Chapter 160 

-Ava’s POV- 

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I tensed immediately, my entire body stiffening as if every nerve had been exposed to ice. My eyes locked onto his, and for a moment, it felt like the world had narrowed to just us. Everything about him screamed power. Not the kind that commanded attention politely, but the kind that left destruction in its wake if you dared look away. 

He carried it so easily, so naturally, it felt unnatural. Like a prédator who knew no one in the room could challenge him. His tailored suit clung to his lean frame perfectly, the sharp cut emphasizing his precision and ruthlessness. His jet–black hair was the energy he radiated. was slicked back, accentuating the sharp angles of his face. But it wasn’t just his appearance—it was the Raw. Untamed. Dangerous. 

Then there were his eyes. Goddess, those eyes. They weren’t just dark–they were fathomless pits of cunning and cruelty, gleaming with a twisted intelligence. But beneath that, there was something even darker. Something unhinged. 

“!” Isabella’s voice broke the tense silence like a ray of sunlight cutting through a storm. She practically squealed with excitement, bounding toward Rickon with an energy that was impossible to fake. 

She ignored what he said throwing herself into his arms, the pure joy radiating off her so strongly I could almost feel it. Rickon, his ever–composed demeanor softening for her, whispered something in her ear that made her blush fiercely. Her happiness was infectious. Almost. 

I smiled despite myself. She deserved this–deserved to be this happy. But the warmth of that moment dissipated like smoke when I felt his gaze land on me and I remembered he was standing there.Ricardo. 

The name echoed in my mind like a warning bell as I turned to meet his piercing eyes. My wolf growled low, deep in my 

as his lips cugled into a grin. chest. Every instinct screamed at me to run, to fight, to do something. But I sat frozen 

Not just any grin. It was too wide, too smug. Like he was in on a joke the rest of us couldn’t even begin to understand. Rickon and Isabella were in their own world, completely oblivious to the tension that now crackled in the air. And Ricardo? He took a step forward, his movements deliberate and measured like a predator stalking its prey. 

“And I finally meet the woman who captured the stoic king’s heart,” he said, his voice smooth, his Italian accent curling around the words. 

“And I finally meet the asshole who had me kidnapped,” I bit out my voice sharp and cold. 

His grin widened, his eyes glinting with amusement. “Oh, finalmente lasci che il fuoco dentro di te si accenda. Mi piace.” (“Oh, you finally let that fire in you burn. I like that.“) 

I narrowed my eyes at him, trying to decipher his words, his intentions. What the hell was he playing at? 

be dead?“) 

“Non dovresti essere morto?” I asked bluntly, my tone cutting like a blade. (“Shouldn’t you 

He stepped closer, the smirk on his face unwavering. His presence was suffocating, oppressive, and yet… there was something hypnotic about it. Something that kept me rooted in place even as every part of me screamed to move. 

With a calculated smirk, he reached out and plucked the glass from my hand. 

“Stavo quasi dimenticando, le mie fonti mi hanno informato che sei una donna dalle molte lingue.” (“I almost forgot–my sources informed me you’re a woman of many languages.“) 

10:33 Mon, Jan 20GE. 

Chapter 160 

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His eyes flicked over me, not in the way that made my skin crawl but like he was trying to read me, dissect me. The audacity of it sent a fresh wave of anger surging through me. 

“E una donna di molti talenti, suppongo. Versami un bicchiere, per favore?” (“And a woman of many talents, I suppose. Pour me a glass, will you?“) 

I held his gaze, my voice ice–cold. “Versati da bere o, meglio ancora, vattene. Non vorrai essere qui quando arriverà Grayson.” (“Pour yourself a drink, or better yet, leave. You won’t want to be here when Grayson arrives.“) 

Ricardo laughed, a low, rich sound that made the hairs on my armis stand on end. “Hai trovato il coraggio. Impressionante. Sembra che tu e Grayson yi stiate influenzando a vicenda nel modo giusto. L’ultima volta che ti ho visto, eri tutta cenni di assenso e sorrisi, d’accordo con gli ordini dei tuoi genitori.” (“You’ve found courage. Impressive. It seems you and Grayson are influencing each other in the right way. Last time I saw you, you were all nods and smiles, agreeing with your parents‘ orders.“) 

What? 

His words hit me like a slap, and for a moment, I could do nothing but stare at him. My mind raced, trying to make sense of what he’d just said. When did he see me? I’ve never met him in my life. 

“You’re lying,” I said, my voice firmer than I felt. “I don’t know what you’re talking about and I’ve never met you.” 

Ricardo’s grin turned razor–sharp, his dark eyes glittering with a mix of amusement and malice. He leaned in slightly, his voice dropping to a near–whisper. 

ever 

numerous times. But, as you “I see you don’t remember,” he said, his tone almost casual. “Well, I don’t blame you. We did officially meet. Grayson wouldn’t be pleased to learn that even with all his threats, I’ve been in the same room as you n just now know, my pack was originally from here before we moved to Italy. Time to time, I like to visit for a little nostalgia. 

He leaned even closer, his breath brushing against my ear. “You know what else is hard to forget?” 

Every muscle in my body tensed as his words sent a cold wave crashing over me. 

“That image from six years ago,” he continued, his voice like a blade slicing through the air, “of you pouring the contents of that vial into that wine glass.” 

My blood froze. 

Ricardo straightened, his grin now cruel and triumphant as he watched the color drain from my face. 

“Oh, cara,” he said softly, his voice dripping with mock sympathy “You do remember, don’t you?” 

I couldn’t breathe. My mind spiraled, fragments of memories clawing their way to the surface. “Who were you trying to kill, Ava?” he asked, his voice almost gentle. “Or… who did you kill?”