I took one last look at myself in the mirror, I needed to look my best I thought. But it only made me feel even more tense. Putting final touches of makeup on my face, I nodded my head in approval.

“Are you ready?” Suddenly I heard Levi's voice in the room. I didn't hear him come in.

“ I am.” I said as I stood up, trying my best not to show my surprise.

I held my breath as our eyes met, he looked at me with such an intensity it made my heart beat faster. His gaze traveled around my body and back to my eyes, this time he smiled.

“We're going to be late.” He said extending his hand for me to take. He led me outside to the car waiting for us. We were going farther down the estate, he explained. To his late father's mansion.

“My half-brothers don't like me.” He suddenly blurted out as we settled in the car, did he mean the ones we met yesterday?

“ Oh.” Was all I could say. I just hoped tonight's dinner would go well.

We stopped in front of a mansion that seemed to be in the middle of the estate, from the outside you could tell it was grand. It was the Mafia way, they didn't build small looking houses.

Levi held my hand as we walked in. The maids at the entrance led us to the dining hall. This was bigger than the one at Levi's. Perfect for family dinners I thought.

His other brothers were already seated with their wives beside them and an older woman I believed to be his stepmother sat at the far end of the table.

“Levi,” she called. “You're late.”

Levi didn't say anything or acknowledge her, still holding my hand, he led me to a part of the dining table and held out a chair for me. We were served soon after, different plates of chicken and salad bowls were placed on the table, lots of fruits and wine too.

We said a little prayer led by the older woman and began to eat. I ate slowly this time, aware of all the eyes on me. Looking over to Levi, I saw he wasn't eating his food and I felt worried.

“Our brother's new bride.” I suddenly heard a voice opposite from where we sat.

I recognized him from yesterday, he was one of the men who approached us.

“ I wonder if our brother has told you what he is.” He said an obvious smirk on his face.

“And what is he?” I asked, maybe it was me seeing Levi’s worried expression or if it was this disgusting man annoying me, he needed to be put in this place.

“A devil.” The other one chimed in. “I'm sure you've heard the rumors.”

From the corner of my eyes, I could see Levi's hands balled into fists. I placed my hand on his and he suddenly looked up at me. What the hell was I doing?!

I gave him a nod and faced his brothers

“I'm not the type to believe in rumors sir.” I said, my voice slightly annoyed.

“Tsk, that's no fun.” One of them said,

“He probably killed our father with his devil Powers.” The other one said.

“ You will watch your tongue mason!” I looked over at where the voice was coming from. He was seated calmly, some distance away from us, his hair was as black as Levi's. Adrian! Levi had told me he had one brother from the same mother, I guess this was him.

Looking back at Mason I narrowed my eyes.

“ If you don't have anything meaningful to say, you should take your wife and leave, don't you think…Mason?”

I said making sure I stressed his name, he looked at me, hesitantly backing down and I heaved a sigh of relief. I had not planned for this tonight.

Levi's hand suddenly intertwined with mine, surprised this time I turned to him, my cheeks flushed. He gave me a smile, I could see he approved of me defending him.

****** ******* ********

I quickly threw myself on the bed as we got back. I didn't think family dinners were this mentally draining. I was glad it was over.

“How's our new bride feeling?” Levi said mockingly, bringing me out of my many thoughts.

“ Exhausted,” I sighed, sitting up on the bed.

Crossing the distance between us , Levi took my hands and pulled me in for a hug.

“What…what are you doing?” I asked, my body suddenly became tense.

“Hugging my wife.” He answered as his other hand stroked my hair.

“Thank you Vanica,” his voice was gentle this time making me relax.

“You're…welcome.” I wrapped my arms around him too, feeling his perfectly toned body under his loosely buttoned shirt.

Releasing me from his hold, he held my chin kissing my forehead slightly before leaving the room.

I had taken my bath and changed into my night dress but I didn't feel sleepy at all and Levi wasn't back yet, maybe he had business to take care of.

After some thought, I wore my robe and went out of the mansion to the backyard where the white swing was, I needed some fresh hair.

The stars were beautiful tonight, they reminded me of when I and Sarah would stargaze in college.

I wrapped my robe tightly around my body as a cold breeze hit me.

“Vanica…” I froze as I heard the voice behind me, it couldn't be. What was he doing here?

“Theon?...” I said, turning to where I had heard him.

Theon stood still, his black leather jacket and trousers blended in with the dark night, his blonde hair slightly scattered by the night breeze.

“What the hell are you doing here?”