Chapter 1

~ Evelyn De'luca

"It's so boring in here," I whine, clicking the handcuffs at the metal bars of the station. It took everything in me to not just pull them apart and make my way out of here.

God, is it third in a week or the fourth? I've lost count recently. It isn't my fault that they have no work or country to save rather than putting a fifteen year old kid in a cell. Maybe I should also pursue my career as Sheriff but I ain't getting up my lazy ass if they called in an emergency. Imma enjoy the freedom.

Sigh.

"Shut up, kid," the very annoyed officer says as he glares at me. I really didn't like him. I don't think he likes me too because the way he is huffing and shuffling like a bull around here, it looks like his wife had kicked his ass out of the house.

"Where's harry?" I tried to find my favorite officer. I don't do favorites unless someone is really needed to get out of this ugly prison. and Harry isn't that bad. He is in his late thirties, blue eyes and super gorgeous platinum blonde hair. He should be model the way he looks. I'm not exaggerating his looks but also his personality. He was kind to me and to everyone else i guess. I don't remember someone being kind to me or sparing me a single glance.

"I'll die here," I huff as I slid back against the wall waiting for Harry to show up. My back hurts and the stabbed knife wound given by my mother is also itching badly. every muscle feels tired. It's like I've run miles but I didn't. I Just run one mile before i get caught.

Seeing the time on the wall, a Shiver racked through my spleen. it's past twelve. Damn it, I needed to go home before my so-called mommy dearest went all mad. I really don't wanna deal with more punishment. I don't have energy to handle that drunk old witch.

Maybe I should just take a nap.

Yeap, the perfect solution to every problem.

I closed my eyelids, trying to sleep amongst the chaos of others, the heavy yet soft footsteps approached. I opened my eyes, meeting the powder blue eyes. A disapproval clearly shown in it even for far feet away.

"Harryyyyyy!!!" I yelled literally, when I saw him. Now I can finally get out of here.

"You don't know how happy I'm to see you right now" I add on excitedly ready to be out of cell.

"Yeah. Yeah, I know" he says, rolling his eyes at me dramatically. He muttered under his breath about some trouble and kid and then shook his head.

"Come on," he says, ushering me to his desk, motioning me to sit. That's why I like him. He is always so gentle. I don't think he has bone for being rude. Half of the male population around me or I met is just plain A grade aashole. Not like I have many. But yeah, if we consider the boyfriends my mother brings at home for the night. I really don't like them. They're creepy and stink like garbage.

"Something's wrong?" I asked as I played with the paper weight as he shuffled through the papers. He has this look on his face which I can't read or maybe I didn't like.

He looks at me with pity and sympathy. I hate it when people look at you with that expression. I hate it with every fiber of my being. I thought I'll get used to it as a child of a drunk woman who's always high on cocaine or any drugs she can get her hands on. I never knew my father, according to my mother; I was very ugly-and-her-life-destroyed-mistake.

"Well, last night your mother kind of ran in with a few officers with some pretty heavy drugs. She killed John, her boyfriend and ran away. In the morning we found her car at the river, it was pretty damaged and there's a body which is hard to identify but the blood reports say that's your mother," he finishes off with sad smile, ready to be met with my sobfest and whatever psychotic, emotional breakdown he wanted me to do after hearing the news.

It won't come. I won't break ever. I won't shed tears for that woman. Nor for anyone else. It isn't worth it. I know. I shook my head away pushing those thoughts in the corner of my brain.

"Okay, so?" I drawled out lazily, keeping my face blank as I stared at him. He looks surprised by my cool and collected posture.

She wasn't my mother, no mother should do the things she did to me.

All my life I yearned for her love, I waited for her, for years that maybe one day she'll acknowledge me but no, all she cares about is the drugs and money and those asshole boyfriends of hers. I had eventually stopped making efforts towards her. It's tiring and futile to piece back something which is already burn to dust .

"You okay?" He asks, his eyes scrunching on me, reading me. He won't get the emotions he wants to see.

"Yeap, absolutely super fine." I replied, leaning back on the chair. At least now I can breathe happily without her hovering over my head.

"Well, that went very well. So?" He started, picking up the file.

