Yesterday was one hell of a ride. Since then I talked to Luigi's partners, let Gina write new contracts and got the ticket for the ice hockey game back. My alibi for yesterday if the police somehow wants to ask questions, even though those gentlemen are paying them good money to keep their eyes shut.
Currently, I'm sitting at the desk Luigi once sat at, going through said contracts with the made men who so kindly got rid of my husband.
"Just a signature here and here and it'll be official." I say with a little smile.
The pen glides over the paper smoothly and my smile widens. I really did it.
"To a good alliance, Miss Romano. I'm certain you'll be far more capable than your husband was as a partner." The man shakes my hand and with a respectful, single little nod he sealed our partnership for real.
"To a good alliance," I answer.
Just then the door opens and Avan comes in. He slows down when he sees me with the made men and realizes what is going on. He furrows his brows, then pins me with his piercing gaze.
"What's all that about, Sophia?" he makes it sound like a parent catching their toddler doing something they shouldn't do.
The men take a derogatory look at him before they excuse themselves. "We'll let you two talk but we'll meet again, Miss Romano."
They exit the office and Avan comes toward me, bending down to prop up onto the desk with his hands.
"I think you have some things to explain," he states."What is that?" He takes the contract in front of me.
I sigh. "I'm taking over business, Avan. You'll not take what's rightfully mine and it is just that- legally, rightfully mine. What did you expect? That I'm running from one man to another, staying their pet?"
He huffs, then lets his hand run over his face. "Are you fucking serious?" His voice rumbles through the room.
"I am," I answer with a collected voice.
"You have no idea what you're doing. No idea what you got yourself into. Are you aware what all this means, Sophia? You're going against me, entering a world of crime. There's no law, there's no safety. And there will be enemies. You used me, Sophia, you know I can't ignore that if I want to keep my position." It sounds like a threat and I know he's raging inside.
I know my behavior wasn't exactly nice, but nice has never gotten me anywhere. I can't deny that a last little part of me wants to give in to him, kiss him and let him take care of me but it's just a fantasy. And reality isn't that perfect. He's a mafia don, a criminal. Just like Luigi was. Not exactly the kind of man that proved to be good for me.
I was married, I was with a man like that. Although Avan is nothing like Luigi, I just can't be with him. It hurts but I just can't. For far too long I defined myself through male validation. That's not what I want anymore. I'm my own person.
I let out an uamused laugh. "You really think I'm some innocent, naive little girl, do you? I know what I'm doing. I know what I got myself into. I knew it the moment I decided to make use of our relationship. I'm not someone you have to rescue, Avan. I did that myself." I pause for a second, motioning to the contract in his hands.
"I took over his partners, signed all the contracts and therefore made it official. I'm aware that I gained another enemy, but I did what had to be done and if that means you'll hate me, I'm okay with that."
We stare at each other and I can see his teeth grinding, his hands clenching into fists. But beside the anger I can see something else. A hint of respect.
"Hate? You should be glad if that's the worst you think can happen." He spits out at me.
"We both know you can't kill me. I'm safe with my partners around. And I would advise you to keep your nose out of my business. If you really go that far and try anything, I'll help the DEA out a bit. You're the one who killed Luigi no? Nobody would suspect me, a simple housewife, to be a mafia boss, no?"
He shakes his head in disappointment.
"I killed him for you, Sophia! All for you!" He exclaims, hitting the desk.
"Oh please!" I answer, growing louder myself, "You did it for no one but yourself! Don't pretend you're the hero now, Avan. You gained just as much as I did, at last he was your rival and in your way."
"After everything that's how you treat me? I trusted you!"
"Maybe you shouldn't have." I answer coldly.
He falls silent, saying more than enough with his expression. His brows are furrowed in anger and if he could, he would have killed me with his eyes then and there.
He nodds, gaze wandering around the room as if he can't believe what's happening.
"Fine then. If that's how you want to play that game, so be it." The man grits out, lowly. "I hope it's worth it and you're aware what you're getting yourself into. We both know you won't be able to kill me. You couldn't pull the trigger then, you won't in the future."
I huff. "So you're implying that you could? Even back then? Disappointing, but I don't want you to treat me any differently than any other enemy."
I stand up from my seat, leaning forward as I intently stare into his dark eyes. "You should see me as a threat, not as a woman."
The muscles stretch the fabric of his button up when he takes a deep breath in.
"This isn't over, Miss Romano." He says and I take a last longing look at him while he slams the contract onto my table.
One last look into his eyes and he turns around, leaving my office, standing upright.
We'll see each other again, Avan.
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