Chapter 7

Lucien 

An hour later Tony is sitting right across from me and Nico is standing right beside me. It’s after midnight but it seems Tony needed this meeting. urgently.

     “How can we help you Tony?” I asked.

     “It's getting harder to get a hold of you nowadays.” He said with a sly grin.

    “Oh you know how much work it is being the Don.” I smirk, taunting him

     He sneered at that before smiling. “Ah yes I know your father was the best one I had seen so far. But that’s not what I’m here to talk about. I’m here to talk about business.” He said.

     “So talk.” I said coldly, I know my taunting tone gets under his tone because his eye twitches.

     “We need to expand our drug business.” He said.

     “We’re already doing our business with the Mexican Mafia.” I said as I folded my arms over my chest and leaned back in my seat. 

     “But still let’s hear what you have to share.” 

     “I know we are but I’m in the talks with the Albanians, they’re providing great rates for drugs and weapons.” He said before adding. “This could bring in a lot of money and expand our business. And I also have it on good authority that Adrian is having negotiations with the russians. We can’t have that.” He completes with a glint in his money hungry eyes.

      For a few tense seconds, I stare at Tony with a blank expression which makes Tony shift uncomfortably.  

      “So you say you’re in talks with the Albanians?” At which he nods.

      “With whose permission Tony?” I bit out through gritted teeth.

      “Uh- I along with other men thought-“ He stuttered 

      “Why would you and other men need to think about this?” I said anger evident in my voice. I could barely contain my anger. 

       How dare he go behind my back and mess with my business.

       “What were you thinking? This move was idiotic, Tony. The stupidest thing you’ve ever done.” I said coldly, barely restraining my anger. At my tone and use of words Tony’s face reddens, clearly insulted.

       “I was thinking it could bring in great money—“ He tries to speak.

       But I cut him off before he could continue. 

       “Nico, can you enlighten us why this move was idiotic?” I asked Nico, turning my head towards him. Nico smirks at my tone.  

       “Well because Albanians are in an open war with the Mexicans. So coming in business with them will cause us to lose the one with Mexicans and make them our enemies. Causing an open war.” Nico provides.

       “And talking about Adrian’s relations with the Russians, we already knew that. He’s been in talks with them for a while and that doesn’t change anything for us.” Nico added.

       Tony’s face reddens even more before he tries to speak once again.

       “I knew that but—“ he said or tried to say before I cut him off.

       “You knew that and still tried to go on with it? I’m starting to wonder why my father kept you around.” I said. I was done dealing with him.

       “I need you to remember something Tony. I’m the boss here, aren’t I? It’s my choice who I want to do business with. You don’t get to decide that.”

      “Now I’ll have to send Nico to reassure my already business partners. All you’re doing is making things hard for me. You’re dismissed.” I said, dismissing him was clearly a sign of disrespect.

      Tony got up and moved to get out without saying a word, his body language clearly showed he was enraged. I stopped him.

      “And Tony? remember this was your last warning. I won’t hesitate to get rid of you the next time you pull something like this.”

      Nico whistles as soon as Tony’s gone. 

      “That old man’s going crazy.” Nico laughs out. At this a smirk starts forming on my lips too. 

       “He’ll be fine after this won’t be much of a problem now.” 

***********

Sienna

The next day when I returned from work, Adrian was waiting for me. 

     “Hey, What are you doing home so early?” I asked, dropping my bag on the floor.

      “Hey Sienna.” Gracie waves from the couch where she sat right beside Adrian. 

       “Oh hey I didn’t see you there.” I smile at her. Gracie was one of the most beautiful girls I had ever seen—model-like body, red hair, brown eyes. On top of that, she was also one of the kindest people I knew, and we got along pretty well.       

        “I was done for the day so we just came here.” Adrain got up and went to the kitchen counter. “I’ve made dinner, come eat with us.” 

        “Sure, let me change and be back right away.” I jogged upstairs to change out of my scrubs. I hadn’t gotten a chance to change in the locker room today because of the rush. After a quick shower, I’m back downstairs to see both Gracie and Adrain sitting at the dining table, waiting for me. I took a seat across from them, rubbing my hands together.

       “What did you make today?” 

       “Your favourite, Pasta.” Adrian grins at me. I picked up the fork and the plate he made for me before a realization hit me. I put it down again and raised one eyebrow at him.

       “Okay, spit it out. What do you want from me?” I eyed him suspiciously.

       Adrian raised his hands, giving me an innocent look. “Why would I want something?”

      “You came early, made me dinner, and brought Gracie after I’ve been begging you to bring her around more.” I pointed my fork at him. Gracie laughed at that.

     Adrian sighed “Can’t I be a good brother just like that?” I give him a look, making him grin.

     “Alright alright fine I need a favor from you.” He said.

     “And what will that be?” I asked.

     “So you know there’s an Annual Charity Gala tomorrow.” I nod at that wondering what that has to do with me.

Every year, charity galas are held around this time. It’s when all influential rich families come together, dress up and throw around some money. I never go to them. Adrian asked me every time but I declined so he usually takes dates with him.

      “I need you to go with me.” Adrian asked me. 

       I stared at him. “No way I’m not going. Take Gracie with you.” I Pointed at Gracie.

      “That was the plan originally. I know how much you hate attending these things but Gracie can’t make it.”

       “Yes sorry Sienna something came up at work and I can’t miss it.” Gracie gave me a sorry look. 

       I groaned. “Can’t you go alone.” 

       “Come on Sienna it’s just one time please do it for me.” Now he was the one pleading. 

        An idea struck me.

        “Okay I will.” A big smile spread across his face.

        “Okay great now-“ I cut him off.

        “But on one condition.” He groaned.

        “I want to move back to my apartment this week and you’ll help me.”

         “Oh Sienna, you can’t ask that.” He rubbed his hand over his face. Gracie muffled her laugh with her hands.

         “Oh I definitely can. It's been six months since I've been here. I want to go back home.” I needed to be in my apartment before Mom and Dad got back from their trip.      

          “It’s not even a big deal. I live in an expensive and safe apartment complex. You don’t have to worry about me. But then again I won’t ask you again I’ll simply just move out without telling you.” I told him. He needed to realize I wasn’t so small anymore—that he didn’t need to protect me all the time or that I needed his permission for anything. But if it helped him sleep better at night, then so be it.

         “Okay okay I’ll help you move back, don’t go behind my back.” He muttered before shoving food in his mouth. I laughed at his behaviour and turned to Gracie.

         “That’s how you get him to do things.” Gracie giggled. Then looked at me suddenly, “Oh when I went shopping I got you a dress for the gala. Hope you like it. If not, you can change it early tomorrow.” 

        See? She’s the best.

        “Aw you didn’t have too, I’m sure I’ll like it.” It’s not the first time she’s bought dresses for me and every time she gets me something it’s perfect. 

        She waves her hand away, “It was very expensive so I used your brother's card to pay.” She smirked.

         “That’s even better! At least he’s of some use.”  I laughed.

         Adrian groaned, leaned back in his chair, “This is why I don’t get you guys together, so you can gang up on me.” Gracie and I looked at each other and burst out laughing.

        It feels good laughing with my brother and Gracie. This house isn’t known much for happiness in my memories but moments like these with my brother brings me immense joy.