Mistake Not (Old Version)

1|3 Family Problems

JULES PETROV

"Morning, Miss." Ann greeted me with a smile as I sat down at the island table.

"Morning, Ann," I smiled. "What's for breakfast?"

"Pancakes, bacon, eggs, strawberries, and orange juice." Another housekeeper brought out the amazing looking food.

"Thank you," I grabbed the silverware. "Can you have a car ready for me? I want to go to the city." I grabbed a piece of bacon and took a bite. I paused when I saw hesitancy on her face. "Is something wrong?" My brow furrowed as I awaited an answer.

"No," She spoke quickly. "It's just your brother has other plans for you."

I frowned. "Other plans?"

Just as she went to speak, the sound of heavy footsteps hitting the floor hit my ears. I closed my eyes, knowing exactly who it was. The man I have been trying to avoid for a while now and has forced me to come here. The man that is known at the top of the chain and as my older brother.

"Jules," His accent was thick in his tone. "I'm glad you finally came. I apologize I didn't get the chance to see you last night. I was busy." He says, taking a seat in one of the chairs, and a housekeeper placed down a plate.

I sniffed, not looking at him at all. "I didn't have much of a choice thanks to you." I looked up, staring at his face, watching his expression. "Have you found a man you wanted me to spend the rest of my life with?"

He smiles, ignoring my sarcastic excited tone. "I have a list of fitted men for you. You will be financially stable."

"And what of my happiness?"

He shrugs. "Happiness is not the point." He grabs his silverware. "It never really is." He mutters.

I placed my silverware down. "Do you believe in love, Mercer?"

"I show you love." He says in a nonchalant tone and to tell you it pissed me off.

"If that was true, you wouldn't be making your only sister marry a complete stranger that you approve of."

"Jules—"

"Has it ever occurred to you that I have much bigger dreams than marriage? I actually want something for my life. I don't want you controlling me."

"I can sense that this conversation will not end well so why don't we end it now." His tone firm while digging into his pancakes.

"I'm not done expressing how I feel about—"

Glass plates tapped wood caused by Mercer slamming his hand on the table. His eyes changed, a much darker look that was meant to cause fear to anyone that dared to look. But not me. I wasn't scared of Mercer. I never have been. He can make all the looks he wanted and I will not back down on most. This being one of them.

"Leave it alone, Jules. It's happening whether you like it or not."

I scoffed. "That's what you think."

"Listen you little—"

A throat cleared interrupting whatever name calling. I turned and saw Ronan enter and beside him was a guard.

"Sir, the cars have been brought around but you have a video call that is urgent."

He grunts irritably. "Who is it?"

"Adrian."

"He knew I needed to be spared from you." I smiled falsely.

He stood to his feet giving me a warning look. "Be ready to leave by the end of the call."

He followed Ronan, leaving me to eat alone. Inhaling deeply, I finished up breakfast and stood to my own feet.

"How was it!?"' Ann questioned, entering back inside the dining area.

"Splendid." I mumbled.

If my brother thinks he can just do whatever he wants then he has another thing coming. I was not going down without a fight. I control what happens in my life and soon he'll realize that.

I can guarantee it.

GENEVIEVE SANTOS

"Thank you for choosing Majestic Diner." I smiled, leaving the bill on the table before walking off to the back.

I needed to sit down. My legs were killing me and I had only just started my working streak this morning.

"Hey, Gen, you okay?" I heard Jackie question while walking past me with a whole tray of meals.

I nod with a smile. I was somewhat okay but I think I should have taken it a bit easy. Flashes of what I did last night appeared in my mind. I know exactly what I did and I never did something so naughty in my life.

But that man helped me with a problem that got me quick and intense results. I wasn't complaining but I didn't realize how deep the aftermath would be.

I was so out of my mind last night that I didn't realize that man was leaving marks all over my neck. The neck that is made up of makeup to hide what I've been doing and trust and believe the marks didn't stop there. Discovering light fingertips on my waist was a shock. Didn't know it was possible but here I was with his marks on my skin.

Last night was a great distraction for me and if I am being honest, I would do it again with Mr. Russian.

In a short time, I have taken a liking to his rich blue eyes. Eyes tell a story and from what I could see in his was him shielding off from the world. A man that doesn't care what anyone says but as long as they don't cross a line. His line.

"Genevieve, why are you just standing there?" Sheila, the manager and another friend of mine.

"Sorry, I'll get the next table after I finish."

Quickly and swiftly, I finished my last table before going off to my next. As I made my way to the next table, I took note of how this person was sitting completely still with a hood over their head. It was a bit hard to tell if the person was male or female.

Once I reached the table, I put on a smile only to frown instantly. "What are you doing here? And like this?" I questioned while slipping in the booth.

Georgiana sighed and took off her glasses. "I am here doing a job, Genevieve."

"And whatever it is has led you here to my workplace?"

