For Her Protection

STEFENO-1

Chapter Six

My phone rings. "Yeah." I answer in an annoying tone. It's Elijah. I've known him my entire life. He's my second in command. "Stefeno, I've got a huge problem. My dad's been attacked!" He sounds panicked, which means this isn't a joke. Elijah doesn't play around when it comes to his family. Just when I was about to say something, my office door bursts open and in comes my dad. Shit...this isn't good.

My father is none other than Iven Morello. He used to be the head of our family. Well, that was until I took over five years ago. I grew up in this lifestyle. I've only known the world of drugs, guns, and death. I'm ruthless, evil maybe. I'm known at the "Devil" in our world. I'll gut you and shoot you, be covered in your blood, then look your mother in the eye and tell her I was sorry for her loss. The feeling of killing someone is unlike anything in this world. It's the only love I have. I don't do love, its pointless and makes a man weak. I learned that from my father.

After my mother "left", my father became cruel and hard. I learned to be him and much worse. That's why I need a second like Elijah. He's not afraid to join me in torturing and killing, but he's also level headed enough to stop me when I cross the line. He doesn't cross me, but he can bring me back from the brink when I get to that point. I always get lost in the killing. I become the devil. I become the worst of the worst. I've mastered torture and I live to obliterate anything and anyone who f***s with my business or my life. So, when my dad walks in with a concerned look on his face, I smile. Looks like, I get to roll up my sleeves and end someone's life today. I'm itching with anticipation!

"Son, we need to talk." Iven takes a seat in front of me. "My office." I say into the phone and ten minutes later, Elijah walks in. "Sit." I spit out. Elijah sits down with a look of terror on his face. This is new for him. He never falters. He's usually cold or he's joking around, which annoys the s**t out of me, but I let it go. "Speak." I grit. "Carmine was attacked." Iven starts. He continues, "Broke his arm and both legs. He's f****d up, in the hospital. Face busted, internal bleeding. Completely fucked." I sit back. "Who?" Elijah cuts in, "We don't know, but that's not the worst part." He hands me a folder. I open the contents and look to see pictures of Cassie, Elijah's sister. Along with the photos is a note.

Such a pretty little thing.

-Soon.

Fuck. Whoever this is,is going to go after Cassie. "Stefeno, what are we going to do? We sent Cassie away for a reason. She doesn't know anything about this life. She doesn't know about me or my dad. f**k, she thinks I work in business." Elijah rubs his hand down his face. He's scared and he doesn't get scared. Iven cuts in, "Who knows about Cassie? Who knows who she is and what ties she has to this family?" They both look at me. "No one." I state, emotionless. Iven taps his fingers on the desk, then says, "Marry her."