Trapped by Seven Mafia Wolves novel Chapter 48

**Chaotic Apology**

**Aurora’s POV**

As I quietly exit Leon’s room, I tread lightly, ensuring the floorboards beneath my feet remain silent. The hallway ahead is bathed in a gentle, muted light from the distant chandelier, casting a warm glow that contrasts with the whirlwind of emotions swirling within me. My hand still tingles from the warmth of his grasp, a palpable reminder of the moment we shared. My mind has settled into a peaceful rhythm, yet my heart continues to beat a rapid tattoo against my ribcage, echoing the feelings that refuse to fade. Just as I begin to make my way down the corridor, a sudden noise jolts me from my reverie—“Shit—!” A loud thud reverberates through the air, startling me.

I spin around, my heart racing, and what I see makes me do a double take. There sprawls Jace, flat on the floor, groaning in exaggerated agony. Clearly, one of his socks must have caught on the edge of the rug, sending him tumbling. He lies there on his back, blinking up at the ceiling as if it has personally conspired against him.

For a brief moment, time seems to hang suspended. He groans again, a sound that blends annoyance with disbelief. “That floor came outta nowhere…”

I blink, taken aback. Did he really just trip and blame the floor for his misfortune? Without a second thought, I rush toward him, instinct propelling me forward before hesitation can set in. “Are you okay?” I ask, my voice laced with genuine concern. He winces dramatically as he sits up, rubbing his elbow with exaggerated care. “I think I lost the battle to gravity, but I’ll survive. There goes my cool entrance,” he huffs, a hint of humor creeping into his tone.

A laugh bubbles up inside me, but I swallow it down, unsure how to navigate this unexpected moment. In an attempt to regain my composure, I quickly turn away, taking a few steps back down the hall.

“Wait—don’t go,” he calls out, urgency lacing his voice.

I hesitate, already halfway turned to leave, and glance back to see him scrambling to his feet, brushing off his clothes with a determined look. “I—uh—I wanted to talk,” he stammers, vulnerability creeping into his demeanor.

I regard him cautiously, my heart racing. “About what?” I inquire, curiosity piqued yet guarded. He avoids my gaze initially, scratching the back of his neck and staring down at the floor as if it holds all the answers. When he finally meets my eyes, I notice a shift within him—his expression is different, more introspective.

“About… you. About me. About the way I’ve been,” he begins, his voice barely above a whisper. “I don’t know what I’m doing, Aurora. I’ve been a jerk. A complete ass. And I’ve been trying to figure out if I should keep being that or—” He exhales deeply, his breath shaky. “Or be like Leon. Actually try.”

His words catch me off guard, and I blink in surprise. Jace continues, his voice dropping lower, as if he’s sharing a secret. “Leon was cold as hell to you, worse than I was. But he… changed. Somehow. And I see it. I see how you look at him now. Like he’s safe.”

He pauses, searching for the right words, and I can sense the weight of his admission. “And I want that too. I want you to be able to look at me like that. I don’t know how to be a good brother. Hell, I barely know how to be a decent human sometimes. But… I wanna try.”

A crack forms in my chest, a flicker of hope igniting within me. Jace shoves his hands deep into the pockets of his hoodie, his expression earnest. “I wanna get to know you, Aurora. I wanna try being your brother. If you’ll let me.”

My lips part in surprise, but no words come forth. My throat tightens, and before I can stop them, tears begin to prick at my eyes.

Clearly, Jace hadn’t anticipated this reaction. “Oh fuck. Are you crying? Oh fuck, I didn’t mean to say fuck! Why do I keep saying fuck in front of a twelve-year-old?!” He facepalms, scrambling over his words as I hastily wipe my tears away.

“Don’t cry! I—uh—I’m not emotionally equipped for this! Do I get tissues? Water? Umm… chocolate?! Wait, no. Or yes? Who doesn’t want chocolate? You want chocolate?! What am I saying? Of course you want chocolate. Or do I like… jump out the window to make you feel better?”

Despite myself, a laugh escapes me—a soft, genuine giggle that feels like a breath of fresh air.

And Jace just stares, his eyes widening as if he’s witnessing something miraculous.

I muster the courage to speak, my voice barely above a whisper. “I forgive you, Jace.”

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