Present...
"Get in the car," his voice had a raspy blunt quality, an authoritativeness that bleeds out with every word.
"W... What?" She stammered, dumbfounded.
Angela didn't know how to function. This was the last thing she expected to happen after how hard she was trying never to see him again.
"Have you lost your hearing?"
Surprise slowly dwindled, and her eyes narrowed at him. His tone was the same as usual, ticking her off. "Not yet but you're making my ears bleed," She retorted sharply.
It was subtle but his eyes darkened, there was a slight tick in his jaw other than that he seemed unfazed.
She wondered how he knew she was there but recalled how easy it was for him to track her down.
Luca took a step forward when a hand grabbed her jacket, and she was pulled behind Milo who now stood between Angela and Luca. Julian came to her aid as well. "You deliberately hit her with your car." Milo rumbled.
Luca wasn't even looking at Milo. It was absurd how tall and huge he was, he could easily see past Milo, his eyes were solely fixed on her, and she knew that look. It meant business and he seemed annoyed.
"I'll call the cops," Julian retrieved his phone but Angela stopped him.
"I know him," she said, grabbing the back of Milo's shirt and pulling him behind her. She had to crane her neck up to face the mountain of a man.
As soon as she took Milo's place, she felt intimidated because of his huge frame. Milo, who was the tallest in her club, was still an inch or two shorter than Luca.
Luca tipped his head at the car without a word, and she glared at him. "I'll ride on my bike." She said and stomped over to her precious bike which was held by one of the club members.
She didn't want to go with him, but she also didn't want to create a scene here.
"Thank you," she said and got on the bike. Milo approached her. He stared at her forehead before retrieving a band-aid from his pocket and gently putting it on her forehead without touching her as she thanked him.
"That dude. Are you sure you know him?" he asked, eyeing Luca skeptically.
"He's my brother's best friend." She said as Julian passed her helmet.
She wore it and faced Milo. "Why did he look so pissed? That dude was about to kill you just minutes ago. I don't think it's safe for you to go with him alone." Milo said and Angela smiled, shaking her head lightly.
"It's fine. He can't hurt me. My brother will skin him alive so don't worry." She assured him and he let her go hesitantly.
"Call me if you need me," Julian said looking her in the eyes. He has warm brown eyes, brown curly hair, and dashing looks, he has a protective leader personality. She gave him a nod.
As soon as she drove past her friends, her expression darkened. Luca was driving right behind her. She increased the speed and so did he.
Angela pulled over, parked her bike in the garage, and stormed inside her house. Placing her helmet aside, she got rid of her gloves when Luca stepped inside and locked the door.
"What the hell was all that?" she asked, summoning the calm that went Mia as soon as he hit her with his car.
"Where's your phone?" He demanded.
"Why?"
"I called you multiple times. You gave me no choice."
"So, you'd try to kill me?"
He stayed quiet and her temper skyrocketed but she held on to the invisible patience.
"Why are you here?" She demanded folding her arms across her chest.
"Your brother has sent me to protect you." His deep voice caused her to look away. The last time she heard his voice was years ago. It had changed and became more masculine, deeper, and rough.
"Protect from what?"
"A threat. Hunter is getting threats on you. He wants you back at the pack house. He'll be here to take you back in a week. Until then you must stay under my watch."
Her eyes widened at that news. No way. "I don't need your protection. I can protect myself. You can leave."
He scoffed. "Protect yourself? Seriously?" She gnashed her molars at his disrespect. Only if she could smack that attitude out of his system.
Angela retrieved her phone, turning away from him she noticed seven missed calls from Luca. She dialed Hunter who picked up on the first call.
"What is this, Hunter? You said you'll come. Then why is he here?"
"I can't let you be defenseless like that. Luca was in the States. It was the best option. I know you don't like him but bear with him for a week. I'll come get you by then." Hunter said.
"I'm not coming back and please call him back. I can protect myself."
"This is a serious matter, Angela. Just cope with it until we find the person behind those threats."
"Send Kevin." She said pressing her temple.
"He's on a mission and besides there's no better fighter than Luca."
"But I can't stay with him!" Her voice rose in anger.
"You have to. There's no other option. Either you come back with Luca right now until I settle this matter or stay there and wait for me to find that person and kill him off. Please, I'm worried about you, Angela."
