SIX MONTHS AGO
ALOURA
My fingers ran frantically across the keyboard. My fingertips hurt and I could feel the tiniest beads of sweat in my forehead- despite the air conditioner. I sighed. I still have a load of emails to respond to.
It is not compulsory I take this office but I am not me if I cannot do it. I will. I have to.
A soft knock jolted me out of my thoughts, but before I could call in the person, the door has opened and a red bub head peaked through the door.
Her eyes ran across the room until it landed on me and she grinned. I met her cheeky grin with a frown. She ignored me, stepping into the office as if it is her father's court. I began to thread my fingers.
She rounded the mini sofa and dropped her butt at the edge of my desk, glaring down at me. I raised my brow questioningly. My frown deepening as the clock tick by. Only Daisy would walk into the office as if she owns it and become a bitchy secretary whenever we're alone. But then, I can't get rid of her, can I?
When I realised she will not speak, I turned away from my system and relaxed into my chair.
"What is it this time?", I asked and she shook her head as if saying you must be dumb if you don't know why I'm here.
"Do you know what time it is now?" I shook my head.
"No, I don't. Why don't you tell me."
She opened her mouth and I got prepared for her attack but then she closed her eyes and took a deep breath. As if I was the one taking her energy when she was the one wasting mine.
She opened her eyes and took my hands in hers, surprising me when she started to massage them.
"You know you don't have to do this.", she stared into my eyes and I stared back into her forest green ones. While we look like two opposites, we attracted eachother like magnets. And while Diya has the bad_ass look, I have the gorgeous princess profile.
"You know you don't have to do any shitty CEO job. Damn if you have to do anything at all. Your father controls the New York economy, Aloura."
I scoffed. As ridiculous as it might sound, it was the undisputable truth. My father is Adamson Baker; the founder of Bakers group and the second richest after the god_damn president. Although he was not born poor, he didn't become enormously rich overnight. Nor did he by being just and kind. My father is a ruthless business man. Except for his fine face and money, nothing about Adamson is fine. He is as greedy as he is deadly.
When I looked up at Diya, I realised I have missed most of what she has said. I quickly removed my hand from hers. When did she become such an emotional speaker?Ugh!
"Is that all you have to say?", I asked and she shook her head. When I noticed she would continue her speech, I threw another question at her.
"Uhh.. Diya, Don't you have a date tonight?" Satisfied, I watched as a pink hue covered her cheek. But then she clamped her lips together and raised her brow at me. She has caught my cheap attempt to distract her. I chuckled. She wouldn't be my best friend if she couldn't. She shook her head.
"No, I don't. But you do." I racked my brain on where I wanted to be this evening. I smiled at her but her next word froze me over.
"Your father. You're having dinner with him this evening"
My father. My father? As in, my fucking father?
I cocked my head and raised my brow, glaring so hard at Diya that she could fall and die. I think she knew because she immediately got on her feet.
"Why wasn't I informed earlier?", I snapped at her and she immediately entered into secretary mode.
"I'm so sorry. His secretary called the office this morning to inform you of your date this evening but I didn't want to disturb you. I was a bit busy so I decided to wait for you to come out of the office but you never did. Even for lunch."
I scoffed, rising to my feet without taking my eyes off her.
"Really?", I asked in disbelief and she stupidly nodded, as if it's a fucking question.
"Diya, REALLY!", I screamed and she jumped back. I stepped closer to her. My whole body already shaking with anger as I tried to think of several reasons why Adamson will need me at the mansion. Trying to keep my cool, I swallowed.
"Diya.", I called as gently as I could manage but the bitch still stared at me with so much wary. As if I would soon pounce on her. Well, I can't really say. I might. Considering her response.
"Tell me, Diya. Since when did I need to come outside before you relay a message to me, ugh?"
Diya lips opened but then she must have thought better and decided to clamp her lips shut. I turned away from her, my lower lip in between my teeth as I pondered hard on why my father must suddenly want me at home after eleven months.
My father is coy and deadly. You must always hold your cards tightly to your chest when playing with him. Never let your guards down or show him your weakness, else he shatters you. Those were the things I learnt from my father. It is what makes me a true heiress. It what made me stand in my ground to this moment.
"Tell Dave to ready the car. We'll leave in the next ten. Tell him we will be stopping at Kems' to change my dress."
A few seconds passed before Diya spoke, as if she was contemplating on it.
"Shouldn't you get home first? " I chuckled and turned to her.
"I might run late. And I shouldn't go in this", I pointed at my office wear. "He mentioned a dinner for a reason.", I told her and a smile took over her face. I nodded at her and she stepped out of the office.
THE PASSERBY
My bike roared through the streets, running and booming loudly. The sound blocking out all my thoughts. I mean all my sinful thoughts. I have enough money to buy a Porsche or Lamborghini but I would ride in a fucking bike. Ask me why. Because I can.
The freedom I feel when it feels like I'm flying through the air, like this time. It makes me reminisce on when I was still a pure young lad. When I was not yet exposed to the darkness of the world. It might be a fleeting time but I always enjoy it.
