After getting back home from Plum Island, I’d been mute and in shock for days, only ready to speak to Barun for food and my basic needs. My father and brothers had gone berserk, and the resulting war had nearly wiped out the Vikings. Later, I’d heard whispers of the bloodshed and how Noah and Rhett had destroyed most of their men. My brothers have been feared and revered ever since, and were unmistakably at the top of the chain right now.
As for me, I eventually sought therapy to deal with the claustrophobia of being stuck for hours inside a dark cupboard and other, deeper issues. That man had been cruel, showing me his collection of my photos, even going as far as telling me how he’d like to violate me.
Therapy had helped me heal to a large extent, although I continued to put in the effort to stay above the dark thoughts that threatened to consume me now and then.
One thing that helped me deal with the incident and not get stuck in victimhood was taking up psychology as my major. Knowing I could help women and children who were put through excruciating circumstances soothed some of my wounds. Allowed me to turn my pain into purpose, even.
Despite all the work I’d put in, the one thing that I couldn’t handle was men. Aside from my brothers and Gio, who was also like another brother to me, I didn’t interact with men. I didn’t look at them; I didn’t want them; I wanted nothing to do with them. I’d deleted my social media profiles, and to this day, I couldn’t stand the thought of putting out my life the way a million other girls did every day. Perhaps I hated men.
That’s not entirely true, a voice immediately whispered in me. Looking at the ceiling, I agreed with that voice. Because therewashim. Barun! The knight who had saved me from those animals.
After rescuing me, thanks to my initial mutism, he’d patiently stayed back until I was comfortable enough to get out of my room and interact with the staff. He’d been my shadow, a constant companion through arduous nights where he would sit next to my bed in an armchair, quietly assuring me he would slay any dragon for me.
I don’t recall the exact moment I fell in love with Barun. Perhaps it was after he’d gone back to his life, a week before my eighteenth birthday. The first week of his absence resulted in an acute ache near my heart. Until I realized it was because I missed him. His reassuring presence, his deep, soothing voice.
That’s when I texted him. Just to say hi. To know I could reach him at least virtually. Then on, he regularly checked on me, encouraging me to get my degree, chase my dreams, and work on my fears. By the time I was nineteen, he was well and truly lodged in my heart.
To my disappointment, he rarely visited the mansion, busy building his business with his partners. Twice, when he’d come in, I didn’t get to meet him although my heart had yearned for a single glance. Stalking the internet didn’t help either. That man lived a life cloaked in mystery, not having any presence online. Not that I blamed him. I suppose that in his field of work he couldn’t afford to have his details splashed online.
That’s when I actively looked out for any crumb of information my brothers or Gio threw about Barun, immediately safeguarding it within my heart. So far, Barun’s security company was top in demand, and he appeared to be single.Which suited me just fine. The very thought of him with another woman tore at my insides.
Picking up my phone, I bit my lip when I looked at the next message.
I have a surprise for you today. Before you ask, you’ll know this evening. Have a good day, Princess.
I sent a pouty smiley in reply and put my phone away. I knew Barun wouldn’t crack. If he said it was a surprise, it was! Shaking my head, I got up from the bed, ready to face the day.
My brothers insisted we have a small graduation party. I knew they were keen to celebrate any little milestone in my life; it was almost pathetic. But I gave in, knowing it would make them happy. It was also their way of making it up to me for locking me within the Falcone house. I wondered how they would have reacted if I had brought in friends. But the thought was moot since I didn’t have any friends in the first place.
I couldn’t get mad at my brothers, knowing they did their best to give in to my every request, provided I didn’t have to get out of these walls often. Long distance degree? Yes! Shopping spree or anything else I wanted? Yes, but one of them accompanied me. It had been okay at first, but for the last few months, I was beginning to feel stifled. I craved female friendships; I craved… more!
But I couldn’t voice it aloud. Knowing my brothers, I could bet they haven’t really forgiven themselves for my kidnapping. Rather than encouraging them to address their misplaced guilt, I gave in to their whimsies, allowing them to express their love in their own way.
#2
Barun
Iwalked into the Falcone mansion, inhaling the crisp air along with the unique pine scent. Honey Valley was special and felt more like home than New York. Winter had already begun, and the cold air already had a holiday vibe that was hard to miss.
Brushing my hair away from my forehead, I stepped into the house, walking through the long foyer, done tastefully to reflect the family’s wealth and power. The guard at the end of the foyer nodded at me, ushering me toward the study where the Falcone brothers were presumably having their evening drink.
After a brief knock, I entered the room, noticing the decorations on the way to the study. My lips curved in a small smile, sensing my icy heart momentarily warm up to the fact that this was all for little Katy’s graduation. Immediately, a feeling of pride took over when I realized how far that girl had come.
I’d been looking forward to seeing her again, imagining how much she must have changed from the scared, fragile girl I last remembered. Despite our regular text exchanges, I didn’t have a chance to meet her in these four years; not that I took any active measures to do so.
Work kept me away. Also, Gio, my half-brother, insisted I stay away from active mafia life. He’d paid for my education and a legitimate profession through his loyalty to this family. Knowing the sacrifices for me, I couldn’t ignore the one thing he wanted me to do.
Now, after shaking hands with the grim-looking Falcone brothers, I briefly hugged Gio and snatched the drink he held for me. Sitting down on the couch, I crossed my legs, facing Noah. This invitation wasn’t just for the party. By now, I was sure of that.
“How are you doing? Is the firm doing well?” Noah casually enquired, sipping the amber liquid in his glass.
“Business is thriving. In fact, I’m considering recruiting additional staff.” I took a sip, glancing at Rhett, who seemed preoccupied. Clearing my throat, I looked Noah in the eye. “But that’s not why I’m invited today, is it?”
“Smart!” Rhett murmured, still distracted.
“It’s Katy. She received an email threat this morning.” Noah’s quiet bombshell rocked my world. What the fuck! No way was this happening again. And someone was stupid enough to send an anonymous threat to a Falcone?
“Thankfully, the IT head in my corporation alerted me, and we quietly removed it before she could access her mail. We’ve tightened our security and doubled all the security measures. But we didn’t want to leave anything to chance. Not after…”