Angela chewed on her bottom lip. She could've lived with anyone but Luca. "Fine." She whispered and dropped the call.
Rubbing a hand down her face she breathed in deeply before facing Luca.
"You can take the guest room down the hall. If you need anything, don't ask me. And try your best to be nonexistent." With that said she hurried up the stairs and locked herself in her room.
Angela searched for the bottle of transparent liquid, and she quickly drank it. She texted Silvia to deliver more of it and put the phone on charging.
She wiggled out of her suit and dropped her weight on the bed.
What in the world just happened?
She had made sure to never see him again to the point she stopped visiting her family and now, look at him. He was going to live with her.
Bad idea. But she had no say in it. She couldn't possibly go back after working so hard to fulfill her dream to pursue her studies in the States.
A loud knock on the door startled her causing her to flinch.
"W... What?"
"Just making sure you're alive." His deep voice infiltrated the door and then she heard his footsteps fading away.
Angela hopped under the shower and stayed inside her room. She only stepped out once she made sure he had slept.
She stepped into the kitchen to find her dinner gone and he even washed the dishes leaving no trace that he gobbled her food.
Angela contemplated. The urge to bang on his door and demand her food back was tempting but she decided against it. It was better to stay miles away from him.
She wasn't that good of a cook, but she was hungry, and it was too late to order food.
She checked what she had and made a sandwich for herself. Grabbing a soda from the fridge she lit a scented candle and took her seat on the bar stool at the island counter.
Angela took a bite enjoying her food. She was so drowned in having her meal that she didn't notice someone leaning against the doorframe and watching her silently.
"Five minutes and you still didn't notice my presence." A deep velvety voice filled the void with ease causing her to jump in her seat.
Her heart just leaped to her mouth. She was accustomed to living alone. He just scared her to death.
Her eyes darted to the man standing in the doorframe and she stopped eating. One of her cheeks was full of food as she gaped at him with wide eyes.
"Anyone can kill you at this rate. You should've scented me, but you didn't." He said, staring at the sandwich in her hand before meeting her gaze again.
Angela looked away and chewed the food before swallowing it elegantly before she was just gobbling the food like a starving fish. Way to embarrass herself.
She noticed him approaching and he leaned against the wall in front of her with his arms crossed over his chest.
Angela stared at him. He has changed a lot. His hair wasn't long anymore. He was donning a long top and short sides haircut. It suits him, giving more highlight to his sharp jawline. His light stubble gave him a rugged look. He was wearing sweats and a loose tee. Overall, he looked so far better than when she last saw him, and she didn't even want to look down from his face. And his eyes, well let's not talk about them.
"Why are you here?"
"I heard some noise and decided to check." He spoke.
She didn't bother to answer him and began eating her food. She expected him to leave but he stood there peering over her with that expressionless gaze.
Angela couldn't help but meet his gaze. She thought if she matched his gaze long enough, he'd look away, but he didn't. He kept staring and it got so intense that she had to force her eyes down.
Luca was the only man who intimidated her. Maybe it was because he was ten years older than her. Or the fact that she used to have a crush on him in her training days.
As he stood in her kitchen, she couldn't help but notice how small it looked and felt because of his daunting presence.
Why was he observing her like a stalker? Last time she checked he didn't want her to be anywhere near him.
"As you see it's just me. Rest assured and go back to your room." She said as politely as she could.
"Is Hunter aware of your escapades?"
"It's none of your concern." She retorted sharply. She didn't like the lane his thought process was taking.
"Who were those guys? How did they get close to you?"
"As I said, it's none of your business. Don't indulge in my personal life." She rebuked him sternly.
"If possible, please go and send Kevin to take your place here. I'd appreciate his presence." Angela said, gulping down the soda.
"Where did you learn to ride a bike?"
"Why are you so damn interested?"
"Don't be a brat!"
"Don't be my boss!"
"Angela!"
"Luca!"
"Watch your tone!" He warned darkly.
"Then don't f*cking interfere. Focus on your life. Oh, I forgot, you don't have any-" She sealed her lips when he charged forward and halted near the edge of the island countertop opposite her.
"Behave. Don't use that crude language." He grounded out the words.
