Page 78 of Bratva Jewels Box Set
“They are even hotter in real life.” Gracie rubs it in.
“Well, I’m proud of you, sweetheart, pulling two hot guys like that, you obviously take after your mother.”
I choke on my drink.
“Can I ask a personal question?”
My eyes widen. If Mum has to ask permission, it must be bad, she usually just blurts it out.
“Go on.”
“Do they, you know? Are they into each other?”
I can see she is a little embarrassed by her question.
“Yes, Mateo and Tomas were in a relationship with each other first. They are both bisexual.”
Mum starts fanning herself. “As long as you’re happy, sweetheart, then that is all I care about, but I can see instantly that those two boys have feelings for you. Please, girls, stay safe,I love you both so much. I’m so worried and wish I was closer and nothing you can say can change that. I’m your mother, it’s my job to worry. I’m here if you need me for anything.”
Gracie and I are both in tears.
“We love you, Mum,” we say to the screen.
“Love you two and also those boys. I can’t wait till I get to squish those hot bodies in real life.” And with that the line cuts dead.
“That went well,” Gracie says.
“The Mateo and Tomas effect has claimed another.” We laugh as we join the boys back in the living room.
25
ZOE
“I’m going crazy,” Gracie moans.
I totally understand what she means. We have been locked up in a gilded cage for the past three weeks. They are no closer to finding Nikolai and his crew. Gracie and I are not allowed to leave the house, even though the boys are able to attend meetings and events.
“I know, but just think of this as a forced holiday.” I try to make it sound better than it is because, in all honesty, I’m two seconds from throttling my sister. I love her, but being in confined quarters with her for so long is driving me insane. The only link to the outside world is our FaceTime sessions with our parents and sisters.
“Zoe, come on, can we not go shopping or something?” Gracie whines.
I pace the living room. I’m going stir-crazy too.
“Look, we have an army of bodyguards outside, get one of them to drive us into town, and he can even come in with us, anywhere. I don’t care if he has to handcuff us to each other and to him, I just need to get out of the house.”
“Fine, I’ll ask,” I say, picking up my phone and giving Mateo and Tomas a call. The boys are in meetings today, so hopefully one of them will pick up. I’d feel bad just leaving without them knowing where we’re going. I’m sure they’ll freak out, but at least they’ll know where we are.
“Cariño,” Tomas answers the phone.
“Hey, I have to ask you something and please don’t freak out.”
The line is quiet.
“Gracie and I want to go into town and look around. We’ve been stuck in the house for weeks and we’re going crazy.” I sound just as whiny as my sister.
“I don’t like this, Zoe,” Tomas says sternly into the phone.
“Please,” I beg.
