Chapter 1

Morning light slips through the curtains like it has a personal vendetta against me.

I groaned as I dragged the silk blanket over my head, trying to lull myself back to sleep.

A knock sounded at the door.

No. Too early.

“Master Nicola?” a voice called out gently. “Its time to get up”

I tried to ignore it. Pretending I was still deep in sleep in hopes that whoever was at the door would just give up and leave. But no, Instead the door opened as I let out an internal sight. The staffs of the Rovina household learned a long time ago that waiting for my permission was simply a waste of time.

“Nicola,” the maid. …Marissa said patiently. “It's getting late, If you do not get up you will be late for school ....again.”

“Five more minutes” I mumbled into my pillow.

“You said that twenty minutes ago”

I don’t remember saying that. Although it does sound like something I would do.

I turned on my side, trying to avoid the sun’s light practically blinding me.

“Then you should have believed me the first time”

Marissa sighed. “Young master, if you don't get up soon. Then Your mother might try to wake you herself”

Upon hearing my mother, I immediately sprung up. “I guess you are right.” I sighed, “I'm just so tired.” I groaned while stretching my arms above my head.

Marissa chuckled. “Then next time, I suggest going to bed early to avoid this”

Ha. Ha.

I looked around my room for a bit. I guess the drowsiness is yet to escape my body. Then I slid out of bed and wandered towards the window, I pressed my forehead lightly against the glass.

“Master Nicola," Marissa reminded me again.

Right. Get ready. Breakfast.

If I don't go down soon, my mother will come looking for me instead. And if she sends Matteo again instead. Well…. That would end with me being dragged downstairs over someone's shoulder like a sack of potatoes.

I sighed dramatically and ran a hand through my curls. “Fine,” I muttered. “Im coming."

Marissa walked out and closed the door behind her as I went to get ready.

.

.

I walked into the dining room and immediately spotted my mom sitting at the table with a cup of coffee in her hand.

“Good Morning sweetie”

“Morning Mom” I replied, sliding into the chair beside her,

“How was your night?”

“It was fine,” I said with a small shrug. Then I glanced around the room . ”Where is Dad?"

“Oh he left early for a meeting,” she answered, taking a small sip of her coffee.

“And Matteo?” I asked as I tried to pour a glass of orange juice and check my phone simultaneously.

“He’s still sleeping”

My older brother Matteo is the second child. He is about 31 years old and has his own apartment. I have no idea why he’s here and why he refuses to tell us the reason, not like I mind or anything.

I had just taken a bite of my toast when heavy footsteps echoed from the hallway.

A second later, Matteo walked into the dining room.

My brother looked like he had just rolled out of bed. Knowing him, he probably had. His curly hair was messy, His shirt slightly wrinkled, and there was a faint bruise forming along his jaw.

Mom noticed it immediately.

Her eyes narrowed. “Matteo”

He paused mid-step, clearly realizing he had been spotted.

“Goodmorning to you too, Mama,” he said casually as he walked over and grabbed a cup from the table.

“What happened to your face?”

Matteo touched his jaw and winced slightly. “Nothing”

“Doesn’t look like nothing” I mumbled, covering my face with my mug.

Mom gave him a look

He groaned slightly. “Seriously it was nothing” He whined as he lightly smacked me in the head

“Hey!” I protested

Matteo rolled his eyes. “Aren’t you supposed to be in school, you little brat”

I shot him a glare. “Arent you supposed to be at work?"

“Both of you!” She glances at the two of us causing Matteo to immediately stop talking and sits down.

He leaned over slightly and looked at me again.

“Which unit is escorting you to school today?”

“Dre’s unit, unit C,” I responded flatly.

“Good.”

His tone had suddenly changed. It was subtle, but I noticed it immediately.

Mom noticed it too.

She gave him a look, to which he responded back.

They are doing it again. For some reason, they always refrain from talking about the family’s business in my presence. My family is a part of the mafia. It is not really a secret. Everyone knows but no one says anything so as to not get themselves killed.

Like now, the reason for the extra security is the current ongoing war with a rival family, the De Zobis, It quite literally means Zombies. What sort of family name is that, but then again it's not that far off, everyone in that family looks as dead as a zombie.

Well… I guess not everyone. I once met their heir. We go to the same school, not so surprising. He… is not bad looking, He’s alright. Ok no, he is more than alright, he is fucking drop-dead gorgeous. Too bad he is such an asshole tho. He doesn’t even look like he belongs in that family. It's giving ‘diamond in the rough’. He has soft curly brown hair that makes me just wanna run my fingers through it, gorgeous brown eyes and the tone of his skin looks almost delicious enough to eat.

I finally managed to zone back in and realized Matteo and mom have been talking this entire time.

“Our shipments has been under constant attack”

“We don't know how or when next they are going to strike back—”

“---meaning Nico has to be extra careful from now on” Matteo said, looking at me. “Nico..nicola..are you listening to me”

“Yea yea, i heard you” I responded absent-mindedly, as i look at the wall clock

“Im gonna be late, gotta go” I got up kissed my mum's cheek and headed for the door.

“Bye guys”

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