Violet's POV
Stomping on the cigarette I motioned to pull a new one out of the box when I heard footsteps behind me. I turned around to look into the familiar brown eyes filled with pity.
"So...How are you holding up?".
"Pretty okay until you showed up."
"Violet." Hunter had a frustrated expression on his face. He moved closer and placed a hand on my shoulder gently squeezing it.
"I'm sorry."
I nodded and looked down. I had no idea how to respond. These were the only the words I'd heard for the past few days but I still didn't know how to answer it. My father had 'mysteriously' died a week ago and I still hadn't shed a single tear . I don't think my mind is ready to accept it yet. He wanted to get out of this 'business' but the truth is no one ever gets out...
....well unless they die.
"Hey V, my dad asked me to tell you that you can come stay with us. He can guarantee you protection, I dont think it's safe for you to be on your own since we don't know who killed him."
I let him hold me. Just a few more moments. I don't like being vulnerable in front of others. I need to get my shit together. In his arms, was the familiar sense of warmth. I relaxed into him. Hunter and I had been close since we were kids because our dads were in the same business. As I grew older I realised what 'business' was. Being linked to a mafia family I had grown up around deaths but never had I thought that some day I would be attending the funeral of the man I both feared and loved the most.
"Well atleast for a change you're nice to me."
"I'm always nice, you're the one who insists on being a bitch."
"Not a nice thing to say to someone who just lost her father."
"Sorry."
I laughed. Why can't I cry? I have no idea. I just feel empty.
I turned around to look at him, " I can't stay with you."
His brows furrowed with confusion as he cocked his head to the side, "Why not?"
Because I can't trust anyone.
" Cora already asked me, I will be staying with her for a few days."
He scrunched his nose," Cora? I don't like that girl ."
"She will get over it."
He rolled his eyes, "There's something wrong with her, she's happy twenty-four/ seven. I don't think its possible for anyone to be that happy."
"She is -" I stopped mid way as I realised we had company.
"Mr. Arch."
Hunter's dad came to halt in front of us. Looking at them standing together, I could sense the similarity. Both had dark hair properly combed back and stoic expression on their face. They exuded confidence and had a hint of rich, handsome vibe around them.
"I have something for you." He took out a revolver and pushed it towards me. I instinctively took a step back.
"I think I'm good."
His stern expression didn't falter, "I think you might need it."
I stared at the weapon. Well I do need it. Having one might give me some sense of security.
"You don't need it for yourself?" I looked up at him.
He smiled.
It was scary. A shiver ran down my spine.
"No one would dare."
No one would dare touch him. That's true. He was quite scary from up close. Even my father used to be scared of him. Hunter had an unreadable expression on his face. Family is everything in this business. Even if you don't like them you will always have an instinct to protect them. I know Hunter didn't like him, he feared him but more than anything he always needed his approval. The guy would starve to death if his dad wanted him to.
To not appear rude I immediately took the gun, bowed to him in thanks and left.
His presence was...dangerous.