"The social worker had called your father apparently for your—"

"Wait, what?" I almost yelled, causing other officers to look in our direction.

"Let me finish first," he said firmly, glaring at me. Dude, it's not time for alpha male shit.

Jeez, man and their stupid shit.

"Fine old man, go ahead" I replied casually but deep down I'm having a severe nerve breakdown because this information is out of my reach to understand.

Father? I know he is alive and somewhere, several times I had asked my mother about him, maybe millions of times but she always refused. I tried many ways to get any single information I could about him in my early childhood days but it's always zero. I had lost the hope of getting or knowing about him since I was ten. Even if he's out there, why didn't he try to find me or know me? I had convinced myself that he is also one of the junkies and my mother had a crush on him, nothing led further. Just once I had accepted those terms too because I really needed his presence and he wasn't there so I don't think his presence now in my life is really going to make sense. But I kept it to myself.

"He's on the way here, he was the one who bailed you out,"

"Can't I go to an orphanage or maybe to live by myself?" I said tapping my foot. It's possible, I've connection and i know he can do anything to prevent this stupid arrangements.

I don't have much money but I can feed myself off enough to be alive. I learned that art years ago. Fending off for myself is easy peasy but living with certain kinds of humans is more terrifying to me.

A heavy footsteps approach the room, a very confident might I add. And very cold air thrummed in the air.

"Mr. De Luca," Harry said, standing up.

I turn around to be met with two really intimidating men, I bet both will be above 6 feet, the younger version seems a bit more taller than the older one. Even though he seems old, with those muscles he literally can twig you in two. Both of them are rich, polished, calm and composed. Not an ounce of uncomfort or emotion was plastered on their symmetrical face.

And holy muffin shit, The younger one looks exactly like me, same hair, same eye.

You mean, you look like him?

My inner bitch has to shut up sometimes, more like every freakish time.

"Mr. harry?" A heavy velvety voice spoke with a hint of impatience and authority; Even their voices are scary but not to me.

Well, I kinda had more on the plate so I'll just pass it for Lullaby.

Both of their eyes drew to me, and there was a flicker of happiness radiating on the elder one's face but the younger one kept it straight.

Did my mother hit the lottery or some kind of jackpot? What the hell was she thinking by sleeping with this man? Maybe just one night stand? Like they show in movies and books. And I believe she really did some witchy work.

"So, you're the father of the year, yeah?" I asked, narrowing my eyes at the older man. He looks in the middle fifty but his looks still pass the mark for a model. His hair was neatly tucked in style with a strand of few grey delicately tucked in. His eyes were blue, so blue with a hint of silver. Or maybe they're just grey.

I can bet on my breath that both of their suits cost more than I ever spent in my life. A bitterness clawed at the back of my spine, with the possible reasons of why he never visited me or at least tried to acknowledge my existence.

There was amusement dancing in his face while the other one just harshly glared at me like he really wants to set my funeral here.

Not so fan of me? Huh ?

"No, I'm," The carbon copy of mine replied.

"What? No shit-" is he kidding. He won't be older than thirty? Is this some kind of dramatic movie shooting going on?

The tip of his ear flush a bit pink as he tries to compose himself. An embarrassment or more so annoyance Flicker in those sharp features yet he seems composed.

"How old are you?" I blurted out, out of my mind. I didn't even think about anything before spewing out the words. He looks around thirty if I go with his schooled features and patience tolerance.

"That's none of your business," he snapped, not so harshly but yet in a demanding tone which sent a Shiver down my nerves. his one hand sliding smoothly in his pocket. The man likes to be in control and he doesn't take shit. He demands respect.

irony, i scoffed

The older man just shakes his head at him, with a super pissed expression. I would've been scared if I was in his place.

"Can we leave now?" He asked the officer, clearly done.

"Sure Mr.du'luca, just sign these papers off and you're all set to go," Harry said, smiling worriedly as he stared at me and then those two men.

The man nods and takes the file from him.

"Come on kid, we can wait in the car," the older man said, with a small smile. Or maybe happiness. I can't understand his happiness.

"I'm not a kid," I scowled at him, dusting off my clothes.

