To Play The Devil’s Game

Chapter 40

Chapter 40

''I'm sorry.'' Luciana murmured.

It's been three days since Pablo's death and Reed had been so down ever since. It was true what they said. No matter how much you hated a person's ways, as long as you shared a special connection with the person, you would always love that person. That was just how life was and it was really a pity Reed had lost his because Luciana could see how much he loved his father.

''There's nothing to be sorry for. He has lived his life and now, it's time to live mine.'' Reed said.

Luciana couldn't help but think that there was a finality in his words. It was odd to see him resign himself to faith which just told her that there was nothing anyone could say or do that could change the fact that his father had died.

''When would the burial be?'' Luciana asked.

''I really don't know yet. The elders are meeting this evening to talk on the way forward. I really don't know what they are talking about. My father is dead and there's nothing anyone can do about it.'' Reed said.

He downed the rest of his martini before pouring another healthy portion into his glass. This was his own way of mourning and Luciana knew she couldn't stop it. He had a temper and she wasn't about to bear the brunt of it.

''I guess it's just their tradition to do that and since your father was the head, I'm really not surprised. To be honest, you have to be prepared for endless meetings, that's what i was made to undergo when mine died.'' Luciana sighed.

Reed stopped for a minute to stare at the woman he loved. There was a sadness in her eyes that he hadn't seen before which just broke his heart. He had no doubt that she missed her father so much, judging by the way she was downcast.

''I do, i really do Read more than you can ever think of.'' Luciana said.

She was fighting with everything within her not to shed a tear but it was proving difficult to do. Every moment she remembered the times she had spent with her father left her sad. She wanted him here, wanted to feel and hold his hands but she knew that wasn't possible because he was gone and was gone for life.

Reed hugged her, pouring all of his love into that hug. He had no doubt that she needed it more than ever before.

''It's funny because we're victims of the same circumstance. We can't change what happened Luciana but we can change the course of how things run.'' Reed said.

''How?'' Luciana asked, drying her eyes.

''By stopping this war Luciana. We have to stop this war by all means and i will be with you every step of the way.'' Reed said.

Luciana hugged him, now fully assured that everything would be alright. Once again, she was grateful she had someone like him with her. Someone who could hold her hands and guide her right.

''There's something else we need to talk about.'' Luciana said.

''What's wrong baby girl?'' Reed asked.

They made their way towards the set of chairs on the patio. Luciana had a feeling that now, it was time to talk but soon, actions would begin.

''I don't know if you remember my cousin i told you about, Enzo.'' Luciana began.

''Yes, you told me about him a few days ago. What's the problem?'' Reed asked.

Luciana gave him a breakdown of everything Enzo had told her. As she talked about him, she got more angry by the minute. If she had her way, she would strangle him to death and be done with him once and for all. She had other important things to do that would require so much of her time and she sure as hell didn't want to waste it on someone as inconsequential as Enzo.

''He did what?!'' Reed seethed.

''He's an asshole quite alright but what i did not expect is for him to threaten me so openly. He has some balls, i'll give him that.'' Luciana said.

''No, he doesn't. He's a fool who thinks he can rattle you with the threat of taking over but baby girl, you are much more than him. If i have my way, i'll deal with him.'' Reed said in apparent anger.

''Leave him to me. He's my cousin after all, don't worry i know how to handle him.'' Luciana smiled.

''Are you sure darling?'' Reed asked with a tender look in his eyes.

''Yes, i'm sure about it.'' Luciana smiled.

''Okay. If he's bothering you and i mean in anyway, let me know.'' Reed said.

''Will do.'' Luciana said.

They stayed in comfortable silence for a while as each receded into their own thoughts. There were many things at stake, things that needed urgent attention.

Just then, there was a slight knock on the door. Reed looked up because he was sure he wasn't expecting anyone. If it were the security details, they would have walked in and not knocked, which just told him that whoever was at the door wasn't a member of the group.

Soon enough, Valentina showed herself. That was the last person he expected to see, she had never been here and so he was quite surprised she knew where to find him.

