Chapter 3

Anaya

I was shaking, recalling the bullet that had passed close to my ear when that man shot, and I had simply dropped to the ground, terrified for my life. Why on earth did I come here? When both men were talking about something, I broke down and sobbed.

“Please. I came to visit my biological father. I do not know who you are.” Breaking down again, I sobbed louder.

One man looked me in the eye and inquired, “What is your father’s name? Who provided you with the address?”

“His name is Viler Costa. I received this address in a letter. Please trust me,” I said.

Both of their eyes widened, and I got terrified. Did I say something wrong? Are they about to murder me? The man exited, and the other pointed the gun at my temple, saying, “You’re a lying bitch. I know women like you who appear innocent but are snakes waiting to bite.”

The man who walked out returned quickly and whispered something into the other man’s ear. Upon feeling the pistol leave my head, I breathed a sigh of relief as he nodded and took a few steps back. It’s unclear how much time has passed, but I noticed shoes materializing in front of my eyes.

As I slowly lifted my eyes, I noticed the most handsome man I’d ever seen. My heart skipped a beat when I gazed into his gorgeous black eyes and exquisite lips. He had a sculpted jaw, a rugged face, and dark hair. He was so tall that I had to crane my neck just to see him.

After staring at the handsome man for a moment, I jerked back and replied to his sexy accent when he asked for my name. Though I was embarrassed that I stammered, I was terrified by his aura. He oozed authority and dominance.

However, when he branded me a liar and raged at me, my eyes watered. I may be poor and helpless right now, but I am not a liar. I wasn’t even sure why I did it when I asked him about my father. While I am unsure whether it is real, my parents would not bother to such lengths to keep the letter if it were a hoax.

He looked at me for a while, making me squirm beneath his intense gaze. I was terrified when he asked one of the men to take me to his office and then walked out. Are they trying to murder or take advantage of me? I must leave now. I need to save myself, and to hell with my father, who has neglected to visit me for years. This is entirely his fault. I rushed to visit him without thinking, and now I’m paying for my foolishness.

When the guy, I believe his name is Alberto, tried to drag me to the car, I kicked him in the nuts and ran. I did not know where I was going, but I was racing about like a headless chicken. My hair was violently yanked, and I tumbled to the ground. Alberto smacked me hard in the face, and blood dripped from my lips.

“Listen up, you bitch! I’ll shoot you if you do anything else,” he yelled at me and took me to the car.

Then they drove and dragged me to an office, where I saw that gorgeous man again! When he slapped Alberto for hurting me, I felt butterflies in my stomach because he was defending me. When he burst past me, my heart thumped, and my breath quickened.

While the nurse was checking me, he was talking to someone on the other side. I could not hear as the nurse put some antiseptic on my lips and I winced.

“Ben, we have guests coming to make sure the cavalry is ready if needed,” the guy yells. I don’t even know his name.

“Teff, is she ok?” he asks the nurse.

“Yes, Boss,” she answered, bowing. He nodded, and she hurried off, leaving me alone with her boss.

“So Anaya,” he said my name, sending thrills down my spine, “if you’re Viler’s daughter. Where have you been all these years?” The curiosity in his tone perplexed me.

I hesitantly replied, “I just got here today from England,” not knowing exactly what this man wanted.

“Hmm... How old are you?” he inquires once again. My gaze was drawn to his, and my lips pursed. Why would he want to know this?

“Isn’t it rude to ask about a lady’s age?” I sassed. What the hell did I do? He’ll be angry. I just witnessed him hit one of his men. Also, he has a gun. What is he planning to do to me? But, to my surprise, he smirked  and added, “And isn’t it rude to enter someone else’s property without first asking permission?”

He’s got me there. I answered, huffing, “I’m 22. I did not know that was your property. You should have a board nearby. Now it’s my turn. What is your name?”

“Nicolas Ricci,” he says. “And I don’t need a banner, since everyone knows it’s my land. Now it’s my turn, kitten,” he said with a smirk. What exactly is he smirking about? “Who supplied the address of my warehouse?”

My forehead creased, but I said, “I got the address from the letter my parents left me...”

Before I could respond, his phone rang, and he answered it. Whatever the other person said made him tense, and he ended the call by stating, “We’ll be there in a second. Keep him there.”

His expression was emotionless, and he appeared as dangerous as the last time I saw him in the warehouse. This is not the same man who was smirking and sassing only moments earlier. But I said nothing. He approached my chair and ordered, “Get up. You claimed to be Viler’s daughter. It’s finally time to meet your father.”

I stiffened and turned to face him. “All right, Anaya, let’s go.” He scowled, and I got up and followed him. My heart was racing as panic swept through my body. I understand what the letter says, but perhaps I should not have come here. If Viler claims I am not his daughter, I will be devastated. Not to mention that Nicolas and his guys will undoubtedly murder me!

As we exited the massive mansion and approached the gate. Many people were standing nearby, yelling and cursing at each other in Italian. I spotted him while I stood at the gate. I’m not sure how, but I know it’s my father.

When the man looked at me, tears pooled in his eyes and he whispered, “My little Passero.”