Underworld Submission (book 1)

Into the Storm

Adrian stood in front of the mirror, straightening his tie for what felt like the hundredth time. His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, replaying his father's warnings, Dominic's cryptic messages, and the weight of the impending meeting. But after much consideration, he felt prepared. This meeting with Dominic was crucial, a pivotal moment that would determine the course of his future. He had to stay focused, grounded.As he stepped out of his apartment and made his way to Dominic's office, the city seemed unusually quiet, as if holding its breath in anticipation. The rain from earlier had left the streets slick, the reflections of the towering buildings shimmering in the puddles.When Adrian arrived at Dominic's building, he immediately sensed that something was off. The usually bustling lobby was eerily empty, the air tense. He approached the reception desk, but before he could speak, two security guards stepped forward, their expressions stern."Mr. Hayes?" one of them asked.Adrian nodded, his unease growing. "Yes, I'm here for a meeting with Mr. Russo."The guards exchanged a glance before one of them spoke into his earpiece. After a moment, he motioned for Adrian to follow. "This way, sir."Adrian's heartbeat quickened as he was led through a series of hallways to a private elevator. The guards didn't say a word, their silence only adding to the sense of foreboding. When the elevator doors opened, Adrian found himself on a floor he had never been to before, one that seemed almost deserted.As he stepped out, he was met by a tall man with a commanding presence. His sharp eyes and confident demeanor immediately made it clear that he wasn't just another employee—this was Dominic's best friend, Marco Santini."Adrian Hayes?" Marco asked, his tone brusque."Yes," Adrian replied, trying to read the situation.Marco nodded, his expression grim. "We have a problem. Dominic is...not himself right now. He's locked himself in his office, and he's in a state that none of us can calm him down from."Adrian's eyes widened in concern. "What happened?"Marco shook his head, clearly frustrated. "It's complicated. The building is on lockdown to prevent any information from getting out. Dominic's been under a lot of pressure lately, and something triggered him today. We can't reach him, and he's not responding to anyone."Adrian could feel the tension in the air, the urgency in Marco's voice. "What do you want me to do?"Marco looked him straight in the eye, his gaze piercing. "We've tried everything. I don't know why, but I have a feeling that you might be the one who can get through to him. He asked to meet with you specifically today, and that means something. Will you try?"Adrian hesitated, the weight of the request sinking in. Dominic had always been a man of control, someone who kept his emotions in check. To hear that he was in such a state was both alarming and confusing. But if there was a chance he could help, he knew he had to take it."I'll try," Adrian said, his voice steady despite the turmoil inside him.Marco nodded, relief flickering in his eyes. "Follow me."They walked down the hall, the tension thickening with each step. When they reached Dominic's office, Marco stopped and placed a hand on Adrian's shoulder. "Be careful in there. Dominic's unpredictable right now. But I believe you can reach him."Adrian took a deep breath and nodded. "I'll do my best."Marco stepped aside, allowing Adrian to approach the door. He could hear muffled sounds from inside—pacing, objects being moved or thrown. With a deep breath, Adrian knocked lightly and waited for a response. There was a brief pause before a low, strained voice called out from within."Marco, I said I don't want to be disturbed!""It's Adrian," Adrian called back, his voice firm but gentle. "I'm here to talk, Dominic."There was silence on the other side of the door, followed by the sound of footsteps approaching. After what felt like an eternity, the door slowly creaked open, revealing Dominic Russo, his usually composed demeanor shattered. His eyes were wild, his hair disheveled, and there was a palpable tension in the air, as if the room itself was holding its breath."Adrian," Dominic said, his voice hoarse, a mixture of anger and desperation. "Why are you here?"Adrian stepped inside, closing the door behind him. "I'm here because I care, Dominic. I know something's wrong, and I want to help."Dominic's eyes narrowed, as if searching for any sign of insincerity. For a moment, it seemed like he might push Adrian away, but then something in his expression softened, a crack in the armor he had built around himself."I don't need help," Dominic muttered, though his voice lacked conviction. "I just...I just need to be alone."Adrian shook his head, stepping closer but keeping a respectful distance. "No one can face everything alone, Dominic. You've been there for me, offered your support when I needed it. Let me be here for you now."Dominic's breath hitched, and for the first time, Adrian saw the vulnerability in his eyes, the weight of whatever burden he was carrying. "I don't know how to do this, Adrian. I've always been the one in control, the one who fixes things. But now...I feel like everything's slipping through my fingers."Adrian reached out, placing a reassuring hand on Dominic's arm. "You don't have to fix everything by yourself. Whatever it is, we can face it together. But you need to let me in, let someone help you."For a long moment, Dominic didn't move, his gaze locked on Adrian's. Then, slowly, he nodded, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. "Alright," he whispered, his voice breaking. "But I don't know where to start."Adrian gave him a small, encouraging smile. "We'll start with whatever you're ready to share. One step at a time."As they sat down together, the storm within Dominic began to calm, the chaos receding as Adrian guided him through the darkness. The building was still on lockdown, but for the first time in hours, there was a sense of hope—a glimmer of light breaking through the clouds.And in that moment, Adrian knew that this meeting was about more than business or even their personal connection. It was about trust, vulnerability, and the realization that even the strongest among them needed someone to lean on when the storm raged within.