6

Seraphina

Alfonso led me to the third floor where Agostino had his office.

The place was nearly deserted.

Knocking, he stepped inside followed by myself. “Sit, he’ll be here in five minutes.” A small smile grazed his face as he turned around and walked out, closing the door behind him.

Taking a seat on the comfortable chair infront of the huge table, I heaved out a sigh in anger. Only if he had kept his mouth close --

Looking around, I scanned the humongous office. The walls were painted in grey and black with no hint of white to it. It was dark just like my soul. A large bookshelf placed on the left, almost covering all of the wall and beside it was a mini bar, several different liquor placed on the isle. Large windows with black curtains draped over it. Opposite to it was a huge oak table with a cushion chair behind it. Several leather sofas placed near the other walls.

Leaning backwards, I closed my eyes, cursing on the anger that got the best of me. The ache was burning on my skin leaving me intoxicated. Fuck. I need a joint.

The opening of the door alarmed me about his heavy footsteps coming closer. Fluttering my eyes open, I starred at the intimidating man who sat infront of me with his hands folded on the table.

“I expect an apology from you to Savio.” He stated. His voice thick accented and deep.

The chilling effect travelled up my spine. Where did the once happy man with moons and stars go?

Tilting my head, I arched an eyebrow, “And why should I?”

“You were disrespectful. In this household, no one disrespects one and other, specially the younger ones need to be respectful.” His gaze was somewhat penetrating and hard. It was as if he was controlling himself around me. “Ain’t a bit sexist?” I tsked, leaning forward until I mimicked his position.

“Respect goes both ways.”

The same blue color drilled holes in my orbs with a bit of amusement and darkness. Maybe he wasn't used to people who talk back to him.

“Watch your tone.” His jaw clenched with irritation.

“Sorry mate, cant help it.” I shrugged.

He heaved a sigh, knowing I wasn't gonna back out. “There are some rules that you need to follow like every other person in this house.” I nodded and retreated backwards on the comfortable seat.

“1. Be respectful.

2. Verbal responses.

3. Always be on your best behaviour. No fighting at all in any circumstances. This one goes specifically for you since you hold quite a bad reputation in your previous school.”

He gazed at me with an unknown emotion. I couldn't decipher it out. A mix of annoyance, proud, amusement or anger?

“If someone is being a bitch for no apparent reason than I shall give them the lesson.”

“4. No cursing. At all.”

“Hold on. Swearing is an act we all do when we are angry so no can do. That’s the only thing I love in this damn world.” I muttered.

“5. Don't interrupt when a person is speaking.” He nevertheless continued. “6. No drugs or smoking. 7. No boyfriends or any male friends. If you want than the brothers should approve of it.”

“The fuck?” Mumbling, I bit my lip to stop the smirk that was threatening to erupt. “Oh my, than I have to breakup with Ben-10? He was the love of my life.” I dramatically spoke, placing my hand on the chest to feel the nonexistent pain.

Agostino narrowed his eyes at me. “Stop making this harder for yourself. You need to the follow the rules and no boyfriends so break-up.”

Boy, did he watch cartoons or not?

“And I suddenly don't care,” I huffed feeling overwhelmed. “For your kind information, I’ll date a girl or a boy if I want."

His orbs felt challenging as he knew that I couldn't go against him. “Continuing, 8. Don't leave the house until one of the brother goes with you or if you ask permission from the older ones. 9. Don't enter the third floor no matter what. Lastly, I want the best grades from you.” He ended his speech whilst leaning back. “Am I understood?”

I shook my head in a yes.

“If there is nothing else, can I leave?” I asked, wanting to get away from the blankless man. He had no emotions. Nothing.

“One thing. You’ll be going shopping tomorrow with Enrico, Rosario and Sia for the things you need for school. Also the school starts in two days. I’ve enrolled you in the same high school as the twins, Vito and Sia. You may go now.”

Getting up, I hastily walked out, leaving the room without a goodbye and ran towards mine. Gulping, I closed the door with a thud not caring if someone heard it or not.

My eyes scanned for the bag. Running towards it, I found my favorite joint in the secret hole I had sewed in it. It consisted of my guns, knives, daggers and a special lighter.

Lighting up the joint, I strided towards the balcony. The fresh cold yet hot breeze crawled on my flesh leaving a trail of goosebumps. Putting the joint in between my lips, I inhaled a huge puff. The smell of the toxic fumes was ever so calming.

‘Weed? Why not heroine? Get something way stronger than this.’ The voice chuckled in my head with malice.

“Why do I agree with you this time?” I whispered, knowing the voice wouldn't stop pestering me.

‘We are never wrong. We state what’s best for you.’ It said. I nodded, absentmindedly. ‘What are you even doing here? Just go back to Ronald. He is much better than your brothers. Atleast he loved you, unknown.’ The sound left me confused, as I took another inhale, loving the effect of it on me.

“Loved me? Abuse is not love.” I dryly chuckled. ‘Abuse is a way of showing love. We saw everything. You thought we left you three years back but we didn’t.’

‘We were just quiet, knowing you felt loved when she harshly violated you with your step-daddy.’

‘You loved it.’

‘But you hate your brothers for not believing you. Which is expected. Because they deserve every inch of the hatred you bare.’ The voices replied with smugness and slowly retreated back knowing it had done the damage on me.

Blowing a shaky toxic breath out, my mind repeated the words the voices had just said. Did I hate them? Did I feel the love when they whipped me?

Did I even feeling anything?

Sighing, I placed my arms on the railing. The thoughts burned my inner veins.

Were the voices right or wrong?

Inhaling another whiff, I took the joint between my fingers, suddenly feeling nauseous.

“Rico! Rico. Let’s play. Everyone wants too cuz you’re never home. Please!” Her sweet voice entered my ears. My eyes travelled to the side of the humongous ground. There stood Sienna grabbing Enrico's arm, shaking it playfully whilst the other brothers laughed at them. “Sia, I’m really not in the mood.” He grumbled, pouting. “Mr. Doc, pleaseee! For your Sia?” She gave him the best puppy eyes she could.

“Ugh. Fine.” He rolled his eyes.

Raffaello and Savio gave each other a high-five. Whilst she gave Enrico a bear hug. “Love you.”

“Anything for my one and only princess.” He placed a kiss on her forehead.

‘Look. Just look at them. All happy without you. You do feel the vulnerability. You want to be her instead of yourself. Just end yourself if you cant regain the hatred out of yourself.’ The hideous voice came back and taunted me.

Gulping, I remained in the fixed position, gazing at them as they made up teams leaving Fulvio on the bench with a book in his hand.

They seemed happy whilst playing the basketball. They looked happy without me.. Was I ever meant to born in the first place?

A sarcastic chuckle left my mouth, as I took another huge drag after another. The fumes melting my insides at the hotness, instantly making me choke on my spit. The joint slipped out of my fingers, dropping on the marble floor.

Cough after cough left my mouth as I scratched my neck to ease the enclosing throat. “F-Fuck.” I muttered out.

After a few minutes, the cough eased down. Before I could take a breath of relief, my eyes instantly zeroed at the crimson droplets on my hand.

‘Fourth time this month.’ The voice stated with worry yet happiness.

Wiping my mouth with the end of the sleeve, I gazed back at the scenery infront me only too directly make an intense eye contact with Fulvio whose eyes held confusion, disgust and somewhat concern?

‘Its all lies. The things you see is lies. Trust us and