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Kai is the total opposite. He’s bulkier in his build, with bigger muscle, I can tell he enjoys lifting weights. With shoulders that seem to fill out his shirts and tees perfectly, and at times, the material seems to strain against his body. The ink that adorns his tanned skin makes him look like a walking canvas. Whereas Valen’s tattoos don’t hide too much of his smooth, olive flesh.
And then there’s Judah, who seems to be coiled so tight, he’s a mix between Val and Malachi. I don’t know what’s going to happen to me while living here, but what I do believe is that these men would do anything to protect me. I’m a possession to them, which on one hand, I hate, and on the other, I’m thankful for.
All three men have jaw bones that would make Michelangelo weep. Perfectly sculpted, with hints of dark shadow when they haven’t shaved. And deep down, I realise I’m helplessly attracted to each of them for very different reasons.
I finish my coffee and head back to my bedroom where I change into a pair of black, skinny jeans and a blush pink, long-sleeved jumper that’s loose and baggy. Slipping my feet into a pair of black boots, I zip them up on the side then quickly tie my hair into a messy bun. I’m not going out on a date, I’m not here to impress anyone, so this will do.
I grab my phone, which is pointless because the only person I want to contact is Papa, and I can’t. When he brought me to Italy, he told me I wasn’t to call or text. Instead, he would be in touch when he could. I can’t help but worry about him. He’s been my rock since I was a child. He saved me from this life, and even though he’s thrown me back into the lion’s den, I can’t hate him for it.
I know there’s so much more to this arrangement than meets the eye. And I intend to learn what I can. I’ll train at Black Hollow, and when the time is right, I’ll leave. Judah doesn’t want me here, so if I choose freedom over a loveless marriage, I’m sure he wouldn’t refuse me.
I find Valen at the entrance to the house, and he smiles when his gaze lands on me. He’s cute when he smiles with his dimples showing. He’s wearing a short-sleeved T-shirt, which offers me a glimpse of the taut muscle in his forearms. There’s a tattoo on his upper arm that I can’t make out, because it’s partly covered by the material, and I wonder what it is.
“Ready?” he asks, stealing my attention away from his ink, and I nod. “Let’s go.”
He doesn’t wait for me. He opens the door and saunters out into the courtyard where one of the staff brings his car round. The sleek, matte black Maserati is beautiful. On the front of the car is a badge depicting a crown that glints in gold. It’s the symbol I’ve seen on the bedroom doors of the Princes.
Valen gets in the driver’s side while I slip into the passenger seat beside him. I’m immediately impressed at how soft the leather interior feels. I grew up in a small town in the English countryside, far away from prying eyes. But when we moved to London, there were some kids at school who had this kind of luxury, but I didn’t. Papa said he didn’t want us to live a lavish lifestyle, and instead, my old beat-up Ford was my first and only car.
Valen pulls out of the driveway so fast, the tyres squeal on the gravel, and we head off towards the airstrip where I landed a week ago.
“Are you enjoying Black Hollow?” Valen asks as he quickly glances over at me before turning his attention back to the road.
“It’s…” I’m not sure what to call it, so I opt for, “It’s interesting.”
“How are your classes?”
I smile when I recall how much I love my Philosophy and History classes.
“They’re better than I imagined. I’m enjoying them. I didn’t expect the students to be as focused as they are. It’s refreshing to see. When I was at school, there were so many kids who just wanted to do the minimum necessary to get by. Here it seems exams and tests are welcomed.”
“The university is elite,” Valen tells me. “When Judah hires the professors, he vets them, and they go through several interviews before they’re employed to make sure they are the very best in their field. We also have to be careful as there are many enemies who want a chance to get onto the island.”
This startles me. “So, even here, you’re not free from threat?” I keep my focus on him, on his profile, and I can’t stop myself from admiring his cut jawline. His smooth tanned skin looks so soft, I almost want to reach out and touch it.
“Of course,” Valen answers as he flicks his eyes over to me. “We’re the next Bosses of our families. There will always be a threat hanging over us. We may demand respect and loyalty, but it’s not always given.”
I wonder if it’s the reason my father didn’t want me to live with him when he returned to Italy. Granted, the threat on his life is far greater because he broke the rule of omertà. However, if something happens to him, I’m the only surviving kin of the Saviatti family. But as I slot the pieces into place, trying to figure it out, I realise I’m not the next in line for my father’s throne, Emilio is.
“So, Emilio—”
“He would take over your family’s organisation if anything happened to your father,” Valen finishes my thought. “I know you don’t know him and didn’t grow up with him, but he’s a good guy.”
“I think I was more surprised that my father didn’t ever mention him. It’s not like he didn’t have the opportunity my entire life.”
We pull into the hangar, and Valen kills the engine.
“Don’t be too hard on your father. I know he’s not the most respected man among the families, but he did what was needed to keep you safe. That’s good in my eyes. He could have done it in a better way, but none of us are perfect.”
I glance up at Valen, and his gaze pierces me. I note his eyes are similar to Judah’s, but there’s a hint more green in them than in his best friend’s.
“I think Judah is of the opinion that he’s more than perfect.”
This causes Valen to laugh out loud. “Judah is a good guy. I’ve known him my entire life. He may come across as an arsehole, but I respect him. He would do anything for those he cares about. He may not let someone in easily,” he says as he pushes his car door open before glancing at me from over his shoulder. “But once he does, you will never doubt his feelings.”
“I won’t hold my breath while waiting for him to ever accept me into his life.”
After we exit the vehicle, Valen steps up beside me, and taking my hand, he looks directly into my eyes. It’s as if he’s looking for answers I’m not sure I have.