I turned at a junction and an old woman cursed loudly at me for making so much noise and disturbing her peace. I almost yelled at her that there is no peace except for those that lives in ignorance. Like my mother. Like that granny. Like the man who is begging for alms at the other side of the road.
J.k hotels and suites. The front wall reads and I turn off the bike's engine. The door twirled open and I easily stepped into the lodge, scanning the elegant decor and the still calm atmosphere.
Even though I dressed in a tailored suit, my beards shaved and my black shoes sparkling under the light, I still couldn't blend in with the usual business men that frequents the hotel. I could see the people stealing wary glances at me. My appearance calling their attention.
I walked over to the blonde receptionist. "I'm here for a meeting," I said, my voice low and smooth, at it's perfect measure for persuasion.
The moment her eyes met mine, I could see recognition shone in her eyes. She blinked continuously before she shakily scurried away from the table and returned a moment later. Her smile was anxious and tight. Handing me a key card, she said, "Room 314, sir. The elevator is just around the corner."
I nodded even though I already know. I entered into the elevator and entered the elevator. Instead of entering the usual number of my suite, I pressed the hidden button.
As I walked to out of the elevator, I noticed a subtle sign on the wall: "Private Event Space - Authorized Access Only."
I twisted the knob and stepped inside, into a crowded floor- the hotel's secret underbelly- the hidden casino. The smell of cigarettes and the clinking glasses filled the air. The air was thick with apprehension as drunk business men in suits tightened their brows in concentration, their shoulders heavy with tension. Some of them have been emersed into our dark world and knew about the resort's connection to the underworld while others are clueless. Just innocently drawn to the dark side of the world.
I looked over to the side, where our prostitutes stood. A distance away from the players, not ready to intervene in the games unless invited. Otherwise, no distraction. A tall figure suddenly fell into steps beside me. His long brown packed into a ponytail. My eyes fell on the tattoo inked beside his ear.
I continued walking away.
"Boss"
"Skip the formalities, Jeremy." I snapped at him and he gave a curt bow.
Turning to another corner, I dragged the deceiving curtain and slipped into the elevator. Once again, the elevator stopped and I dropped out. I only hesitated for a second before I twisted the knob, stepping into the cold company of made men.
The air cold and hostile. Their faces non_smiling. Dino's voice halted at my entrance but another ass spoke up.
"Here comes the man of the hour.", Xan drawled mockingly. "Always coming late and stealing the light"
I ignored him. Passing by his chair, I walked towards the Capo.
"Vor", I greeted Khal- the number one of the New York gang, my head bowed as I lifted his hand to my forehead.
I faced his second_in_command, Yun, returning his nod before I settled at my normal seat, just at the lefthand side of Khal. Relaxing into my seat as if I was at the beach while I sat amist the most ruthless of the mob.
You must be in a high rank in the Mafia before you are seating with the Capo, each an underboss holding a side of the New York. And high rank means high killing. I understand. If given the chance, these men would finish me without a second thought.
"You can continue Dino.", I said but Xan spoke up before Dino could.
"I hear you now have a rat down at home. is everything alright?"
Words ran fast in the Mafia. I sent the fucker a glare but he didn't seem to care.
He continued. "Or, are you becoming weak? It's unlikely for the Big wolf to have a spy amidst his gang. You might need the brotherhood's help if this continues."
I smiled down at the fucker, making sure my eyes convey all the death messages I wanted to say to him. He definitely knew that to call the brotherhood help is not an act of honour but cowardice. And it is only allowed if there is no other choice or else the Brotherhood will be in danger.
"I can actually be of help", the fucker smirked. "And then I'll gladly put a bullet into your skull."
"Xander." Yun cautioned but the fucker could not care, his grin only become wider. My eyes fell on Dino and the prick was smiling , alongside a few others. They seemed to be enjoying our little bickering.
"When I kill you, Xan. I will make sure to remove your tongue for a separate death.", I promised him.
He has opened his mouth for a come_back when the Vor's voice silenced him.
"Enough!" The Vor's voice, as gentle as it was, it was firm enough to call silence to the table. He was Capó for a reason. And the position is not one you get to buy being a little bitch.
It was the position I eye every single day and I will do anything to have it. The third or second is never enough. Not when it is not the Vor- the number one - head of the brotherhood. I expected the Vor's order but it never came.
"Adrian.", he called and I stilled, gently easing up before I straightened up in my chair. It was the first time the Vor would speak directly to me like this.
Being a core member of the Mob and an underboss, it has become compulsory for me to attend these meetings but heaven knows I hate them. I prefer to visit the Capó personally when I have any information for him.
I raised my eyes to meet the Capó's dark brown ones. "You will tell me if you need my help."
"Don't worry, Boss. I will take care of it."
And I will. No rat is allowed in the Brotherhood. You have just signed your death warrant if you think you can fuck with me. I will find that fucker and give him a befitting death. I will definitely make it slow and painful.
"The Chicago is taking too much of our money!" I heard Yun yelled at Ash but I could not care. I will be sending some people to their hell tonight.