Chapter 11
Chapter 11
“Dylan Ross…”
She reached out and wrapped her hand from the nape of my neck. She pulls me to her, our faces inches closer to each other.
“Swear your loyalty to me.”
I couldn’t hold back my surprise. Her piercing eyes steady in mine, meaningful with a threat and warning.
“I… you… you promised me.” Reminding her of her promise about my family.
“I don’t break promises… unless you betray me.”
I shook my head vehemently. “Never.”
“Good. I’ll give you whatever you need, even whatever you want as long as you swear it.”
“I swear it!” I said rather enthusiastically. I cleared my throat in embarrassment. “I mean yes.”
For my family. Everything for them.
She released a playful grin. Her fingers from the nape of my neck started stroking my hair. Warmth started to build from my belly.
“Good boy.”
---
A few hours later, we arrived but it wasn’t in my apartment. I couldn’t ask Cara since she hastily stepped out of the car and immediately went inside the building.
I stopped short, jaw dropping when I realized that I’m in front of one of the most expensive buildings in the city.
I was pulled out from my daze as I noticed Franco’s presence beside me seemingly waiting for me to move. I almost flushed at embarrassment for letting him wait.
“S-sorry.” While awkwardly rubbing my neck. He only nodded before walking towards the entrance. I followed.
When we stepped inside the building, I immediately searched for her. I wanted to ask why she brought me here. Franco and I stepped inside the elevator as soon as it opened. I watched the floor number changing as we ascended. It was a long way up.
“What am I doing here?” I finally asked.
I’ve been wanting to ask that question ever since I realized that we weren’t in my neighborhood. I am always nervous about her intentions. I don’t get her. I couldn’t get her at all. She was unexpectedly… unexpected. She was the typical mafia leader at first but then she does something that throws me off balance. I’m talking about how she's suddenly nice.
“Scared?” He said with a vague snort.
I frowned, looking down.
“Our boss isn't that bad... if only you would've told her sooner.” There was a hint of pity in his voice.
“If only it were that simple.” I retorted.
“It is simple.” My eyes flew to him instantly. “You’ve sworn your loyalty to her. All you need to do is not betray her.”
“So she’d said.” I replied nonchalantly. I already said I won’t and I’m firm with my promises.
But then this isn’t just a simple promise, is it?
He then shifted his eyes to me with conviction. “You will have all the luxury by gaining her trust but do not even think about betraying her. Ever. Remember that.”
I immediately remembered about my family. Cara Luna was no simple woman. She has money and power. She could easily eliminate us without leaving a trace with just a gesture of her fingers or a nod of her head.
---
I was stunned when we stepped inside the room… or penthouse. The place was huge. The walls were glass on the east side, the whole view of the city could be seen from up here. I could imagine the sunrise visible as it ascended.
Cara, who had just finished taking a phone call, sauntered towards the white couch situated in the middle of the living room. Everything here is almost in elegant white and some neutral colors to match it.
She smirked when she saw me. She patted the spot beside her, urging me to sit with her. I looked to my left and noticed that Franco was no longer there. I hesitantly went to sit beside her.
I was stiff and awkward. It didn’t help when her eyes were lingering at me in amusement.
“If you want to speak, you are free to do so.”
“Ah… what- w-what exactly am I doing here?” I kept rubbing my palms on my thighs out of mannerism and nervousness.
Instead of answering me, she grabbed the wine bottle from the center table and poured some on the wine glass. She then took the envelope that was settled beside the bottle. She threw the envelope to me, landing smoothly on my lap. She explained to me what it was as I opened it and grabbed the document inside.
“A medical certificate for a week’s worth of absence.”
It was a real medical certificate with a real doctor’s signature. It says that I had an accident with my leg being injured. With her reputation and capabilities, I do not doubt the authenticity.
“I’m sure you could go back to work with no problem at all.”
Thanks for the effort but the manager already hates me. It’s useless to tell her that. The certificate will help but he'll still find ways to kick me out. This will probably pave the way.
“Yeah… why am I-”
“From now on, you will be staying here with me…" She mused before resuming. "doing whatever I ask you to do.” She takes a sip from the wine glass. “Your loyalty to me means you are working for me. Is that clear?”
I nodded.
“Do you have any questions?” I shook my head.
“Good. Your stuff is already in one of the rooms. You can go and retire for the night.”
---
Cara
“We’re only waiting for your signal.”
I took a sip of my wine while staring blankly at the city bathed in colorful lights. It was a good thing that I purchased this penthouse a long time ago. I thought for sure I’d be too busy coming here. I was always sitting in my office all day with meetings, documents to sign and tons of projects to work on. It was boring the hell out of me.
I was able to come here a few times whenever Stefano and Uncle Marco planned for a family gathering. I seldomly came, too, and that was before I was involved with the mafia. It was only when I became the don that I suddenly had the time in the world to play. That was because I finally made my secretary as the acting CEO of my company. I should’ve done that a long time ago though.
He deserved it anyway. He knew every nook and cranny of my company and his loyalty to me was unwavering. To top it off, he was not arrogant and greedy. It was impressive from a single man in mid thirties. I presume men in that age seek wealth and power but the man seemed to lack that. And so I had no qualms when I chose him to represent me.
“I’m stuck trying to decide whether to prolong his inevitable or not.” I gave Franco a side glance as he stood beside me, watching the view with a mild interest. His arms behind him like a soldier.
There was a hint of smirk appearing in his mouth. “If you wanted to, you know it only takes a day. The only thing that would cause a delay is the flight from Milan to New York.”
I smirked. “True. But, amico… where is the fun in that? Surely I will not come back home without my fill. After all, it had been too quiet for my liking.”
“All up to you, boss.”
“We leave early in the morning.”
