The Alpha from Mayford

«You seem to know my name, but I don't know yours,» Lara said.

She didn't know where she found the courage. Maybe, it was Nate's warm hand on her back. Or, most likely, it was the worry that he could do something unpredictable.

If Nate was prey to fury, she had to be the cold one among them two.

«It would be nice to introduce yourself, Mister. Especially since it's not the first time we talk,» she continued.

«My name is Luciano Polenta,» he said, pressing a hand on his heart. «But you can call me by name if you want.»

«We're not close enough, Mr Polenta. We barely know each other; isn't it early to be informal?»

Luciano rolled his eyes, hiding his annoyance well enough. Somehow, he didn't seem displeased that Lara had talked back. His eyes stopped on Nate for a single moment before returning on the woman.

«What a spicy character,» he commented. His smile was quite genuine, but that couldn't be noticed by Lara or Nate.