Hello everyone!

A SMALL NOTE:

I created a group for discussing this story and talking about characters, so if you desire to be a member just send me a request and I will add you. The group is with the name: "Wattpad story "An innocent girl in a mafia camp" fans group". I will add the link to my profile later.

Enjoy!

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

It had been ten days since Damien started supervising training in the camp. The training got harder and intense. Damien's rules were different from jasper's. He doesn't care if you can master a move or an exercise from the first time. He would give you an exercise to do and that's it. No one can have a rest until all the team has mastered it.

It doesn't matter if it took them one hour or all day to do it. Anna found his tactic less stressful than Jasper and she liked working with him. It wasn't easy to pass all the challenges, but she was always adamant about giving it her best and bypassed all obstacles in her way.

Working with Ethan was refreshing and energy restoring. He was cool and had the same mentality as Jackson. The two of them made a great coaching team in swimming. And what was more shocking to Anna was discovering her talent in shooting. Ethan was the sniper in the Salviatti family. He can shoot from any distance and nail his target. Anna wasn't as good as him but considering it was her first time in the range, she did a fantastic job.

Nina was another story completely. The woman was a nut, literally nut. Her session was the time Anna dreaded the most. The woman would show them her methods in torturing people by playing real videos on the big screen showing her practicing gruesome acts on helpless people tied to chairs and blindfolded. Their screams and cries were graved in Anna's mind and they were the cause of restarting her many sleepless nights.

She couldn't imagine the crimes those people committed to deserve such a painful punishment. In her opinion there is no justification for Nina's actions; to put it more simply, Anna classified the instructor as a heartless and unfeeling human being.

The brighter side of it all was her relationship with the other members of the camp. Like always, she enjoyed her time with Lillian and Diana. She knew more about their lives and shared some stories of her childhood with them. Stories she remembered from her time with her real parents. The boys weren't that bad and she found out that Cain was skilled in mathematics and he made it his mission to challenge her every time the chance presented itself. A small smile graced her lips when his sour expression came to her mind the last time she beat him in solving advanced equations.

Even Brad De Rossi had succeeded in warming his way to her heart. The boy was arrogant and cocky, but he had a fun side that made her laugh uncontrollably at his silly jokes. He was a good friend and had her back on many occasions. The only ones who still have problems with her were Tatiana and Camille. Tatiana's hatred for her was understandable; the girl was crazy about Hunter and the jealousy burning in her eyes was obvious even for a blind person. But for the life of her, she can't put her hands around the reasons for Camille's hatred.

However, it doesn't matter. She was happy with the progress she made and would enjoy every moment with her new friends.

But something felt odd in her relationship with Hunter. They didn't fight or anything, to the contrary, he was a gentleman with her, always treating her delicately and making sure to spend a lot of time in her company.

Even so, she can't shake the look in his eyes. He was with her physically but his mind was away, far away. She couldn't understand the emotions in his eyes and his mood's swing, especially in Ethan's presence. The two can't see eye to eye and Hunter made it his purpose to ignore his brother and disregard his authority as much as he can.

At training, he was tense and always determined to be the first in everything. A single word can provoke him and be enough reason for him to start a fight. Anna tried many times to bring the subject to his attention, but he would brush it off and change the topic completely.

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

Anna along with the other girls were warming up and preparing for the upcoming swimming class with Ethan and Jackson when a commotion at the other side of the swimming pool caught their attention and brought Anna back to reality from her previous thoughts.

"Not again." Lillian hissed under her breath and started marching to the two boys who were fighting or more precisely to Hunter who was fixing a struggling Brad against the wall and squeezing his throat tightly.

Lillian tried her hardest to loosen his grip but it seemed as if Hunter was possessed, and his hold on Brad's neck got tighter. Anna watched in horror as Brad's face turned purple and he was trying vainly to breathe. She approached Hunter carefully and put her hand on his tense arm.

"Let him go, Hunter. It is not worth it." Anna spoke gently knowing very well that the cause of this scene is petty.

