Twisted Ties

Chris’s POV

I adjust my tie as I look into the mirror. Flinching as the alarm blares from my phone, the headaches are getting worse. I rub my head and shut my eyes, a futile attempt to dull the ache. These nightmares aren’t ending anytime soon.

I glanced at my wristwatch and adjusted my jacket properly, it was 7:30 am. I had a meeting with Sebastian, Lucas, and some other members. I was already stressed enough and no amount of whiskey or late-night shenanigans would calm it. I might delude myself that my home was my refuge.

I walked down the hallway, heading towards the kitchen to get some coffee; Lucia, our housekeeper from Italy, and one of the few staff I let into my home, was making breakfast. “Good morning, Lucia”, I greeted, brewing some espresso with the machine. “ Good morning, mi caro!” she beams, her Italian accent mixing with her English; she continues making breakfast a little faster as she figures I'll be leaving soon.

“Lucia, take your time and don’t worry about me. I’ll not be eating either way”, I assured her; she looked at me in worry, a sceptical look on her face. I should have known she would not let me go easily.

“Mi caro, it's obvious you're not so strong, eat a little so you can have the energy to deal with those bastards of the day” she mutters the ending bringing a chuckle out of me, she was always so angry at my men and people that gave me or Anna a hard time.

“I'm good, Lucia; if anything, not eating will allow me to deal with all these quicker”, I state as I pour the coffee into a mug. She shrugs as she flips the omelette. “I'll pack a box for you then”. I sighed, a tired smile on my lips as I set for the dining in the living room.

As I neared the living room, I caught sight of my sister, Anna, curled up with a pencil and a sketchbook. She was always up early, and today is one of the times she leaves her room.

“Anna”, I said softly as I reached her, trying not to startle her. She looked up, her brown eyes meeting mine, our mother’s eyesand offered a small smile.

“You didn't sleep well”, she signs, dropping her sketchbook, I guess she doesn't want to speak. She rarely spoke, and even if she did it was to those she trusted completely. The trauma that led to her selective mutism still haunted her. I still carry the self hatred of being unable to protect her.

“Yeah, I didn't”, I admitted, shrugging it off like it was nothing; my head continued to pound. I sipped my coffee waiting for the caffeine to hit.

She tilts her head as she studies me with keen perceptiveness; Anna was quiet but saw more than most; unlike others, she wasn't scared to let me know her thoughts. Her eyes flicked to the dark circles around my eyes and she frowned slightly.

“You can't keep doing this to yourself, Chris, you need help”, she signs, her fingers going slowly to show her concern. “I'm fine, Anna”, I replied. We both knew it was a lie. But weakness in this world will only make us prey. I can't put anyone I care about in danger, especially not her.

Her gaze softens, I finish up my coffee and rise to return the mug to the kitchen. I feel a tug on my jacket, she hugs me and gently taps my back, flushed against my chest, and I return the hug. “I’ll be okay, Sorellina,” I assured her. “Try and get some rest” she replied against my chest, her voice barely above a whisper. I nodded, not wanting to lie any further, “I'll be going now; I have a meeting”, I told her, brushing her hair back as I set for the office.

The drive to the estate was quick, by the time I arrived, I had already buried the exhaustion beneath a layer of an icy focus. I walked into the office as it always was, an efficient symbol of my hard work. Merging the family business and architectural firm wasn't supposed to be, but life has its plans.

Today, the air in the office was tense; the room was illuminated by the amber light, giving the tension more breathable ground. Everyone in the room mirrored the tension.

Lucas was already waiting, his posture rigid and expression grim. He didn’t like whatever happened, that's for sure. Sebastian was seated too, contrary to Lucas, he was quite relaxed, typical of him. I sat at the end of the table and the meeting began.

“We’ve got a problem. One of our storage units was destroyed last night”. Lucas drops, leaving pleasantries behind. The once-forgotten headache comes back with full force.

“Following this half report, I assume that we don't know who did this yet”, I stated; his rigid posture answered my speculation. The meeting room was silent awaiting the chaos.

“How much did we lose?” I asked, keeping my tone cold and detached. “A lot,” Lucas answered, his voice clipped. “But this attack wasn’t just about territory it has a personal vendetta written around it”

Personal? I chuckle at the absurdity of the situation. I turned my attention to Sebastian, “What have you done as damage control?” I asked him, expecting relief from this pounding headache.

“I’ve been able to strike an emergency deal with the Spanish-American faction”, he pauses. I could sense a “but”, Christ.

“Go on”, he adjusted his cufflinks and continued, “ but you'll have to meet for the finalizing of terms”, he finished. Bullshit, I've known the Lobos long enough, they want to ride on this power given to them.

“Know what these terms are and prepare thoroughly around them, we can't trust anyone, got it?” I state, he nods. The meeting is dismissed, and everyone leaves except Sebastian, who sits back.

I ignore him as I type into my phone, knowing I am under his scrutiny; I look up after a while, his eyes still on me. “Yes, Seb, how can I be of help?” My irritation is obvious from my tone, “an appointment with the therapist I suggested will put me in a swell mood, Chris” he matches my tone. I knew it.

I am about to reply to him as he interrupts me, “Yes, yes, I know you’re fine, Moretti. Pardon my intrusion. I'll send the documents about your meeting with Pedro” I'll be heading to my office now. Eat the meal Lucia packed for you, don't be an asshole” he finishes off with his fingers pointing to me in seriousness before leaving. I feel my eyes twitch, that gun wound might come sooner than expected.