Page 131 of XOXO

“That was embarrassing,” she murmured. “I didn’t even hear the door.”

“Our parents are stealthy,” Matteo sighed.

“I’m surprised they gave us till this morning,” I said, cupping her face and kissing her softly.

“I’m going to go change,” Violeta said, her cheeks still red.

“Yeah, let's go before one of our moms comes for us,” Matteo said, turning back down the hall.

We had all slept in Ru’s bed and while it was a tight squeeze, I don’t think any of us could be apart from each other. We walked into the room to see Ru still asleep. Violeta climbed into bed,

kissing him awake and he pulled her closer.

“Ru, we have to go see your parents,” she sighed, snuggling into him. “Levi’s dad already walked in on us making out and I’d like to avoid any future surprises.”

Ru laughed. “I’m sure that was fun. Welcome to the family, Violeta.”

“Unfortunately, our parents are very meddlesome when they want to be,” I said, slipping on some shorts and a shirt.

“Come on, before my mom comes in,” Ru said, getting up and pulling Vi with him.

We were all ready in fifteen minutes and the walk across the grounds was gorgeous. I could see us spending some time here to get away. The moment we walked into the kitchen from the patio, they bombarded us with hugs, kisses and plenty of questions.

“Are you ok?” Maya hugged Violeta.

“Yeah, I’m ok, more worried about the guys⁠—”

“Oh, don’t worry about them, they will survive,” she said, guiding Violeta to the table filled with all kinds of food. “Are you ok?”

Violeta looked startled by her question.

“I’m ok…just processing everything,” she said shyly, sitting down.

“Well, here. You need this.” My dad put a drink in front of her. “It’s ok not to be ok.”

He touched her shoulder as Violeta gave a stiff smile.

“We will get those photos taken down,” Yoona said, patting her shoulder as she grabbed more food from the island. “I’m sure the boys have helped, but I know a few people in the media and I will call in a few favors.”

Vi blinked owlishly, looking between our parents.

“You’re safe, sweetheart,” Maya said to her, grabbing her hand.

Vi’s lip trembled. “I thought you would be a little mad at me.”

“What?” Ru said, sitting down across from Vi.

“I mean, I was the reason⁠—”

“You listen here, Hermosa.” My dad sat next to her. “You were a victim just like the boys, except it was your picture that wasn’t blurred out. You were put out for the world to see without your permission and you have every right to be sad or mad. The boys will survive because very few people recognize them. It's nothing but speculation, but you, Darling, are taking the brunt of a man's choice, and that is not right.”

Tears fell down Violeta’s cheeks.

“We will fix it, ok?” Yonna said coming behind Violeta, squeezing her shoulders as Maya and my dad comforted her.

I clenched my jaw from the rising emotions I was feeling. Our parents were amazing and I was so grateful they had found each other when they needed it.

Violeta looked between our parents before she sobbed, letting her head hang down. Maya and Yoona immediately hugged her as my dad held her hand.