Chapter 87

Rome, Italy.

Alliana's pov: 

I shifted away from Carlos's lap, the moment broken by the need to return to our duties. Together, we reentered the mansion, finding the others gathered in the living room. Denzel's question hung in the air, his arms crossed in a stance of curiosity.

"What were you guys doing outside that lasted more than 15 minutes?" he questioned, his tone laced with suspicion. "None of your business," Carlos retorted sharply, his irritation evident as he closed the door behind us, shutting out the prying eyes of our companions.

"Are we all ready to continue?" Kai interjected, seeking to redirect the conversation towards the task at hand. "I forgot where we were," AJ admitted, a hint of frustration creeping into his voice as he rubbed his temples in concentration.