FALLING IN LOVE WITH HIM - HER FIRST LOVE

A smile made its way into Hunter's face when he saw his father wrapping his arm around his mother's waist. He could tell that his father's heart fluttered as his mother smiled for him. She's the most beautiful woman, and her gorgeous smile alone brightens their whole day. She moved gracefully like a Queen along with her husband, playing the role of the perfect hostess. 

The diamonds adorning her slender neck, earlobes and her wrist shimmered as she moved. Her long sweeping silk gown matched the colour of Hunter's shirt perfectly while his father looked handsome as a devil dressed in all black as usual. No wonder Hunter too loved dressing in black. 

Hunter continued watching as men and women greeted his mother with a lovely smile as if they're delighted to meet her. Where in reality they're dying with jealousy. Jealous of her beauty, of her man holding her so possessively. Men were hiding their lustful desires behind those friendly smiles. 

Hunter clenched his fist in anger.. "Motherfuckers. I'll slit their throats," he said through his gritted teeth. Mathew chuckled softly. 

"I don't think you need to dirty your hands, Chief. Those motherfuckers are allowed to look, only because your Dad loves showing off his pride. If they so much as lay a finger on her, he would gladly slit their throats with his bare hands. And besides, don't be fooled by that angelic beauty. She can be your worst enemy to mess with if you pissed her off," Mathew said, his tone filled with amusement. Yet it held so much pride and respect for Hunter's parents at the same time. 

Mathew was one of their most trusted men. That's why his father chose him as Hunter's security in charge. All of his staff in London from housekeeper Lanson to servants and drivers were all his bodyguards, disguised as his household employees. 

Hunter grinned wide as his eyes landed on the waving hand of his grandfather. He was as fit as ever and dressed in a grey suit and white shirt, the man in his early seventies looked pretty charming for his age. "Hey, you young man, come over here. Your old man needs you," his grandfather said, gesturing him to join him. As Hunter began descending the stairs, two more armed men joined Mathew to escort Hunter safely to his grandfather. 

His mother reached him first and kissed his cheek. She grinned when she looked at his undone tie hanging around his neck. Hunter's father silently watched his wife's handiwork as she made their son's tie, knotting it perfectly. His smile never wavered from his face. 

"Aw, look at my boy, all grown up and turning into a handsome man. Like father, like son," she said, eyes shining with pride and love. She brushed her fingers through his hair, trying to fix it as well and Hunter groaned. "Mom, you just ruined my perfectly made hair," he said and tried to fix it back, only to get his hands swatted away by his mother. She gave him a dirty look, and he gave up trying. 

Both his maternal and paternal grandparents laughed at the mother and son's interaction. Hunter's smile grew into a toothy grin as he saw his family laughing. They were happy because of him, and he couldn't ask for anything more. He was thankful for their unconditional love. 

'Handsome men and beautiful women in the family contributed to these good looks I've inherited.' 

He thought admiringly. 

Hunter's father winked at him playfully before he spoke to his wife. "Don't you think, darling, the only missing thing is a bride standing next to him?" He asked, smirking at his annoyed son. "It would've been perfect if," he stopped mid-sentence as he heard Hunter's disapproving grunt. "Dad!" He said, gritting his teeth and warning his father to shut up. 

As soon as the word "Bride" left his father's mouth, his mother's eyes lit up like a shining diamond. She's a hopeless romantic. That's why Hunter still kept Hera as secret. If his mother knew about him being in love with Hera, that crazy woman would make them marry the next day. She wouldn't even care that Hera was still a minor and Hunter was damn sure, both his mother and Hera would get along just fine. They're very much alike. 

Thankfully, before his mother could react, Hunter's grandfather took him to meet the people gathered in his study. He introduced them to each other, and Hunter learnt they were the most important and influential men from all over Europe. Every one of them offered to stand by him in difficult situations no matter what. They swore loyalty to him. 

Once they were seated, Hunter's father joined them with his legal team, and Mathew passed the folder in his hands to him. Scooting over a little, Hunter made room for his father and the head of their legal team Thomas Costa. "Have you read it thoroughly, Junior?" His father asked, offering him his pen while Thomas spread the papers in front of him. 

Nodding his agreement, Hunter signed the legal documents. His grandfather pulled him in for a hug and patted his back. Hunter could see how happy and proud he felt. 

Meanwhile, his father checked all the papers, discussing with Thomas. Hunter had nothing to worry as his father would hold power of attorney in his name. Though everything got transferred into his name on the paper, he was still an eighteen-year-old young boy. He had to study and complete his education before stepping into his father's shoes. 

"You only have to wait for your mother's parents to transfer their assets into your name, and then with both your grandfathers' assets, you'll be wealthier than your father," Thomas said, shaking Hunter's hand. "I suddenly feel so sad for not having a daughter and missing my chance of having you as my son-in-law. Why couldn't Eric be born as a girl?" Thomas said, faking disappointment. "And you two are not even gay best friends," he added jokingly. Hunter laughed in good humour. 

He watched as his father passed a glass of whiskey to Thomas, and they clinked their glasses in celebration. Thomas Costa was not only their Lawyer but his father's best friend as well. Hunter was glad that his son Eric and he were best friends too. 

"It's time to celebrate. Let's join the party," Thomas said once he officially finished with all the legal formalities. Hunter walked out of the study silently following as his father and Thomas walked ahead along with his grandfather. 

Francesco Giovanni Carlo, the man in his early seventies, clinked his glass to announce a toast. It didn't take more than a few seconds for the guests to focus their attention solely on him. After all, he's the most feared man in the whole of Europe. No one would dare to upset this dangerous and powerful man. The name "Carlo" was enough to induce terror among people. 

"Thank you, everyone, for gracing us with your presence. As you all know, I have decided to step down from the Organisation. And from now on, my grandson will take over my business and our Organisation. Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you, your new Boss," Francesco said, wrapping his arm around Hunter's shoulders. 

Toasts raised in congratulations, and they welcomed Hunter into their dangerous world. 

"Honestly, I expected more, Alessandro. He's just a kid. Surely old Carlo has lost his mind. He can't be serious about announcing the kid as his successor. I don't think this boy even know how to hold your pen, let alone sit on your father's chair," Luca Baresi, the bulky man dressed in an Italian designer black suit said, sipping his scotch leisurely. He let his eyes measure Hunter from head to toe. Though Hunter possessed that same intimidating aura of his grandfather, Luca didn't show any sign of acknowledgement. His face held a disappointed look. 

The dangerous, cold smirk which never fails to scare people to death appeared on the face of Alessandro. He gestured his son to join him. As soon as Hunter made his way to them, Luca Baresi greeted him with his unwelcoming cold eyes as if ridiculing his presence. 

Hunter clenched his jaw, cocked one of his eyebrows up as if challenging him before he smirked at the bulky man arrogantly. The man found himself sweating despite being under the air-conditioned roof. Hunter's perfect height and personality with that attitude, confidence, arrogance and that dangerous smirk, the man realised matched perfectly with Alessandro's. 

Before Alessandro could put the now frightened man in his place, someone else beat him to it. 

"If he can fuck the Baresi women to their satisfaction, then you should reconsider calling him a kid, Baresi," Francesco said, smirking at Luca. 

Luca and Hunter both choked on their drinks simultaneously. The former's face flushed with anger while the latter's with embarrassment. Hunter looked at his grandfather, who shot him a knowing smile with a wink. If Hunter wasn't wrong, his old man, even looked proud. 

'Bloody hell! How did he know?'