Chapter 6: The Keegans

Umar’s Pov

Top floor of Medusa’s Lair, Mexico City, Mexico

I smashed the bottle of whisky after drinking my fill. Lately, I have been high, sniffing, and taking in every drug just to calm my anxiety. I have lost my sanity to the pleasure of drugs. The last time I was sober was when Jace was here. It's been months since I lost Jace, my most precious jade. I thought I had everything in control, but turns out I was wrong. Never knew his absence would have this effect. I’m on the verge of going insane. I cling to every memory we had. When I realize, I am starting to lose my grasp over his memories, I can only cling to the illustrations created by drug influence. I never expected the Balsamo's mission to go wrong, nor did I think I was ever going to lose Jace. The Balsamo's mission was the beginning of misfortunes.

The mission had cost the organization a great deal, including the loss of men and resources. We also couldn't get the major weapon we sought. Losing men isn't news to me; after all, it is the price for stealing from others. But I never knew that Jace's absence would throw me into a state of stupor. To others, his death might appear as a loss to the organization because he was the best agent we had. But to me, he wasn't just an agent. He means more, a lot more than that.

Our relationship isn’t just an ordinary one. Though it may have started with sexual pleasures, which I did enjoy, I wanted it to last longer. The memories, sex, argument, and the feelings involved. My life had always been boring and filled with repetitive cycle of violence till I met Jace. Everything about him gave me ease, though I never admitted it. I crave his touch, his scent, his body, and his voice. I craved for every part of him. I can live without him, and this is the truth that only I know. But I can’t afford to make him my weakness. It’ll cost me a lot. A little sign of emotion will make me look weak before my father, and I can't afford to lose my inheritance due to some feeble weakness or crappy love story. Still, I want him.

Even if I couldn’t express my feelings, I still wanted him by my side. Many times, he had tried to quit the organization. But I never let him. I had to use all my control, and all he cared about, to make him stay by my side. The fact that the organization also funds his brother's hospital bills made it very hard for him to leave. The memories of the last fight before he went on the mission came back to me.

'Jace, where in the world are you?'. Three weeks ago, I searched through all the dead bodies of the agents, but I never found you. I searched thoroughly but found nothing. The last tip I got was that your body has been carried into a black SUV. The boy you took in is also missing. I have no lead on where you are. But what I know is that you are not dead. As long as I have your brother, soon you'll come to me. I know he means a lot to you, and you will never abandon him unless you're truly dead.

"Boss... Boss?" A guard's voice brought me out of my thoughts. "We have news from the informant, Jace's location has been found". I sprang up from my chair, snatching the brown envelope from the guards. I wildly tore the seal and poured the contents on the table. There are series of pictures explaining how Jace was moved into a private jet. A picture of him watching a movie, a picture of him eating, and many others of him having dinner with the ruthless Don of Italy.

I stare in shock, forgetting the relief that came with the fact that Jace is alive. The great problem is that his location is a den where no one dares to tread. He is being held hostage, and getting him out of there will require a lot of work. Just what has Jace gotten himself into?

Even though the organization has carried out many heists for years. We know better than to never mess with the De Luca family (Lucado). Everyone in that family is psychotic and ruthless. Cold blood runs down their veins. They lack humanity and empathy.

Dealing with them is like calling onto dead. In all things, never involve yourself with the Lucado if you want to live a very long time. How does Jace get mixed up with the Lucado? How in the world did he happen to know Nickolai? None that it matters. The most important thing is that I must get him out of there. I need to bring him back. He belongs here with me and nobody else. He is mine. "That's it, I am taking a flight to Italy tomorrow, have the men ready," I command.

"Son…..you will do no such thing." My father announces, walking into my office.  My shocked expression changes as anger takes over.

"Dad, did you know about this?" I asked, pissed that he had always known where Jace was.

He ignored my question. Taking his silence as a positive answer. I continued. "Why didn't you tell me about it? How could you do this? Isn't he important to you? He is our best asset." I challenge

"As much as he is, I can’t throw away my empire for an ordinary agent. Son, you know the rules; we don't take back exposed agents. And you know better than to mess with the Lucados. Don't start a war you won't be able to end. The boy is lost, let him go."