He chuckles at my response before putting his hand on my shoulder, I tried to not flinch and cower away from his touch. His hand felt heavy on my scrawny shoulder.

I wasn't on the healthy side of size, I was malnourished. It goes on for many days without food when my mother decides she's in love with her boyfriend. She can't seem to see past anything else. Not even her child, her own blood and flesh.

He won't hurt, he won't hurt. I chant the mantra in mind, my heart beating wildly against my ribcage.

My inner bitch called me so dramatic sometimes but i know better than to lower my guard. She's just stupid bitch how would she know he won't hurt? So she better shut the fudge up.

I tried to match with his powerful steps, he was glaring at literally everything. Cold and harsh. And I realised it came naturally to them. A power, that confidence.

When we got outside, he led me towards the black fancy car. Okay so, He's rich, like so richie rich.

Damn, she's sexy. I admire the car, I want to plastered my fingertips on smooth metal and relish its feel but I know better than to do it.

"Nice car, Mr. De Luca," I winked at him, admiring the car.

"You can call me victor, princess" he says.

I grimaced at his words of princess, but I didn't comment. He seems more approachable than the other man. Seeing the familiarity between them, I suppose he's his father and my grandfather.

"So you're my father's father, huh?" I asked, wiggling my eyebrows at him, taking guesses by appearance.

He just nods quietly before ushering me into the car. My eyes darted around, spotting two suvs in the safety guard. So, they take guards wherever they go. This keeps getting intriguing.

"You can call me grandpa, if you want," he says hesitantly almost like he wants me too but he doesn't want to force and that sad yearning lacing. And I hate that I really can feel his sincerity on the tip of my skin.

Shit, I sound totally insane.

"Cool, grandpa" I shrugged as I climbed inside the car and leaned back on this smooth leather. Grandpa - the term and family approach sounds totally awkward on my tongue. It was bizzarious and I think things are going to be more bizzarious afterwards.

The car door opened as my so-called father of the year took his seat in the passenger seat with Swift elegance. He looked at me but I just gave him a reproachful look.

"The flight is set after two hours, you can pack your important stuff for now, we will ship others afterwards," he spoke, calm and composed and typing furiously on the phone.

The laugh escaped from me before I could stop it. He can't be serious. I mean, did he give a full glance at my appearance or not?

He can be hilarious, wow.

"What's funny?" His head turned, and raised his perfect eyebrow staring at me for an answer.

"Nothing" I cleared my throat. I still don't know my father much, so it's not wise to anger him and be on the other end of punishment. I should be careful. "I don't have much stuff. It won't take much time," I replied curtly with a tight smile not glare.

He looked at me in the eyes and held my gaze for a second trying to search for something maybe but he won't get it. He just nodded and turned back.

Seriously?

"Is he always grumpy and sun-shining around like this?" I asked, turning towards my newly founded grandpa.

"Definitely," he chuckles as someone from the front seat was growling like a freakish wolf. And I hate to admit on some level I was thinking about the worst scenario of my future right now.

"Tell your address," My FOTY said.

FATHER OF THE YEAR DUHH-

I direct them towards the house, the house is basically not so great. Even though mommy dearest got plenty of money from service, she spent it on drugs. It's the cheapest and ugliest area at the end of the city.

"You live here?" I try to ignore the disgust and fury grandpa's voice holds.

"Yeap,"

"You guys can wait here, I'll be back in minutes," I said, hurrying to go to hell hole just last time. If they're disgusted by the outside only, I think they will pass out seeing the inner interior. And for some reason I don't want them to acknowledge that living part of my life. I don't want their pity, guilt or sympathy.

"We will be coming," Foty said, as he tried to come out. His jaw muscle was ticking, his eyes hard and cold.

"No, you won't" I glared, shutting the car door harshly. I hate to do it to this piece of sexy but I'd like to make my point clear.

If they really think I'll be a little Princess obeying their shit, then bro you got into the wrong territory. I won't allow them in. Whatever happy reunion they're dreaming can burn in hell.

I heard him angrily cursing but It faded once I went inside.

