Page 108 of Frayed Bonds

Augustus looks over at me trying to suppress a smile. “I've been good, Val, I would ask how you've been but I’ve heard all about it.”

“You have?” I furrow my brows even though I know my face is bright red.

He laughs and uses his one hand to pull his beanie down slightly. “Adriano and I are twins, I've been hearing all about your secret little love affair since the start, and I also heard it’s no longer a secret, from Nino though.” He looks over at me with concern in his eyes.

I fidget with my phone in my lap, I didn’t realise how much this would affect them as brothers and I’m even more surprised at how interested Gus is in it all. He’s usually the one who doesn’t give any fucks about what goes on in anyone’s life other than Adriano's.

“You wanna talk about it?” He looks over at me.

“I don't even know how we got here Gus,” I answer truthfully.

“You'll get used to it. Things involving Ambrose always seem to blow up before they calm down,” he explains. The car pulls up to an underground garage, rolling down his window he presses a buzzer.

"Yes?" A female voice speaks.

"It’s Gus, we’re here to collect the garments," he says.

After a short buzz, the large metal shutters open allowing us to drive into the lot and park.

I follow Gus out of the car towards an elevator and he presses a button. “I wonder what she’s put together for us,” he says, voicing his thoughts aloud.

As we step out of the elevator we immediately enter a large studio space. “Morning Gus, how are you?” Kaia’s stunning aunt asks. Her deep brown skin glows as the sun streams in through the large windows. Her braids are scattered with shades of grey and I wonder if she’s dyed her hair to appear grey because she doesn’t appear old enough to have gone grey naturally.

“Good morning, Ms. Abrahams, I’m good.” Gus wraps his arms around the woman.

Gus steps back a bit. “Zee, this is Valerie, she’s a friend of Nino and uhm,” he looks over at me. “Ambrose's girlfriend.”

“We’ve met before,” I smile and the woman returns it before offering me a hug as well.

“You only had the title of Antonio’s friend back then,” she smirks. “It’s lovely to see you again sweetheart. Kaia mentioned you’d be coming with Gus”

“Speaking of the devil, I heard she’s flying home again tonight?” Gus asks.

Zee's face scrunches up as she tilts her head to the side slightly. “Apparently so, you know how her father is.”

“Unfortunately, I do.” Gus frowns and puts his hands into his jacket. “Is there anything you both need? You know how important you both are to my family,” Augustus rushes out.

Zee brushes him off. “We’re okay honey, don't you worry your sweet little heart about it. Come with me, she left your things over here.”

The fitting goes smoother than I could’ve imagined. Kaia truly has a gift for creating unique pieces.

“What’s wrong? Do you not like the clothes?” Gus asks me as we get into the car.

“No, no I love them, please tell Kaia how thankful I am,” I reassure him.

Although it may not be the clothes, I still have an uncomfortable feeling.

“Then what’s up? You seem upset,” he presses.

I’d hoped him driving would distract him from any more questions but when he hums reminding me of the question I know there’s no escaping.

“Can I ask you something? Like without you running to tell your brothers. One brother in particular.”

Augustus scoffs. “If you think I run and tell my brothers everything, you must not know me at all Val. What’s up?”

“Even Adriano,” I add.

His brows raise. I know he confides in Adriano, as all the Vitales do, it’s his job to know everything since he does most of the negotiations. If something’s bothering one of the brothers it'll affect his work.

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