Rose Petals (ON HOLD)

02

Ezra POV
I was on my way to my father's house. It's been about a week since the warehouse and everything's shit. People think there might be spies, security doubled, and my father's been more of a dickhead than usual. So the fact he demands me to come to his house makes me want to get a gun and shoot myself in the head.

I pulled up in my black corvette. I took a deep breath, making sure I didn't say some out of pocket shit when I get in there. My shoes made a 'crunch' noise as my foot connected with the gravel driveway. J Cole blasted through my airpods as I made my way to the door. I pulled up my text messages and clicked on Cleo's contact.

| Me
On the devil's doorstep

The guards let me in immediately, knowing exactly who I was. My long locs and smooth, dark skin wasn't forgettable. My thick heeled boots echoed through the large house. My walking halted as I felt my phone vibrate. I took it out to look at the notification.

| Cleo
We both knew you were going to hell so it isn't surprising lol

I laughed lightly at the joke. She wasn't wrong though. I continued my walk through the long, wide hallways. I've memorized every crevice of this house. I've learned my father's favorite rooms so I could avoid them. I've learned every small, unnoticeable hiding spot so he couldn't find me when he's mad. I know where every utensil is for... things when I am upset. Yeah, my childhood wasn't the best.

I finally made it to his office, where he told me to meet him. I opened the door, ready for this shitshow to be over. When I entered, his office radiated an unusual energy... happy energy. It made me want to leave even more.

"Ezra, guess who called me today." he said this with a smile on his face, which wasn't a normal occurrence.

"Um, I don't know. Who?" I asked, wanting to know where this was going.

"Aki!"he clapped, laughing with joy, "We haven't talked in awhile, so it was great to hear from him. Bet you miss your old childhood friend, huh?" I nodded, giving a weak smile.

I hated when that prick came over. Probably why he and my dad are such close friends. I hated his daughter too. They constantly put us against each other for a competition. I guess to prove who has the "better daughter". They're both assholes.

"Then you're going to be really happy about the news I have. You're going to be one of the main people putting the Russian mafia in their place, but not just you. You and-"

As soon as I heard that name, the world stopped completely.

"Ericka!"

Ericka POV
"Ezra!? Really dad!?" I yelled, furious at what he just told me. I couldn't stand them then and I probably won't be able to stand them now. I would try to become friends but no. She always leaves me talking to myself or saying some smart ass remark.

"Okay just listen darling. The Russian mafia is targeting both of our organizations. We're simply combining our power to take down the enemy. You're both our strongest members, so we're putting you two to do the job. There will always be backup in case anything goes south, but other than that it's you and Ezra's responsibility. You both will be next in line to be the leaders of both organizations, so think of this as... a test." I sighed as I could tell he already had his mind made up, especially since his great friend is on board too. That guy was always an annoying fuck.

"Fine, I'll do it. Only because you're saying it's like a big '"test" though." I have always hated to fail. My dad ran up to me and gave me a big bear hug. All the air in my body escaped me, he never truly knew how big he was. I patted his back to tell him to let go. He smothered my face with kisses before he released me.

"I can't go on this big test if you kill me now dad. " he simply laughed and went back to his work. I left his office in deep thought.

Ezra...

14 years ago (Ericka POV)
My chest was heaving. My entire body was covered in sweat. Ezra and I were laid out on the ground, both exhausted from our joined training sessions. My eyes wandered to Ezra 's calm expression and body language.

"You're sweating bullets, but you seem so calm. You're not even breathing hard." They're eyes went the opposite directions of mine. They stayed silent once again. Shouldn't have expected more. My eyes went the opposite direction as well.

"It's a... special skill I guess. My dad taught it to me." I sat up quickly, happy we might have a full conversation. They usually didn't give me more than a "yes" or "no".

"You think he could teach me?" I asked excitedly. I hate feeling this tired after fighting. Ezra paused, seeming uncertain of how to answer. They sat up slowly, and they slowly sat toward me.

"You wouldn't want him to teach you. You should just do what my mom suggested, to build endurance and stamina." they said quietly. She was looking at the ground, refusing to give eye contact.

"I haven't seen your mom in awhile. How is she?" They fiddled with their thumbs, seeming scared to answer.

"She's fi-" they were cut off by a maid coming over. They seemed really nervous to answer

"Your father asks for your presence in the living room."
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We're going to start digging in their relationships as kids ! Thing wills get exciting soon :)