AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Xavier's laughter fades, a serious expression crossing his face. "I'm pretty sure we know exactly how dangerous it is," Xavier teases humorlessly.
Lucas clears his throat. "I think she means how dangerous it is for her."
The three of them exchange glances, as if they've only just considered this suggestion and the implications that follow with it -- the reality that my own life could be in danger should anyone find out about their activities or connections to me which would put all at risk.
My breath catches in my throat when I realize their silence isn't due to muted amusement but raw contemplation instead.
Antonio takes a few steps toward me, his eyes filled with a mix of worry and understanding. "We didn't mean to put you in any danger, Mia. You have to understand that."
For a moment, I am struck by the gravity of the situation. These men, who I've come to trust and even care for, are involved in something truly dangerous. They've put my life at risk by keeping this from me, and now I don't know what to do. Part of me wants to run away as fast as I can, to distance myself from them and their dangerous world. But another part of me, foolishly perhaps, still wants to stay by their side.
"I can't believe this," I say finally, my voice barely above a whisper.
Lucas steps forward again, his expression softening. "Mia, we didn't mean for you to get caught up in all of this."
I blink, feeling almost dizzy with confusion. "Why?" I ask, my voice barely more than a whisper.
Xavier steps closer to me, his hand reaching out to cup my face gently. "Because despite being strangers... we care about you," he says simply.
I feel tears prick behind my eyes again, but this time they're not tears of anger or betrayal. They're tears of something far more complicated--gratitude and fear all mixed together in one strange, messy emotion.
"I don't know what to do," I admit, feeling lost and scared for the first time since arriving here.
16
MIA
As I voice my uncertainty, the weight of the situation settles heavily on us. Antonio steps forward, his eyes filled with regret. "Mia, we understand that this is overwhelming for you. We never meant to put you in such a precarious position," he confesses, his voice filled with sincerity.
Xavier's hand remains on my face, his touch providing a small sense of comfort amid the turmoil of emotions. "We can't deny the risks involved in our complicated connection," he admits, his gaze locked with mine, searching for understanding. "But we also can't deny the strong feelings that have developed between us."
Lucas speaks up, his voice carrying a tone of caution. "Mia, we need to be honest about the potential consequences. We can't guarantee a smooth path or a clear-cut solution. If you want to leave, we won't stop you."
As I take in their words, I realize that this moment represents a crossroads in my life. It is a choice that could lead to heartache, but also to a depth of connection and desire I never thought possible.
The room falls into an eerie silence as I try to process their words. The consequences of pursuing this connection with them are immense and could lead to unforeseen danger. But the thought of walking away from them, never experiencing what they offer, is equally terrifying.
"This is crazy," I whisper in disbelief.
Lucas holds out his hand to me. "You look a little pale, why don't we go sit down?"
As they take me into the room they came out of, I start to ramble. "How much danger am I in, exactly? Is it too late to disappear, to be normal? Not that normal was really any fun, but you get why I would ask. And you three can't honestly like me that much, can you?"
"Can't we?" Antonio insists questioningly.
I blink a few times. "Um... can you?"
"At this rate, I think it may be too late," Lucas chimes in, responding to my earlier question. "We have no way of knowing who has seen you here."
My stomach drops. The reality of the danger I am in begins to sink in. I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself as they guide me to a plush sofa. Xavier sits next to me, his hand resting on my knee, while Antonio and Lucas take seats across from us.
"Mia, our feelings towards you are not something we can control," Xavier says softly. "And we won't pretend that this isn't complicated and dangerous, but we won't let anything happen to you, Mia." he says, his eyes holding a determination that I can't help but trust.
Antonio kneels down in front of me and takes my hand. "We understand if you're scared. Hell, we're scared too. But we'll protect you with everything we've got. That's a promise," he assures me.
Lucas reaches for my hand, squeezing it gently. "We understand if you want to leave, Mia. We won't hold it against you."
I turn to face him, tears welling up in my eyes. "I don't want to leave," I confess, my voice shaking with emotion.