"I don't care. I will find a way to get him back. No matter what. Besides, he will have no choice but to come back to me. I have his brother in my custody." I countered, ignoring my father's words.

"Recklessness causes you nothing but trouble. I am not about to lose all I have built because of my son's foolishness. I will take control of things before you ruin them for me." He replied before calling in more guards to lock me in the mansion and make sure I don't leave the premises.

*                                                                      *                                                                                             *

Jace’s Pov.

I sigh heavily as I stare out the window from my suite. I can’t believe I have been stuck here for the past months. I hiss in frustration as flashes of my failed escapes flow in. Suddenly, the Nickolai I knew in the past ceases to exist; everything about him is so different. The seventeen-year-old Nickolai is now the boss of the most feared mafia in the world.

Although I didn’t know much about Nickolai but he never revealed anything that connected him to the mafia family. He was just Nickolai. Whoever Nickolai is now has nothing to do with me. It is over between us. I am leaving no matter what, as long as I find a way to get myself and Marc out of this. I am going to get my brother from the Keegans and live a peaceful life in Australia.

The large arms wrapped around my waist brought me back from the wandering thoughts. Nickolai softly places some kisses on my shoulder. Things have been going peacefully these days; he would allow me anything as long as I am obedient. And the topic of letting me go is never to be discussed. I can oblige to his requests, for Marc’s safety and care.

“What are you thinking about? Sweetie, I’m right here.” Nickolai spoke, sniffing my neck. “Nothing, I’m……just spaced out. Haven’t been getting any sleep these days”. I replied.

“That’s not good. Sweetie, want me to stay to spend the night here?” He asked as he cuddled me more. I pull out of his embrace. “No, you’re not invited,” I said, heading to the bathroom. “Oh, c’mon, don’t be a killjoy, just said the word and I‘ll be there, Amore.”

I scoff, “Well, dream on, cos…. that's never going to happen.” I said, ignoring his gaze. After some minutes, he finally spoke. “We’ll see about that, it’s about time for dinner. I’ve got good news for you. We might as well share the news at dinner.” He announced, leading me out of the suite down the hallway.

I walked in as the guards opened the doors to the dining room, and Nickolai followed after. I followed the head chef to a large table with a variety of dishes. I take a seat at the far end of the table, and Nickolai proceeds to sit opposite me. The chef opens a bottle of wine to serve us. I took a sip and took a piece of the cutlery, but I couldn’t seem to figure out which dish to start with. And I am more curious about the news.

“You can start with the chicken soup, it’s healthy and you seem to like it”. My shocked expression meets Nickolai’s focused gaze. He continues. “Surprised, I still remember your favorite dish?”

“Yeah, didn’t think you’d remember,” I answered, reaching for the soup bowl. He smirked amusingly, “Guess you underestimate me, and this isn’t our first time dining together. I’m quite observant about you.”

“Don’t I deserve a reward?” He asked, twirling the tip of the glass. “What did you want to tell me?” I asked, ignoring his question. He scoffs, sipping the wine, “How boring, well, the good news is I will be leaving for an auction night tomorrow.”

I take a sip from the soup bowl before asking, “What does the auction have to do with me?”

“And you will be my date. Isn’t that amazing?

“Why will I be your date?” I asked unfazed. “Sunflower, aren’t you happy? You finally get to leave the mansion, see the beautiful city of Mexico.” Nickolai replied, disappointed at my expressionless face.

The dining room fell into silence, with both of us focusing on the meal. Suddenly, an idea struck me: stepping out of the mansion is the greatest opportunity to escape. I spoke, drawing his attention. “I will follow you on one condition, if Marc gets to be my guard”. He was silent, a war of intense gaze between us. For a moment, I thought I had lost the deal. If he wants me to be his partner, he can get me on the plane whether I like it or not.

After a while, he finally spoke, “There you have it, we leave at dusk”.