-her POV-
It's not the first time I'm here but still , knowing that right now, since the moment I've stepped out of this car,my life was handed down like bread on thanks giving.
I dont know how many people are here but I know that there are enough to kill me, including my parents.Well I dont care about Sanchez, though.
,,We will have to leave our equipment here." I hear my mother behind me while she unbuckles her gun from her holster.
Well I won't, because otherwise I'm dead.
I quickly take my knife and hide it between my cutout.I cannot stay in that house overnight unarmed.There are plenty of signs pointing out a trap and I feel like a fool for being lead into it without any chance to take another path.
,,Lucía, when you're alone there, you-" my mother starts again but I know exactly what she will tell me.This is not the first time I'm doing such thing and also, I've been in worse situations.Being held at gunpoint, which will probably happen tonight, won't be something new to me.
,,I know." I answer before walking towards the huge old money mansion in front of me, taking in the whole view.
Shortly after, I feel Sanchez's presence right behind me when I stop in front of the stairs.
I feel so nervous out of a sudden, I cannot bring myself upstairs until my father passes me.
Okay, that was my clue.There is no turning back.
The fact that they could shoot us on point won't leave my mind.Well if none of us should survive today, our business gets passed on to my uncle and therefore his son, my cousin Angelos.Yet it would take a huge damage.
Right after we reached the entrance, six armed men step forward, blocking the way to the huge doors behind them.
,,We have to check for weapons before you can enter.None allowed." the one standing in the front says , not even moving an inch.
,allowed' sounds ironic to me.We are playing by rules now, are we?
I wouldn't mind to be let outside.Actually, I could easily let myself get thrown out and safe my own life.
No.
No Lucía.
I am no coward.I will do this and I will fullfill my job.Besides, I have to know what this deal is about before it gets signed.
mierda
My mother curses under hear breath, probably knowing that this is a really bad idea.
Four of the four men start walking towards us, stopping in front of each of us, checking for weapons.
I glare at the one right in front of me.His face hidden behind a ski mask, only showing his light brown eyes, highlighted by the lights hanging above me at the entrance of this huge mansion.
,,Touch me and you'll be only able to count for your last five seconds alive." I try to warn him,glaring so intensely at him so he'd back off.
Unfortunately, he didn't.Instead , a low chuckle leaves his mouth.
Another step closer to me makes my teeth grit in annoyance.
Typical, I'm not getting taken seriously.
Let me show you then how funny it is.
His hands slowly moving up and down my body, taking a bit too long to check.
,,Hands off." was the last warning I gave him but before I'd cut off his bodyparts piece by piece, the doors open behind us, revealing two known faces I'd recognize anytime.
María and Castillo Díaz.
,,Javier, leave her be." María speaks up, looking directly at me with a wide confident smile.Her black shoulder length hair is tied back in a low ponytail , contouring her black eyes and dress she's fit in.
Right next to her , Castillo is standing dominant in every way,while his light blonde hair almost glows in the dark just as his all well known dark green eyes.
María is compared to my mother a way more proud and confident woman.She was born into this business just like her husband.
No wonder that her children turned out even worse.
I straighten my back , raise my chin and bite my tounge to keep me from saying some things which are lingering deep in my mind.
,,Why don't you come inside so we can have a proper discussion about.." Castillo's voice fills the silence but he stops at the end of his sentence and grins instead.
Grins at me willingly.His eyes fill with amusement, letting his cold facade drop for a couple of sehonds before he drops his smile and turns on his heel to go back inside.
Why do they all have to much such a big deal about it.Just tell me and off we go.
As the five bodyguard alike men in front of us finally move aside, I step forward as the first, following the host inside.Right behind me, the rest copies me.
I know the structure of this mansion.It may have passed some time since the last time I set a foot on this marble floored entrance, but my memory lasted just fine.
Quickly, my gaze swifts around , looking out for any possible dangers.
Yet, everything is strangely clear.
But after analyzing for dangers, my mind drifts off to the beautiful interior.