She looked up, our eyes meeting. Hers were firm and serious but right through them I see past it. She was truthful on coming here and telling me that she was doing a job but I am somewhat a part of it. I can tell by the look on her face.

"Having me followed once again, Casey?" I glared.

"For your protection."

I chuckled bitterly. "I'm getting really tired of that excuse." I shook my head. "Look, I don't know anything nor—"

"Are you familiar with the casino you went to last night?" She interrupts, getting straight into detective mode.

I shrug. "I never heard of it. Jackie said it was a killer club. I don't remember the name of it."

"It doesn't have a name to it, Gen."

I looked at her in confusion. "Everything has a name."

Sighing, she shook her head. "Not this one." She looked around quickly before grabbing my free hand. "I can't speak much about the case to anyone, let alone my sister but knowing where you were has me here now. That place is dangerous and I don't want you around there again."

"Why? Is there a dangerous drug war? Laundering? Gangs? Mafia? Murder?" I asked, each question sarcastic.

Her grip tightens. "This is not a game, Genevieve. I'm being serious. Stay away from that place or I will be forced to do something you wouldn't want me to."

I pulled my hand from hers. "Exactly what will you do? Have me restrained?" I scoffed in disbelief.

"If it means keeping you safe, a pair of handcuffs and a cell is waiting for you. I have connections and you know I take advantage."

"I can take care of my f*****g self. I don't need you."

She went silent for a moment. A slight look of pain crossed her face before it went back to still and firm. "You may feel that way but it won't change my mind."

"Are you going to order?" I stood while changing the subject, over the entire conversation.

"I want you to promise me something." She says instead.

"Our French Toast is popular."

"Dammit, Gen. I'm being serious."

"You always do this. Every time."

"You're so stubborn."

"Thank you," I stood to my feet. "Now, what are you getting."

Georgiana sighed. "Coffee."

"Good choice."

She shook her head as I jotted down her order while walking away. It's a routine for her and I was becoming tired of it. So I went to an unnamed casino or club or whatever. I had a good time. It's been refreshing to do something fun since my break up.

I was doing me and it was going to stay that way. My sisters' warnings have always been to keep me safe but now, I just didn't know anymore. It felt like she wanted me on a leash to keep me in check.

But not this time.

GEORGIANA SANTOS

I rubbed my aching head. My little sister was an aching headache. She didn't truly understand how much I am trying to keep her safe.

When I heard my sister went to that part of town and inside the casino club, I knew I had to step up my game and fast.

That place is a trap. Full of Russian men and women that've been taking advantage of this city. I knew how it worked. I so happened to be a naive girl one night and things happened that I couldn't take back.

Once you step foot into that place, you're selling your soul.

I've been keeping a low profile lately because of it. Someone was looking for me and has made it quite clear by hacking into all my personal belongings and sending me messages. Nothing threatening but I had a feeling it could get that far.

I am currently being watched by two of the best cops in Atlanta.

My job is to investigate that place and the people that go and leave. So far, I have one name that is listed at the top.

Mercer Petrov

What we know so far is that he was not one to mess with and that he was a murder. He is basically a King in his world. Two siblings. We only know of one and his name is Adrian Petrov. We have a picture of him but as for the girl, we have nothing on her yet. We don't even know her name. Not yet anyway.

For what we know, they kept her life secret. I guess private school. This is all information provided by our source that has gone off the grid.

It's been almost over forty eight hours since he's reached out and I am starting to worry.

"Here's your coffee." Genevieve's voice interrupts my thoughts.

"Thank you."

"It's on me. Enjoy the rest of your day."

I grabbed her wrist, stopping her from leaving. She looked down at me with an impatient look.

"I don't know how much longer we are going to act like this towards each other but I miss talking to my sister."

She sighed. "I miss it too but it's not my fault."

"I may have been a bit judgmental but I was also being realistic. I mean look at you now." I motioned around her. "You could be so much more."

Her face scrunched up. "And there she goes. This is my life. Not yours. I do what I want. So what if I work in a diner and...you know what, no."

"No?"

"Yes, no." She shakes her head. "I'm not going to continue back and forth with you about what I'm doing in my life. Just know that I am surviving and not struggling. Have a nice day, Casey."

She left and I took it upon myself to leave too. I sighed and walked to the car I got out of. I got in on the passenger side and closed the door.

"Family reunion didn't go well?" Ronan Steele, one of the two officers that were to keep an eye on me.

"You could say that." I placed my coffee in a cup holder. "So where are we with Petrov?"

He handed me a file and I saw pictures of his estate that was far out.

"He has been spotted with a female. Possibly a love interest or—"

"His sister." I looked closer and it was not hard to tell the resemblance. "Her name?"

"We don't have it yet."

I closed the file. "We need it. She might come in handy when we take him down."

Ever since that man came into my city, he's caused nothing but trouble and he was going to pay what he owed.