CHAPTER FIFTEEN

ANYA

Today, it was my turn to serve breakfast, and as usual, Natalina and Camila joined me in the task. We prepared the tray with care, making sure to arrange everything perfectly. It was a routine we had grown accustomed to within the confines of this luxurious mansion.

With the tray in my hands, I made my way to the elegant dining room. As I entered, my gaze briefly met Vincenzo's piercing eyes, but I quickly averted my gaze, feeling a slight blush creep up my cheeks. There was an undeniable intensity in his stare that always made me feel a mix of nerves and curiosity.

Vincenzo sat at the head of the table, commanding an air of authority that came naturally to him. Matteo, Carlo, and Alessia, his trusted inner circle, were seated by his side, exuding a sense of loyalty and camaraderie. However, my attention was drawn to the two unfamiliar faces seated next to them—a handsome young man and an equally striking woman.

As I positioned myself behind Alessia's seat, ready to assist her, the male guest suddenly stood up, his eyes fixed on me. A warm smile graced his lips, and I couldn't help but notice how attractive he was. It seemed that Vincenzo only surrounded himself with people who possessed a certain charm and allure.

"Hello, Anya," he greeted me warmly, his voice smooth and captivating.

I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow in curiosity at his response. How did he know my name? The thought crossed my mind, but before I could voice my question, he spoke up, introducing himself as Nico. His warm smile and playful demeanour were contagious, instantly putting me at ease.

"Nico, huh? Nice to meet you," I replied, a hint of intrigue in my voice. His presence added a new dynamic to the already intriguing dynamics of this household.

Turning my attention to Alessia as she tugged at my shirt, I listened to what she had to tell me

"He is Nico, I and Vince adopted brother. He may look playful, but he is a skilled assassin and a fucking asshole."

"He's your adopted brother?" I asked, my eyes widening slightly in surprise. The revelation added another layer of complexity to the family dynamic within this powerful circle. It was clear that Nico's appearance had stirred emotions and memories within Alessia, evoking a strong reaction.

Alessia's candid remark about Nico being a skilled assassin and a "fucking asshole" left me momentarily taken aback. It was a stark reminder that appearances could be deceiving, and that beneath his playful exterior, Nico possessed a dangerous side. The conflicting descriptions only served to deepen my curiosity about this enigmatic young man.

Nico, seemingly unfazed by Alessia's words, responded with a touch of humour in his voice. "Hey, Alessia. I can hear you," he playfully retorted.

Alessia, unbothered by his comment, stood her ground. "So what?" she replied, her voice filled with a hint of defiance.

The woman beside Nico, Blanca, sent a cold and piercing glare in my direction. I couldn't help but feel a surge of irritation at her frosty demeanour. What was her problem? Did she know me from somewhere, or was she just naturally inclined to be this unwelcoming?

Before I could respond, Blanca spoke up with a harsh tone, her words laced with an unmistakable edge. "I hope you're not expecting me to introduce myself," she said, her voice dripping with disdain.

Alessia wasted no time chiming in, her description of Blanca only serving to reinforce my initial impression. "Anya, that's Blanca, the cold-ass bitch I told you about," she remarked with a tinge of irritation in her voice.

My narrowed eyes reflected my growing annoyance. It was clear that Blanca had a reputation for being difficult, and she was living up to it perfectly. Her unwarranted hostility only fuelled my determination not to let her get under my skin.

"What did you just call me?" Blanca's sneer deepened as Alessia's words hit their mark.

"I am sure you heard me the first time. But if you want to hear it again, I called you a cold ass bitch." Alessia said calmly.

"You…" Her sharp retort lingered on her tongue, but before she could unleash her fury, Nico's voice cut through the tension like a calming breeze.

"Woah, woah, woah, enough ladies," Nico interjected, his tone laced with a firmness that commanded attention. Alessia and Blanca redirected their fiery gazes toward each other, their hostility palpable.

