After I showered, I headed downstairs with Mochii. There weren’t any traces of the corpses and the broken window was patched up. I couldn’t help but

be impressed by Zelo’s efficiency. Mochii ran off to another part of the house. I found Zelo waiting for me at the kitchen table with a warm cup of hot

chocolate for me. The cup’s warmth felt comforting in between my hands.

“So I guess I owe you an explanation, huh?”

“Yeah an explanation would be nice but take as much time as you need to sort out your thoughts.”

“Thanks. I think that shower helped me organize them a little but we’ll see how this goes.” I took a deep breath.

“So I guess it’s obvious I’m not a sheltered rich girl like my file said.” Zelo couldn’t hide his look of surprise. I laughed a little.

“Yeah I know you looked me up. But Sunny is the best in the business, she can hack into anything and she keeps all information tightly secured.”, I was

proud of my friend and her skills. I couldn’t help but brag a little.

“Sunny? Is that the daughter of your dad’s bodyguard?”

“Yeah. We know everyone thinks she’s my bodyguard by default but she’s always been more interested in computers than fighting.”

“Why did you keep your fighting skills a secret? Wouldn’t people be less likely to mess with you?”

“Actually, it’s the opposite. People think I have no interest in taking over the organization after Ba so they generally leave me alone. The few who still

came after me whether it was for ransom or whatever else were always surprised by my skills. I was taught to use any advantage I had.”

“Why didn’t any of those would be kidnappers squeal to anyone else about your skills?”

“I used to just let them go with the warning not to tell anyone if they knew what was good for them but after the first few didn’t listen I had to get rid of

them and everyone they told to protect what normalcy I had. But that caused me to have too much blood on my hands.”, I admitted looking down at my

hands.

“When I was eight, my mother and younger brother were killed. I was at school when it happened. My brother had a fever so my mom stayed at home

to watch over him. I remember making him promise not to watch the new Power Rangers episode without me.”, I smiled sadly thinking of how my

brother and I watched Power Rangers religiously. Now I couldn’t bring myself to watch a single episode.

“Anyway, my mom and brother were at home all alone when some guys from an enemy group broke in and killed them as a message to my dad. And

ever since that day, he trained me relentlessly so I could protect myself. We both made a vow to never lose anyone we loved ever again.”

“So that’s why you wanted out so bad.”

“Yeah I used to think if I could just live normally I wouldn’t have to worry about the pain and suffering that comes from being tied to the mafia.”

“Used to?”

“Now, I don’t know. It seems like no matter what I do I can’t escape.” Zelo reached across the table and took my hand in his. I finally looked up at him.

“You’re not alone. We can get through this. Together.” I wanted to believe in the sincerity in his brown eyes.

“But aren’t you afraid I’ll run away again?”

“I know you won’t,”, he said with conviction.

“How?”

“You wouldn’t have told me about your past if you were planning to leave anyway.”

“Why do you trust me so much? I betrayed you once already.”

“Because you showed me your true self. It’s part of why I was so hurt when you tried to run away. I know there’s always a chance you might run away,

but I want to trust you. We could protect each other. We could be happy here.” I was tempted by his words. Deep down I knew he was right. I’ve never

told anyone about my past. I’ve let him in this far. There was no turning back but I was still scared. Letting someone else in meant someone else that

I could lose.