Chapter 9 The mall

The girls sat comfortably in the car, the rhythmic beat of the music filling the air as they sang along, their voices blending with the lyrics. Gina suddenly leaned forward; her eyes gleaming with excitement. "Not gonna lie, this song 'White Tee' hits different. Just imagine your lover serenading you with it, Bella," she teased, reaching over to crank up the volume.

Bella rolled her eyes, already anticipating where the conversation was heading. "Please, Gina, spare me the love talk. I've had more than enough of that lately," she replied, her tone a mix of exasperation and amusement.

Gina burst into laughter, raising her hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright, I hear you, Mama!" she said with a chuckle, leaning back in her seat as she continued to sing along to the catchy tune, her head swaying to the rhythm.

"We're on our way to Royal Crescent Mall, about to find you a husband," Gina sang in perfect sync with the music, adding her own playful twist to the lyrics. Bella shot her a look, her jaw dropping in disbelief.

"You're insane, you know that, right? And you do realize I have no idea where this mall is, right? You didn't even give me a map," Bella retorted, shaking her head at her friend's antics.

Gina just laughed, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "I am the map, darling! Just follow my lead, and we'll get there in no time," she replied, her confidence unwavering.

Bella let out a sigh, but a smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she turned her attention back to the road. "You're impossible," she muttered, though there was no denying the fun she was having.

Gina leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a whisper, "We should get food first because I am starving."

Bella scoffed, glancing at her friend out of the corner of her eye. "Why didn't we just eat before leaving the house then?"

Gina responded with an innocent smile, batting her eyelashes as if butter wouldn't melt in her mouth. "I don't know, babe. Don't ask me..." she replied, her tone playful as she turned to gaze out of the window, clearly avoiding further questions.

Bella couldn't help but laugh, shaking her head as she pressed down on the gas pedal. "You're a mess, Gina. But fine, food first-then we conquer the mall."

Gina grinned; her excitement palpable. "That's my girl. Let's do this!"

Meanwhile, Luca had slipped into a tank top and was about to step out of his room when his sister caught sight of him. "Really, Luca? Are you seriously going to wear that shirt? Your tattoos are way too visible, and some crazy women will be all over you," she remarked, her voice tinged with playful jealousy.

Luca chuckled, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Are you planning to be one of those women, Elena? You're my sister, remember?" He teased, but she wasn't having it.

Elena scoffed, reaching for a leather jacket hanging nearby. "I'd rather not have to fend off a horde of admirers. Wear this, and save me the trouble." She tossed the jacket at him, her expression serious despite the banter.

Luca sighed dramatically but slipped the jacket on. "I'm only wearing it because you asked, but otherwise..." He trailed off, rolling his eyes at her with exaggerated exasperation.

Elena burst out laughing. "Who else would have this kind of power over you? But seriously, you still haven't told me about your night," she said, throwing him a playful wink.

Luca groaned, running a hand through his hair. "Elena, it was just another night at the hotel. You know how it goes."

"Same old routine? Nothing new? Your life is so boring, brother," she clicked her tongue in mock disappointment, turning away with an exaggerated pout.

"Hey, get back here!" Luca called out, grabbing her arm to pull her back. Elena huffed but spun around with a curious look in her eyes.

"Come on, spill it. How was it?" she asked, giving him a puppy-dog look that he found impossible to resist.

"Good, for real..." Luca replied, trying to keep it brief.

"Who was the lady this time?" Elena pressed, raising an eyebrow.

"What do you mean 'this time'? You think I sleep around that much?" Luca shot back, feigning outrage as he rolled his eyes.

Elena just shrugged, a smirk playing on her lips. "You know what I mean. Maybe it's time you settle down, get married, and experience what it's like to live with one woman. Trust me, it's a better feeling than messing around with random girls."

Luca finally released her, shaking his head. "You always have something to say, don't you?"

Elena grinned, looking him over from head to toe. "Now you look dashing, absolutely breathtaking. If I wasn't your sister, I might just consider being your wife."

Luca laughed, the banter lightening his mood. "Too bad for you, sis. Now, can we get going?" he asked her.

"You know you can trust me; I am not telling dad anything."

"What's up, Elena?" Luca asked, sensing her mischievous tone.

She smirked; her eyes gleaming with curiosity. "Who was the lady this time? Let me guess-a pretty blonde with a slim waist, nice hips, nice boobs and even nicer... well, you know." Her grin widened as she teased.

Luca paused for a moment, the image of a certain stranger flashing in his mind-Isabella. Shaking his head to dismiss the thought, he rolled his eyes. "I met a weirdo. Now, can we just get going?" he replied, deflecting her probing.

Elena raised an eyebrow, clearly not satisfied with his vague response, but she knew better than to push him further when he was in one of his moods. "Alright, alright. But this conversation isn't over," she said, letting out a dramatic sigh.

Luca simply smirked as they made their way out of the mansion. A few security men fell in line behind them, ensuring their safety, but Luca and Elena had their own ride. The sleek black car gleamed under the sunlight as they approached it, and Luca held the door open for his sister, a small gesture of brotherly care.

Elena slid into the passenger seat, and Luca joined her in the driver's seat, adjusting his leather jacket that Elena had insisted he wear. Behind them, another car with the security detail revved up, ready to follow.

As they pulled out of the driveway, the mansion's gates automatically opened, revealing the sprawling road ahead. The convoy set off, with Luca and Elena leading the way in their car, heading toward the mall.