Her words went to deaf ears and Hunter went closer to Brad's ear and spoke harshly.

"If you as much as utter her name again, I will f*cking kill you. Do you understand me, De Rossi?"

"Huh, what did you say? I can't hear you. Did the cat eat your tongue?" Hunter taunted when Brad failed to answer his question.

Anna was sure that Brad's neck would snap at any moment under the huge pressure. She looked around her at the others who formed a circle around them. She made eye contact with Aiden and Nicholas pleading with them to interfere. But the two just shook their heads and looked away. With a force unknown to her, Anna pushed Hunter away from Brad and came between the two.

At first, Hunter looked at her with shocked eyes. Then, he recovered quickly and raised an eyebrow. Anna held his stare and gave him a challenging look to make a move. Brad was sitting on the ground gagging and trying to catch his breath.

"Move away from him Anna," Hunter spoke through greeted teeth.

"Make me." Anna shot back.

Hunter grabbed her arm roughly and brought her against his chest. He got closer to her face that she could feel her hot breath on her face skin.

"Move Anna. It is your last chance to do it the easy way. Don't make me do it for you the hard way." He threatened lowly and in a voice as cold as ice.

Anna was sure that his voice and the look of pure rage in his eyes would have made the strongest man cave to his orders but not her. She knew he would never hurt her or manhandle her which made her resolve impenetrable. So with her chin high she glared at him and said with a voice that didn't leave place for an argument.

"Go on Hunter. Make me move away the hard way. I am waiting."

"Anna....." Hunter growled.

Before anyone of them could make another move, the voice of Ethan boomed in the room.

"What's the matter? Why are you standing in a circle instead of warming up and preparing for our session?"

Everyone moved from the scene making the way to Ethan and Jackson who analyzed the three teenagers in front of them. One look was all that Ethan needed to know that his brother was responsible for this fiasco. Jackson shook his head and patted his colleague's shoulder in support.

"I will start the training. Deal with them. I am tired of this." Jackson said then blew his whistle and ordered the others to the water.

Ethan closed his eyes briefly, with narrowed eyes regarded his brother.

"Until when do you plan to continue your foolish actions? Aren't you tired of these childish antics?"

Hunter just stood there with his arms crossed against his chest and a frown from hell painted on his handsome face without saying a word.

Ethan pinched the bridge of his nose and spoke with finality.

"Alright, have it your way." Then instructed the other two "Anna go with Brad to the infirmary, and when Edward finishes his examination, you two can come back and have your session with Jackson."

As Anna made her first move to help Brad from the floor, Hunter grabbed her arm once again and spoke with scorn dripping from his voice.

"She is not your slave to order her helping that low soul. If you want something, do it yourself. Don't make my girl do your job."

Ethan's patience was on its end and he was clenching his fists tightly to prevent himself from doing something he would regret later. But to his surprise, Anna snatched her arm from Hunter's lock and looked at her boyfriend seriously.

"If you don't move from my way Hunter, I won't be your girl anymore. I will end everything between us. I am sick of your actions and won't hesitate to do it."

Ethan sensed the truth behind her words and it seemed as if his brother did too. Because with a final glare, he turned his back and started walking to the exit door. Ethan wasn't having it this time. He allowed his brother to get away with a lot of things, but that will stop immediately. It was time for Hunter to know who the boss in here was.

"Stop right there Mr. Salviatti. I didn't give you permission to leave. I want to see you in my office. So for your best interest, I suggest you head there right now."

After moments of hesitation, Ethan watched as his brother changed his direction and took the route leading to his office. With a sigh of relief, he smiled and spoke gently.

"Go ahead, Anna." He said and started walking to his office with purposeful strides.

Anna nodded appreciatively and helped Brad from the ground and with a little difficulty, the two walked to the medical care wing.

"You were feisty in there, girl." Brad teased after minutes of silence.

Anna punched his arm playfully and mock glared at him.