The foyer is exquisitely decorated with a touch of darkness, showcasing the family's opulence and mysterious nature. The architecture is reminiscent of a bygone era, with intricate moldings, high ceilings, and grand chandeliers. The walls are adorned with rich, dark wood paneling, giving the space a sense of elegance and history. The flooring is made of polished marble, reflecting the soft glow of the ornate crystal chandelier hanging from above. As you enter, you are greeted by a grand staircase, its steps covered in a plush, deep red carpet. The foyer is filled with antique furniture, including velvet-covered armchairs and a grand piano, adding to the old-world charm. The air is scented with the subtle fragrance of aged leather and fresh flowers, creating an atmosphere of sophistication and luxury. It's a captivating space that perfectly captures the essence of this wealthy mafia family's legacy.
I was about to go on when Castillo turns back to me, not seeming to have taken his gaze of me once from analyzing my every move.
He may not seem harmful, but dont let yourself fooled.He probably is the most dangerous man I ever stood next to.
,,You've turned out very interesting." Castillo comments, eying me up and down with a gaze I can't really tell anything off.
Great, another man with more secrets hidden behind that facade, making it for me once again harder to make anything out of this situation.
,,Have I now?As far as I remember, I've stayed pretty much the same." I say with a stern voice.
,,Something is different, estimada." Maria smiles innocently at me, just like a casual mother of six children would do.Well, if only would she be innocent.
,,You know, my sons pretty much didn't stop talking about you.I wonder what the reason for their attention is." Her smile widens.I know by experience that María is a human lie detector and acting clueless won't get me far.
If she announces it like this, it's more than clear that it has to do something with me.Not that I feel flattered, but yet it pushes my ego a little higher if there was even some space left.
,,Is that so?" I can't hide the amusement lingering in my voice.
,,You'll see,estimada.Just whait." she adds, now opening two huge wooden doors, leading into another large room. The dining room.
This grand dining room is located just off the foyer, continuing the theme of opulence and old-world charm. The room is bathed in soft, warm lighting, casting a romantic glow over the space. The walls are adorned with rich, dark wallpaper, featuring intricate patterns that add a touch of sophistication. The centerpiece of the room is a long, polished mahogany dining table, surrounded by elegant high-back chairs upholstered in luxurious velvet. The table is set with fine china, sparkling crystal glassware, and gleaming silverware, reflecting the family's refined taste. A magnificent chandelier hangs above the table, casting a soft, ambient light that enhances the intimate atmosphere. The room is further adorned with antique sideboards and cabinets, displaying exquisite china and silverware collections. The air is filled with the aroma of delectable cuisine, prepared by the family's private chef. It's a space where lavish banquets and intimate gatherings take place, embodying the grandeur and elegance of the Díaz family.
While stepping closer to the table , everyone takes a seat.Unfortunately for me, I seem to be the only one who sits alone in the center.Now way in hell will I get closer to them.Father takes his seat on the other side of the dinner table,mother right next to him and Sanchez? He didn't seem to get the sign and takes his seat right next to mine.
An audible sigh leaves my lips as I turn my head to the side.
,,Don't worry estimada, they will arrive in any minute." Maria informs me.,,I wasn't really looking forward to meeting all of your children again." I admit as I turn my gaze to her.By the way she stares right into my eyes, I can tell she feels amused.By me? By this situation? I don't know.
Loud chatter chimes from the foyer making María just grin in approval.
I seem to be the only one paying attention to the two double doors, which separates us from them.Well along Sanchez of course who has tensed again.
My father seems to have a surprisingly calm conversation with Castillo while on the other hand, my mother seems to find herself distracted by Maria's chatter about her daughters.
This is all an act from our side.Even though I don't really pay attention to their conversation, I can feel their tensed state reaching up to me.Even the sarcasm in my fathers voice is audible enough to remind me of the real occasion of this dinner.
Just as I hear the doors open, I shoot my gaze back to it.Five tall figures are now standing in the doorframe, looking like they just came out of a model show.
Hair as black as the feathers of a raven, eyes so dark you could loose yourself in them and an appearance you only know from your imagination alone.
Except a way smaller fugure standing next to them, seeming to squeeze herself trough them.
