CHAPTER THIRTEEN

ANYA

"What the fuck!" Vincenzo's voice boomed, his exasperation slicing through the air like a sharp blade. The sudden outburst startled me, causing my heart to race even faster in my chest.

"Vince!!!" A voice screamed, breaking the tension-filled room. My eyes widened as a stunning blonde beauty sprinted into Vincenzo's waiting arms. I instinctively moved out of the way, a mix of surprise and astonishment flooding my senses. I watched in awe as they embraced, her lips smothering his face with joyful kisses.

I stood there, gaping like a fish out of water, unable to tear my eyes away from the scene unfolding before me. Vincenzo, the formidable and ruthless Capo of the Italian famiglia, was transformed in that instant. The laughter that erupted from him shook his entire being, reaching deep into the depths of his soul. It was a sound I never thought I would hear—a sound that rendered him boyish and carefree, if only for a fleeting moment.

A mixture of disbelief and fascination coursed through my veins as I observed their affectionate display. It was as if the world had momentarily shifted on its axis, revealing a side of Vincenzo I never knew existed. The news of this unexpected transformation felt like the discovery of the century, a revelation that defied the preconceived notions I held about him.

Vincenzo, who was known for his stoic demeanour and unyielding power, now stood before me, basking in the warmth of another's love. The sight was both endearing and surreal, a testament to the complexity of his character.

As I watched them, my heart filled with a mixture of emotions. Admiration for the tenderness he showed in that moment, curiosity about the nature of their relationship, and perhaps a touch of envy for the connection they shared. I couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to be the one who could make him laugh so freely, who could unravel the layers of his hardened exterior.

"Vince, I missed you so much," the blonde beauty exclaimed with a laugh, her eyes shining with adoration.

"I missed you more. What time did you get back?" Vincenzo inquired, his voice filled with a mix of tenderness and curiosity.

"Last night. I decided to surprise you," she beamed, a joyous smile gracing her lips.

A wave of emotions washed over me as I observed their exchange, my heart yearning for the kind of connection they shared. It was clear that their bond ran deep, their reunion brimming with affection and genuine happiness. In that moment, I couldn't help but feel a pang of envy, wishing for someone who would eagerly await my return, someone who would light up at the sight of me.

"You did a good job at that," Vincenzo replied, a soft chuckle escaping his lips as he ruffled her hair playfully. The sight of him being so affectionate and carefree with her tugged at my heartstrings, a mix of admiration and longing intertwining within me.

As the blonde beauty turned her attention towards me, her eyes filled with warmth and familiarity, I couldn't help but feel a mix of surprise and curiosity. Who was this woman who had the power to make Vincenzo smile so freely?

In an instant, she enveloped me in a tight hug, and I instinctively returned the gesture. However, as the embrace lingered, I found myself struggling to breathe. With a slight wince, I tapped her back, indicating the need for some space.

"You're choking me," I managed to utter, my voice slightly strained.

Immediately, she released me from her grasp, concern etched across her features. "Are you okay?" she asked, her voice filled with genuine worry.

I nodded, offering a faint smile in reassurance. "Yeah, I'm fine," I replied, my voice regaining its composure. It was clear that her intentions were kind, her embrace simply an overflow of affection and excitement.

"Hi, I am Alessia, Vince's little sister," she introduced herself with a warm smile, her eyes sparkling with familiarity.

I nodded, trying to process the unexpected revelation. "I see. What? You're his sister?" The surprise in my voice was evident as I glanced back and forth between Alessia and Vincenzo, searching for confirmation. Vincenzo, in his typical enigmatic fashion, simply lifted his shoulders in a half shrug, offering no further explanation.

Alessia's smile remained unwavering as she extended a hand towards me. "Nice to meet you, Anya."

My eyes widened, caught off guard by her knowledge of my name. "How do you know my name when you're just meeting me for the first time?" I questioned, a hint of suspicion creeping into my tone.

"Carlo told me that Matteo brought in a dimpled cutie and Vince is keeping her. So I assumed it was you," she explained with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.

"Dimpled cutie?" Vincenzo frowned, clearly puzzled by the description.

Alessia couldn't help but snicker at his reaction. "Why?" she prodded, her tone teasing.

Vincenzo's response was a mere murmur, and he averted his gaze, his features unreadable. It was a fleeting moment, but it left me with a tinge of curiosity. What was the significance of the nickname? What had transpired between them?

Before I could dwell on it further, Alessia swiftly changed the subject. "See you later, Vince," she bid her brother farewell, pulling me along with her as we began to walk away.

