Chapter 3: Shadows of the Exiled
Seraphina's POV
The rest of the day was just me and my thoughts. It was even harder to sleep at night.
When I finally was able to sleep, the sun rose too early.
A loud knock on the door woke me from my sleep. Before I could get ready, the maid walked in. She was young, and different from the maids in my house.
It was going to take a while before I got used to this Luca's mansion.
"Good morning, Ma'am. Master Luca wants to eat breakfast with you. He specially asked that I get you ready," she said softly.
"I'm fine. I can handle myself," I said dismissively.
What was he thinking? This was the 21st century. I certainly could have my own breakfast alone, and far away from him just as I could dress myself.
Ten minutes later, I was ready and went downstairs for breakfast, hoping Luca would be gone, but he wasn't.
"Sit," he ordered calmly.
I obeyed, remaining silent as the maid dished my food.
I was barely done when he spoke again. "Pack your bags, we're leaving."
"Huh?" I said, surprised. "To where?"
"To our honeymoon suite," he said, giving me a cold glare.
I choked, reaching for a glass of water.
"Have her bags ready," Luca commanded and the maid nodded. Before I could react, he got up and walked out.
*******
The car parked at the Sicilian villa. I let out my breath before exiting the car. It was beautiful, the villa was perched high on the cliff side, with an extensive terrace. I grabbed my bags ignoring the guards' help and walked into the house.
I picked a room, and dropped my bag. The scenery was divine. I could watch the waves crash against the rocks from the huge glass.
I walked to the balcony, letting the cool breeze blow at my hair and gown when a click of the door startled me.
This was my room. No one was supposed to be here unless I gave the orders.
"Luca," I called as I turned. "What are you doing here?"
"Do I need permission to stay with my wife?" He asked. I gulped, realizing I had forgotten I was married.
He sat on the armchair by the fireplace and sipped his whiskey. I grew uncomfortable with his stare. Was he trying to read me?
The silence between us was thick, almost fragile.
Then came the knock.
I looked at him, gripping the edge of the balcony railing.
"Come in," I said, but no one did. Instead the knock came again. I exchanged glances with Luca. The maids or guards never waited to be ordered twice.
Luca moved instantly. He set the glass down and rose to his full height, his steps slow but steady.
"Maybe, it's the maids," I said, but he didn't respond. Instead his hand moved to the gun under his jacket.
Was something wrong?
"Stay back," he said, his voice low, like a warning growl.
I stayed behind him, my breath caught in my throat as he opened the door.
And there he was.
Enzo.
He smirked, leaning against the doorframe lazily.
"Hello, sister," he greeted. My mouth opened in shock. He looked every bit the arrogant bastard I remembered.
Enzo's hand loosened his toe, and adjusted his suit jacket.
"Seraphina," he said smoothly, his eyes gleaming. "You look well. Aren't you going to invite me in?"
Luca stepped forward, the door still half-open, his gun raised without a word.
Enzo kept smiling, even when his eyes briefly showed the unease he felt. I watched him raise his hand in mock surrender.
"Easy, Luca," he said, his tone light but cautious. "I'm unarmed. Just here for a friendly chat."
Luca didn't lower the gun.
"What do you want, Enzo?" I demanded, stepping beside Luca.
His smirk grew wider, his gaze locking onto mine. "Is that any way to greet your brother after all these years?"
"You're not my brother," I snapped.
"Ouch," he said, pressing a hand to his chest. "That hurts, Seraphina."
Luca stepped forward, closing the space between them. The muzzle of his gun was nearly pressed to Enzo's chest. His silence was louder than any threat, and it made Enzo shift uneasily.
"Alright," Enzo said, holding his ground but with less swagger. "Let's cut to the chase, shall we? I came to help."
"Help?" I repeated, my voice dripping with disbelief.
"Yes," he said, his grin faltering. "The Calabrese family isn't what it used to be. The alliances are crumbling. You need someone who knows how to hold it all together. Someone like me."
Luca let out a sharp exhale, a sound that made Enzo flinch.
"And what's the price of this 'help'?" I asked, crossing my arms.
"A seat at the table," Enzo said simply. "Nothing more, nothing less."
Luca's gun pressed harder against his chest, and for the first time, I saw real fear flash in Enzo's eyes.
"Careful," he said, his voice losing its cocky edge. "I'm here to talk, not fight."
Luca didn't move. His icy gaze bore into Enzo, and the silence between them was unbearable.
"Luca," I said softly, placing a hand on his arm. "Let him go."
He didn't lower the gun. For a moment, I thought he might actually pull the trigger. But then he stepped back, just enough for Enzo to breathe.
Enzo straightened his suit, his hands trembling slightly. "You'll see," he said, trying to regain his composure. "You need me more than you realize."
"Call me when you change your mind," Enzo said, looking at me once more.
"I don't think I ever will," I replied.
With that, he turned and walked away, leaving the door open behind him.
Luca didn't hesitate and shut the door.
"Damn, those guards," Luca growled.
"It's not their fault…" I stated, but Luca shot me a glare.
He reached for his pocket, pulling out a phone and dialing a number. "Next time, I get an uninvited guest. You'll be sorry." He hung up, and I gulped talking some steps back.
He finally looked at me, his blue eyes colder than the night air. "And if your brother tries anything like this again, I'll kill him."