♥ Chapter 2♥

Enzo D'Angelo.

Elijah, my other father, is sitting next to Dante. He's 38 and almost a younger version of my father. His hair is just as dark, but without the gray strands that already appear on Dante. His eyes, however, are like my mother's, a piercing green that seems to see beyond appearances. My father has always had a confident attitude, something that has only intensified with time. He's taller than my father, Dante, with a muscular body that shows hours spent in the gym. Although he has inherited Dante's seriousness, there is a lightness in his expression that sometimes shows through, perhaps the remnants of a less fraught youth. But, like Dante, he prefers sober clothes, maintaining a style that reflects his position within our family and, probably, in business dealings that I prefer not to know about.

I, at seventeen, am a mixture of the two. I have my mother's green eyes, but they are inherited in a slight lighter, almost emerald shade. My hair is dark brown, like my father's, but without the gray strands, and it's slightly wavy. My skin is fair, but without the same flawless glow as my mother. I'm slim, which I don't mind, but I'm starting to gain muscle as a result of the running I do regularly.

''I just hope that friend's kids stay far away from me. '' I mutter, more to myself than to them.

My mother, however, listens, and this time she looks at me seriously.

''Enzo, I'm only going to say this once. '' she begins, in a firm tone. ''Don't do anything wrong in other people's houses, okay?

I roll my eyes but nod in agreement.

“I heard you, Mom,” I reply, crossing my legs in an impatient gesture, still annoyed by the whole situation. '' Are we almost there?

'' Yes,'' my father replies briefly, and I look ahead, seeing a huge iron gate approaching.

Two armed men approach the car, but soon relax when they recognize my parents and let us pass. The surroundings are imposing, but all I can think about is the time I'll have to spend away from my home and my snake.

I sigh again. I could, if I wanted to, cause some kind of fuss here, but the prospect of spending months away from my Python makes me reconsider.

''How long are we going to be here?'' I ask, trying to keep calm.

''Two months. '' replies my father, Elijah, casually. I'm completely surprised.

''What? My snake is going to starve!'' I protest, and my mother slaps me lightly on the leg.

''Ouch!'' I complain, even though the slap was more symbolic than painful.

''I've left enough food for her. Now, behave yourself, Enzo. '' my mother warns, with a look that doesn't allow for questioning. I snort in frustration as the car finally stops.

I reluctantly get out of the car, watching my brother Klaus and his husband Alex get out of the vehicle behind us and walk towards us. Alex soon flashes a mischievous smile, clearly knowing how annoyed I am at being forced to come.

''Did you complain a lot during the trip, little brother?'' he teases, knowing he's going to annoy me even more.

He knows I don't want to be here, and his teasing tone only worsens my mood.

''Do you want me to put something in your drink or food, brother?'' I reply with a forced smile, watching him snort in annoyance.

''Don't start, Enzo. '' he says, but I can't help smiling at his small victory.

''You shouldn't pick on me if you can't stand it. '' I reply, seeing Alex roll his eyes.

''Let's go. '' My father, Elijah, calls to us, and we start walking towards the entrance to the mansion.

As soon as we approach, the door is opened by a couple with a striking and distinguished appearance.

The man is tall, with an imposing presence that seems to fill the space. His broad shoulders and well-defined muscles suggest strength and vigor. His black hair is short, with a few slightly disheveled strands, as if it had been fixed in a hurry. His piercing pale blue eyes are like blades of ice, watching us with an intensity that seems to see beyond the surface. His square jaw and neatly trimmed beard reinforce the impression of someone who is always in control, someone who is not intimidated.

The woman next to him is a little shorter, but her slender, elegant figure makes her look just as imposing. Her long, light brown hair falls in soft waves over her shoulders, shining in the light coming through the door. Her dark brown eyes contrast intriguingly with her clear, flawless skin, creating an appearance that is both serene and mysterious. There is something ethereal about her presence, as if she has an inner calm that protects her from any outside turmoil. Her lips, painted a subtle shade of pink, draw a slight smile, but the depth in her gaze suggests that there is more behind that tranquil expression.