"Don't start your pitiful jokes, Brad. You know that stupidity doesn't suit you. Don't think I will save your butt every time you decide to fool around." Anna fought hard to keep from laughing at the pout he gave her in an attempt from him to act cute.

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

It had been thirty minutes since Ethan sent his brother to the office. He decided it was enough time for Hunter to calm and think about his actions. When he entered the room, he found his brother sitting on the chair across his desk looking at the wall in front of him with a blank stare. His jaw was clenched and his shoulders were oozing tension. He shook his head at his previous thoughts about finding his brother in a better mood. He put a straight face and strengthen his resolve then spoke with a cold voice.

"What is the reason for your actions today Hunter? Why are you fighting with Brad?"

"Ask him," Hunter replied nonchalantly.

Ethan slapped his hand on the surface of his desk and pushed his chair to stand to his full height.

"You accepted me as an instructor and acted as everything was normal. But not even for once you passed one of my sessions without digging for trouble. Do you want a reaction from me? Do you want a reaction? Okay, I will grant you your wish. Follow me."

Without a word, Hunter did as he was told and fell in step behind his brother. It was true he didn't agree with him and quite frankly didn't like him, but only a fool would disobey Ethan Salviatti when he is in a mood. When they arrived at the swimming pool, Ethan turned to him and ordered with authority.

"To the corner Hunter." when his brother obeyed, he added. "Take your position and start doing push-ups. Count loudly."

Hunter looked at him as if he grew another head.

"What?" he asked dumbfounded.

"Didn't you hear me Mr. Salviatti? Since you have a lot of energy, I see that some exercises will help you. Do you understand?" Ethan said harshly.

"Yes." Hunter gritted.

"Yes, what?"

"Yes, sir," Hunter spoke with his deadly voice.

Ethan just nodded and watched as his brother commenced the exercise.

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

From her position in the water, Anna saw what happened between the two. It had been two hours and Ethan still standing beside his brother and ordering him to do different exercises from push-ups, sit-ups to planks. She could see the tiredness on Hunter's face. But he was stubborn and would never admit his defeat.

After another lap in the pool, Jackson announced the end of the session and everyone took their leaves. Anna waited by the door for Hunter to finish his punishment. She wanted to talk with him and ask him what was wrong. After another half hour, finally, Ethan permitted his brother to leave.

Hunter stood from his position and stretched his certainly stiff muscles. He started walking to the entrance door when Ethan spoke.

"I hope you learned something from today, Hunter."

"If you think that your pathetic attempts at taming me will work, then you are wrong brother. Very wrong," Hunter said with his back facing his brother.

"Why are you like this Hunter? Why did you change to this extent?" Ethan lost the edge in his voice and spoke softly.

Hunter turned to face Ethan so quickly, Anna was surprised she didn't hear a crack in his neck's bones.

"Why did I change?" Hunter said dryly. "Do you know me, Ethan? What do you know about me, huh?"

He walked closer to his brother and got in his face.

"Let me tell you something, Ethan. I am not the same twelve years old boy you left at the airport. The day you chose to board a plane and leave was the day I decided I am an only child. Don't come back now and feed me some sh*t about you wanting to rebound with me, and all this cr*p that I would never believe. If you are here for the sole purpose of amending a relationship that never existed in the first place, leave and never look back like you did five years ago."

Anna could see the rapid thumbing of Hunter's heart through his shirt. She knew he was hurting and those words took a toll on him, even if he kept his poker face in place.

"I tried to talk with you, to apologize but you never gave me a chance. All I am asking is a chance. Can't you give it to me?" Ethan nearly pleaded.

Hunter laughed bitterly and spoke with venom dripping from his voice.

"A chance? No, I don't give other chances brother."

"What about her? When mom wakes up, what will she think of you? How do you think she will face the fact that her beloved son turned to an unfeeling and unforgiving man."