"Hey Anya." Nico's voice reached my ears, breaking through the tension that had settled in the room. I turned my attention to him as he called my name, his tone laced with a friendly warmth.

"Yeah?" I responded, curiosity evident in my voice.

"I hope we can be good friends. You are beautiful," he expressed sincerely, his words accompanied by a genuine smile.

His compliment caught me off guard, and a blush colored my cheeks. Nico's friendly demeanour stood in stark contrast to the perpetual scowls worn by Carlo and Matteo. It was a refreshing change, a glimmer of light in this world of shadows.

"Thanks for the compliment," I replied, my smile widening in appreciation. "I hope we can be good friends too."

"Anya!!!"

My heart skipped a beat as Vincenzo's booming voice filled the room. I turned toward him, my expression a mix of curiosity and annoyance. "What?" I snapped, meeting his gaze head-on.

"Pass me the curry," Vincenzo demanded, his tone laced with an air of authority.

My eyes narrowed, my irritation mounting. I gestured toward the steaming dish placed right in front of him. "It is right in front of you," I retorted, my voice tinged with exasperation.

A mischievous smirk played on Vincenzo's lips, further fuelling my frustration. I clenched my jaw, fighting the urge to confront him about his erratic behaviour. "You don't expect me to dish it out myself. Do you?" he taunted, his eyes dancing with amusement.

What the fuck is his problem now? My mind raced, the question swirling in my thoughts. Is he playing with me? The thought sent a surge of defiance through my veins.

I strode towards Vincenzo and with a mix of frustration and defiance, I dished out the curry onto his plate, watching as he took a spoonful and brought it to his mouth.

To my astonishment, he immediately spat it out, his face contorting in distaste. "Did you cook, Anya?" he exclaimed, his voice filled with dissatisfaction.

"Yes," I replied, my voice tinged with annoyance. "I did."

"It is fucking salty."

Vincenzo's complaint hung in the air, casting a shadow over my confidence. I couldn't understand why he found it so unpalatable. I had tasted it before serving, and it seemed perfectly fine. Doubt began to creep into my mind, but I refused to let it consume me.

Summoning my courage, I took a spoonful of the curry and put it into my own mouth, glaring at Vincenzo defiantly. "It is tasting just fine," I retorted, though the taste was lost on me. I had cooked the meal with the assistance of Cosima, who assured me it was delicious.

"Oh really?"

As Vincenzo's response escaped his lips, a surge of frustration mixed with suspicion coursed through my veins. I knew he was deliberately provoking me, intentionally trying to get under my skin. He thrived on chaos, on pushing boundaries and testing my patience.

But I wasn't about to let him have the upper hand. With a deep breath, I met his gaze, my voice laced with both irritation and determination. "Hey, behave mature and act like a boss," I retorted, my words punctuated with a touch of defiance.

A smug smirk curled on Vincenzo's lips, his eyes glinting with amusement. "I don't need to act like a boss. I am a fucking boss," he shot back, his confidence oozing from every pore. His words stung, a sharp reminder of the power he held within his world.

Rolling my eyes, I couldn't help but feel exasperated by his arrogance. "Then act like one," I countered, refusing to back down. I knew my words would only add fuel to the fire, but I wasn't about to let him intimidate me.

Suddenly, without warning, Vincenzo's grip tightened around my hands, his strength constricting like a vice. He pulled me closer until our faces were mere inches apart. My heart raced, a mix of fear and anticipation swirling within me.

"Just because I have been nice to you lately, that did not give you the right to talk to me anyhow," he growled, his voice dripping with a dangerous edge. Each word hit me like a warning, a reminder of the fine line I treaded in his world.

I gulped nervously, feeling the weight of his gaze bearing down on me. The intensity in his eyes made it clear that he was not to be trifled with. It was a stark reminder of the intricate power dynamics at play between us.

"Say anything annoying, and I will put you in your place," he threatened, his words laced with both dominance and a hint of possessiveness. The forcefulness of his grip and the proximity of our faces sent shivers down my spine.

