Older Brothers | Mafia Overprotective

chapter two - meeting the parents

Leonardo's Pov :

I sat in the small, stark room, the oppressive fluorescent lights casting harsh shadows on the walls. The surroundings were a far cry from the opulent settings where I conducted most of my business, but I could adapt to any environment. My presence alone commanded respect and fear, regardless of the locale. I adjusted my cufflinks, a subtle reminder of the power I wielded, and waited for Sergeant Anderson to speak.

The sergeant stood before me, a mix of apprehension and determination in his eyes. He was a decent man, but clearly out of his depth. He cleared his throat, glancing nervously at the file in his hands before meeting my gaze. I leaned back, my expression impassive, allowing him to start.

"Mr. King, thank you for coming in on such short notice," he began, his voice steady but lacking the confidence he likely wished to project.

I nodded slightly, a silent command for him to proceed. He swallowed hard, his Adam's apple bobbing, and continued. "As you know, Marissa and Daniel were found dead this morning. We're still investigating the circumstances, but we need to address Isabella's situation."

The mention of Marissa and Daniel's deaths was a minor detail. My focus was on the present and the future, not the past. I steepled my fingers, my gaze never leaving his. "Go on."

"Isabella is a troubled young girl. She's been through a lot, and just recently, she was just caught trying to run away. She's headstrong and doesn't trust easily," he said, choosing his words carefully.

A flicker of something—anticipation, perhaps—stirred within me. He was painting a picture of a spirited, independent girl. "Running away?" I inquired, my voice a low rumble.

He hesitated. "Her life has been unstable, to say the least. Multiple foster homes before Marissa took her back, and now this. It's understandable she'd want to escape. She also just tried to run away from this station."

I nodded, a slow, deliberate gesture. A runaway. A fighter. Just like her family. She had spirit, and that was something I could respect, even admire. "According to the terms of your divorce with Marissa, yes," he replied, his voice gaining a measure of firmness. "Immediate custody falls to you."

I know, dipshit.

I leaned forward, my gaze never wavering. "Good," I said, my voice low and certain. "I've missed her."

Sergeant Anderson looked taken aback, clearly not expecting such a personal revelation. "I understand, Mr. King. Given your... resources, you might be her best chance at a stable life."

A rare, faint smile touched my lips. "She will not just be given stability. She will be given everything she needs and more."

Sergeant Anderson nodded, visibly relieved. "Understood."

I leaned back, the matter settled in my mind. Isabella was coming home, where she belonged. Under my roof, she would learn the ways of the world—the real world. She would understand the necessity of power, control, and the protection that came with it.

Excitement simmered beneath my calm exterior. I had missed her, this daughter of mine, though I would never show it openly. She was a part of my world now.

"Bring her to me," I ordered, my voice leaving no room for argument.

Sergeant Anderson nodded and left the room, leaving me alone with my thoughts. Soon, I would see Isabella, my daughter. How I've missed her. I want to know how she's been, where she's—

"Fuck you officer fatass!" I heard a teenage girl yell while entering. She then looks at the sergeant and says, "Will you tell him I didn't mean that please?"