Hello everyone! I hope you are doing okay.

Thank you so much for reading my story and giving it a chance.

Here a new chapter!

Enjoy!!!

*************

The insistent knocking on the door prevented Anna from sleeping peacefully. With a heavy heart, she pulled the soft covers away and got up from her comfortable position on the bed. With her eyes half-open, she went to the door wanting to know who was rude enough to wake her at 5:45 am.

She was surprised when she saw a fully dressed Matt standing before her. She raised an eyebrow in question.

"Hurry up Anna. You need to get dressed in 10 minutes. Wear some gym clothes."

"What?" Anna asked confused.

"Come on Anna, it's not the time for questions, just do it. I will explain everything on the way."

Anna wanted to ask him where they were going early in the morning, but she thought better of it and nodded her head instead. She would ask questions later.

"Give me five minutes."

With that, she hurried up to her bathroom and took care of her morning business. She rushed back to her closest and pulled white shorts and a pale pink tank-top. Finally, she wore her black tennis shoes and left her room.

Upon seeing her, Matt sighed in relief. He took in her appearance and nodded his approval. He threw a bottle of water her way and ordered.

"Drink it and follow me."

"Why would I drink.........." Anna started questioning him once again.

"Just trust me, Anna, I promise I will explain right now."

Anna drank the bottle of water in one go and brought it to Matt's face.

"Happy now?"

Matt ignored her attitude and looked at his watch.

"Shit! we are late. Pick up your pace, Anna."

"What's the matter, Matt? You are scaring me." Anna asked with concern as she walked beside him.

"Look, Anna, I don't have time for details. But one of the rules here is that we always have a training session with dad from 6:00 am to 8:00 am, but since we returned just yesterday from the camp, we assumed he would cancel it. Wrong move from us. Today at 5:30 am, he sent one of his men to inform us to get ready. He is holding a training session and requested your presence with us."

"What? why didn't you tell me before?" Anna asked with horror written all over her face.

It was hard for Matt to control his laugher at the look on her face. The girl was definitely terrified of his father.

"As I said before, we weren't informed until this morning, but here are the basic rules you need to know when my father is your trainer, 1) always call him sir, never forget. 2) don't hesitate when he tells you to do something, do it without any questions, and last don't stop until he tells you to."

At the end of his speech, Anna found herself on the vast grounds of the mansion. There stood Aiden in similar attire to Matt waiting for them. They both were wearing black shorts and whilst Matt went for a black fitted shirt, Aiden was wearing a blue fitting one.

"Why are you late? We are dead." Aiden hissed while jogging to an unknown area.

"You know we would have been late either way? so move it and stop talking." Matt replied in a matching tone.

By the time they arrived at the designed area for their training? Anna was out of breath and hunched over to steady her heartbeats. But the moment she saw a scowling Jacob regarding them, she straightened her back and mimicked the boy's stance, with her hands clasped at the small of her back and her feet slightly apart.

"Drop," was Jacob's order.

Being in the camp for the last two months, Anna knew very well the meaning of Jacob's order, so without a delay, she started doing push-ups.

"Count out loud."

Anna was struggling to keep her counts in sync with the boys. They were too fast for her. But it wasn't the time to show weakness. The man already saw her as a burden on them, so with newfound energy, she kept going until Jacob gave them the order to get up after 30 push-ups.

The exercise didn't tire them much, and Anna was very thankful for Jasper's grueling routine. She had never imagined herself being grateful for something the man did. She brought her attention to Jacob, who was standing in front of them and started speaking.

"Next time when I say the session starts at 6:00 am, it means 6:00 am sharp without any tardiness. This time you were late by 3 minutes, and I gave you ten push-ups for each minute. If this happens again, it will be ten push-ups for every second. Do the maths and you will know how much you will have to do, Understood?"

"Yes, sir." The three replied together.

"Now, we will start by running four rounds around the mansion grounds. I will set the pace, and you will follow. I don't want to see anyone slacking."