We entered Alessia's room, and she immediately flopped down on her bed, exhaustion evident in her posture. I couldn't help but glance around, taking in the vibrant and girlish decor that adorned the space. It was a stark contrast to the gritty world we found ourselves in, a gentle reminder that beneath the layers of darkness, there was still room for lightness and innocence.

"Did you go on a vacation?" I inquired, genuinely curious about her absence.

Alessia let out a tired chuckle. "I wish that was the case. But no, I went to school," she replied, her voice tinged with a hint of longing for simpler times.

"I see," I nodded, understanding the weight of responsibility that fell upon her shoulders as Vincenzo's sister. While I had been forced to grow up too quickly in my own way, it was clear that Alessia had also faced her own set of challenges and sacrifices.

Sensing my silent contemplation, Alessia motioned for me to join her on the bed. I obediently moved to her side, the softness of the mattress providing a welcome respite from the uncertainties that lingered outside these walls.

"It's so nice to have a girl around here," Alessia grinned, her expression filled with genuine warmth

I couldn't help but return her smile, appreciating the camaraderie that was forming between us. "Are you the only girl around here?" I asked, even though deep down, I knew that wasn't the case. There were other women within Vincenzo's world, like Camila and Natalina, whose names I had heard but faces I had yet to encounter.

Alessia's smile faltered slightly, her tone taking on a more serious note. "No, there's Blanca, but she's a cold-ass bitch. Trust me, Anya, she's someone you should avoid."

Blanca. The name struck a chord of unfamiliarity within me. I hadn't seen or heard of anyone by that name since I arrived in this world of secrets and danger. Alessia seemed to sense my confusion, offering an explanation before I could voice my thoughts.

"She's currently out on a business trip for Vince," Alessia revealed, her words providing a glimmer of understanding.

"I see." I nodded, absorbing the information.

"Jeez, Vince is unbelievable. I can't believe he made you work as a maid here," she remarked, her gaze briefly flickering disapprovingly over my attire. Alessia's words pierced through the air, laced with disbelief and a hint of disdain.

I couldn't help but feel a pang of defensiveness rise within me, but I quickly quelled it. This life, with its rules and expectations, was not something I fully understood yet. I had been thrown into this world unexpectedly, and despite the unfamiliarity and occasional hardships, I found solace in the silver lining.

"I'm good, Alessia. In fact, I'm actually glad he made me work as a maid," I responded, my voice holding a resolute tone. I could sense her surprise at my statement, but I continued, determined to express my perspective. "It would have been so lonely locked away in my room all day. At least here, I have a purpose, a sense of belonging."

"I can relate," She murmured softly, her voice laced with a mix of understanding and vulnerability. "Loneliness has been a familiar presence in my life too. But I don't resent Vincenzo for it. He is the best brother anyone could ever ask for."

After the pain and betrayal I had experienced in the past, I had erected walls around my heart, shielding myself from potential heartbreak. But as I looked at Alessia, a newfound warmth enveloped me, and I realized that I had already fallen in love with her genuine spirit.

Her presence had begun to heal the wounds that Zoya had inflicted upon my heart, teaching me that despite the risks, opening myself up to the possibility of friendship and love could lead to extraordinary connections.

"Of course. Only you would see him in a different light. To the rest of us, he is a ruthless bastard." My heart skipped a beat as my words echoed in my ears. I hadn't meant to blurt out such a bold statement, especially not to Vincenzo's sister. But instead of reproach, her response caught me off guard, filling the air with laughter and a sense of understanding.

"It is fine," she reassured me, her grin widening. "That's what people say about him. They see the ruthless exterior, but when you get to know him better, he can actually be a sweetheart."

"Oh yeah?" I responded, mimicking Vincenzo's voice, a mischievous glimmer dancing in my eyes.

Alessia burst into laughter, her infectious joy filling the room. In that moment, it felt as if a bond had formed between us, a connection rooted in shared experiences and a willingness to see beyond the surface. The walls around my heart began to crumble further, replaced by a growing affection for this spirited and genuine woman before me.

"I love you already," she declared, her words capturing the depth of our budding friendship. In Alessia, I had found an unexpected confidante, someone who saw beyond the harsh exterior of this world and embraced the complexities of those within it.

As a smile graced my lips, a sense of hope washed over me. Despite the uncertainties that lingered within this world, I couldn't help but feel a glimmer of excitement for what lay ahead. Alessia's presence had already begun to weave its way into the fabric of my heart, and I knew deep within me that our connection would only grow stronger with time.