I don't have a phone. Never had, actually.

I didn't have anyone to call, and besides, who can afford one when you can barely pay your disgusting apartment's rent?

I know how to use one, it's not like I'm a complete cave woman.

I've just never had one of my own.

A watch, now that's something I had. I used to have this gigantic man's watch that I stole, but when I got arrested they confiscated everything I owned. Luckily, it was the only thing I had.

But right now, I wish I could go back and force them to give it back to me.

I woke up a few minutes ago, and I have no idea what time is it. It's pitch black outside, so I can only assume it's the middle of the night.

Groaning, I decided to leave my bed. My throat is dry, and maybe a walk to the kitchen would tire me out.

Opening my door as quiet as I can, I began to walk silently towards the stairs.

Walking silently is an ability you must have if you grow up at an orphanage. I used to share a room with dozens of kids, Ares and Theo included.

Yeah, no boys-girls separation. It caused a lot of uncomfortable situations, but they didn't care enough.

So, dozens of kids, all staying in one room? One has to be a rat.

If you're sneaking out and someone snitches on you... Oh, man.

I was caught once when I was eleven, and my right shoulder is still in an awkward position from their punishment. I had to make sure there wouldn't be a second time.

When Amadeo led me to dinner tonight, I made sure to step on each stair as hard as I could. If I'm going to live in this house, I need to know about every squeaky stair.

Luckily, there were none.

I made my way to the kitchen in the dark, trying not to crash into anything. This house is huge.

I think they have several kitchens, and the one I'm heading to is where they make food for themselves.

Eye roll.

The house was eerily quiet, so when something brushed against my leg, I had to cover my mouth in order to muffle my scream.

Oh my God. What was that?

I looked down in a rush, taking a few steps back into the kitchen.

Holy shit, it's a dog. A big, multi-colored husky. And it was staring right at me.

Why nobody told me there's a dog? What if I was really allergic? I'm not, but still.

"Hello." I whispered, crouching down. It's too dark to see what colors the fur is, but goddammit, this dog is beautiful.

It stared at me with big eyes for a few moments before coming closer to my face. I watched in silence while it sniffed the air around me.

I knew what was about to come, and yet, I stayed put. I was far too fascinated by those amazing eyes. So when it licked my nose, I felt like it was my fault.

"He likes you."

This time, I couldn't help the shriek that left me. Jumping to my feet, I quickly turned around towards the kitchen with fists in the air. I'll never refuse to punch someone, especially after they gave me a heart attack.

A big man was sitting by the kitchen island, drinking something out of a mug. I couldn't see him, but I could see the light switch just a few steps away from me.

"Who are you?" I hesitantly asked, slowly stepping towards the switch.

"Riccardo."

The second he answered, I turned the kitchen's light on. We both groaned in pain, but I regained my stance quickly.

Looking cautiously towards the man in front of me, I let his words sink in.

This is Riccardo? My brother?

"God, you could've at least warned me." he rubbed his eyes tiredly before raising his head. His hair was messy, and the begs under his eyes were as dark as his eyes. He had a black T-shirt on, so it was very easy to see his muscles.

I mean, all my brothers have tattoos and look like they basically live at the gym, but Riccardo is different.

He's leaner than Alessandro and Amadeo, and his entire arms are covered with tattoos. I'm willing to bet that there are more I simply can't see. This man is scary.

The second he laid his eyes on me, he dropped the hands from his face.

His stare made me feel like he could see right through me, and I didn't like it for a second.

"What is your problem?" I hissed, narrowing my eyes at him. This man suddenly appears and decides to give me a heart attack? Hell no.

He snapped out of his daze, confused. "Me? I'm just sitting here."

"Exactly!" I whispered harshly, not wanting anyone to wake up. "Who drinks in the dark? Why were you lurking?" I frantically asked, heart still pounding.

Riccardo's face was completely blank, and it only made my irritation grow. He could be either planning my murder right now or debating if his coffee needs more suger. His eye's traveled across my face, searching for something I don't know of.

"I can't believe you're actually here." he finally confessed. His voice was soft, but his hold on the mug only tightened.

"What?" I was taken aback. It was the last thing I expected him to say. My eyes snapped to his, and it became really hard to breathe.

"I can't believe it." He repeated, slowly sliding off the bar stool.

He was about the same hight as Amadeo. I'm definitely not short, but all of them are at least a head taller than me. It should have been really intimidating being around them, but it's somehow not.

The moment he began to walk towards me, I turned around and searched for an empty glass.

"Olive..." He whispered. It was so emotional, almost vulnerable.

I blinked rapidly a few times before facing him again. He stood in the same position he was in just a moment ago, not daring to move. Like I'm some deer who'll run off as soon as it could.

Well, he's not wrong.

Honestly? I don't know why I'm still here. Maybe it has something to do with the way he's looking at me. This man, my brother, looks scared. "I'm sorry for not being here today when you arrived, I really am."

I wanted to ask him where he was, but we don't know each other. It's none of my business. I swallowed before mustering a fake smile. "Who's the dog?"

Now it was his turn to be taken aback. He was expecting me to lash out at him or simply tell him he can go fuck himself.

I'm not sure if he preferres my reaction.

"Oh, uh." he blurted out, spinning around until he found the dog. "That's Duke."

Duke is absolutely beautiful. He's a big husky, with a white-black-brown fur.

As he heard his name, he entered the kitchen. I was expecting him to sit by Riccardo, but he, once again, came to sniff me.

"He doesn't really like other people, but he likes you." he mumbled, more to himself.

"Why didn't I see him today? Did you take him with you?" I wondered, scratching his back. Duke's a big boy, it would have been hard to miss him.

Riccardo cracked a smile. "No, I don't think he fits on my bike."

I stared blankly at him. We are definitely not on a joke basis, even if it was a bit funny.

Clearing his throat after a few seconds, he replied. "He likes to disappear when I'm not around"

I nodded. We stood there for moment, just starting at each other. Sure, I wondered what Riccardo would be like, but I wasn't expecting this. I don't know what to think about him. His whole demeanor is undeniably scary, and somehow, he's hesitant around me. At least he tries to be nice.

"Well, I just came here for some water." I gestured awkwardly to the glass in my hands.

"Yeah, of course. Come here, Duke." he took his eyes away from me, pushing a hand through his already messy hair.

After drinking my water and washing the cup, I turned back, only to find him staring at me.

"Are you staying here?" I asked quietly, slowly making my way to the hallway.

"Yeah, I'll just finish my coffee."

I didn't have enough courage to tell him I didn't mean if he's staying in the kitchen, but rather in the house tonight.

I looked back at him once before settling on a weak 'good night'.

I guess I'll find out tomorrow.

Chapter 13! It was a long one, but I had so much fun writing it. I'm trying to update on a daily basis, but it's tough. So, don't forget to vote! It gives me motivation :)

Finally meeting Riccardo! What do you think about him?

I feel like I'm repeating myself, but thank you so much for reading my book. I love youuu <3