When he received three "yes sir", Jacob started sprinting around the grounds. At first, he was very fast and then slowed. It continued like this until the four rounds were up.

Anna dropped on her knees in an attempt to alleviate her screaming muscles. This run was pure torture and her lungs were burning and trying to catch enough air. Back at the camp even if Jasper made them run for hours, he would always set an adequate speed, but Jacob was unpredictable, one second he is slow like a snail, and the next moment he is running like he is on fire and what shocked her most was the state of him after they finished. He wasn't even out of breath and standing like he just took a small walk around the park. Aiden and Matt were also out of breath, but not a mess on the ground like her.

"Five minutes rest, then we will do some cardio exercises," Jacob announced and went to his desk on the corner writing some notes.

"Remember to breathe Anna. We just started." Aiden said as he gave her a bottle of water.

She smiled at him and chugged the water in quickly. She didn't realize she was that thirsty until the cold liquid touched her dry throat. With a tired sigh, she stood up and started walking so her legs don't get cramped.

"Why didn't we stretch before the run? Isn't it a common thing to do?" Anna asked confused.

"In my father's rules, if you arrive late, you don't have the right to stretch your muscles before the workouts, and have to suffer from painful cramps later," Matt answered her question.

Anna just groaned and accepted her fate.

"Rest is up. Now I want you to form a straight line with 20 meters between each one of you."

Once his orders were fulfilled, Jacob resumed speaking.

"So the first exercise is "Burpee 180 jumps". Matt and Aiden I am sure you didn't forget how it works, so start working. As for you Anna, here I will show what you should do."

Anna watched as Jacob got in a squat stance, feet shoulder-width apart. He dropped his hips down and placed his palms on the ground, and then he jumped his feet back and lowered his body down to the floor. He peeled his body up, then jumped feet forward back into squat stance. He jumped up at the top, rotating 180 degrees. Then he repeated the same on the other side.

"This is one rep. Did you understand the concept of this exercise?"

"yes, sir," Anna answered automatically.

"Good. Stop boys." Aiden and Matt stopped and stood to wait for his next words.

"We will do 6 sets. In each set 8 reps. Start."

The first two sets were easy for Anna. She struggled with the next three. But barely kept going by the last set, she was wishing that Jacob would say the magical words that will relieve her from this.

"Stop, this exercise is very important in building strength and muscles, because it's a total body workout. It works your shoulders, chest, glutes, and hamstrings." Jacob paused for a few seconds, then he resumed speaking.

"Next one is "Mountain climber's push-ups". We will do 8 sets of twenty seconds. This is a fantastic exercise for your core stability."

Anna cringed internally at the word fantastic. She had learned that describing an exercise with the word fantastic from the mouth of an instructor meant pure torture for them.

"In this one, you have to start in a high plank, shoulders over wrists, hips tucked up toward belly button and ribs drawn toward hips. Drive one knee toward your chest, then the other. After alternating eight times, perform two push-ups, keeping your shoulders forward and elbows back toward ribs." Jacob said while demonstrating.

And so it went for the next hour, exercise after exercise.

Some of them were the first time Anna heard of their names. When Jacob was satisfied that they were drowned in their own sweat, he told them to stop.

"That was the first workout after your time in the camp. You did fine work, but you need to improve in some areas. We will work on it together. As for now, you can go and freshen up before breakfast."

Anna dragged her feet upstairs and directly to the shower.

Twenty minutes later, she felt her muscles relax after the strain they endured earlier. She blowed dried her hair and put it in a high ponytail. Then she went to her closest to select an outfit for her outing today. The idea brought a smile to her face. She remembered her conversation with Hunter yesterday and the time that took her to convince him to join them.

"You will pay for this darling. You don't get things from me for free."

"And what's the price, MR. Salviatti?" Anna dared him.

"How brave of you to ask that ma belle, tomorrow you will know, don't worry. It's a surprise."