Do I dare challenge him further? The thought flickered in my mind, battling against my instinct for self-preservation. I had come to understand the complexities of Vincenzo's world, the dangers that lurked within it. And in that moment, I realized that my defiance needed to be tempered with caution.

I nodded, my voice barely a whisper. "Anya..." Vincenzo called, his gaze searching mine for a sign of compliance.

I murmured a response, my words heavy with a mixture of trepidation and acquiescence. "Yes."

Alessia cleared her throat "Anya, please get me some rice."

Alessia's interruption provided a much-needed break from the tension that had filled the room. As she cleared her throat and made her request, I gratefully seized the opportunity to step away from Vincenzo's intense presence. Giving Alessia a small smile, I nodded in acknowledgment before swiftly making my way to the kitchen.

Once inside, I leaned against the countertop, placing my hands over my racing heart. The adrenaline from the encounter with Vincenzo still coursed through my veins, leaving me with a mix of emotions. Confusion, frustration, and a touch of disappointment clouded my thoughts.

What is his problem? I couldn't help but wonder, my mind replaying the rapid shifts in Vincenzo's behaviour. One moment he could be charming and seemingly attentive, and the next he would become cold and distant. It was like navigating a treacherous path, never knowing what to expect.

A heavy sigh escaped my lips as I contemplated the complexities of our relationship. Vincenzo was a man deeply ingrained in the ruthless world of the mafia. Kindness and warmth weren't attributes commonly associated with him. So, what was I expecting? I scolded myself inwardly, reminding myself of the reality of who Vincenzo was.

Shaking off my lingering thoughts, I retrieved the rice and prepared it with steady hands, focusing on the task at hand. I needed a moment to collect myself, to regain my composure before returning to the dining room.

When I re-entered the room, carrying the bowl of rice, I noticed that Vincenzo was nowhere to be found. A mix of relief and curiosity washed over me.

"Anya darling, did you do anything to make him angry?" Nico asked.

Nico's question caught me off guard, his concerned tone highlighting the underlying tension that had unfolded between Vincenzo and me. I pondered his words, contemplating if I had unknowingly done something to anger Vincenzo.

"I bet." Bianca muttered under her breath.

Blanca's snide remark, only fuelled the growing frustration within me. I turned my gaze to her, eyes narrowing with annoyance. "Hey, watch yourself," I snapped, my voice tinged with irritation. "I just met you, so can't you be nice?"

Her response was as biting as her initial comment. She scoffed dismissively, her tone dripping with disdain. "Nice? You don't know me, so stay the hell away from me." With those words, she rose from her seat and walked away, leaving a bitter aftertaste in the air.

Matteo's warning resonated in my ears, his cautionary words a stark reminder of the complexities that entwined this world. "She is right," he stated, his voice laced with an undertone of seriousness. "Anya, you don't want to cross her path."

As I watched them all stand up and walk away, a mix of emotions swirled within me. Confusion, frustration, and a growing sense of isolation settled in my chest. The weight of this world pressed upon me, reminding me that I was still an outsider, navigating treacherous waters filled with hidden dangers.

"Anya, can you come to my room when you are done?" Alessia asked.

"Sure." I nodded.

"Thanks." she smiled and walked away too.

I packed the dishes and Natalina and Camila assisted me to wash and dry the dishes. After finishing everything in the kitchen, I headed to Alessia's room.

As I approached Alessia's room, I couldn't help but notice that Vincenzo's office door was slightly ajar. Curiosity piqued, I hesitated for a moment before deciding to take a quick peek inside. To my surprise, I found Matteo, Carlo, Nico, and Blanca gathered inside, deep in conversation. Vincenzo, however, was noticeably absent.

"Looking for me, little star?" Vincenzo's deep voice sent a shiver down my spine as his unexpected presence startled me. I spun around to face him, my heart racing.