Chapter 3

Julienne

If I was fully aware, I would have processed his voice dripping with sarcasm.

But I wasn't, and so I stood there, frozen in shock, as I stared at him.

Daemon Medici.

Luciano had told me about him. I knew he was estranged from his father, but I didn't know the details of why. He had only told me that his first wife and love had died, leaving him with a young Daemon, and that their relationship had strained over the years until one day two years ago , before I or my mother came into the picture, Daemon moved permanently to another city and cut off all contact with him.

Despite being estranged though, Luciano had regaled stories of him when he was younger to me once in a while. I could recall the fondness and melancholy in his gaze as he spoke of him. It was clear that he missed him and it made me wish that I could do something to bring him back, even if it was impossible.

I never thought I'd meet him, especially not under these circumstances.

As I looked at Daemon, I saw a glimpse of my stepfather in his features, but his eyes seemed colder, harder, his features familiar yet not.

Thinking at the kind warm visage of Luciano, I couldn't reconcile the two.

Luciano was rich, but it was all legitimate. How was his son, not only in the mafia, but also a feared mafia boss? One so feared that they called him a demon?

And it was clear from his words, that despite their distance, he recognized me.

Before I could say anything, Daemon turned away, leaving me gaping with unsaid words. I followed his frame as he entered one of the cars before I felt a hand grip me. Whipping my head I met one of the men in black

“Get in the car,” he growled, and I obeyed, still in shock as I was made to enter the second car.

The drive was long, and a mix of trepidation and curiosity filled me. If he knew who I was, was that why he bought me? What was he going to do?

All my thoughts halted when the car finally stopped and I was pulled out. As soon as I looked, my eyes widened in awe.

A large mansion stood in front of me, bigger than anything I'd seen, even Luciano's which had been my home. Somehow looking at it my thoughts crept back to him.

Did my stepfather know about this? Did he have any idea that his son was involved in such a dark world?

Thinking back to the fond words he'd always spoken about Daemon made pain sting my heart as I recalled everything else. Whether he did or not, I couldn't ask him anymore. I could never speak to him because he was dead and he wouldn't be able to meet his son again.

With the men surrounding me I was led into the mansion.

Soon enough I found myself in a room I could easily recognize as a study, but my heart flew to my throat as soon as I realized Daemon was there. Sitting on a chair, his eyes were trained on me, as though he'd been waiting for me.

The men around me suddenly withdrew, closing the door behind me and I was left alone, face to face with the man who had bought me.

Uncertainty filled me as Daemon’s gaze roved over me. His eyes seemed to bore into me, and I shivered .

Even from afar I could feel that danger radiated from him like a dark aura. It sent a trickle of fear down my spine along with something else…something I couldn't put to words.

I swallowed thickly.

What did he want from me?

The air seemed to thicken before he stood up. My breath hitched as his lips curved into a smirk. He looked handsome. Devilishly so.

“So, you're the little gold-digger's daughter. I must say, I'm disappointed. You're not as... polished as I expected.” he broke the silence and any thoughts I had before slipped away.

My lips parted in shock as I processed his insult. Golddigger?

A surge of anger filled me at his insult, but I refused to back down.

“And you're Daemon Medici, the infamous Don Demonio,” I retorted, my voice steady.

Daemon chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement.

“Guilty as charged,” he purred,

For a moment, I felt a jolt of electricity run through me as his gaze pierced mine.

But the moment passed, and his expression hardened once more.

“You're in the wrong city but it's good that I met you. Tell me, how do you and your mother enjoy leeching off my father's wealth,” he smirked and I reared back in shock.

“Excuse me?” I asked incredulously. This time all the fear was drowned in disbelief and I couldn't hold myself back.

“I am and have never ‘leeched’ off you father.” I spat out harshly, “I cared for him.”

“Right,” he rolled his eyes, clearly not believing me.

A part of me wanted to fight back and protest, but something in me halted. Thinking back to Luciano I faltered.

“He told me about you,” I said.

Immediately I spoke, his expression changed.

For a moment, he looked tense, his eyes narrowing.

“What did he say?" he asked, his voice low and even.

I took a deep breath, before I spoke,

“He missed you,” I said, my voice softening.

“He always talked about you with fondness. No matter how hard he tried to hide it at times…he wanted you by his side.”

For a moment his gaze softened and I saw a flash of emotions run through him.

Then it suddenly disappeared. Daemon's face turned harsh, his eyes flashing with anger and I was struck with the force of his glare.

"You know nothing about me and my father," he growled sharply, making my breath hitch.

Turning away, he moved back, coursing his hands through his hair for a moment. As he turned to me again, the raw vulnerable look on his face was fine, replaced with the cool arrogant demeanor from before.

“So, how did you end up in this mess, hmm? Getting trafficked to another City? With my father around, I would have thought you'd be better taken care of. You are his shiny new family after all.”

With his father around…

Those words instantly brought a pang of sadness and shock. Thinking back to the funeral only a few days before his death, I nearly gasped.

It was normal nature to inform the relatives when a loved one had passed. When I came for the funeral, I was su stuck in grief that I barely thought about whether Daemon was aware, or if he had refused to come to the funeral.

Now it was clear as day that he didn't know. He didn't know that his father was dead.

I had to tell him. How could I tell him?

Swallowing thickly, I spoke.

“Daemon… Your fathe-”

KNOCK

My gaze flew to the door, my words interrupted. Turning back I watched Daemon's straighten.

"Enter," Daemon called out, his voice curt.

The door opened to reveal a tall burly man. His eyes darted to me for a moment before focusing on Daemon.

“Greetings Capo. There's confidential information that requires your attention.” he said,

Daemon nodded, and as I turned back I found his eyes on me. He looked contemplative.

“Magda.” he called out and in a short moment another person shuffled into the room, this time a stout older woman.

“Take her away,” he ordered,

“Keep her in the guest room. I'll figure out what to do with her later."

I was helpless but to follow as the woman led me out of the room. As I left something swirled in my gut.

I had a feeling something bad was going to happen.