Rhea

Nine

I knew I said that I was going to head out, but I can’t. I need to know what the hell is going on with my men going against me. At this point I have to do something that I’ve never done before. I can’t trust the people that work for me. The only ones that can be trusted are Dima, Sophia, mother, and Rhea. I have to close my circle as tight as I can so I can know what’s going on at all times.

While I’m focusing on trying to finish signing Sophia’s paperwork, Laya opens the door for Anika to come in.

“How are you?”

“Stressed out,” I said, rubbing my temple. “I just have a lot on my mind. With Sophia’s restaurant and business, it’s way too much.”

“Hey, Sophia opened two restaurants with your signature and they are doing great, so stop worrying about it,” She stated. “The grand opening isn’t until next month, so why worry?”

“That’s the thing. She moved the deadline up without telling me.”

“How long do you have?”

“Till Friday,” I said as she gasped. “The papers have to be signed by the end of tonight, sent to the office tomorrow morning with payment, and let’s not forget that the furniture has to be to her liking.”

“Look, I helped by having some of my father’s guys work on the inside of the restaurant. Tomorrow I’ll take Sophia over there and see if she likes it.”

“Thank you,” I said. “And while you’re at it, take her to the spa. She almost tried to kill my P.A.”

“Hm. By the look in your eyes when you said P.A that there’s something going on with the two of you,” Anika hinted. “Is the most fearful mafia in love again?”

“You know, I hate talking about relationships with you.” I sighed, walking over to the floor to ceiling windows. “You don’t think it’s weird for me to be in a relationship other than your sister?”

“Of course not. She died, so it’s only right for you to move on and you did,” She said walking up behind me. “I just hope that you didn’t do the contract.”

“I made it but she never signed it.”

“Well, by the looks of this file on your desk, it shows otherwise.”

Hearing this, all I could do was smirk as I watched the city below me. Rhea agreed to the marriage contract giving me complete control on whatever I desire.

Still standing by the window, Anika scoffed, as she walked over to stand next to me.

“What’s up with you men making all these controlling contracts,” She asked. “Yeah. I know they’re made for us women to give up our control so you men can pleasure yourselves, but don’t you think all of you are doing a little too much?”

“Rhea. She was the one that helped me get over your sister’s death. I never meant to fall in love with her but I did. Before she knew anything, she had left and it hurt. For a few years I had to go through the hurt and the pain but then just yesterday, she came back,’’ I explained. “I wanted to hate her and push her away, but at the same time, I missed and still loved her. This contract isn’t just for a marriage-“

“It was like you said, Enzo. She didn’t know,” Anika said, following me on what I’m saying. “You don’t have to do this.”

“I don’t expect you to understand,’’ I said, facing her. “But she told me to use her and make her feel like she made me feel. I’m only doing what she wanted me to do.”

“If you really like this woman, you won’t do what your aunt did to you. You can’t treat every woman a slut,” She said, putting her hand on my shoulder. “Love this one better than the love you gave to Lisa.”

Anika and I’ve been friends for the longest time. She’d helped me with whatever I needed and was the one who introduced me to Lisa. To what she’s saying, I’m not treating Rhea as a slut. There’s a difference in what I’m doing.

Taking her hands off my shoulders, I kissed the back of them, and turned around to look back out the windows.

“She’s already agreed to the terms.”

“Terms,” She asked. “Enzo, the same ones my Luke gave me?”

“Yes, but just better,” I said. “Luke wanted to take his time. I’m not. You have a choice to back out of it. Rhea doesn’t.”

“I don’t even know what to say,” She scoffed, crossing her hands over her chest. “You do know that what you’re doing is sick, right?”

“No,” I said, walking over to my desk. “But I do need you to help her. She probably didn’t even read the terms and conditions.”

“Fine,” Ankia said, hugging me. “I’ll see what my plans are and I’ll talk to her about it. She does have the right to know what she got herself into.”

“Yeah.”