Chapter 2 A stranger in black briefs

Sienna.

“Mom, don’t you think this whole moving things is too fast?” I asked, leaning against the doorframe with my arms tightly crossed.

Mom stopped folding her floral blouse and patted the spot next to her on the bed. When I sat down, she squeezed my shoulders. “I’m sorry for the short notice, Sienna. But Dominic is so excited for us to join him. He even bought this place in our name, we can always come back here if it’s too overwhelming there, baby. But I promise you’ll love it there.”

That actually made me feel a bit better. At least we had some security. “Fine,” I sighed, giving her a small smile. “I’ll go start packing.”

“Okay, Mom... you definitely upgraded from Dad,” I giggled, spinning around in the center of my new bedroom.

The place was huge. One side of the room featured a walk-in closet and a vanity finished in a soft, glossy blush pink. It was sophisticated but still hit that sweet spot for my inner child. The floors were a walnut oak color, and the massive windows let in enough sunlight to make the whole room glow with rays. 

“It’s perfect,” I said, giving her a huge squeeze.

“I’m so glad. Now, I have to head to the airport to pick up Dominic,” she said, checking her watch.

“Go ahead, Ma. I’ll settle in and get started on some lunch.”

“Also, Sienna, I should mention—”

“Mom, I’ll be fine! Go get your man,” I teased, rolling my eyes as I pushed her toward the door. Her phone started ringing before she could finish, and with a quick wave, she was gone.

By the time I finished unpacking my last suitcase, the sun had set. I took a quick shower and threw on some black biker shorts and an old oversized grey shirt. I figured it was time to actually explore the rest of this mansion.

The house felt more like a museum than a home, the Tuscany interior decor was everything. The warm and neutral colors combo— breathtaking… but the kitchen? That was a dream. The fridge was stocked like a mini-grocery store, and right in the middle sat a tray of gourmet chicken sandwiches that made my stomach growl .

I grabbed one, taking a huge, shameless bite. A soft moan escaped my throat because wow, that was really good.

“Enjoying yourself?”

“AHHH!” I screamed, the sandwich nearly flying out of my hand.

I spun around, my heart hammering against my ribs. Standing by the island was a guy who definitely wasn't Dominic. He was tall, I mean towering over me tall and he was wearing absolutely nothing but a pair of tight black briefs.

I didn't know whether to scream again or stare. He had these broad, muscular shoulders and a chest that looked like it hadn’t missed a day of workout. My eyes trailed the V line that disappeared right under the waistband of his underwear, which... did not leave much to the imagination.

“Who are you? Get out!” I yelled, frantically grabbing a butter knife from the counter and pointing it at him.

He didn't even flinch. He just leaned against the counter, his dark eyes tracking my every move. Up close, he was annoyingly handsome… square jaw, messy dark hair, and a grumpy expression that said he’d rather be anywhere else.

“You’re breaking into a house naked?” I barked, trying very hard to keep my eyes on his face and not on the massive imprint staring me down. “Leave now or I’m calling the police!”

“Easy, Tiger,” he said, his voice a deep, vibrating baritone that sent a weird shiver down my spine. He took a slow step forward, raising his hands in a fake surrender. “Put the knife down before you hurt yourself.”

“I know how to use this!” I lied, my knuckles turning white.

“Over a sandwich?” He raised a thick eyebrow. “I’m just here to get my food.”

“Your food? This is my mom’s house!”

“You must be Helena’s daughter,” he said, his voice dropping low. He looked me up and down, and for a second, the air in the kitchen felt way too hot. “She’s marrying my dad.”

I froze. “Wait... what?”

“Roman,” he muttered, looking irritated. He looked at the knife, then back at my face and the half eaten sandwich that had a chicken strip almost falling off it and sighed. “You know what? Keep the sandwich. I can’t fucking do this right now.”

He turned on his heel and walked out, giving me a very clear view of his sculpted backside flexing as he disappeared.

The knife clattered onto the marble counter. I stood there, breathless and shaking, just as the front door swung open. Mom walked in, glowing, linked arm-in-arm with a tall, distinguished-looking man.

“Mom! Call the cops… someone broke in… There’s a guy—he’s in the house!” I gasped, running over to them.

“Breathe Si, Breathe” 

The man, who I assumed was Dominic, just let out a hearty laugh. “I see you’ve met my son, Roman.”

Right on cue, Roman stepped downstairs to meet us. He was fully dressed now in a black hoodie and jeans, but he still looked like he wanted to bite someone’s head off.

“Roman, son, come meet Helena and Sienna,” Dominic said proudly.

Roman didn't move. He just gave a stiff, barely there nod. “I’m going out.”

He didn't wait for a reply before heading straight for the door. The heavy thud of the front door closing followed him.

Rude. And way too hot for his own good.

“Hi, Dominic,” I said, forcing a polite smile as I shook his hand, though my brain was still stuck on the image of Roman in the kitchen. “I think... I’m just going to go to my room now.”