''Valentina!'' Reed shouted, rising to his feet.

''I know baby, i missed you too.'' she purred, wrapping her hands around his neck.

Luciana who was watching the whole thing remained quiet as she waited for Valentina to acknowledge her presence. Even before she spoke, Luciana already knew she was a golddigger.

Her sunny brown hair was loose and what she wore could also classify as being naked. Suffice to say, Valentina Pedro was a w***e.

''What are you doing here?'' Reed asked.

There was a look of confusion on her face as she tried to understand what Reed meant by that question.

''What do you mean?'' Valentina asked.

''Exactly what I meant. What the f**k are you doing here?'' Reed asked again.

''You're my betrothed and so i have a right to come in here as i please.'' she said.

Luciana scoffed and that was when Valentina noticed her. Her facial expression changed within seconds and it was a funny thing to look at.

''Who are you?! Who the hell is she Reed?'' Valentina asked.

Luciana wasn't about to have a row with another woman because of Reed. She was far more than that.

''They call me Diabla.'' Luciana grinned.

There was nothing warm in her smile and Luciana was quite glad Valentina showed fear upon seeing her face.

''Diabla… i've heard of that name before.'' Valentina said.

''Oh, you have? Very good and I think you know I am not a woman you can mess with. If you even think about it, i will, destroy you and everyone you love.'' Luciana said, quietly.

The way she said it was just like the way she would order a bottle of wine or her favorite cake in a restaurant. There was no heat or anger in her voice, just a flatness that was so much worse. Reed, who had witnessed everything, was trying as much as possible not to burst out laughing.

Luciana had dealt with her with so little words that had left her shaking with fear. He had never seen Valentina look so pale in all her life.

''That's my woman.'' Reed murmured.

If he had his way, he would kiss and hug her at that moment but he knew he better stay put to see the outcome of everything.

''You… can.. can.. not threaten me,'' Valentina stuttered.

''Oh darling, that's not a threat. It's a promise and it's up to you to use your head.'' Luciana smiled.

''Reed, do something about this. Don't just stand there and watch, send her out or something.'' Valentina seethed.

''You really have no idea who you're messing with.'' Reed laughed.

''I don't care. Just send her away.'' Valentina said, stomping her feet on the ground like an angry child.

''Get out!'' Luciana said.

It wasn't how she said it but the tone in her voice that had Valentina scampering away in fright. Never in her life had she heard that kind of voice before. It just seemed like there was another person within her that was speaking. It was very strange to say the least.

''Idiota.'' Reed laughed.

Luciana joined in the laughter, holding her sides as tears of joy streamed down her face. She had never seen anyone as stupid as Valentina.

''Jokes apart now Reed. That, that woman is the person your father says you should get married to?'' Luciana asked.

She would never even give her dog to that kind of person to talk more of a human being. Aside from being very mannered, Valentina was an uncouth woman who clearly had no home training.

''Story of my life. Drink?'' Reed asked.

''Please.'' Luciana smiled.

Reed poured some of the drink in their respective cups before handing Luciana's her's. They took sips of the drink before settling back down on the chair. Valentina had provided them with some entertainment and now, it was time to get back to other important issues at hand.

''What if she goes to report what I did to the elders? You know, i really shouldn't be here.'' Luciana said.

Not that she was scared, she was just being cautious because she didn't want to put Reed into any kind of trouble.

''No, she wouldn't. She's too scared to do anything now and the only time I think she would even have the sense to talk would be a few days later and I can easily deny that. Don't worry love.'' Reed smiled.

''Okay.'' Luciana simply said.

''Come sit on my lap.'' Reed said, tapping his legs.

''I thought you'd never ask.'' Luciana grinned.

She rose up on her set, walking towards him. She straddled his lap, wrapping her hands around his neck. She kissed him deeply, loving the way he focused all of his attention on her.

''I just want to f**k you so hard right here.'' Reed grinned.

''Let's head to your room.''

''I thought you'd never ask.'' Reed grinned, carrying her towards his bedroom.