Unexpected Visit

Arias's POV

The morning air was crisp as I stepped outside, the city humming softly around me. The scent of fresh rain lingered in the air, mingling with the distant aroma of coffee from a street vendor nearby. I pulled my jacket tighter around me, my breath visible in the chilly morning air. Despite the cold, my mind felt restless, tangled with thoughts I couldn’t shake off.

Matteo Moretti.

I didn’t know why I kept thinking about him. Maybe it was the way he carried himself, the effortless confidence, or the unsettling smirk that made it impossible to tell what he was really thinking. Or maybe it was the fact that he showed up out of nowhere, claiming to be my stepuncle as if he had every right to insert himself into my life.

I shook my head, forcing my thoughts away as I approached my clinic. The small building sat on the quieter side of town, a sanctuary for animals and, in many ways, for me too. The moment I stepped inside, a familiar warmth filled me. The scent of antiseptic and fur was oddly comforting, a stark contrast to the storm in my mind.

“Good morning, Dr. Aria!” Sarah, my assistant, greeted me cheerfully from behind the reception desk, her brown eyes twinkling with amusement.

“You look tired. Late-night party I wasn’t invited to?” she teased, crossing her arms with a knowing grin.

I scoffed. “If by party, you mean lying awake, thinking about people I shouldn’t be thinking about, then yes, it was a wild night.”

Sarah laughed, shaking her head. “Sounds mysterious. You always overthink, Aria. You should take a break sometimes.”

“I wish I could,” I muttered under my breath before slipping on my white coat. “What’s on the schedule today?”

“The usual. A few check-ups, some vaccinations, and Mr. Dawson’s golden retriever needs another round of therapy for her leg.”

I nodded, feeling the stress of the morning ease slightly. Work always had a way of grounding me. Animals didn’t judge, didn’t play mind games—they were just pure, simple beings who needed care and love.

As I stepped into the backroom to check on a few overnight patients, the doorbell chimed.

Sarah peered over the desk and blinked. “Uh… Aria?”

I turned back to see what had caught her off guard, and my breath hitched.

Standing at the entrance, framed by the morning light, was Matteo Moretti. He wasn’t alone.

Three massive Dobermans flanked him, their sleek black coats gleaming under the fluorescent lights. They stood still, poised, their eyes sharp and alert, exuding the same quiet authority as their owner. Matteo held their leashes effortlessly, as though they weighed nothing.

My stomach twisted, though whether it was from unease or something else, I wasn’t sure.

“Dr. Aria,” Matteo greeted, his voice smooth as silk, but with an edge that made my skin prickle. “Thought I’d stop by for a check-up.”

I folded my arms, raising an eyebrow. “Your dogs sick?”

He smirked. “No. But it never hurts to make sure they’re in perfect condition.”

His gaze flickered over me, assessing, unreadable. It wasn’t just his presence that unsettled me—it was the way he looked at me, as if he was trying to unravel something beneath the surface.

Sarah cleared her throat, breaking the tension. “I’ll, uh, check the appointment book,” she mumbled before disappearing into the backroom, leaving me alone with him.

I sighed and motioned to the examination room. “This way.”

Matteo followed, the Dobermans moving in perfect sync with him. It was almost unnerving how disciplined they were—like well-trained soldiers.

Inside, I gestured for him to bring the first dog onto the examination table. Matteo did so without hesitation, running a hand over the dog’s head in a silent command. The Doberman obeyed, jumping up with a grace that belied its size.

I focused on my work, pushing aside my discomfort. As I checked the dog’s heartbeat, muscles, and coat, Matteo leaned against the counter, watching me with lazy interest.

“You’re good at this,” he murmured.

I scoffed. “It’s my job.”

“Still. Not everyone has a steady hand around creatures like them.” He gestured to the other two Dobermans, who sat patiently, their amber eyes locked on me.

I hesitated before meeting his gaze. “I grew up around animals. They make sense to me.”

Matteo tilted his head slightly, his smirk fading into something more thoughtful. “Is that why you chose this?”

I frowned. “Why does it matter?”

“Just curious.”

I exhaled, moving on to the next dog. “Animals don’t pretend to be something they’re not. They don’t lie, manipulate, or hide behind masks. They just… exist. And they either trust you or they don’t.”

Matteo was silent for a moment before murmuring, “That must be nice.”

I paused, glancing at him. Something flickered in his expression—something almost distant, as if he understood what I meant far more than he was willing to admit.

Before I could think too much about it, I finished my examination and stepped back. “They’re all healthy. No concerns.”

Matteo nodded, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a leather wallet. “How much?”

I hesitated, then shook my head. “It’s on the house.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Generous.”

“I just don’t want to owe you anything.”

He chuckled, tucking his wallet away. “Fair enough.”

He gathered the leashes, preparing to leave, but then paused at the door. Turning back, he studied me, his expression unreadable.

“Be careful what you’re curious about, Aria.”

My stomach twisted. “Excuse me?”

He smirked again, but this time, there was something more behind it—something almost like a warning.

“See you around.”

Then, without another word, he walked out, the Dobermans moving in perfect harmony beside him.

I stood frozen, my heart hammering against my ribs.

What the hell did that mean?

And why did I have a feeling that Matteo Moretti was far more dangerous than I had realized?