✍︎ 𝐑𝐀𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐇 𝐌𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐃 [dark mafia romance] | 𝟏𝟖+

| 43 | 𝐋𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐒𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐋𝐈𝐅𝐄

The meeting with Haiga's criminal group went smoothly, but before that, Leonardo takes his time to explain one of the most important rules of the underground world to me. I know it's silly, but just the mere thought that he tried to explain it warms my heart.

Just like in every hierarchy or caste system, rules are essential; criminal underground groups aren't an exception. It's important to maintain peace between the dirty consequences, so adhering to certain etiquette rules is mandatory; more precisely, it is necessary to observe them if the casts pursue diminishing gang wars and maintaining peace.

This is where Haiga's gang comes into play.

Their primary duty is maintaining peaceful relations between groups living in the United States and with those stashing abroad. They must ensure unauthorized peace opportunities for arising group disputes anywhere in the world. They must make sure that gang wars and the establishment of new relationships do not harm others, neither the criminal group members nor the innocent civils.

Leonardo also mentions something about an annual gang gathering to ensure this agreement. Based on his tone, it seems this event is older than us.

I believe it's called the Black Masquerade, and for some reason, I find this name amusing.

So, this conversation, like many others that take place without our intervention, brings us closer to a stronger lineup, a better defensive position, and preparation; well, that's what I'm able to gather over listening to their conversation and observing everything.

Despite the laughter echoing in the VIP L room of the Red Lions' Space, it seems that Leonardo had a hard time focusing during the meeting. I didn't want to imply, but for those few hours Haiga and Leonardo discussed matters, it looked like my presence distracted him.

Leonardo struggled to control himself in every situation. Sometimes, the control vanished when a nasty remark was said; sometimes, he glanced at me and babbled, unable to form a coherent sentence; sometimes, his eyes darkened, and humanity vanished from his irises.

It was obvious not only to me but also to D'Angelo's business partners. Well, at least they were understanding and turned all of Leonardo's babbling words and illogical decisions into witty, belly-aching laughter.

"Such a beautiful woman has truly messed up your brain, D'Angelo," the chief of Haiga's gang spoke up at some point.

Leonardo froze, nudging my leg not to give himself away, but was it really the most prominent reaction?

I knew that our relationship was incompatible with his lifestyle and had no future, but I longed for more people in the world to see the gentle side of the man, even if it meant that Leonardo's authority declined in Haiga's clan's eyes.

But the thing that stood out to me was that Haiga's gang not only agreed to help with all matters unconditionally but were also immensely impressed by my presence. I think it was the first time they saw Leonardo with a woman, and it flattered me, maybe too much, since I couldn't hide the smile spreading along my blushed cheeks.