"I can. I will. You can't tell me what to do with my life. After all, I'm a brat and brats don't listen, old man." She retorted. Got to her feet and shoved the dishes in the basin. Washing her hands she turned to leave but he was standing behind her causing her to pause.
"Whom are you calling an old man?"
"Can you see anyone else here?" She retaliated.
"Are you still mad at what happened-"
"No. I'm not mad. Why would I be? I was just a stupid teen at that time. It was a mistake. I've long forgotten about it. Now if you'll excuse me."
She tried to walk past him, but he blocked her way again.
It was a sudden move, and she didn't see that coming so Angela bumped into his hard chest and stumbled back almost falling but a strong hand grabbed her arm, and she came crashing into him again.
Her nose hurt after the crash as she scowled and glared up at him, but her breath hitched finding those steel orbs piercing through her soul.
He was too close.
Goosebumps rose on her flesh, where his skin touched hers. Angela wasn't comfortable with any sort of male touch out of combat or sparring and in sparring she only felt pain or adrenaline so at that time she never thought about the touch but now it was different.
Ever since that time when she was sexually assaulted at her friend's home, she didn't let any man near her and maintained her distance.
It took her some time to get comfortable with her brothers and dad. She didn't ever allow any male to touch her. The touch often makes her anxiety rise and she has to fight the urge to hide away. Luca knows this. Or perhaps he forgot about it in the last five years.
"Can... Can you let me go," her voice was small and shallow.
Luca didn't seem to hear her. He was pulled out of his reverie when she tugged at her arm.
His dilated pupils shrank in those icy pools and the sight was magnificent.
Luca let her go and she quickly stepped back. Not waiting for a second, she ran out of there leaving him alone.
Past. 5 years ago... Angela's whole body ached as she stood alone in the chilly weather on the training grounds. The sky was still dark. She couldn't even get proper sleep because of that damned man. She used to take a day off from training if her body hurt this much because of the last sparring but today she couldn't do that because of her jerk of a trainer. What did he think of himself? Just because he was huge and had colossal strength, he expected her to be the same as him. She was young and still trying her best. What did he expect? Angela shifted her weight from one foot to another. The cool breeze swept past her hair as she breathed slowly rubbing her arms. Thank God, she was wearing a hoodie otherwise she would've frozen to death by now. She glanced at the time, and it was 5:15. He was late. His audacity to command her to be on time and didn't even bother to show up on time. Last night after tending to her wounds she called Hunter and fought with him. She co
Present... "So, you're her bodyguard?" Angela heard Daphne's voice as she was walking down the stairs. "Sort of. I'd rather not call myself her bodyguard but unfortunately, I am for now." His deep voice sounded gruff and thick as if he had just woken up. Angela slowed down her flight down the stairs so she could eavesdrop more on the conversation. "Are you, her family?" Daphne asked. It wasn't Daphne's fault that she was asking so many questions. That woman has an inquisitive nature and she always interviewed all of Angela's friends to make sure the girl was surrounded by good people. And Daphne has excellent observing skills. She often reads people like an open book. "Not blood related but we grew up together at the same place." "How old are you, young man?" "I'll be turning 30 in about two months." "Oh, you must think of Angela like your little sister." Daphne smiled. Angela poked her head inside and watched how Luca frowned. Even Angela was scowling. From w
Past. 5 years ago... "You don't have to be so rude." She countered glaring up at him as her eyes turned misty. How dare he yell at her like that? Her father and brothers never scolded her. Who did he think he was? "Your non-serious attitude is pissing me off," He gritted lowly. He was standing in her personal space. But she didn't care, Angela leaned forward glaring up at him. "Don't yell at me." They both maintained eye contact and the way he glared at her with that ruthless look had her taking an involuntary step back. "D... Don't scare me like that." She said in a small voice blinking desperately so as not to cry and show him that he scares the living daylight out of her. Luca closed his eyes for a brief second and stepped back. Giving his back to her he raked his fingers through his hair and inhaled deeply to control his temper. "You're done for the day. Leave. Be on the training grounds at 5 tomorrow." He said in his rough voice. Angela didn't wait a s