Anna didn't understand what happened next. One moment Ethan was standing toe to toe with Hunter and the next moment, he was lying on the ground holding his bleeding nose and Hunter shaking his bruised hand.

"This is why I fought with De Rossi earlier. He mentioned my mother, and you know that no one is allowed to do so apart from family. And for me, you are not family Ethan, so don't say her name again in front of me."

With those words, he made his way to the exit doors.

"One day Hunter, you will know the truth. I was wrong when I left, and I am sorry. But even if the time repeats itself, I will take the same decision." Ethan said between grunts of pain.

Hunter didn't comment on his brother's words and continued walking. When he opened the already ajar door, he found Anna standing there with her hand covering her mouth. He shook his head at her as if he was deeply disappointed in her, then resumed walking without even looking at her.

Anna was sure that her heart would jump from her ribcage at any moment. She watched his retreated back until she could see him no more. She ran inside the room and crouched beside Ethan.

"Are you okay?" she asked concernedly.

"I am fine Anna. Don't worry about me. Go after my foolish brother and see him. I am sure his hand is sore after he broke my nose."

"He broke your nose!" Anna squealed in surprise.

Ethan let out a chuckle that came out as a pained moan when his broken bones protested in pain.

"Your boyfriend has a phenomenal swing, I didn't expect any less."

"How can you talk about such a thing as if discussing the weather? You need to see a doctor. Let me help you."

"I said..."

"I will help him from here Anna. You can go." Nina came to the room and interrupted them.

Anna smiled at her tightly and nodded. She was warily from the woman, and couldn't bring herself to be comfortable in her company. She wished Ethan a good recovery and headed to Hunter's room. It was time to face him and see what was troubling him. But before she exited the room, she heard Nina speaking to Ethan.

"Until when do you plan to continue ignoring your brother's actions? He doesn't have the right to treat you like this."

Anna shook her head and decided that this family was more complicated than she thought, and maybe it would be for the best if she doesn't meddle in their messes for affairs.

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

Hunter heard the creak of his door being opened then closed again. Seconds later, the light engulfed his previously dark room. Without even lifting his head, he knew the identity of the intruder. Her strawberry and vanilla scent invaded his senses. He didn't move from his seating position on his bed and kept his gaze on the carpet while he spoke.

"Leave. I want to stay alone."

As he expected, his stubborn girl ignored his command and came to stand by his feet. She sat on her knees and put the first aid kit box beside her.

"Why are you here? Shouldn't you be by Ethan's side seeing to his injury? Or maybe you should go and see De Rossi. After all, you took their sides over mine earlier." He spoke bitterly.

"I didn't take anyone's side, Hunter. I saw something wrong unfolding before my eyes. Did you expect me to stand and watch you do something you would regret for the rest of your life?"

When he didn't answer her, she took his injured hand in her small and delicate one.

He watched as she took his injured hand and massaged it gently in her smaller and delicate hand. She took a ball of cotton and soaked it in the disinfectant. Then dabbed his injuries slightly, the medicine stung a bit, but looking at her beautiful face and captivating eyes averted his attention from anything else.

When Anna was satisfied with her work, she pulled his hand closer to her face and kissed his knuckles one by one.

"What are you doing?" he asked confusedly.

"kisses are a more efficient cure for any boo-boo," Anna said as if it was the most obvious thing in this world.

"Huh?"

"Don't act as of you never heard of this theory," Anna replied while bandaging his hand.

Hunter shook his head in amusement. This girl was insane in her unique way. In less than fifteen minutes, she was able to improve his mood and made him smile again. She gathered her tools and looked at him with a smile.

"You need to rest. It was a hard day for you."

"Anna, about what you saw earlier. I know you want to know the reason for what happened but I am not ready yet. I can't bring up something.........."

"Hey, it is okay. I am not here for prying for information and secrets or anything. I am in this room for you Hunter. I know you are hurting from something that happened years ago. I will wait until you are ready to tell me. But don't ever accuse me of taking sides against you. You will always find me by your side. I won't let you down. Never."