Mafia's Collateral Women

Chapter 3

The next day, I dragged myself out of bed, my body aching and head pounding with a migraine. Descending the stairs, I head for the kitchen in search of Excedrin and water. As I enter the living room, I spot my father, Ace, James, and Duron gathered in my father's study with the door ajar. Ace notices me first and follows me into the kitchen.

Ignoring his attempts at conversation, I grab a glass of water and the Excedrin, intent on avoiding any interaction. But Ace persists, wishing me good morning and trying to engage me in small talk. My patience wearing thin, I swallow the pill and grab an apple, determined to retreat.

His persistence turns to frustration, and he grabs my arm, forcefully turning me to face him. "Victoria, don't ignore me unless you want to be punished," he warns, his grip tightening. Pushing him away, I snap, "Listen, Ace, my body is hurting, and I have a migraine. I'm not in the mood for your games. Just let me be."

Undeterred, he grabs me again as I try to walk away, planting a kiss on my forehead. "Get some rest," he commands, his gaze unwavering. Annoyed, I shot him a defiant look and flipped him off before retreating to my room.

When I wake up for the second time, I'm finally feeling better. Though my body still aches, my head is no longer pounding. After a refreshing shower, I opt for a long-sleeved, short pink sundress paired with pink wedges. As I descend the stairs, the quietness of the house soothes me, and I exhale a calming breath.

Entering the living room, I spot James and Marina engaged in quiet conversation. Realizing I'm not alone, I internally curse my luck, f**k. Marina greets me warmly, and I return the greeting to James, bending down to check if Marina needs anything.

She assures me she's fine, her voice gentle and reassuring. Taking a seat beside Marina's wheelchair, I listen as she mentions James was just updating her on their takeover of Jacobs and Sons business. James confirms this, explaining their plans to expand the corporation across the United States.

I offer a pointed comment, suggesting they might reach their 150 million goal sooner than expected, if only to expedite my own freedom. James chuckles at the remark, acknowledging their five-year goal. "Well, let's hope it doesn't take you five years," I retort, emphasizing my desire for freedom as soon as possible. His laughter fills the room as he responds, "It all depends on your father, Victoria. He's the one who'll determine how quickly you get that freedom you want so badly." He then winks at me and lights up a cigarette.

I then inquired, "James, tell me about yourself." He pauses for a moment, meeting my gaze before responding, "Well, let's just say I'm the calm one out of my family." He seems poised to elaborate, but our conversation is interrupted as Ace and my father walk into the room. My father calls out to me, "Victoria, we're going out with the Jacobs before everyone leaves."

With clenched fists, I make my way to my father, who leads us all to the waiting limo. I slip in first, strategically taking a spot next to the wall to ensure Ace can't sit beside me. My father follows, settling in beside me. Soon, Ace, James, and Duron join us in the limo. Ace takes a seat across from me, but I refuse to make eye contact. Though I can feel his gaze on me, I keep my eyes fixed on the floor or focused on my father. Eventually, we arrive at the restaurant.

Father has booked a private room at Hamlets, known for serving the best steak in town. As we enter the private room, Ace wastes no time in taking the seat beside me, with my father on the other side. Under my breath, I mutter, "f**k my life." Ace catches my comment and inquires, "What did you say, princess?" Irritated, I glare at him and snap back, "I am not a princess," before returning my attention to the menu. "Oh, Victoria, you are a princess. You are a mafia princess," he persists. Rolling my eyes, I go back to ignoring him.

As we're about to order our food, the waiter approaches us, a young man with blonde hair and striking blue eyes. Sensing an opportunity, I start flirting with him, knowing it'll irk Ace. "Oh, this will be fun," I think to myself. "So, handsome, what would you suggest for me to order? I'll take anything you suggest." I glance over to see Ace's face reddening, clearly uncomfortable. The waiter quickly takes note and hurries away. Ace abruptly gets up and leaves the table.

After a while, Ace returns and shifts the conversation to business. The food comes out but I notice we have a different waiter now we have a middle aged woman. I get served their famous steak and potatoes. I remain quiet, pushing my food around on my plate. The desire to eat vanishes as the weight of the situation settles in. The meal feels interminable, each moment stretching out like my last as a free woman. My father notices my lack of appetite and asks, "Victoria, aren't you going to eat?" I offer a weak apology, "I'm sorry, Father. I've lost my appetite."

