CHAPTER 2
Mondays were always dull to Lucius—almost everything was, except the DeLuca siblings: Valentina Sera DeLuca and Andrew Marciano DeLuca. Nothing about them was simple, not even their names but against all common sense he chose to befriend them.
"The view is amazing, don't you agree, Lucius?" Andrew asked with a smile.
"Sure," Lucius replied nonchalantly.
"If only she were here to enjoy it."
Lucius didn't even need to guess who she was. He chose to say nothing; speaking less revealed less.
"I worry about her a lot. Take care of her, Lucius—even when I'm gone." Andrew's voice turned serious. Lucius stared at him.
"Promise me."
"I promise."
"Good," Andrew said, turning to look at the view once more.
Lucius shook his head. He didn't know why that memory had surfaced—maybe it was because they were so alike. A knock on his door jolted him back to the present, and his face resumed its usual coldness.
"Come in."
"Sir," his secretary began, "you have a visitor."
"Who is it?"
"Ms. DeLuca, sir."
"Let her in."
"Yes, sir."
He heard her presence before he saw her—the rhythmic click of heels on the floor. He smirked, giving her his full attention.
"What brings the great Ms. DeLuca to my humble office?"
"Business, Mr. Carrington. If I may have a few minutes of your precious time."
He smirked once more. "Why not?"
She walked over, settling into the chair reserved for visitors. She crossed her legs, giving sight to her high-heeled boots which complemented her black blazer dress.
Looks like she came for war.
"Would you marry me?"
Lucius looked at her taken aback. Her lips curled up in quiet delight.
There were few things that surprised the great Lucius
It seemed a proposal was one of them.
" For five years I want your hand and in return—twenty percent shares in DeLuca."
Lucius leaned against his chair.
"And what tells you that I would have any need in DeLuca? five percent of my shares are valued more than your twenty percent."
"True. But you would have the protection of the DeLuca family and once I become Don, I will appoint you as Underboss."
He laughed. The sound of his husky laughter filled the room. Valentina's face remained passive.
"Oh my, who would have thought Andrew's sister will grow up to be so ambitious." He said raking his hand through his hair.
His gaze sharpened.
"What do you get out of this?"
"I made a few enemies and as unfortunate as I am, some of them wish for me to join my brother." She said sounding laid back. He watched as she took in every detail of his office. From his immaculately clean ebony desk to his matte black walls then finally to the lone painting on the walls.
If she were anyone else she would've been dead.
But she isn't anyone else.
"Ms. DeLuca, how does this concern me? I think you are misunderstanding something. I took care of you because you were my best friend's sister, now he's dead so I have no obligation to protect you. " He said quietly.
"Mr. Carrington, are you willing to give up the chance to become underboss? second only to me. You know as well as I do that, I should be the true Don. It is my birthright, my brother and I. My brother's blood is on the syndicate, but you and I are not free of the guilt either. Help me and lessen your guilt. This is what my brother would've wanted."
"Valentina, I hope I see you again. It's been a pleasure."
As if on cue Valentina stood up.
"Pleasure is mine Mr. Carrington and by the way stick with Ms. DeLuca. My name on your lips disgusts me." She walked away and Lucius found himself watching her every movement.