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“So, you decided to venture into the forest? Alone? Bullshit, Ri.” He takes a large inhale of his cigarette. “Where are you going?”
Wait a second. I cross my arms over my chest. “First of all, I’m your big sister, so you can’t question me. Second, since when do you smoke?”
He laughs at my attempt to switch the topic. “You might be older, but I still have a duty to protect you. And I’ve been smoking since Baba decided to start showing me the ropes.”
Ah, yes. Now that my brother is eighteen, our father has begun teaching him about the business. Training him on how the mob works for when he’ll have to take over for him.
As a legal adult, and the male heir, he’s obligated to begin working for the clan. But Dimitri was never interested in following in my father’s footsteps. He’s creative, an artist. He has such unique quirks and sense of humor and spends a good chunk of his days playing video games. The mob life is not for him.
“Shit. How’s that going?”
He shifts and raises his cigarette into the air. “What do you think?”
“That bad, huh?”
“Yup.”
“Have you tried telling Baba again that you don’t want any part of the clan?”
“Yes, and it didn’t go well. He yelled at me about the importance of continuing the family’s legacy and went on about having a “big break” soon. Whatever the fuck that means.”
I ponder that for a moment. Lately, my father has been more invested in work than ever. I thought it was because of arranging my upcoming engagement. But now, I feel like there might be more to it.
I remember that I’m meeting Dion in a few minutes. I have to get going.
“Well, I’m here for you, Dimo,” I tell my brother, and he nods, a soft smile at his lips. “I’m going to meet a friend for a bit. I’ll be back soon. Please don’t tell our parents,” I plead, hoping he won’t ask any more questions.
He pretends to zip his mouth shut just as he blows out the remaining smoke from his cigarette before crushing it under his foot.
“Thank you!” I exclaim, running to give him a peck on the cheek. He chuckles and pretends to push me away.
At the edge of the forest, I take a deep breath in. All you’re going to do is talk. Nothing more.
When I’ve finally convinced myself—or barely—I step onto the mossy floor.
Darkness presses in around me like a heavy blanket. The only light comes from the faint glow of the moon filtering through the trees. I rarely wander through these woods anymore, but when I was younger, they used to be my playing grounds. Other than planting flowers and gardening, this used to be my sanctuary. I’d hide here when life out there felt too overwhelming.
Each step I take seems to echo through the silence. Suddenly, a rustling sounds nearby. I freeze.
This might not have been a good idea after all.
I try to determine the source of the noise, but my own heartbeat thuds in my ears. It has to be an animal of some sort.
Then, I hear it—a faint crunching of leaves, followed by the unmistakable sound of footsteps.
Panic grips me as I realize I’m not alone. I’m still far away from where I’m supposed to meet Dion, so it can’t be him. Right?
My breath quickens, palms growing clammy with sweat. I didn’t bring my phone in case I somehow got tracked into the forest. I’m now regretting my decision.
Every instinct screams at me to go, to get out of here as fast as I can.
I break into a frantic run, my steps loud and erratic. The shadows seem to twist around me, playing tricks on my mind. I try to rid myself of my imagination. But the snap of a twig sends me into a frenzy.
My chest tightens with each passing moment, my lungs urging for air as I push myself to go faster. I can see the end of the treeline.
As I continue my distraught dash through the forest, I catch a glimpse of movement out of the corner of my eye. Out of instinct, I turn my head—and there, illuminated by a shaft of moonlight, is a figure clad in dark clothing, a motorcycle helmet obscuring the face.
My pulse quickens. It’s undoubtedly a man. And there’s something about the way the helmet fits snugly on his head, accentuating his rugged features. It’s hot.
