𝘊𝘳𝘪𝘮𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘴

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟏

I just got home from work, exhausted but grateful to be done for the day. Being for a rambunctious three-year-old was a rewarding job, but it left me wiped out most of the days. After dropping my keys on the table, I kicked off my shoes and headed straight for the shower. The hot water soothed my muscles, and as I stood under the spray. "I needed this shower" letting out a long deep breath.

Once I was clean, I threw on a pair of comfortable leggings, a long-sleeved shirt, and a loose sweater, feeling a little human again. The evening air outside my window looked inviting, and I decided a walk would be the perfect way to unwind before settling in for the night.

I stepped out of my apartment, the cool autumn breeze brushing against my face. The early evening sun was still warm casting a glow over the streets, the scent of fresh bread wafting by from nearby bakeries.

As I walked, I found myself lost in thought, going over the events of the day, and thinking about what I had to do tomorrow. But something caught my eye. A little girl maybe six or seven, stood by herself at the corner of the street. She was wearing a thin jacket, her arms wrapped tightly around her small frame, and her eyes-those wide, terrified eyes darted nervously up and down the street.

I felt my stomach tighten in concern.

I slowed my pace as I approached her, trying to not seem threatening. "Hey sweetheart," I said softly "Are you okay?"

Her eyes snapped to mine, and she took a small step back like she was ready to bolt. She didn't answer right away, just stared at me with the same frightened expression.

I knelt to her level, keeping my voice calm. "It's okay, I'm not going to hurt you. Are you lost?"

She bit her lip, her small face scrunched up as if she was trying not to cry "I-I can't find my nanny," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

My heart broke a little at that. "Do you know where they went?"

She shook her head, her eyes filling with tears. "She was at the store...but I went outside... and now I can't find her."

I glanced around, but the streets were nearly empty. I hadn't anyone who looked like they might be looking for a child.

"Okay," I say gently I said gently standing up. "We will find them. How about we sit over there for a second and we can figure this out together?"

She hesitated but nodded, and I led her over to a bench. As we sat down, I took out my phone, hoping I could help her find her nanny without scaring her more.

"What's your name?" I asked

"Amira," she said her voice still small.

"Amira, that's a lovely name," I said smiling. "Do you know your nanny's number?"

She shook her head, looking down at her hands I could feel my anxiety creeping up, but I tried to not let it show. "That's okay," I said trying to keep the calm in my voice. "Do you know anyone's number?"

Her face brightened a little "I know my daddy's number," she said her voice still timid but steadier.

"That's great," I said in relief "Can you tell me his number?"

She recited the digits carefully and I dialed, hoping to hear an anxious voice on the other end. The phone ranged a couple of times before a deep sharp voice answered

"Who is this?" The voice was low, and rough, with a commanding tone that instantly put me on edge.

"Hi my name is Kurianna," I began suddenly aware this didn't feel like a casual phone call anymore. "I'm with your daughter Amira. She's safe but she's lost and I wanted you to be where we are so you can come get her."

There's a tense pause, then I hear a sharp exhale, "Where is she?" The voice wasn't relieved, it was deadly serious.

I swallowed giving him the intersection where we were sitting. "We are on the corner of Via del Corso."

"I'll be there in five minutes." He growled, and the line went dead.

I glanced at Amira, who was still clutching my hand. There was something about the man's voice something protective, yes, but also fierce, like he's used to being in control and didn't take lightly to his daughter being in danger. The thought made me uneasy. I didn't know what kind of man I just called, but there's no question that he wasn't someone to mess with.

True to his words, less than five minutes later, a stunning black Aston Martin along with two SUVs rolled up to the curb, its sleek lines and glossy finish catching the fading sunlight. The low growl of the engine hinted at the power underneath the hood, while the sharp angles of its design spoke luxury and precision. The tinted windows concealed the driver, giving the car an air of mystery.

The door swung open, and a man stepped out, exuding an air of confidence that was hard to ignore. He stood an imposing 6'5", broad-shouldered, dressed in a fitted black suit that clung to his muscular frame. His fluffy dark hair was tousled just enough to give him a rugged edge, while his tattoos peeked out underneath his cuffs, hinting at stories untold. But his piercing brown eyes locked onto Amira with an intensity that made my heart race.

"Daddy!" She cried running towards him.

He scooped her up with on swift motion, holding her protectively to his chest. The tension in his face softened for a moment as he held her close, but then he turned to me, his eyes narrowing with scrutiny.

"You found her?" He asked, his voice calm but laced with a seriousness that made me feel like I was being interrogated.

I nodded, trying to keep my composure. " Yeah, she was just standing there, looking lost. I'm glad I found her before anything happened."

His eyes were unyielding, taking in every detail about me "Thank you," he said, though it felt more of a command than a gesture of gratitude. "You have no idea what could've happened."

I wanted to ask him about what he meant, but something about the way he looked at me held me back. There was an intensity, a danger that hinted at the kind of danger he led, a world of power and control.

"You take care of her," I said trying to sound lighthearted "She's a sweet kid."

He gave a curt nod but his eyes remained hard.
As he turned and put Amira in the car, I caught a glimpse of a tattoo on his neck, dark and incarnate. This man was more than a concerned father.

As they drove away, I stood there for a moment, my heart still racing, I had no idea who I had just met, but the encounter left me unsettled. He was the kind of man who didn't ask questions twice and crossing him could lead to consequences I wasn't ready to face.

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