Anna sighed at the direction the events were taking. She knew that Hunter has some tricks up his sleeves and will execute them today. She was frustrated he didn't tell her, but at the same time, she was enjoying the anticipation she was feeling.

After a lot of debates, Anna opted for a floral dress and her white sandals. She wore her pearl earrings and completed her look with a white shoulder's bag.

She went downstairs for breakfast and found the Black family sitting on the table with Jacob at the head like always. Karen got up from her seat, and she kissed Anna on her cheek and smiled at her adoringly.

"Good morning, Karen," Anna spoke with a smile gracing her face.

"Good morning to you too, sweetie. I hope you slept well last night."

Anna nodded her head and took a seat beside Matt, who was stuffing his face with food. She was feeling hungry and seeing all the delicious food in front of her made it even worse.

She took some pancakes and a toast with jam on it and started eating. She heard a disapproving sound coming from Jacob, but she didn't look up assuming he was addressing one of his boys. Moments later, she felt Matt nudging her arm. She looked at him, and he motioned his father who was crossing his arms over his chest and glaring at her.

"Sorry sir, I didn't mean to ignore you." Anna apologised immediately. She didn't want to anger the man, after all, he was very patient with her and demonstrated every exercise for her.

"Eat some eggs, Anna. You need protein." Jacob ordered ignoring her apology.

"I can't eat eggs, sir. I don't like them." Anna declined his offer.

"Did I stutter, Anna?" Jacob asked in a dangerously low voice.

"No sir, I am sorry, sir," Anna said and put two rolls of eggs on her plate.

After that incident, they continued eating in peaceful silence. Jacob was the first one to stand up.

"The cars are waiting for you to go out. Carlos will be the head of security, so if you need anything go and talk to him. Anna when you finish, meet me in my office."

Anna gulped hard and nodded her head. She looked at Matt and whispered worriedly.

"Do you think he would scold me for the egg's scene?"

"No, I don't think so. If dad wanted to scold you, he would have done it here."

Anna cleared her plate and went to Jacob's office. She knocked on the door and waited for his permission to enter. She found him on his desk doing some paperwork. He looked up when he heard her click the door shut.

"Take a seat, Anna."

Anna sat on the sofa across his desk and waited patiently for him to say something. All he did was sliding a black card her way and looked in her eyes expectantly. Anna's eyes widen as she realised that Jacob gave her a black credit card. She shook her head hard and put it back on the desk. She knew what a black card meant. It was for rich people who have unlimited amounts of money.

"I disposed of 500.000 dollars in your account. I didn't have the time to put more, but I know that today's outing won't cost that much, but if you needed more, borrow Aiden's card." He explained ignoring her expression.

"You don't understand, sir. I can't accept this amount of money. I am grateful for you, and you already provide everything I want, so I don't need this money."

"Unfortunately, you don't understand how our world works, Anna. We care about our own and give them the best of the best."

Anna felt anger rise in her chest. She always had a problem with people giving her money. Her life wasn't easy and every time someone helped her, she would feel like she is a charity case.

"I am not your charity case, Mr. Black. I don't want your money or anyone else's for that matter. You can take the card back, and let's forget that's happened in the first place."

Jacob inhaled and exhaled slowly to calm his nerves. Then he looked Anna in the eyes and said something she never thought he would say to her.

"You are family, Anna. I know the purpose of you being here, but let me tell you something, if I considered you a tool for some mission, I would have made it known to you by now. I would have never brought you here and acted as your foster parent. The DON didn't force me to do that. All he asked was bringing you to New-York and keeping you safe. I was the one who suggested letting you be a part of my family, and you would mingle with others your age. From there, came the camp's idea. I would have just followed his orders and kept you alone in a warehouse until we needed you. The moment our technician showed me your video, I liked you and considered you a part of us. So don't go saying words bigger than you."

