Page 10 of The Diávolos: Part Two
“Gianis was just here and thought the same.”
Dion chuckles. “Gianis, huh? You best friends now?”
“Fuck off. He’s my only link to Angelica.”
“Keep your enemies closer, I guess,” he says in a cheery voice.
“Something like that. Did you hear about Peter?”
“Yup, word has made its rounds. What’s the plan?” Dion asks.
“We have to start infiltrating. I was waiting for the perfect opportunity, but there’s no better time than now. Set up a meeting with the families, but make sure it doesn’t get to Kouvalakis. I’m coming to Cebrene.”
4
ANGELICA
“Healing doesn’t mean the damage never existed. It means the damage no longer controls your life.”
—Akshay Dubey
My alarm goes off, and I snooze it twice before deciding to get up.
As I slowly stir from the depths of slumber, the rays of sunlight seep through the curtains, gently kissing my eyelids. Blinking away the remnants of dreams, I become aware of the warmth cocooning me—the familiar embrace of my cozy bed. A satisfied sigh escapes me as I stretch my limbs, reveling in the aftermath of a restful night.
Yet, as I attempt to swing my legs over the edge of the bed, a subtle protest echoes through my body. A dull, persistent ache seems to have taken residence in my muscles, a silent reminder of the physical activities that unfolded in my dreams.
But that wasn’t a dream.
Evan visited me last night; he chased me through the underground garage.He fucked me in his car.
My fingers travel from my mouth where he nipped at my bottom lip, down my chest where he sucked on my breasts, and to my center where he licked my swollen clit.
The vivid memories send prickles to my toes, arousal washing over me.
I hate it, but I find myself unable to dismiss the conflicting swirls of emotions I feel toward Evan. There's an unsettling vulnerability in acknowledging that beneath the surface of my anger lies a reservoir of care and affection. It's as if my heart, in defiance of my rational mind, insists on holding on to the good parts of our time together, even as they are overshadowed by the current situation.
It's been a long year, but I’m not sure if I can forgive him.
The more we engage in encounters like last night, the more the hurt and betrayal get buried, and I start to forget.
I miss him. I can’t deny it.
But I can’t—won’t—forget.
It’s been a year since I ran away again, but this time, it was out of cowardice. Not courage and strength.
After everything I’d been through, I couldn’t take any more lies and deceit. So I left Cebrene.Again.
I’m happy in Antium. I’ve got my college friends back, and I’m living a peaceful life, given the circumstances.
I started off the year living with Nicole and Amanda, but quickly decided it was best to get my own place, so I contacted my previous landlord and found out that my old apartment was still available. I was so happy to be back in the home I’d spent four years in. Everything was the same, nothing was out of place, as if it was just waiting for me to come back.
I do miss Aria and Gianis, but they visit me often enough this time.
Though I broke Gianis’s heart, he still shows up for me. He’s been a rock throughout my slow journey of self-discovery andhealing, and I’ve never asked a thing of him. I don’t deserve his love. But he continues to text, call, and visit whenever he can. He’s always there for me and I’m so grateful for his friendship.
Gianis has also been my eyes and ears in Cebrene, my only source of information as to what’s been happening ever since Evander killed Jurian, my father’s lieutenant. Apparently, it’s a full warzone, and I’m lucky to be far away from it all.
