Alaric's pov.
It's been three weeks since I came back from Italy. Three weeks of contemplating whether taking the contract of being Luna's bodyguard is a good decision.
Atticus managed to convince me that it would be a good way to get close to Nia. The woman I fell in love with since I laid my eyes on her. I disappeared for four years. No explanation. No nothing.
Now I'm standing in front of her parents' hotel. MarCo hotel. The hotel is modern. All glass and elegant but with dark colours that indicates that you can't just walk in here and think that you fit in.
I push my hands into my pockets. Trying my best to stay grounded. Trying my best to hide the fact that the hands are shaking. I walk inside with the confidence of someone who knows what he's doing. But I'm terrified.
According to what I've heard, Mr and Mr Muriithi are not people to mess with. Especially when it comes to their daughter. Their daughter is their world. As much as she's a menace to the society, she's still their baby. I still don't understand why she needs another bodyguard while she always has so many of the following her around.
I'm met by a lady who is carrying a tablet. She stands right in front of me.
"Mr Alaric, I was sent to bring you to Mr Collin and Mr Mark. Follow me please." So I do.
I walk behind her until she stops in front of an office on the ground floor. She knocks gently and a faint "come in" is heard
"Mr Mark, your 7 AM is here."
"Let him in."
"Go on in. Don't keep them waiting."
When I walk in Mr Mark asks me to sit on the office sofa. And he sits next to his husband who is examining me with eyes that suggest they know who I am.
"Mr De Luca," he extends his hand. "Thank you for coming."
I straighten my hand to shake his. The handshake is bone crushing. Mr Collin also extends his hand and I take it. The handshake is equally bone crushing. One might underestimate him just because he's beautiful and is wearing a pink suit. But that's not the case, he's intimidating. He's looking at me with intensity that would make a lesser man squirm.
"Thank you for considering me, Mr and Mr Muriithi."
"Please, you can call us by our names." Mr Collin smiles. That smile doesn't quite reach the eyes.
"Atticus speaks highly of you," Mr Mark says. "He called us personally saying that you are the best option."
"He's probably biased because he's my brother."
"He's also the CEO of Sentinella so we are inclined to trust his judgement." Mr Collin counters. "The same security company that has been rated the most sufficient. Even the president himself gets security from him."
"I appreciate the trust you have in us."
They did their research. They know about the years I lectured in Strathmore University. They know everything that's necessary.
"Alaric Amani De Luca. Son to Lorenzo and Aurora De Luca. Born and raised in Italy. Moved to Kenya to take care of your parents' Kenyan business branches. Then moved back to Italy four years ago." Mr Mark reads from his tablet.
He raises his eyes, narrowing them a little.
"Sorry about what happened to your parents. We heard they recovered well." His eyes soften. He's a family man. He understands family more than anyone.
"They have made a splendid recovery, thank you."
"We also heard you burnt down half of the mafia members' farms and houses. Shed blood like no one's business," there's no judgment in Mr Collin's voice. "We would have been disappointed if you didn't do anything about it."
They understand the underworld. In the underworld, there's no such thing as forgiving. Even their own daughter understands that very well.
"So now, will you tell us why you are taking on being our baby's bodyguard? I believe you have so many better things to do being a rich man yourself." Mr Mark's eyes are fixed on mine.
I should lie. Say that a mafia princess needs protection and I'm the best they could have. But lying to smart people is the most stupid thing one can ever do. So I tell them half the truth.
"Because I have encountered Luna. I was her professor for almost four years. I know she's brilliant and smart. And I kinda have an idea of how she thinks. How much calculations she does before she decides on doing something. I know your daughter is not impulsive."
Mr Collin narrows his eyes, probably feeling the fact that I didn't tell the whole truth. But doesn't say anything.
"Hmm," Mr Mark starts, "then you are a good option. You seem to be passionate while talking about her."
"Yes," Mr Collin seems thoughtful, "You are the best option. We won't ask more questions because that would not be so good."
"So the reason why our baby needs a bodyguard is because she's going through something. We wanted a woman but when we did our research and found out that you were her favourite lecturer, we thought it would have been better to bring someone who will be able to break down her walls. And to make it believable, even her friends will get personal bodyguards. " Mr Collins eyes soften when Mr Marks starts talking about Nia.
"We know she can protect herself from a mere gang leader or even the whole gang. But we were looking for an excuse for bringing someone into her life. Someone who will be patient with her."
"I promise to try my best."
"Good," Mr Mark says as he pulls out a document. "Sign here." I do as instructed. At least there's no clause about not falling in love because that would drive me insane.
After signing the contract, they tell me that I'll be starting today. I follow them in my car.
When we get to Luna's mansion all the staff bow so hard I'm afraid their backs will break. The dining table is packed with breakfast. We sit at the dining table waiting for the woman of the day to show up. No one touches the food.
The house is so quiet that I can hear my own heartbeat.
That is until I hear the clink of heels and I force myself to stay put and not turn.