Author's note: this is from Duke's point of view

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​​

The dining room was lively during breakfast, and I didn't miss the glare that Lazarus directed my way.

Instead of holding Serina's hand under the table, I held her around the shoulders, in an obvious declaration of ownership.

Serina is MINE and that asshole can only dream about laying his hands on her.

Maybe he can fool Serina how he has no funny ideas, but I know that look.

Lazarus's irritating presence reminded me of his words how three years ago I was the cause of an explosion and Serina ended up in a week-long coma. Was that for real, or did he exaggerate? I wanted to ask Serina about it, but I guessed that if she wanted to address that point, she would, so I kept quiet.

Maybe I could ask Zoe about it? No. There are so many things I missed. Serina and I spent years apart, and it's all my fault. I have no right to ask questions and I need to make it up to her and not poke my nose in her private matters.

My goal is to integrate into Serina's life and help her out as much as I can. I want her to see me as a reliable partner, someone who will support her without getting in the way. This was the perfect opportunity for me to get close to some of the people who are important to Serina, aka the three teenagers.

Zoe was eager to point out the fact that we made a deal that will grant her extra meat and first picks from the grill, and Ash told me proudly that he started researching career possibilities in finances. They spoke with me naturally, like we know each other for a while and I was pleased to see that I won over two out of three Serina's fosterlings, but Luca seems to be a tough nut to crack.

The silent ones are always the most challenging as they observe and think, and they can smell bullshit from a mile away. I knew that getting him something flashy won't work. I really need to make an effort and find what makes Luca's wheels rolling.

…

Serina and I went to the butcher's shop that the cook from the villa recommended. He said that it's a locally owned store with many fresh choices.

The butcher's shop was located in a side street, away from the bustle that tourists make, and if not for the address and recommendation from the cook, we wouldn't venture there.

From the outside, it was nothing much. A plain stone building with a store on the main level and apartments above. The washed-out sign "Boucherie Papillon" didn't give me much confidence.

However, inside greeted us with a long line of refrigerated displays that were filled with a vast variety of fresh meats, while numerous sausages, bacon, and other smoked meat hung from the ceiling.

The smokey scent was mouthwatering and I felt my mouth stretching into a smile.

This place reminded me of many times when I went to the butcher's shop with my mother in the town that was close to our mansion. We would pick all kinds of meats because we often hosted large parties that involved barbecue, music, beer, and loud people.

Coming to this store with Serina was nostalgic.

I don't think about my mother as often as I should, but right at that moment, I wished that she was with us.

I'm confident that my mother would approve of Serina, and they would get along well.

I visually inspected the options before asking questions and Serina took the role of a translator.

We got several fresh cuts of beef and pork, six different types of sausages, chicken wings, duck legs, mushrooms that were stuffed with mixed ground meat, seasoned meatballs, scallions wrapped in bacon, and dinner rolls filled with meat and herbs (they needed to be baked).

Per butcher's suggestion, we also got tuna and mussels because he said they were freshly caught that morning.

The bags and boxes started piling up, and I couldn't believe how much we got when it all came together. I hoped that Serina won't call me wasteful, but growing kids need to eat and all this will be a wonderful addition to the meat and vegetables that were already prepared for tonight.

That was too much to carry, and it would not fit in a trunk of a car without getting squished.

Luckily, the shop had a small, refrigerated truck for delivering large orders, and our order qualified for that service.

The owner was happy that we gave him so much business and he was chatty. When he heard that we are having a barbecue party, he added a bag of peaches with a tip on how to grill them to perfection with only a dash of cinnamon.

I suggested buying necessary herbs and spices, and the owner of the butcher's shop directed us to another store that was a few streets away. He was very helpful.

I knew that there were spices and herbs in the villa, but I wanted to prolong my outing with Serina, so I suggested that we buy them.

Unfortunately, that ended too soon also.

"Would you like us to find a sweet shop and try some local delicacies?", I suggested, and I was delighted when Serina accepted. She either forgot that there are activities at the beach, or she didn't care about them.

I pulled my phone in search of restaurants and bakeries and picked one. "This has good reviews. What do you think?"

I couldn't understand the content, but a 4.8 rating out of 5 with 238 reviews sounded promising.

Serina glanced at my phone. "Mmm… the photos are mouthwatering."

You are mouthwatering, my dear.

"How far is it?", Serina asked.

I checked the location on the map. "About ten minutes walking. If we take the shortcut, we can make it in seven."

We left the car in the parking lot nearby the butcher's shop, but I hoped that we can walk because I can hold Serina and enjoy her proximity.

Serina agreed. "Alright. Lead the way."

It took me two turns through narrow alleys to notice that two guys were following us. I remembered them lingering in front of the butcher's shop, but there were four of them.

The guys looked local, and it seems they saw us as rich tourists that can be easy picking.

Ah, where is Sergio when I need him? He would usually handle anyone brazen enough to approach me.

It's not that I shy from confrontation, but Serina is with me, and I don't want to risk something happening to her.

I pulled Serina closer while thinking if we can lose them. The guys probably know all the shortcuts in the area and since we ventured in these deserted alleys, they will probably not let us go.

Just as I suspected, after the next turn, we faced two guys who were waiting for us.

With those two behind, we were trapped with no way out unless we make one.

Well, I'm not going to allow the woman of my life to think of me as a pussy.

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