DD's // SAUDADE

- TWENTY-FIVE -

The clock had almost hit nine as James looked at the mirror fixing his shirt. He was in Deetra's room, spending as much time as he could with his girlfriend. James took a big breath, still staring in the mirror before brushing his hair backward with his fingers. Deetra was sitting at the bed, being on her iPhone and checking her boyfriend randomly. She narrowed her eyes, seeing him push his fingers through his blackish tufts again and again puffing. He still looked distressed. The woman sighed and stood up, walking towards her boyfriend with slow steps as her high heels echoed on the wooden floor. She stood beside him and wrapped her left arm around his waist before leaning her head against his shoulder. James' eyes were still on the mirror as he turned his head slightly and glared at his girlfriend.

"I promise, your hair looks amazing, darling...."

Deetra smiled before kissing his cheek softly, leaving a red mark behind. James smiled back for a split second before turning to his usual emotionless face. He pushed his hands into the pants pockets feeling the fabric against his legs. The man didn't want to go to the casino but had no other option. If he had said "no" to Lazaro's proposal, the hitman would seem weak and boring to him, and James didn't want that. He wanted to look cool, especially towards Lazaro after all these questions he asked him.

There was a knock on the door, and James turned his head lazily to see his buddy. Damon grinned, leaning against the wall facing his friend. James sighed and scanned him from head to toes. The drug baron fixed the collar of his dark red shirt and then the sleeves while waiting for him.

"Are ya ready, mate?"

"Yes, Damon...."

"Great, let's go downstairs!"

Damon pushed his hands together with an excited smirk before turning his chin glancing at his sister. Deetra smiled, kissing her boyfriend on the lips, and looked at both of them.

"Have fun at the casino and be careful."

"Are you sure you don't want to come along...?"

James mumbled, receiving a punch on the shoulder from Damon. He glared at him with the corner of his eyes as the kingpin burst into a fit of laughter.

"James, James, if uncle Lazaro wanted Deetra, he would invite her! Obviously, he wants a men's night!"

Damon grinned wide as his friend nodded. Deetra laughed softly, pushing her palms against his cheeks and rubbing them gently.

"Lazaro isn't a threat, don't worry, darling. Plus, Damon is going to be by your side all the time! Isn't it that right, brother?"

Damon hadn't heard a single word as he was glancing around the room, looking forward to his visit to the casino. Deetra cleared her neck in anger, getting Damon's attention. He glared at both of them, confused as his sister repeated her question.

"I said that you're going to be around James all the time, Damon, right?"

"What? Oh, yes, of course! We're gonna go, enjoy a drink, gamble a bit and then return home after four-five hours! Everything's going to be alright; you have nothing to worry about!"

Damon raised his arms with a chuckle, a grin still playing off his lips lighting up his whole face. James knew already he was fucked up and couldn't trust Damon this time. Deetra crossed her arms and smiled with a nod as Damon pushed him outside the room with a smirk.

"Bye, Deetra!"

"Bye, my love...."

"Goodbye, guys, have fun and return in one piece!"

Deetra shouted with a giggle before returning to her phone. Hoplite was rising again quickly in the black market but wasn't a significant threat just yet. She gulped, knowing she had to inform her brother about it when he returns. The woman knew that her sibling wouldn't be really happy with the news.