Chapter 6 You Made That Woman Blush

“Most of us don’t know and can never fathom the sacrifice our forefathers made to put us on this pedestal.” Hector, together with the rest of the Leofric family, stood before the mafia members on top of their grand staircase.

The event, in a regular person’s eyes, appeared to be just an affluent community’s celebration. But behind those expensive suits and lavish dresses were weapons of different types and sizes. In the Erinyes mafia’s eyes, it was a gathering of the strongest and most skilled people to welcome a newcomer. A newcomer who was deemed better than most of them to be chosen for the soon second-highest position in their organization.

 “To be able to acquire the power, wealth, and control of this city through their blood is something we could only imagine. So to you, the coming generation of our families,” he looked at each young member from all the clans, “Be strengthened by pain, honed with experience, and linked together through our deep fellowship. Only then could you deserve these things.”

“Hear, hear!” The elders in the group agreed from their different positions.

The mafia don then beckoned for Rein to step in with him at the center, to be looked up to by the hundreds of guests. “So now we welcome our son who was for some time hidden from us. But now has appeared to continue the line of consigliori's who have well served the Erinyes into what it is now.”

Hector raised his glass of Old Fashioned cocktail, followed by the rest. “You have inherited this legacy, but for a price.” Rein felt every eye on her now, some with hatred but others with piqued curiosity. Elus Renaud’s and Delian Leofric’s were especially blazing with both.

“Now you owe your life and loyalty to this organization and its people.” A sinking feeling set on Evander’s gut. The welcoming toast sounded almost too much like a threat. If these people discover who she really was and why she was there, she wouldn’t be allowed even a second to explain.

The rest of the ceremony went by without a hitch as Rein found herself being greeted and interviewed by members, oldies, and neophytes alike.

“Is it true that you joined the military at twelve?”

“No, I joined at eighteen.”

“I heard you had the same training as the Evander spies.”

“Well yes, at some point, since I’m also an Evander.”

It took some time until some ladies found the courage to approach her. By now, she was already surrounded by competitive women all clamoring for her attention. Damon from the corner enjoyed his friend’s plight, refusing to answer Rein’s expression for help.

“Sir Rein Evander.” And just like that, the hoard of admirers parted like the Red Sea to let the person pass. Kora Renaud exuded the beauty women longed for and men chased. Her green gown clung to her body, showing off her hourglass figure. Her raven hair and eyes completed that of an elegant and innocent look. So wherever she was, people always made way for her.

The way she sauntered towards them with her graceful walk and her head held high, she displayed a queen about to address her subjects. The women around Rein who all felt like peasants compared to her dispersed begrudgingly.

“Welcome home.” Kora extended her silk-gloved hand, which the right hand took and gingerly placed a kiss on.

“Miss Renaud, an honor.” Before getting into the mafia, Rein has learned to change her voice like that of a man. And that practiced, husky voice added more mystery to her image together with the mask and aloof attitude.

Rein noticed Kora’s discomfort despite her best efforts to hide it. The way she swayed and adjusted her stance showed her strapped high heels heavily affecting her. A fashion trend among women that Rein could never understand nor get used to.  “Would you like a seat?”

The right hand then guided her to a vacant table and moved one of the ornate chairs for her. “And here I thought chivalry’s dead. Thank you.” Kora didn’t forget to let the touch on his shoulder linger a moment longer before sitting. “What an easy target,” she assumed.

Kora Renaud, twenty-four just like her, was raised within the mafia by her father. It’s known that the beauty she got from her Korean mother was a weapon used to ensnare the family's prey and do whatever they wished. She was often used for gathering information and trapping men to their doom.

“She’s high on the list of our priorities,” Thane said before. “If you want to know the deeper secrets of most members, you might want to befriend her first of all. But from our sources, there’s no befriending this woman.” Rein ran the intel through her mind, making sure she didn’t miss a fact.

Deciding to go along with her flirtation, Rein leaned back and pretended to steal glances at her body. Two can play that game. “Anything for such a beauty like you.”

A few more small talk and the two were now inches closer to each other compared to the minutes before. From under the table, Kora delicately brushed her feet against Rein’s, gauging his reaction. “So tell me, how did a mysterious gentleman manage to get chosen as the consigliori when none of us has ever seen you?” Her continuous action partnered with her seductive eyes proved to Rein how well she was able to tempt men.

Rein smirked beneath her mask and shifted forward. An action that surprised the lady since no one was ever this upfront with her. “Before I answer that, how did a delightful lady manage to keep men away from the ceremony’s start until now?” Evander raised an eyebrow in playful inquiry.

Kora tried to recover from her previous reaction by letting out a nervous laugh. “Well, a lady doesn’t reveal her secrets.”

“The truth is, I don’t really care. That just means more of your attention for me.” Rein did her best to sport a smoldering look even though only her eyes were visible. But it was enough to catch the woman off guard.

