Zephyr's Promise

14

Reno. It had been ages since I had heard anyone mention the name. The last time I was in this sin filled town was when I bought this home. A home I was practically forced to after losing a bet to Axel. This home had every amenity he wanted as well as being designed in his image. Rarely did I come here, rather it is a hotspot for my brother.

"We do have one teensy tiny problem." Nile turns away.

Obviously this issue is neither teensy or tiny. Whatever it is is liable to piss me off, I can tell by the way she bites the inside of her cheek. Still I'll take the bait.

"What would that be Nile?" My stare bothers her. Likely because whatever she has to say will displease me. In her eyes I can see her weighing out my reactions. "Well?" I say after too long of a silence has passed.

Shaking her head she turns back towards myself and the rest of the group. For a second her lips part hanging me on the edge of suspense. Without permission I have found myself waiting for her words without demand. If this were anyone else I would be ordering them to speak up already. With her it's different. Why is that? What is this compulsion she has over me?

"Ira and Axel have to stay behind." She scrunches her face. "It isn't ideal but, Ira is Cristiano's wife and has met all of these men. If she shows up with you two of all people everyone would know something is going down." Fuck she has a point. "Even if she stayed behind alone, Atlas and Axel showing up together would fire the same kind of rumors and suspicion. So..."

I can't believe I am even considering this. Going alone is one thing. Having Nile by my side is completely another. One I didn't wish to imagine, but may have to. "It's only us two then." I murmur.

Vehemently Axel shakes his head. His blonde hair moves furiously along.

Outwardly I sigh, I know what's coming next. Axel has done as he always has. Followed my every word and whim. Been the dutiful brother he always has been, the mere suggestion of him being left behind wouldn't sit well with him. I practically can feel the outburst headed my way.

"No. No. No." Moving from the kitchen he saddles himself in front of me. Standing with authority he blocks my view of Nile. "Absolutely not Atlas."

"Axel this is how it has to be." I sip my cup of tea. "Don't think I like this anymore than you do." I grunt.

"Nile, Ira would you mind giving my brother and me a moment alone." Ignoring me he speaks to the women.

Just great.

"Sure." They chirp happy to be out of the line of fire.

"Before you start your spiel you should know I agree with her." I state. Hoping that would force him to shovel down whatever he plans to say.

"This isn't how we do things." He growls out. "We are a team. I watch your back as you carry our empire on it. I protect you, have you forgotten that?" The corners of my mouth tick down in a frown.

"Axel, everything will work out. There is only one concern I have."

"What is that?" Finally he stops pacing back and forth. I'm sure the carpet is thanking him for it too.

"My concern is that if Cristiano attends tonight our whole cover is blown. If he sees Nile with me he will know I am onto him." I've thought about this a few times since Nile mentioned the status of those who attend. Alone he would not be able to get in, but with Augustus' name he could go anywhere he pleased.

"I'll find him and bring him here." I nod my head.

It's time to get to the bottom of his plans, which I have a feeling aren't even his own. Costa would never agree to work with me, meaning either Cristiano has lied to Augustus or vice versa. There is a piece of the equation I am missing. Unfortunately I don't believe Cristiano knows what it is either.