Amara's POV
As I walked down the bustling city streets, my thoughts were a whirlwind of worries and doubts.
My encounter with Justin had left a bitter taste in my mouth, making me question who I could trust. Lost in my thoughts, I didn't notice the person approaching until we collided.
"Watch where you're going," the girl snapped, her voice dripping with annoyance.
I looked up, my eyes meeting hers for the first time. She had striking red hair that seemed to dance like flames in the sunlight. Her eyes were sharp, almost predatory, as they bore into mine. I stumbled back, feeling a mixture of surprise and intimidation.
Ruby's POV:
Another day, another crowded street. People hustling and bustling, all seemingly oblivious to my presence.
I preferred it that way – anonymity was my shield, and I wore it well.
With my long red hair and eyes that could cut through steel, I was a far cry from the delicate damsels my family liked to parade around.
But appearances could be deceiving.
"Watch where you're going," I snapped, irritated by the collision.
As I looked into the girl's eyes, I saw a flicker of vulnerability that made me pause. She seemed like a deer caught in headlights, unsure of how to react. Her uncertainty was refreshing – a reminder that not everyone in this city was ruled by bravado and agendas.
Amara's POV:
"Sorry," I mumbled, my cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "I wasn't paying attention."
She gave me a once-over, her gaze unrelenting. "Clearly."
Before I could respond, she turned and walked away, disappearing into the crowd.
I shook my head, bewildered by the encounter. There was something about her, something that sent shivers down my spine.
Ruby's POV:
I continued walking, the encounter already fading from my mind. I had more important matters to attend to – my family's business, for one.
We were the Del Vecchio family, a name synonymous with power and wealth.
But there was more to us than met the eye. Our connections ran deep, and I was being groomed to carry on the legacy.
"Ruby, there you are," my father's stern voice interrupted my thoughts.
I turned to face him, his presence casting a long shadow. "What is it, Father?"
He gave me a calculating look, as if assessing my worth.
"There's a girl I've heard about, Amara. She has a unique talent that could prove valuable to us."
I raised an eyebrow, my interest piqued.
"And what exactly is this talent?"
He smiled, a dangerous glint in his eyes. "She can read people, their emotions, their intentions. A valuable asset for someone in our line of work."
Amara's POV:
The weeks that followed were a blur.
I found myself cornered by Ruby's father, a man with an air of authority that was hard to ignore.
He knew about my gift, my ability to read people, and he wanted me to use it for his family's benefit.
The idea was both tempting and terrifying. I didn't want to get involved in their world, but I also couldn't deny the allure of finally having some control over my life.
Ruby's POV:
I watched from a distance as my father spoke to Amara.
Her uncertainty was palpable, and for a moment, I felt a pang of sympathy. But sympathy was a luxury I couldn't afford. My world was built on strength and detachment, and I couldn't afford to let anyone get too close.
"Join us, Amara," my father's voice resonated with authority. "We can offer you protection, power, and a family that will always have your back."
Amara's POV:
Reluctantly, I agreed to meet with Ruby's family, to hear them out and consider their offer. That's when I found myself face to face with Ruby again. She stood there, her demeanor as cold as ever, a stark contrast to her fiery hair.
There was something unnerving about her, something that made my instincts scream at me to be cautious.
"Amara, isn't it?" Ruby's voice was laced with skepticism.
I nodded, unable to shake off the feeling that I was being analyzed, dissected.
"We don't need another liability," she muttered, loud enough for me to hear.
I bristled at her words, feeling a mixture of anger and hurt.
Who did she think she was, judging me without even knowing me.
Ruby's POV:
As much as I tried to keep my emotions locked away, Amara's presence seemed to rattle me.
She was an enigma, a puzzle I couldn't quite solve.
But I knew better than to let my guard down.
My family's safety came first, no matter what. And if that meant clashing with a girl who seemed to challenge every notion I held, so be it.
