Balotelli-Bale Series Book #6: Regina Mia & The Godfather Part 1

Chapter 64: The Underboss

Earlier...
Keira's POV
France was an easy visit. In the guise of checking on the company, I got to see Christian. He is used to going weeks without seeing me but he says he understands why I have to be absent so much. We spent the weekend together, doing everything he had on his list. It was fun. There's no stress with Christian. We have a clear understanding and we stick to it. He knows I can't be present all the time and I don't try to be his mother. In do doing, we have a peaceful relationship.

I haven't seen my kids for almost eight months now. This is the hardest separation. When I got back, seeing  them was my intention but Mancini put me to work immediately. It was one thing after another. He is eager to teach me how to be him. It's a full time job on it's own and risky too. I'm not sure I like it but I like not being vulnerable.

While I appreciate the lessons, I keep asking myself why I accepted. What are my intentions? Is this solely for Nick or am I doing this for myself?

"I'm going to see my kids." I informed him.

Mancini is a relatively calm man. He rarely gets agitated. He glanced my way, newspaper in hand. He reads one every morning. "Is that it?"

"What do you mean?"

"Just the kids?"

"Yes, just the kids. But obviously, Nick will be there." I paved way for whatever it is that is bothering him.

He clenched his jaw and folded the newspaper. I have his full attention. My ravenous lover isn't just passionate but can be quite aggressive if not possessive where I'm concerned.

"I think your children should live here. I can't stomach the idea of you being around Nicko. As history has it, he is always the other man and there will be no other man in this marriage." He stated firmly. "I hope I'm not just audible but clear."

"It's clear."

"Sit down for a moment, we need to talk." I released my bag, letting it sit on the floor. I came to sit close to him as he prefers. "I'm pleased with what you have achieved so far. You handle things like a boss. You have proven yourself capable of heavier responsibility."

"What does that mean?" My throat feels strangely dry.

"It's time you take a step further. From now on, you will be making all the decisions. You will not need to run them by me. However, I must emphasize that I am still the boss. You are still the underboss. I can still take away what I am giving. Is that clear?"

"Yes it is. Why does it seem like you're pulling away? Am I your retirement plan? Is it happening soon?"

"I'll answer when I need to. For now, just do as you are told. You can go."

I stood up to kiss his lips. He held my chin when I pulled away. "Keep your knees together if you know what is good for you." He told me in a serious tone.

***
I remember this neighborhood.

Not long ago, the girls and I would frequent each other's houses to have afternoon tea or late evening wine. We were never short of something to talk about from our husbands to our children, we would go on and on until we had to return to our routines. Saturday afternoons were beach days. Mom's would bring their kids out to the beach. I wonder if they still do that. As I stand here and look around, I can't help but notice how dull it all is. Did something change?

The house behind me is the same. It's still well kept. Nickolas likes it when everything looks perfect. I wonder why he never lives large like Sinclair. For a billionaire,he tends to be simple.

I approached the door and rang the bell. My heart is racing at the speed of light. It's been a while since we last saw each other. How will he react to my presence?