It was the first time Anna heard the man speak so many words in one sentence. She didn't know how to take that information in one go. She didn't even know how to respond to his sincere spoken words.

"You don't have to speak Anna. I know you are going through so many changes right now, and I respect that you need some time to come to terms with your new life. But when it came to your care and needs, don't fight me and accept everything I give you. Are we clear?"

"yes, sir," Anna answered him shakily.

"Good, I am happy we reached an agreement. Now, take the card and enjoy your time."

Anna took the card from him and nearly choked on her own spit when he gave her a nod and a reassuring smile. Well, it wasn't a face splitting smile, but at least, it was something resembling a smile. Maybe after all, Jacob wasn't the hardass she thought he was. His words touched her, and she hoped beyond hope that she will build some relationship with the man. For now, one thought dominated Anna's mind "it's time for some fun."

*****************

Hunter was on the bridge of losing his temper at any moment. He was standing face to face with the head of security trying to convince him that he would drive himself and didn't need the chauffeur today.

"I am sorry sir, but your father gave explicit orders that you have to take the driver with you." Richard apologised for the tenth time hoping that Hunter wouldn't shoot him now and there.

Hunter inhaled deeply and nodded his head. It was futile to change the man's decision after his father gave his orders. He can't blame him either, knowing that disobeying Damien's orders will result in severe punishments if not immediate death, and he wasn't in the mood to call his father and negotiate. So with a sigh, he climbed in the car and waited for the drive to start.

Twenty minutes later, they arrived at the mall where he would spend the day with Anna and his friends. He saw the Black's cars pull at the entrance of the mall, and Anna walking between Aiden and Matt. She was breathtaking like always. The mere presence of her brought a smile to his face.

He remembered his conversation with Ethan yesterday, and he wondered if he was really in love with her. He spoke the "L" word without thinking. It felt right to say it out loud. But at the same time, he knew that Ethan was right. Anna would definitely resign him when she knew the truth about the mission. Maybe she will even hate him.

I will cross that bridge when the time comes!! Hunter thought and signaled the driver to open the door.

He went directly to the cafeteria outside the mall, where they will meet. He saw Anna standing with Lillian with a big smile on her face. She was talking animatedly and eagerly. He approached her from behind and put his arms around her waist. At first, she jumped then relaxed in his hold.

"Hello, ma belle," Hunter whispered in her ear and kissed her cheek.

"Good morning Hunter, you startled me," Anna said as she punched his arm playfully.

"Sorry, I just wanted to surprise you."

Anna rolled her eyes at his unapologetic tone.

"How are you doing Lillian? And how is Uncle's injury?" Hunter asked his cousin.

"I am fine Hunter and fortunately, dad is recovering nicely." Lillian said with a bright smile on her face, but knowing her, Hunter right away noticed she was faking it and gave her "are you kidding me?" look. Lillian just shook her head as if saying "we will talk later." Hunter gave her a long stare, then brought his attention to Anna once again.

"Where do you want to start?"

"We are waiting for Diana and your other cousins to arrive, then we will start."

Hunter pulled away from Anna and took purposeful steps towards Aiden, who placed their orders on the table.

"Hello, Black."

Before Aiden could respond to the icy cold greeting, Hunter's fist connected with his stomach. Aiden bent over in pain while clutching the throbbing area and trying to catch the breath that was knocked out of him.

Anna looked in horror at the scene in front of her. Hunter was calm and playful moments ago, but now his eyes were murderous and burning with rage.

"Don't Anna, let them get it out of their system." Lillian held Anna's elbow preventing her from moving.

Hunter crouched down to Aiden's level and whispered in his ear.

"Consider yourself lucky you are like a brother to me, or else." Hunter left his threat hanging between them.

Aiden gave him a wide smile and took his offered hand. They both hugged briefly and exchanged a high five.

"I don't think I will ever understand this family," Anna muttered under her breath.

Lillian laughed wholeheartedly at her friend's words and spoke teasingly.