Present... Angela gaped at his massive shoulders as he dragged her from there. Her eyes narrowed and she tried to free her wrist. Angela didn't think of the consequences at all. This was Luca she was dealing with. She should've thought about the aftermath, but she didn't. It completely slipped her mind. But it wasn't like he could hurt her or anything. She didn't understand the fear that began to coil in the bottom of her belly. "Let go of me," She demanded tugging at her hand, but his hold was ferocious to the point she was sure he would bruise her skin. If Angela weren't drunk, she would've fought him tooth and nail but at that moment she couldn't fight him. "You're hurting me," She clawed at his hand and his hold on her loosened. Angela didn't wait a second before she freed her hand and dashed in the opposite direction. She hurried to the back door and stepped out, inhaling the cool air deeply. A loud gasp left her lips when a hand appeared behind her and cla
Past. 5 years ago... Her brows scrunched in her sleep as she slowly blinked her eyes open. A groan left her lips feeling the wild pounding in her head. She rubbed her temples to ease the pain as she closed her eyes. "Ugh, what the hell?" She groaned. Angela had never felt such an immense headache in her life. Her head felt so heavy. Angela turned to the side and placed the other pillow on her head. If only she had more time, she would've slept the whole day, but Luca would kill her for being late for training. With much difficulty, she sat up straight and rubbed her temples. Angela blinked her eyes open to look at the clock and her eyes almost popped out of her sockets in shock. It was 11 in the morning. How did she sleep all this time? Her alarm didn't go off. What in the world was happening? Angela stepped out of bed in a hurry only to wince as she closed her eyes tightly and paused. Luca was going to kill her. She was sure of it. He'd made her train for 24
Present... Just as their lips touched, she pulled back, dropping to the balls of her feet. Angela blinked at him muddled. "I think I've kissed you before. It feels like Deja vu," She mumbled, touching her lips. "So, you remembered," He rasped. Eyes darker than ever and jaw clenched. He looked mad. "Remember what?" She slurred, cluelessly. "That you kissed me 5 years ago when you were drunk. It was your dare," He breathed. Her eyes lit up and she blushed, pressing her fingers on her lips and looking up at him with those big sparkling eyes. "Of course, I remember it but you don't need to know that. It was so embarrassing. I still couldn't believe I wasted my first precious kiss on a cold emotionless jerk like you," She grumbled huffing in annoyance. The muscles in his jaw feathered as he glared at her. "Jerk?" His deep voice sounded clipped, icy. "Yeah, of course, you're a jerk. Listen Luca and listen well," she said, stepping closer to him as s
Past. 5 years ago... "I'm so excited," Angela beamed joyously. "Me too," Ella squealed. "Me three," Emily clapped her hands. Ella and Emily were Violet's younger half-sisters. These girls were the most adorable on this planet, and their sass was out of the charts. "We'll swim in the pond," Emily said. "For sure," Angela winked at the little girl. Violet ensured they got all the stuff they needed for the picnic. "You guys are being a third wheel for no reason. I just wanted to spend some time with Violet," Lennox sulked. "You took her on a dinner date just last night. Such a simp," Ella said, earning a chortle from Angela and Lennox narrowed his eyes at the little girl. "So what? She is my wife." "And she's our sister," Ella retorted. "Okay. Okay. No fighting. Let's get in the car," Violet said and they all settled in. Angela took the back seat along with the girls as she checked the messages from her mom when Lennox pulled over to the side and stepp
Present... Angela woke up with a heavy pounding on her head. She groaned and lay on the bed, trying to recall last night. Her head felt so freaking heavy. She rarely drank but last night she wanted to feel free and enjoy herself. That was why she drank. She wondered who dropped her home. Probably Maeve and Milo. She snuggled more into the pillow feeling her body relax. Blinking her eyes, she glanced at the clock and groaned in annoyance. She had classes in the afternoon. She groggily sat up on the bed and stared at nothingness, a bit dazed. Her head was throbbing badly, she hated this pain but still, she liked to drink once in a while. Angela stared down at her clothes. "Jesus, how did I even sleep in this?" She mumbled to herself, staring down at the dress. Pulling to her feet she winced because of the headache. Angela shimmied out of the dress and laid out her clothes on the bed. She was roaming in her room butt naked. Pouring herself some water she chu