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"It's okay if you think you want to," he insists. "We have resources, we can help you."
I shake my head adamantly. "I don't, really. I don't know what it all means yet, but I can't deny the feelings I have for you three."
Xavier leans down and kisses me softly on the lips, causing my heart to race and my cheeks to flush. "Good," he whispers against my lips.
Antonio stands up and pulls both Lucas and Xavier into a tight embrace. "We've got this, guys," he says, looking at each of them in turn.
Lucas chuckles. "Speak for yourself, man."
We all laugh nervously, the tension in the room dissipating slightly.
As we sit there, wrapped up in each other, my mind begins to drift to thoughts of what could be between us. I can't deny the attraction and desire that burns within me, but the fear of what may come lingers at the back of my mind.
Antonio notices my distraction and nudges me gently, causing me to startle. "What's on your mind, Mia?" he asks, a hint of concern in his tone.
"I just... I don't know how this can possibly work," I admit, looking down at my hands.
Xavier cups my chin with his hand and lifts my face to meet his gaze. "There's no denying this is complicated," he says tenderly. "Let's focus on protecting you first, darling."
I nod in agreement, understanding the gravity of the situation. "Okay."
"We start by increasing security measures," Antonio says firmly. "We'll hire extra guards and double surveillance cameras around the premises--though I doubt anyone would be that bolt. We'll also limit our public appearances and keep a low profile for a while."
I can't help but feel grateful for their protection. But at the same time, I feel a sense of unease in the pit of my stomach. How could I live a life constantly looking over my shoulder, always in fear of what may come? I try to take comfort in their promises, but the fear of the unknown lingers. What will happen next? Will we be able to make it work? Only time will tell.
As the night wears on, we discuss our options and come up with a plan for moving forward. I feel a sense of relief knowing that they are taking my safety seriously and are willing to do whatever it takes to protect me.
At least, I hope so.
17
LUCAS
The weight of Antonio's words hangs in the air as we absorb the reality of the situation. The risks are significant, the consequences potentially severe. Yet, in this moment, unity prevails, as we find common ground in protecting Mia.
"Will that be enough?" I wonder skeptically.
My thoughts are flooded with the endless consequences of someone finding this innocent woman tangled in a world she should never have been involved in.
As Xavier's words hang in the air, I can sense his determination to protect Mia at all costs. However, a pang of conflicted emotions stirs within me. My loyalty to my friends and my concern for Mia's safety intertwine, creating a complex web of emotions.
"Xavier, we can't underestimate the risks," I interject cautiously, the weight of my words emphasizing the gravity of the situation. "We need to consider all possibilities and prepare for the unexpected."
Mia looks at me, her eyes searching for guidance, and I can't help but feel the weight of my own attraction to her. The lines between loyalty and personal desires blur, leaving me torn between protecting her and acknowledging my own complicated feelings.
Antonio steps forward, his voice both steady and resolute. "Lucas has a point," he agrees, his gaze shifting between Xavier and Mia. "We can't afford to be complacent."
Mia nods in agreement, her eyes flitting from one face to another. I can see the worry etched on her features, the fear of what could happen palpable in the air. It's clear that she's scared, and my heart aches at the thought of her being caught in the middle of all this.
As silence settles over us, I can't help but let my gaze linger on her delicate frame. Her vulnerability is a stark reminder of just how much is at stake here. And yet, despite the danger, the pull towards her only grows stronger.
It's a dangerous game we're playing, but I can't deny how much I care for her. She's never asked for this, never asked for any of us to come into her life and disrupt it so thoroughly.
"I think it may be best for you to stay in the compound," I confess gently. "For now, at least."
"What?" she sits up straighter, suddenly full of energy. "I-I can't stay here, I have a job, I have bills to pay."
Xavier chuckles. "We'll take care of that, darling. Consider it resolved."
