THE DEVIL HERSELF | NYX ULRIC [UNDER HEAVY EDITING]

UNDICI

A FEW WEEKS LATER

ELENA

ELENA sat at her desk, carefully reading the documents sent to her by her father. Apparently, it was essential that he knew her opinion about it. Despite being flattered, Elena would rather be out and about than stressing over the family business.

In fact, her American guests had invited her to visit the local town but Elena had to unfortunately decline. Her father's orders mattered more than anything or anyone. All she had to do was send back a flawless report and she'll be left alone again.

Elena tore her eyes away from the papers she was reading as the door to her office opened, looking up to see Nyx walk over to her with an unknown box in hand.

"Back so soon?" Elena asked as she flipped the documents facing down, hiding the contents from Nyx.

"Yea, Libertus was excited about the hike" Nyx said as he placed the box onto her desk. "Here, I brought you chocolates"

"For me? You shouldn't have" Elena said as she smiled appreciatively at him. She frowned as she brought the box closer to her, unfamiliar with the brand.

"Is there something wrong?" Nyx asked with a worried look.

"No, it's just that I'm not familiar with this brand" Elena said, waving his concern off.

"Oh, it's a local business that just opened in town," Nyx said, relieved, though slightly confused as to why the brand mattered to her. Maybe it was a wealthy person thing, being absolutely loyal to one brand. "Apparently all their goods are homemade"

Elena hummed in response as she read the label, bringing the box cover closer to her face. During her whole stay in Lake Como, this business hasn't sent her any sort of gift. It was a widely known fact that it was customary to send the Leonettis a gift if you were to set up a business in any of their territories.

If you didn't, well, all sorts of misfortunes would fall upon you. To robbers constantly raiding your place to suppliers turning their backs on you. Offering a gift to the Leonettis was a way to protect yourself from the dangers of the world, and from the Leonetti's themselves.

Though it doesn't stop there, if you wanted to be in their constant protection, you'd have to give up a portion of your earnings. In exchange, you'd have two lackeys guarding your business from sun up to sun down.

Elena would definitely be visiting this shop soon.

"Here, try a piece" Nyx said as he brought a piece of chocolate to her lips.

"It's good" Elena hummed, eating the chocolate offered to her. Nyx's fingers remained on her lips, the pad of his thumb caressing her lower lip. "It's sweet"

"As sweet as me?" Nyx asked as he leaned closer to her, resting his hand on the armrest of her seat. Elena sat up straighter, tilting her head to give him better access.

"Signora, suo fratello è qui. Ti sta aspettando fuori." Madam, your brother is here. He's waiting for you outside The doors to her office opened again, this time with Dante walking through the doors. Nyx pulled away from Elena, frowning at the interruption. Dante briefly glanced at him before returning his attention back to Elena.

"Mio fratello?" My brother? Elena said, her eyebrows furrowed in confusion. She stood up, slightly pushing Nyx off of her. "Digli che sarò giù a breve" Tell him I'll be down shortly

"Something come up?" Nyx asked.

"Yes, unfortunately" Elena sighed as she nodded her head. "You wait here, I'll be back in a short while"