Ariana Díaz, the middle child.The only one of them with light blonde hair and green eyes, a copy of her father.
Standing proud and tall in her heels, which make her at least two inches taller.After taking a few steps forward, her eyes lock with mine as they widen a slight bit before she gives me an approving nod.She then takes a look at every other person present in this room before taking a seat next to her mother without saying her word.
My phone vibrates as Vale's number pops up on my phone display.I quickly reach for it, whaiting for her to say anything.
,,Lucía?" she starts and I turn my face away from Adriana.
Still, I feel her gaze burn into my cheek.
Ariana's light pink dress contrasts next to her brothers who are all dressed in black suits, combined with shoes as dark as the gaze from the man in thr middle who seems so shoot daggers into my direction.
Not some man.
,,You have to run.That man at the event was-„ her voice sounds more frantic than it should.But I cut her off, already knowing the answer.Knowing it since that specific man steps closer.
,,Alessandro." I finnish she sentence before her, my lips staying slightly parted while I unintentionally put my phone down,hangig up on the call.
I haven't seen him in such a long time, but now that I can see him better, I recognize his eyes I've always despised so much.This green which reminds me of toxic and poison, all radiating from him alone.
That snake tattoo that I've seen just a hour ago finds itself swirling along his chest.
Their family sign.
Of course.How could I have been so dumb.He was standing right in front of me.
But now that he is here without his mask,he changed from a charming and , I have to admit, a good dancer to the old hating jackass.
We continued staring at each other, just like we did before, but not only his gaze found its way to me.All of them are now looking at me but not in the way Alessandro does.
They look genuinely ,nicer' if you can put it like this.
,,Sit." Castillos voice echoes trough the room.Of course, they take a seat just as if an owner told their dog to do a trick they taught him.
My gaze lowered on my still empty plate until I feel a presence behind me.Suddenly the air feels so thick and a thin layer of goosebumps spreads across my skin.
,.You're sitting on my seat." A dark voice sounds behind me with such intensity, I first thought he was talking to me.
Alesandro was ,once again, acting like a child has stomped on his sand castle.Why does he have to make such a scene because of a fucking seat.
,,Why don't you sit down on another seat?There's plenty of them." Sanchez looks up at him, so full of himself that he grins with mischief in his eyes.
While I still haven't moved my tensed body not even an inch.
Why am I suddenly frozen, now that I know who was standing behind me.
Why was I so reckless?I could've died back there?Why didn't he kill me?He obviously knew who I was.
,,Why don't you get your ass up from my seat." He starts again, pronouncing the last two words extra to make them more threatening.I knew he wanted to continue to threaten him but Castilos warning gaze made him hold back.
A listener after all,interesting.
Even though his glare didnt last on me, I could feel the intensity of it lingering right next to me.His whole presence alone filled the void.
And yet, although he was making a scene, his brothers seem to be completely amused by the scene, not even thinking about interrupting this scene.
Another minute in this state and Sanchez would've melted on spot, so I guess he took the sign and moved from his chair to the other one on the other side of me.
This fucker-
A proud grin grew on his lips while he took his seat as if nothing happened.
,,Know my name now?" Alesandro speaks , quiet enough just for me to hear while his eyes glimmered with amusement.
I shoot a sideways glare at him.
Of course I do.I would never forget his name.
Alesandro Díaz, or how I like to call him: cabrón.
His name in my mind alone made me feel like half of my braincells just had rotten away.
,,That's what I thaught." is what he says after seconds of silence from me.
He was barely talking to me but the tone in his voice was just hard to ignore.
Even though my mind despised the idea of him, my hormones reacted otherwise.His voice alone made a wave of heat shoot directly down to my lower stomach and I hated every inch of my body for not being able to fight against it.
Aside from that,his strong scent smelling like rich cologne and smoke which adjusts perfectly with his ridiculously handsome appearance filled my nostrils, I was worried I'll pass out by that intense masculine scent.
He is nothing like I rememberd him.The only thing that stayed was the spark in his dark green eyes when he thought he'd won an argument against me.
Mierda, I think I'll die before the night even starts.