As we all pile back into the limo, Ace swiftly moves to where I was sitting. Not wanting to be near him, I quickly shift and take a seat beside James and Duron. I strike up a conversation with James, asking about his interest. I start to flirt a little. Ace's face flushes red with anger, his clenched fist betraying his frustration. I flash a large smile at Ace, relishing in his discomfort. James notices the tension and abruptly stops talking, lowering his head.

When we arrive at the house, Ace turns to me and instructs Duron to assist me with my things, stating that he and James need to discuss some matters in the limo. "Okay, Ace, have fun with your talk," I quip, unable to contain a smirk as I walk away.

As my father, Duron, and I step out of the limousine, I purposefully slam the door behind me, relishing in the sound of Ace's frustrated yell. Duron efficiently gathers my suitcases and boxes, loading them back into the limo. With just my father and me left, I embrace him tightly, tears streaming down my face. "Father, I will miss you so much, and I love you," I whisper, my voice choked with emotion. He holds me close, expressing his regret. "I am so sorry, my sweetie, that I couldn't protect you. I feel like I've failed as a father." I shake my head, tears mingling with his embrace. "Father, you have never failed me. I trust you, and I know you'll find a way to get that money quickly. I love you," I assure him, planting a kiss on his cheek before we part ways.

I settle into the limo, deliberately distancing myself from Ace. However, he disregards my boundaries and moves closer, instructing Duron and James to make room. Annoyed, I take out my phone and start scrolling through f*******:, hoping to ignore him. But Ace crosses the line, placing his hand on my thigh and squeezing. I quickly push his hand away, snapping at him to keep his f*****g hands off me. He retreats, raising his hands in surrender, but the tension lingers.

The ride remains quiet until we reach a private airport, where we board a private jet. Duron loads my belongings as I seek out a recliner seat, craving some space. With my headphones in and music playing, I try to block out the discomfort, focusing on the familiar melodies to ease my mind. The jet takes off, and the cabin buzzes with conversation. I lower the volume on my headphones, sensing Ace's gaze fixed on me once again. James intervenes, advising Ace to ease off, warning that he might drive me away with his intensity. Ace dismisses him, heading to the bar to pour himself a drink.

He taps me on the shoulder, and I reluctantly remove one earbud. "Yes, Ace?" I ask. He offers me a drink, and I remind him that I'm only 19. He chuckles, suggesting it might help calm my nerves. Reluctantly, I agree, requesting something sweet. Ace prepares a screwdriver, and I retrieve my medicine from my purse, swallowing it with the drink. Downing the screwdriver quickly, I hand the empty glass back to him. Ace's question about the pill draws a scowl from me, and I curtly inform him it's my nerve medicine, necessary due to the lingering pain from the accident. Ignoring James's caution, Ace offers me another drink, which I accept without hesitation.

James interjects, voicing concern about my intake, but I dismiss his worries, asserting my independence and downing the drink in one go. Ace smirks, calling me his feisty princess, and I snap back, refusing to be labeled as his possession. His threat of punishment only fuels my anger, and I unleash my frustration, standing up to confront him. I am not your f*****g princess you mother fucker. He then snaps back and says if you keep talking to me like this you will get punished. I do not hold back now I am so over this piece of s**t. I stand up in his face and yell at him. Ace I am not afraid of you and your goddamn punishments. You f*****g p***y. He then slams me down back in my chair and says dont say one more f*****g word. You understand me Victoria not one more f*****g word. I have lost all patience with you.

I resume listening to my music, trying to drown out the tension in the air. Ace's sudden outburst shattering his glass barely fazes me; instead, I find myself stifling a small laugh at his reaction. Ignoring his glare, I return to my music, observing that everyone else seems equally preoccupied, either on their phones or lost in their thoughts. Unintentionally, I drift off to sleep in the comfortable chair. When I wake up, I find a blanket draped over me, a small gesture of consideration that surprises me. As the announcement for landing echoes through the cabin, I switch off my music and stow away my earbuds, preparing for our descent. Turning to the guys, I inquire about our flight duration, and Ace responds curtly, stating that it's been three hours.