Vivienne

2.

"Very well, let our guests in."

Steven only nodded and bowed before leaving the room. I heard my father talking to the Michael, asking him to put more food on the table. I only asked for another bottle of wine, since I filled up my glass to the brim with the other one.

I'm exhausted and on the edge. I do not want to put up with someone who I despised my whole life, tonight.

The waiter brought me my beloved drink, setting the bottle next to my glass.
My sisters were staring at me judging my choice of drink, which I gladly ignored.

My mother was taken away, probably for her bedtime, even though it was only 7 pm. Partly, I think it is because she isn't allowed to be in public. That's why they took her so early. I also think it would be best if she wasn't here, for this interaction.

The door swings open. "My dearest friend" was his first words I heard coming from his disgusting mouth.
My eyes wander across the hall staring at the next Italian don.

My worst enemy, Ezra Adragna.

Only god knows how much hatred I have stored for him. Especially after what happened last year.
The memory made me grip my the glass tighter.

"Adragna, son you didn't visit for quite some time. Have a seat, eat something." My father went into a hug, which Ezra skilfully dodges and takes his hand instead. I snort. My brother sends me a dirty look, and I stare at him sending him a warning. He isn't above me, and never will be. It's time he gets humbled.

"Pardon my behaviour in the last months. I have been on business trips for quite some time." Ezra explains. They sat down, Ezra to the right of my brother. And continue chatting about some other things I do not think are important. My sisters keep giggling like little girls who just saw Prince Charming.
Disgusting.

"You do know my son here, Leonid. He's the best of my men. Possibly even the next don." He applauded my brother. My sibling only grins at me in victory. That asshat taught he won with that one.

The only thing that keeps me from shooting them both is my pity for them. How much of a fool do you have to be to underestimate me? To put my idiotic brother on the throne? None of them is getting the throne and I'll make sure of that.

Ezra only looks at me in amusement.
Fucker, he thinks this is a joke.

"With all my respect, sir. He isn't your oldest now isn't he?" He asks, drinking his wine and looking into my eyes. Searching for some kind of emotion in his eyes is an impossible assignment. It's like every little emotion has been burned in the hope it will never appear again.
"And surely not your best," he added while putting his glass down. He stared at my bottle next to my glass and chuckled. Ублюдок.
"Asshole"

"Well.." my father started, laughing nervously.

"He could shoot a doll believing it was the real target." I chuckled. The fact that this happened during one of our missions is hilarious. He shot a rag doll instead of the man we were supposed to kill. He begged me not to tell our father.
Nasty play I guess.

"My my, Vivienne. Long time no see. You're nevertheless the most gorgeous woman around here."
I arch my eyebrow. Ezra has never. Never in our lives, treated me with such sympathy. Complimenting me was another reason of my newfound concern for his mental health.

I was dumbfounded, I must say. He is definitely up to something. There is no other explanation for such behaviour.

"Drop the act, Adragna. What do you want?" I ask him. Fingers grazing the gun on my thigh. You must be sick if you think I would be weaponless for even a second. Especially around these men.
My father seems to acknowledge my concerns.