"Dad, is this really necessary?" I said slightly irritated"Yes, mi amore" he said, voice low. "I lost your mother to a war underground I won't lose you too"that's how I ended up in ItalyNot Rome. Not MilanA fortress.A mansion that looked like a castle, surrounded by my uncle's men, gun, and walls you couldn't climb.my uncle loves me like Dad does. so does my aunt. it's almost annoying.the problem? their kidsDrea and I have a beef on sight. she's soft, perfect,"good girl" energy. we clash in under 5 secondsLayton though... Layton is my person.my partner in crime.she gets me. she drags me to parties, shopping trips to Milan, and anywhere that doesn't smell like bodyguardsthis morning, she dragged me out for a 6AM run around the estate " you can't sulk forever Channel" she saidwe were halfway around the fortress when I saw them.A dozen men in the courtyard. No shirt, All muscle. focused.And at the front, calling the shots, was him.tall. black hair. sleeves rolled up, barking orders like he owned the place.cold. controlled. dangerous."who the f**k is that?" I asked Layton, eyes locked on him.Layton followed my eyes and smirked " hot right? that's Christian" sha paused. "He's new here"Christian.New.In my uncle's fortressLeafing his menI didn't look away and for the first time since Dad sent me to Italy..,....I wasn't bored anymore.