Anaya A week has passed since Nicolas and I visited his cabin. After that, he took a flight to Spain and hasn’t been back since. He texted to let me know he was leaving Italy for a week and that I should exercise caution till he gets back. I smiled as soon as I finished reading his text since it was such a wonderful gesture. I must confess that I am missing his presence. I miss his irritating smirks, his relentless mocking, and his attractive face. His absence reminded me of how much he had influenced my life. During the previous week, he sent me a message once or twice, but it was insufficient. However, I know he is a very busy man. Aside from that, I don’t want to hear any gory details about his organization. I sighed as I strolled through my father’s library, running my hands over the hardback old volumes. I’ve never seen a library as large as the one he owned. I adore reading and the beauty of literature, so spending time in the library provides me with some stability. Books hav

Anaya Nicolas held on for dear life. He had me nearly glued to his side. The strange tingling in my belly returned. His actions have left me perplexed as well as blushing. My father grinned as he sat in front of us. “I’m content now,” my father grinned. Nicolas and I both found his words to be confusing. “What do you mean, Papa?” I asked. “The way Ricci reacted just because you did not answer his phone call persuaded me that I selected the ideal man for my daughter,” dad remarked proudly. “He will keep you safe.” “Rest assured, Viler, I will always protect Anaya no matter what,” Nicolas declared. “My wife deserves that.” My father reminded him that “She is not your wife yet, Ricci.” I can see that he was pulling Nicolas’s chain since he knew how much Nicolas detested being called out. His jaw tightened. “We will rectify that soon. We will marry as soon as Anaya is ready.” “Hmm... amid the ruckus you created, Ricci, I forgot Anaya was talking about something important to me,” fa

Anaya “Now that we’re alone,” Lucia remarked, wriggling her brows. “What’s going on between you and my older brother? Tell me everything.” “Nothing is going on,” I answered, attempting to cover my blush from Nicolas’ whispers in my ear. She snorted, “I won’t be fooled, so please stop. One thing you should know about me is that I find out anything I want to know. Sherlock Holmes is nothing compared to me!” I pursed my lips as I tried to come up with a way to get her to stop asking questions. “I believe we should get going.” “Tsk. Tsk. Tsk. Anaya, we need to work on your lying skills or you will be slaughtered out here,” she chuckled. “I don’t have to lie. In any case, Nicolas doesn’t like liars,” I said. “Oh, so if Nicolas doesn’t like something, you won’t do it,” she sang. “Lucia, stop teasing me, please,” I groaned. She chuckled. Both brother and sister have too much fun on my account. “Cia. Call me Cia,” she smiled. “You will be my sister-in-law. Therefore, no formalities.”

Anaya I hissed. “I am sorry. Did I hurt you?” Cia asked. I smiled as I peered behind me. “No. I am all right.” “It’s settling wonderfully,” she murmured as she traced her finger over my burned back. She yanked her hand away after another hiss from me. I laughed as I said, “It should heal, since you’re taking care of it.” Since I burned my back three days ago, she has visited my home every day. That night, she and Nicolas came to see me, and she designated herself as my nurse, taking care of it, helping me get dressed, and applying the ointment to my back. She smiled. “I have to look after my best friend. And if I don’t my brother will turn nuts if I don’t take care of you.” “So you are doing this for your brother and not me? I am hurt,” I fake gasped as I tugged my shirt down. We laughed. We both washed our hands before sitting in my room. During the last few days, we have spent considerable time together. She has shown me what it is like to have a friend you can rely on. When

Anaya I was amazed at the spectacle in front of me as we exited the armored car. I may not have seen many places, but I feel this one is the most magnificent. Cia has given me a crash course in Mafia-related things. Her report states that the event was held by one of the wealthiest mafias ever. He is richer than my father and even Nicolas. There is no question in my mind now that I have seen this. Daisy whispered, “Close your mouth or you’ll catch flies.” I instantly shut my lips and followed my father to the gate. I noticed a charming man greeting everyone as we got closer to the gate. He was intimidatingly tall, strong, and built. An air of authority surrounded him. I felt a bit nervous as we got closer to him. My father had switched to Mafia mode. A domineering and malicious presence replaced the kind and benevolent presence. “Ivankov,” my father said. The man turned, and I realized just how attractive that man was. Is everyone here unbearably hot, or is the water different in