𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗲

8 - Fear and Fury.

"People should either be caressed or crushed. If you do them minor damage they will get their revenge; but if you cripple them there is nothing they can do. If you need to injure someone, do it in such a way that you do not have to fear their vengeance."

- Niccolo Machiavelli

Sawyer pulled up to the 'M Room,' still as quiet as he'd been since we left the house. I knew why. He didn't like Hector. Not that I was Hector's biggest fan either, but Sawyer acted like he forgot that. But I could see the way Hector looked at me-like I was some sort of puzzle he couldn't figure out. It wasn't the usual gaze I'd gotten from other men. Honestly, I wasn't sure how I felt about it, but his curiosity wasn't the worst thing. In fact, it might be exactly what I needed to get closer to his world, and ultimately, his family. That was reason enough for me to play along.

"Sawyer," I said, leaning forward from the backseat. He turned slightly to glance at me. "What's going on? What's wrong now?"

He faced forward again, eyes fixed on the street. "I don't trust him, Frankie," he said in that low, serious voice of his. "And having to sit here, watching you walk in there alone... I hate it."

I chuckled, finding some amusement in his concern. "Hey, look at me," I said, but he didn't move. "Sawyer, look at me, or I swear I'll jump up front and sit next to you."

That got him. He knew I wasn't bluffing. I wasn't the type to sit like some spoiled princess in the backseat of a fancy car while someone chauffeured me around. I liked riding up front, building a rapport with the people who worked for me. It's how I earned their trust. But Sawyer-Sawyer was different. I trusted him more than anyone. Usually, we rode side by side, me riding shotgun, or sometimes I'd even be the one driving. But Sawyer always insisted I stay in the back, said it was better for my "image," whatever that meant. Still, I trusted him more than anyone else.

Sawyer finally turned to face me, but his expression was still tight. "Don"t," he said softly. "You have-"

"An image to maintain," I finished for him, earning a small chuckle from my usually grumpy driver. "Sawyer, you trust me, right? I know you do. But sometimes, it feels like you forget that. You know I can handle myself."

"You know I trust you, Frankie, but-"

"No buts, Sawyer," I cut him off. "Hector doesn't know who I am. He doesn't have a clue what I'm up to. So relax, okay? Go home. I'll be fine."

Sawyer sighed again, though this time he forced a smile. "Alright, I trust you. I really do. But I'm not going anywhere. I'll be right here waiting for you."

I shook my head, smiling. Stubborn man.

He got out and circled the car, opening the door for me with that exaggerated professionalism that made me roll my eyes. I stepped out, smiling at his little act, amused by how seriously he took it.

I walked into the restaurant and was immediately met by Hector. He looked sharp in a black Brioni suit, his dark blonde hair slicked back just enough, and a bit of stubble giving him that effortless charm. I bet women threw themselves at him. I quickly shook off the ridiculous thought, reminding myself why I was really here.