19

Caelum

The morning after Vincent's funeral, Solenne was behaving oddly. I suspected she was hiding something, but then she shouted at me, saying she was just unhappy, and I could see the truth in her eyes as well. I expected she might feel intimidated or at least embarrassed after seeing me with that woman. I had intended to tease her about it, but she showed no reaction. 

She appeared completely emotionless, just like me. I received a phone call that morning regarding issues with the Chicago families, so I chose to leave her alone. I had a mountain of problems to tackle, and some insignificant woman wasn't going to sidetrack me. Over the next few weeks, I noticed her mood improved slightly. 

She mostly wore jeans or tight black leggings, except for dinners with guests, where she opted for little dresses. I made sure to organize those dinners more frequently to admire her curves. I wasn't home much since I was traveling to various cities for meetings with family heads. The boss in Vegas suffered a ruined shipment due to a conflict with the Chicago groups, which they were trying to become involved in. If I didn't rein in my men, we would be facing a war. It had been quiet since my father was murdered, and even then, it ended swiftly when my uncle intervened. 

"I want that bastard's head, Caelum! " Lazaro, the Vegas boss, insisted.

 "Mind your language," I warned him. Despite being older, he understood that I wouldn't hesitate to end him. 

"I apologize, Don. I'm just really angry. I didn't mean to give orders," he quickly backtracked, fear apparent in his demeanor. The last person who tried to give me commands paid dearly for it.

 "You have one week to bring me a member of the Bolzico family, and I will let this go. Regarding the fighting in Chicago, I'll handle that. I've already transferred half of the money you lost back to you from the head of Chicago. You are no longer mixed up in their issues. Is that clear? " My piercing gaze locked onto his, showing him my barely contained anger. I had zero tolerance for disobedience. 

"Yes, Don. Thank you for the funds. I will stay neutral. My men are already searching for the Bolzico family. They are heavily secured in their home after Vincent's attack, but we will find them. "

 "You have a week," I emphasized, then stood to depart. There was nothing further to discuss.

 "Don, could I ask for something regarding my daughter? " Here we go. The old leech was trying to get me to take her as my wife. That would elevate his status, and he was clearly desperate for more power. I gestured for him to go ahead. 

"She's starting school next week. She has built a life in New York and is asking to return. Could you permit her to come back to the mansion while school is in session? " I realized this was likely a scheme to get her to charm me, but I found it amusing.

 "That's acceptable. Solenne can assist with school matters. She attended university in New York as well. " I didn't know why I mentioned her name. Recently, she had been on my mind constantly, and it was frustrating. 

"Is your whore still there? " I could see Lazaro panic at my expression.

 "I made it clear she's not my whore, but a guest in my house. This is the second time I've had to warn you about your language. " I gripped his thick neck tightly, squeezing. He gasped for air but didn't resist. 

"I'm about to board a plane and don't want your blood on me. I guarantee that if you ever slip up again, I will personally take care of your tongue. " Lazaro nodded vigorously at my threat before I released him. I really loathed that old man. 

"Make arrangements for your daughter to come on Friday, and I'll ensure she attends her school. Cross me, and I'll make sure my men have their way with her until no wise man would want her. " I smirked at Lazaro, knowing he had just made a critical mistake. He didn't care about his daughter's safety; her body was just leverage he could lose.

 I wouldn't actually have the girl assaulted, but none of these men would doubt I might. Solenne appeared to be the only one who really saw through my threats. Though her attitude annoyed me, I realized I missed teasing her. The moment I got home, I started looking for her. I didn't ask anyone about her so they wouldn't know I was interested. I found her guards in the kitchen and acted on impulse. She was missing! 

"Where the hell is she? " I demanded as my fist connected with Franco's face. 

"In the garden with Aria and Enzo," Antonio quickly answered, hoping to escape punishment himself. 

"Didn't I tell you not to take your eyes off her? " My fist hit Antonio's face; blood splattered from his eye. The thought of her being unaccounted for enraged me, and I didn't care that she was just outside. 

"Yes, sir. She asked for tea, and we thought she would be fine with Aria and Enzo for just ten minutes. "