I don't have much stuff, the only important things are my butterfly knife and dagger and some money I'd saved from the job I'd done at the theatre cafe. I kept it hidden from my mother because she always steals it and then buys drugs instead of buying food and paying bills.

The living room is stinking of alcohol and cigarettes, I hate it, I hate that smell too much. There were still a few stains of blood on the worn out couch which reminded me how my mother had tried to stab me just mere hours ago. My side still pretty much hurts but the painkiller is doing a good job of surpassing the pain. I can tolerate pain more than the average human body can.

She knows she can't hurt me anymore but still she did a good amount of damage even before dying.

Bitch, I snickered, kicking the bottle out of the way as I made my way upstairs.

I don't have a proper room, it was like a stall in the corner if you ask me. I quickly packed clothes and hid my dagger and butterfly knife inside it. They're my heart,kidney,mind everything bro, like I love them so freakish much.

As I open the hidden shelf I made in the wall, I look at the silver gun. I smiled as I stared at it. It was given by someone very precious, who saved me.

I hope she's fine, even though I never got to know her after I was back from my sold-off-by-mother phase. How can a mother be so cruel? Who sold their own child for mere drugs? That was the moment I realised my mother is long gone, she's just a woman who is living only to get high in her head.

Those years are the one I wanted to erase from my memory, i hate it that it still holds the power to scared me, and I know he'll come back, he'll come for me, to get me and I have to run far away before he can get me or hurt my new family, which I still have to get accomplish to. But I will hate it if someone gets hurt because of me.

Total shit is going to happen, just wish me luck.

"You done?"

I yelped, turning around, how I didn't know his presence. My heart pounds in my ear as I put my hand on my chest, my heart beating harshly under the flesh.

"I didn't mean to scare you," My newly found father said. His expressions are hard to make out or maybe he's just plain without emotions. Maybe that's why I don't feel many emotions. It's just the DNA default, I guess.

"That's okay, but wait didn't I tell you to wait in the car?" I asked, raising my eyebrows. I just hope he didn't waste time touring the small house.

"We're getting late, come on," he says, taking my bag and slinging it to his shoulder before he pushes me out of my own room.

The audacity of this man-

"I'm not fucking puppy," I huffed, glaring at him.

"Language," he snaps.

"And i didn't say that," he adds, his lips holding a small smile as he looks at me. A barely twitch. Or maybe smirk I don't know. And why the hell is he so freaking tall? My neck is starting to hurt by looking up at him.

"I called you Foty that doesn't mean you will get an award," I snorted, very unladylike.

"Foty?" He asked, confusion swirling in his face.

"Father of the year duhh" I answered, giving him a duh look which just pissed him off but he was so cool at controlling his annoyance.

As I looked at him more closely, I realised, he is really handsome, a sort of beautiful that is very much haunted. He really has sharp features, a symmetrical face, sharp jawline and just like me he also has the same eye shape and color, even the hair color is matching freaking ninety percent. I bet he would have looked like me in the younger version.

"You mean you look like me," he mocked, his voice almost teasing.

The fuck? Did I say that out loud?

"Whatever floats your boat," I shrug, flicking him away as I literally run to the door to get the hell out of here. I still can't believe I'm leaving this state and this hell hole.

I heard him chuckle as he got in the car.

"Wait? Where are we flying to?" I asked, when I climbed into the car..

"To LA, princess," grandpa grinned, putting his phone back into pocket and giving me full attention.

"Are you serious?" I asked with wide eyes, excitement thrumming to be away miles apart from this hell. I really wanted to go there.

"Have you never been there?" Foty asked cautiously.

"Nope," I said, plopping the p and making myself comfortable in my seat. I leaned on the window as I stared outside. I can't believe I'm leaving from here. Mom always moves out before we settle in.

I don't know about Foty much but even though these people are good I won't let them in, everyone is good until the storm comes and ruins things. These people can do much more harm than my mother did to me, I won't let them have advantages over me. I just have to pass three years and then I'll leave.

I will have my freedom.

Just a few more years.

The exhaustion and tiredness rubbed me in sleep as I let my eyes shut.

I should be more alert but for some reason I know I'm safe maybe for a time period but I'm.

I'll be fine.