The devil you begged for

019

LORENZO

~•~

I wasn’t surprised when Romano announced Frank’s presence a day after the gala. He had wanted to marry his daughter off to me eventually so when he heard about my announcement, it must have annoyed him. I was certain he wasn’t brave enough to show it though.

Frank walked into my office with the same fake smile as always, extending his arm to me like we were old friends. “Mr. Russo, thank you for making time.”

I didn’t stand up. I didn’t even move. I just gestured to the chair opposite mine. “You’re persistent.”

He knew it wasn’t a compliment but he took it as one anyway. “Persistence is how we get things done in our world.” He smoothened his tie and leaned forward. “I’ve been thinking about our last conversation. I believe we could accomplish something profitable together.”

“Go on,” I lit a cigarette, letting the smoke settle around us as I pretended to be interested in whatever he had to say.

I had made my stance clear already. I wanted his contacts. If he were smart enough, he’d ask for my contacts in return or anything else that could help his little family, but he was too greedy and wanted me along with everything I had. Did he really think I’d be in his control if I married his wife? While the mafia required me to be respectful to my father-in-law, I was never the one to care for rules anyway.

He launched straight into his pitch, talking about routes, suppliers, contacts, and how he could help me. I let him run his mouth while I smoked and watched him sweat under his enthusiasm.

Finally, his tone shifted, trying to sound casual. “Of course, there’s another angle, which makes things easier.”

“Oh?”

“Families tied together make stronger bonds, don’t they? That way they know no one is going to betray the other.”

I arched my brow. “Go on.”

Satisfied, he leaned forward, lowering his voice like he wanted to share a secret. “There was talk about last night. About a claim you made.” He stared at me to gauge my reaction. I kept my face blank. “If a man is going to make a statement, it should be with the right partner. A woman who can stand beside a man like you. A woman who knows how to keep a home. A woman who would obey you.”

I chuckled. Indeed, Isla would never obey me if it weren’t for the constant threats. Good thing she was smart enough to know that I would make good on them if need be. Then again, I’ve never wanted a submissive woman. “You’re saying Racheal.”

He grinned. “Yes. She’s been raised for this life. Knows how to support and knows how to keep your image clean. She’d be a good fit.” It was a jab at Isla since everyone knew Isla had always been shielded from this life. Unfortunately for her parents, I was exposing their daughter to everything they hid from her. Ultimately, it was their fault for thinking their daughter could escape the life they built around her.

I mirrored his grin, not because I was happy or amused but because it was better than putting a bullet in between his eyes. “Frank, let’s get one thing clear. If your daughter ever steps into my house, it would be on my terms, not yours.”

His grin faltered but he put it right back in place.. “No, of course. I wouldn’t presume–“

“You already are,“ I cut him off. “The way you’re pushing makes it seem like I don’t have any options. Racheal isn’t a prize, Frank.” I leaned back, tapping ash into the tray. “I can marry one, two, or even three women and if I don’t feel like giving her a ring, then maybe she’ll just be around for when I want to fuck.” I didn’t bother to mince my words. “Does that bond sound strong enough for you?”

Frank froze. He blinked repeatedly, the smile on his face frozen as he tried to keep it alive.

I didn’t look away. Instead, I continued, hitting the nail on the head. “A wife gets to stand beside me. A girl I f**k waits until I call. Keep pressing me, Frank, and your daughter ends up the second kind.”

Silence stretched. He swallowed hard, nodding quickly. “No, no. I’d never push, Mr. Russo. I’m only thinking about what benefits both of us. Nothing more. I’d never make decisions on your behalf.”

“Good.” He got the memo.

He switched back to business then, talking about gunpowder, contracts, and his oh so precious contacts. It was starting to feel like he was holding it over me and I didn’t like that.

When he finally stood up to leave, he forced a smile that looked like a grimace, shook my hand, and scrambled out the door. As he opened the door, Isla was standing outside. He stared at her for no more than a second and then, he was on his way.

I blinked, surprised at Isla’s presence. This was the first time she was coming to me on her own. Without waiting for an invite, she stepped in. “Do you threaten everyone around you?”

“You come into my office without being summoned. Bold.”

She didn’t flinch. It seemed like after a month of living with me, she was starting to get used to me. “You didn’t answer my question.” Her statement was even bolder but beneath that facade, I could see a hint of nerves. She was still afraid of me. Good.

“I didn’t threaten him, Isla.” I idly tapped ash into the tray. “I reminded him of how things work. There’s a difference.”

“You like to scare people.”

“And I get results.” I shrugged, bowing out a puff of smoke. “If they would just do what is expected, I wouldn’t have to do that.”

“So what do you expect of me that you threaten me at least five times a day?”

She was making jokes now.

“You?” I gave her a once-over. “I expect you to follow instructions, sit pretty, and get ready for our engagement.”

She blinked in surprise, like I hadn’t already told everyone last night about our engagement. “You’re serious about that?? What makes you think I’ll ever marry the person who murdered my family?”

“What makes you think your choices matter?” I smiled. “Welcome to the underworld, baby.”

I hadn’t been serious about marrying her, but the way she reacted was interesting. I couldn’t help but push her buttons more. I wanted to know what exactly she’d do if I forced her to marry me. I wanted to know what she could do.

She was currently staring at me like she wanted to kill me. Would she follow up on that?

Isla was such an interesting character and I couldn’t wait to see what she had up her sleeve.