The Renaud daughter cleared her throat, not expecting this much response from the man. Kora’s smile tried to cover the fact that she had no idea what to say.

Thankfully, Damon tapped Rein on the shoulder and informed her, “Sir, the Leofric family wants a word.”

“I guess that’s my cue then.”

Kora lets out a sigh of relief. “I guess it is.”

Before leaving, Rein peers at her once more, “Since our conversation was cut short, I’d like to continue it. Over coffee or dinner, if you’d like.” She took out a small notebook and pen.

“That would be nice,” Kora shyly replied. Writing her phone number in refined penmanship on one of the pages.

“Damn Rein! You had all women fall for you. Including Renaud, you made that woman blush! She almost looked like a tomato!” Damon aggressively whispered, “And from what I’ve heard, that’s not a common occurrence.”

Rein thought, gaining a bit more confidence to push through with her mission, “If I was able to make a temptress lose her bearing like that, it won’t be long before she starts spilling secrets.” She also noted how during their whole exchange, the Renaud don, watched them intensely like a hawk.

“Ah, there he is.” Danae Leofric softly clapped in greeting.

“Don, Madam Leofric. Thank you again for this celebration.” Rein slightly bowed her head.

The couple expressed words of great satisfaction with the sophisticated way Rein carried herself. “It really was a good idea to bring you into the higher ranks. We would need a cultured man such as yourself to advise my stubborn son.”

A tug on her suit jacket made Rein look down. A little girl, around the age of six, with a bow matching her yellow sequined dress examined the newcomer. “I like your hair. Like a Prince Charming.”

Kneeling to her level, Rein likewise curtsied to the youngest Leofric. “I’m happy you like it, Miss Leofric.” The action seemed to delight the young child as her giggles echoed throughout the area. People around began to observe their exchange, still wary of the Evander heir. He could harm the little miss in seconds and they’d be none the wiser.

“I’m Althaea. But today, I’m Princess Belle.” Althaea twirled around, boasting her dress to anyone who watched. “And you can be my Prince.”

Rein playfully crouched with her hands reaching for the kid. She growled, “Then I shall be the Beast! Argh!” A series of jolly shrieks and more giggles came out of Althaea but not before Rein saw several people hold on to their holsters, ready to pounce at her any moment. That included the girl’s brother, Delian, who already had his finger ready on the trigger.

His movement caused a tense chain reaction. Damon and Rafiq pointed their guns at each other’s boss. Their guards decided to follow suit as rustles of clothes and clinks of metals resounded within a second.

A heavy quiet fell on the room except for the oblivious Althaea who was still laughing at Rein’s action. Afraid to cause any more chaos, Rein raised her arms slowly, still pretending her arms were claws to distract the child. Staring through the barrel of Delian’s gun was starting to get annoying.

It was now Aidon who spoke up after he let out a belly laugh, “Looks like everyone’s eager for some fireworks! Why don’t we all head outside? It’s going to start soon.” His voice alone ordered all Evander men to put down their weapons and the guests to leave the hall, although reluctantly. Everyone wanted to know how this was going to end.

Hearing the word fireworks made Althaea suddenly forget her prospect of becoming a princess. Excitedly pulling Rein to stand and follow her, she repeatedly exclaimed, “Come on, let’s watch the fireworks!”

The new consigliori handed the child to her fear-stricken mother. “I’ll follow soon, Miss Leofric.” Now there were only the Evander and Leofric dons, heirs, and assistants. Only six people were left to deal with the aftermath.

“Put that goddamned gun down, Del,” Hector gently said, too enraged to shout at his son.

Rein shared the feeling of indignation with the Don as she approached her trigger-happy boss. “I would appreciate it if you stop pointing your gun whenever you see me. Since we’ll be meeting each other often.” Her annoyance at the soured event made her voice a few notes lower.

Realizing how his stupid actions have put her dear sister in harm’s way, Delian plopped the Glock on the couch and immediately retreated back to his own den, refusing to talk to anyone.

>>>

The night was cut short due to the unfortunate incident. While Althaea clung on to her said Prince refusing to let her go home, Hector profusely apologized to the Evanders.

“What the fuck is wrong with that guy?” Damon asked again, “Who in their right mind does that?”

“Mafia parties are not complete without at least a few brawls or a stand-off. You should both get used to it,” Aidon answered indifferently, spoken from several of his encounters where he, himself, also started some.

“Plus, Delian is an overprotective older brother. He really does care for Althaea.” The two men look over at Rein who had been quiet during the whole car ride home. Knowing that her silence came from a place of great vexation, both decided to zip their mouths in fear of any consequences from her.

In Rein’s mind, “So his true self really is the bloodthirsty brute that they describe him as.” Her memories wandered back to a month ago when Delian’s unfeeling eyes were instead affectionate. “Then why do I care enough to get angry that he acted differently towards me as Eirene than as Rein?”

Little did she know, Rein was thinking out loud.