21 questions

13 : Who are you ?

I pull over in front of Sharon's building and wait for her in the hall . She appears minutes later. Her tight silk dress is a blessing for the eyes. I can't help but to show my appreciation for her outfit. She looks amazing.

"Goddamn Sharon you are gorgeous."

"Thanks baby."

She lets her hand slide around my neck, putting a slight kiss on it.

"One million... My favorite."

I drive us to the fanciest restaurant in town. I hand the valet my car keys before being led to our table. It's been a while since I spent time with Sharon, which is why I want this night to be special. I privatized the first floor of the restaurant for us to enjoy this date properly.

"I can't believe you actually did that." Sharon smiles as we take our seats. "You've never done that before."

"I wanted to apologize for neglecting you. I've been dealing with a lot of things lately. You're still a top priority to me tho."

A waiter pours our glasses with red wine then takes our orders. I raise my drink.

"What should we toast to ?"

"Love."

I smirk.

"To love."

We both sip our drinks.

"So... Like I said, I've been thinking of your problem. After considering every option available, I believe the best thing to do is to attack this man in his own land."

"Why ?"

"Well first, you take the lead in this soon-to-be war. Second you assert your authority and leadership on this business. Third you make him pay for disrespecting you."

"Do you really think they want war ?"

"It seems to me that they do."

"Nah... They're just ambitious, not suicidal."

"Ambitious men lead to suicidal situations, Dorian. You should know that."

I take the time to consider her suggestion. The waistress brings our plates in the meantime.

"Let's say I follow you on this. How does it benefit me ?"

"Darling... What this situation is really highliting is the fact that you do not scare people anymore. At least not in the same capacity as before."

"You really think so ?"

"Since when do people try to kill you so head-on ? It had never happened before. Something has changed, baby. These kids are ambitious when they should be scared. Bring the old you back."

I wrinkle my nose.

"I don't want to bring it back."

"Even when your empire is at stake ?"

"I don't know."

Sharon frowns.

"Why are you being so soft right now ? I really don't get-"

She is interrupted by my phone's ringtone. London's name pops up on the screen.

"Since when you let your girls contact you so easily ?"

"It ain't a stripper."

"Oh."

Sharon ran her tongue gently over her red lips before raising her glass to her mouth. 

"Is it the reason of the soft version of you ?"

I just take a deep breath. I knew we would have this conversation some day, but I don't want to.