Laurel's P.O.V

I sat on my bed and ate the ice cream too tired to decipher what he meant.

Kidnapped? Who kidnapped me? I mean I think we all know that Zachary didn't. Maybe he was misinformed?

~~Time Skip~~

I was finally allowed to rejoin the group and exit my room without breaking down into tears.

It took some time considering the situation, but at least I can look people in the face now.

"Laurel? Why are you standing so far back?" My father asked as we were walking to the car.

"I've always walked this far back, ever since-"

"Well don't. I think that rule is stupid." He cut me off and smiled as he opened his arms wide.

"No daughter of mine should ever stand so far back." I smiled and walked up to him and accepted a hug-something I haven't received since I was with the Ruso group.

I -like usual- held back tears at the thought and buried my head into his suit's jacket, enjoying the familiar smell of his colonge.

"Better?" he asked rubbing my back softly.

"Better." I responded backing away to give him space.

"Good. Now I'd feel better if you'd smile." He whispered in my ear before walking again.

If only it didn't hurt to smile, then maybe I would.

We got into the car and sat quietly, I at least enjoyed the silence.

As the drive continued I watched buildings and plants in a blur as the colors meshed together from the top speed we were going.

"We're here." The driver said as we slowly came to a stop.

With a small thank you we exited the vehicle and began our walk into an alleyway.

And for once I wasn't in the back or behind anyone, I was right up front with my parents.

The gloomy brick buildings were matching my mood, contrasting with the bright blue sky with clouds that seemed to be mocking my sadness.

"Hey, Laurel?" I turned to see Sofia walked up to me and watched as she motioned for me to stay quiet.

"Yeah?" She smiled before leaning into my ear.

"Just know that I did this because I love you." She stated before rubbing my shoulder and walking off.

We waited for a few mintes when figures came into myline of sight. Once I got a closer look I gasped before turning away.

"Mr. Ruso, we meet again. Now why did you call us here?" My father said ignoring me as I bit my lip to stop the tears.

"Yes, you see we have a problem here..." His voice made the little bit left if my heart shatter. I slowly began to walk away before the dam broke causing an entire episode of sadness again.

"And that problem would be what exactly?" My mother's calm voice made me walk faster.

I don't want to hear,
I don't want to see,
Nor do I want to feel anymore hurt than I already am.

"The problem would be that you kidnapped one of my members." I don't know who that would be but I didn't care.

"And who, pray tell, would that be?" I began to walk faster not wanting to know who it was.

"Your daughter sir, by your rules she is offically part of the Ruso group. She has taken part in decision making and has been a constant leader in deal making."

I stopped.

My heart stopped, my train of thought stopped. Everything just stopped.

"I would like to take her back, that is, if she wants to."

I turned to look at him, his eyes already glued on me.

I slowly stalked up to him as I spoke.

"First you kidnap me. Then you make me your personal chef. Next I'm forced to go on meetings. Then you gave me your heart not caring how I felt until I felt the same. You gave me love and I gave it right back. I dealt with your childlike tactics and ways. You broke my heart and called me a liar and a cheat. You know what the worst part is?"

As soon as I got in front of him I finished. His eyes showed many emotions, fear and hope being the main two.

He shook his head no, but still kept eye contact.

"The worst part is- is that I, I still love you you. You asshole." With that I hugged him around the waist as a few tears began to stream down my face.

"I love you too. Even though you have a habit of being either moody or getting into trouble."

I laughed a bit through my tears and hugged him tighter as he circled his arms around me.

"Sofia, I take it you were the one who looked in the handbook?" My Father asked from the otherside.

"Yes sir." She responded slowly walking next to me. "I-I couldn't just let my friend suffer." I gave her a smile as she faced my father head on.

He sighed but didn't argue. "Then I see no reason to argue. You girls are tough to beat. I just hope that you two know what you're doing."

I smiled again before walking back over. "Papa, you know me. I wouldn't just throw away my life for any guy. So, I guess I'll see you soon?"

He nodded with a small smile gracing his lips. "Yes Laurel, I'll see you soon."

With a smile he walked away and was soon followed by the rest of the group. Before I had a chance to turn around I was hoisted up and onto a shoulder.

"Zachary Ruso if you don't put me down I swear I'll-"

"Ah shush! You can't swear nothin'."

I groaned in annoyance but argued no further.

"Laurel? I think I'm stuck with you guys..." Sofia muttered as she awkwardly came up behind us.

"Welcome to the group Blondie!" Tom said as he wrapped an arm around her shoulders and walked with her.

"It's nice to have you back Miss Laurel." Sam said with a cheery grin on his face.

"And it's nice to see you again Sofia."

She nodded at him while I gave him a sweet smile.

"I agree that the two of you will be nice to have around." Chris said as he walked up behind us.

"So does that mean I can take more picures of them?" Masoch asked while scratching behind his neck.

"Idiot that was supposed to be a secret!" Nate exclaimed as he hit the back of his head.

"Sorry! I forgot!"

And this ladies and gentlemen, was how my new life began.