Chapter 4: The deal

Leonardo's POV.

Two days ago, the Don of my gang made an announcement. An announcement that ignited a challenging race for the throne of the Mafia. A race between my cousin and I.

I didn't know why he made the announcement. It had already been decided…or not decided publicly, but it was a known fact that I, the sottocapo to the Don would ascend to the position of Don after his retirement in three months.

Now the rules have changed. Luca, my lousy cousin, the Don’s son, was in the picture. And he was now contending against me for the position of Don. We both had one thing to achieve to determine the future leader. We both had to get married and stay married until the Don’s retirement.

Few minutes ago, one of my men informed me that Luca had gotten a wife but was yet to present her to the Don. Which meant I had until then to get married and present my wife to the Don first.

I stared blankly at the lady before me with a raised brow.

“Get her out of sight.” I said with a wave of my hand. She must be one of those cleaners who think they can smuggle their way into their wealthy customers' lives.

“No wait. I'm willing to be your wife. I promise not to get attached and I totally understand your terms.” the lady ranted and I halted my steps. I turned to her with a curious gaze.

“Were you eavesdropping on me?” I asked in my menacing tone.

I saw her shiver slightly but managed to hold my glare. Something many couldn't.

“I know you need a wife urgently. I need money urgently. We can help each other.” She said.

My eyes thinned on her. Then I eyed her from head to toe.

Slender body, red hair and a perfect shape. Certainly the kind of women I like. But not the one I need right now.

“No.” I said and brushed past her.

“Wait,” I felt her hand on my arm and I turned to her sharply with a hard glare. She gasped.

“Get your hand off me.” I said through gritted teeth. She slowly withdrew her hand to herself.

“Get married to me. I will give you your space if you pay me.” She said.

I had to admit, she sounded convincing. But it wasn't about her, I was worried about invading my space. She looked so hard to resist, I feared I might break my composure living in the same space with her.

“Sir, it's him.” My bodyguard said as he handed me my phone.

“Talk to me.” I said as soon as I took the call.

“It's Luca sir. He just announced his wedding is scheduled for tomorrow.” My private spy conveyed in a grave tone.

My eyes widened and my grip around the phone tightened as rage welled within me. I must not allow Luca to present his wife before me.

“Just keep me updated.” I said and handed the phone back to my bodyguard.

“How much do you want for this?” I asked the lady who was still transfixed before me.

Her expression spelt bewilderment for a few seconds before she collected herself.

“A hundred and twenty thousand dollars.”

“And?” I asked, refusing to believe that could be the only thing she would want.

To my utter bewilderment, she shook her head negatively.

“Okay. Let's go.” I said.

We began to move but I saw her limping. I furrowed my eyebrows. It would be a struggle for her to walk out of the casino as it seemed her legs were hurt, but I had no time to waste.

So I bent over and carried her on my shoulder. She felt light, so it wasn't a problem.

“What are you doing?” She asked with a gasp.

“I have no time to waste.” I replied and continued moving.

If Luca was planning to get married tomorrow, I needed to get married today. The Don will not be so pleased to learn of my marriage in such short notice but at the moment, I couldn't care less. Securing the position that has always been mine was my utmost priority.

I dropped her inside my limousine and took my seat.

“Wait, where are we going?’ she asked as the driver ignited the engine.

“To get you ready.” I stated without facing her. Even then, I could feel confusion oozing from her.

“But…get me ready for what exactly?”

“The marriage. Or have you changed your mind?” I asked, again, without facing her.

“Oh no no,” she said quickly, “Just that…we’re getting married now?”

Now I faced her, looking her straight in the eyes so she knew I was damn serious. “Yes we are. In fact,” I faced my bodyguard, “inform everyone to meet up at the mansion where my wedding will take place. Everyone except Luca.”

“Yes sir.”

I wouldn't want that bastard wrecking my wedding.

“But…I still have to tell my father…and my mother…and…”

“You can tell them now.” I told her the address to my family mansion.

While she made her call, we arrived at my boutique.

“Ariel here is my fashion designer. She is also a beauty expert. She’ll make you presentable for the wedding. Go with her.” I told my wife-to-be while she followed Ariel.

“The Don won't be pleased with the suddenness of all this.” Said my bodyguard.

“I know.” I replied solemnly.

The only reason I had this much confidence was because I wasn't just Don's sottocapo, he was fond of me.

That was why it came as a great shock to me when he laid down the rule of getting married before I can be eligible to become Don.

An hour passed and my wife-to-be was finally released. She walked out and stole my breath away.

Clad in a magnificent white wedding gown that outlined every detail of her curves. She was ready.

I didn't allow my reaction to show on my face. I kept my stoic expression as I stood up.

“Let's go.” I heard her scoff when I turned around.

We entered the limousine again and drove to my family mansion.

As expected, everyone was present. I could already see people from the entrance.

As the second in command of this Mafia, I was stealing everyone's attention. Especially now when I had brought my fiancee.

Simply public fulfilment, I held out my hand for her as she alighted the limo. We interlocked our arms as we advanced into the mansion to meet the Don.

“What's your name?” I asked, only realizing at that moment that I didn't know her name.

“Lexi. Lexi Gabe.” She answered.

“Yours?” She asked back. I didn't answer her immediately. I was not quite used to people asking for my name.

“Leonardo.”

“Leonardo…who?”

“Shhh…” I hushed her as we approached a particular oakwood door.

It was opened by the security stationed there and we both walked in.

There he was. Sitting behind his wide desk was Don, his back facing us.

I let go of Lexi’s arm and stepped forward. “Don Morano. I'm here.” I announced boldly.

“M…Morano?” Lexi stuttered.

I bit the inside of my cheek and fisted my hands furiously at the blatant disrespect she just displayed.