Her Five Protectors

THREE

Athena looks up at this person in fear. He is tall more like huge compared to her, with his above 6 feet frame. He has few tattoos running on his skin here and there.

He looks down at her with his cold gaze, as if telling her that he holds each and every power. Athena gulps and averts her gaze back on the nice looking floor. It is spotless and crystal clear that she can literally see her own reflection on it.

"Alexander, go and cool off. I will call you back when you will be needed." Alexander nods respectfully and walks past him upstairs but not before throwing another look at Athena.

"Vincenzo!" Luciano nods at him and looks back at Athena who is still looking down at the floor, unaware of the eyes on her.

"Don't go too harsh on her, Vincenzo." Luciano requests.

His older brother is the head of their family and the country. He is said to be heartless because his actions has always been cruel and he has never shown any kindness and mercy since the moment he took his position, not even to his own family.

But Luciano being the closest to him due to work and age, knows that this tough man has stored so much love in his cold heart for his siblings. Especially the youngest Ariana. He adored and spoiled her a lot in Luciano's shadow.

Luciano's train of thought freezes all of a sudden. The Vincenzo he is reminiscing about is the one from a long time ago. Since the moment Ariana crossed that line, Vincenzo changed.

It was right they searched for Ariana everywhere.... But they could never forget that they were betrayed.

She shared the same blood as them. Still, she did not seem a bit reluctant to sever ties with them. It hurt them a lot.

Mostly Vincenzo. Because as the leader, it was his responsibility to keep them all together.

Luciano sighs.

If only Ariana understands her mistakes truly now.

Luciano takes his leave, without exchanging any other comments. He leaves Athena in Vincenzo's care for now.

Tears has already drenched Athena's cheeks. She wants to tell him to not to go and leave her with him but he is out of her sight.

"Follow me." Vincenzo says, his words sound like a command. Athena looks up. He is heading toward the staircase with his back facing her. His action reflects that he is unbothered.

Athena looks at his back with mild panic. He has reached the middle of the stairs, with no intention to look back at her again.

The naive Athena takes it as her chance.

She runs!

Not behind him but outside.

The splitting headache is getting worse with each second and she is somewhat dizzy due to the whole ordeal and pain.

She is not able to reach the door and her way is blocked by one of the guard from earlier. The one who was continuously reporting about her on the ear piece. He does not have that device in his ear now.

He grabs her arm in the similar fashion. Gentle but firm. Her weak body is unable to struggle, therefore she resigns to her fate.

He takes her to Vincenzo's office and she is forced to sit in front of Vincenzo.

The guard leaves instantly. The door is closed in a silent manner.

Athena looks at the aloof Vincenzo with fear.

He is reading and signing the documents in front of him, not even minding her presence. As if she is not even present in the room beside him.

She bites her tongue to restrain her small sob.

Athena was never strong to begin with. She fears pain and death... She is not the brightest and she knows to read and write a very little.

Still her five senses knows that the man sitting in front of her is dangerous. If she makes him mad, she is bound to suffer. The thought of feeling the familiar pain of being beaten up sends her heart skyrocketing. Her foster parents did not look strong like Vincenzo at all. So they can never be compared to him in matter of inflicting pain.

So, this time she sits obediently. Doing her best to not to cry.

Seconds pass. Several minutes pass.

He raises his eyes to look at her.

Her breath hitches.

He finally speaks.

"You are grounded until you turn 18. That also includes no school for you... You will be homeschooled until you graduate highschool. You have lost your every privilege of electronics. In the vacant time, you will do your chores that basically includes cleaning your room on your own....There will be no special maids assigned to you from now on. I have decided to increase the time period of your defense training with Alexander. Make it for three early hours in morning and every day."

Athena stares at him wide eyed.

"Have any questions?" He asks her. When she does not answer but just stares, he dismisses her.

"Go to your room and take rest for today. From tomorrow, the new rules will apply on you."