Obsession.

Chapter 26 ~ Valen

When the guys got home yesterday they joined us to watch survivor. Mileva had a lot of fun explaining what they missed. We ended up watching the whole season, which was strange because we never binge anything around here. There is always too much to do.

I guess I didn't mind though. I need distractions like that this week before my "coronation". To tell the truth, I have no clue what my father has planned. All I know is that it's a formal event at a formal place. I don't think there's even a crown.

Yesterday when my father called, he made it sound like someone was dying. When I got home all he had to tell me was that the Russians are cutting into our territory. It is an urgent thing, but it could've waited another hour, and I made sure he knew that. We screamed each other's ears off in Italian before he finally stormed away.

I wouldn't change how it played out, because seeing Mileva under Javier was something else. He seems like the type to only care about his own gratification, but maybe I could learn a thing or two from him. And that boxing ring... That boxing ring will never be the same. Reliving ourselves after three grueling weeks is a moment that still sits in the back of my mind. There's something incredibly different about it all being with her. Her perfect body, her amused moans, her freaky desires... Shes the tangible dream I never knew I had.

Amir and I are meeting with a couple of the Russians to work out this territory problem. They're known to play dirty, so I'm not worried about doing the same. The Russians are one of the bigger players in New York, along with the Cartel and the Yakuza. However, they all know that they'll never surpass the Cosa Nostra. We've held the top position for too long to ever lose it.

We just got to their warehouse on the opposite side of the city. We've never been here before, but all it took were a couple of looks to be let inside. The place is cold, dirty, and only lit by sunlight. Two armed men check us for guns before leading us to their bosses. I guess they aren't aware that we don't need guns to survive.

The room they take us to has a fireplace to warm it up. Zakhar and Kir are waiting for us on one of the couches. Both of them are in suits, so Amir and I are very underdressed.

"When they told us Giorgio's son was here we didn't believe it, but here you are!" Says Zakhar.

"Hope I don't disappoint." I joke, giving them a clearly fake smile.

"Not at all. It's very good to meet you Valen. I don't think we caught your name?" He asks Amir.

"I'm sure you found out the second we walked in here."

I guess he's not fucking around.

"You're right Amir. Excuse us for being polite. Please come and sit down." He tells us.

We take a seat on the couch across from them.

"It's awfully bold of you to come here and discuss. I admire that, but why?" Zakhar asks me.

"Well the Bratva and the Cosa Nostra have always had mutual respect for one another, so I thought we could talk civilly. Unless you think that's a mistake?"

"No no. I agree. Just had to make sure you have good intentions."

"I just need to know why you were dealing in Hell's Kitchen."

"It was our client that wanted to meet there. We asked for a move, but they wouldn't change their mind."

"Who's the client?"

"You know we can't disclose that..."

"Who was client Zakhar...?" I restate to establish charge.

"You really think it's a good idea to demand answers?"