurlll," she said, shaking her head with a smile. "I promise I'll always be here for you."

"Does Diego know you're back?" I asked, a twinge of concern in my voice.

"I figured it wouldn't be a good idea, since I left the gang and went for the Russian billionaire plus the last thing I wanted was to have him probing me for wanting to leave." She walked to the kitchen and unlocked the refrigerator. "You got anything in your refrigerator?" she asked as she began rummaging inside. 

"Ummm, no but give me a few minutes, and after freshening up, I can make us some Italian bolognese," I suggested and she nodded, smiling at me. I smiled and wrapped my arms around my best friend again, hugging her tightly.

Quickly entering the bathroom, I stripped off my clothes and began to wash my body, allowing myself to somewhat relax after everything that happened today. I'm so glad Bella is back. I turned off the shower and dried my body before stepping into the room to get dressed. I opened my closet and got myself comfortable in a pair of dark-wash skinny bunshorts, and a loose off-the-shoulder top.

***

After dinner, I wrapped myself in the sheets, but the fabric felt stiff and scratchy against my tired body. Beside me, I heard the sound of the bed creaking as Bella climbed into the other side. 

"So how long are you stuck with this Bruce of a guy?" She asked, she was already turned toward me, propped up on an elbow with her head resting on her palm.

“It depends on how long it takes before I can get the code from him, probably a few months I guess," I sighed, turning to face Bella's direction.

"At least he's the CEO of LOTEX Group and I'm sure he must be nice to look at," she shrugged, twirling a strand of her hair.

"I don't give a damn what he looks like," I said, taking a deep breath. "Bruce Moore is an arrogant prick, and it's hard to see past that." I chuckled, shaking my head.

Bella laughed. "Is he that tough?" She asked, tilting her head sympathetic.

"You have no idea," I said, a smirk forming on my lips.

"I think the tough guy thing totally works for you," she teased. "Let's hope you and your bad attitude don't mess things up," she said, a smirk still on her lips.

I sighed, rubbing my temples. "I do hope so too." I rolled over onto my side, staring at the blank walls for a long time. "Thanks for being such a good friend." I wasn't sure if she heard me, but after a few moments, I was sure she had fallen asleep due to her long trip back to LA. I closed my eyes and willed myself to relax, but sleep wouldn't come.

I stared at the ceiling for a long time, replaying the day's events in my head over and over again. I went from being regretful, to sad, to mad. I wondered if Bruce Moore finds me attractive. Even if it was not the case, why did he offer me the job? What was he really trying to do?

I looked at the time and it was 12:37AM, and I needed to get some sleep, but I couldn't stop thinking about everything, about him, about the fact that I'm growing romantic feelings for fucking Bruce Moore.

I let my thoughts focus on Bella instead. Last month she left the gang and got involved in a mission that nearly blew her cover. I'm happy she's finally back and safe, even though I don't know the reason for her showing up just like this.