Better In Your Arms (Parisian Mafia 2#)

11

Chapter 11: Rising Tensions

The Stuart mansion grew even more fortified in the days following Lawrence’s declaration. Amari watched as additional guards were posted at every entrance, high-tech security systems were installed, and all communication with outside contacts was handled with caution. The air was charged with anticipation, and everyone in the estate was on edge. The looming confrontation with the Montemayors was no longer a possibility—it was inevitable.

Amari found herself wandering through the halls, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts. She was ready to face whatever was coming, but she couldn’t shake the fear that something might go terribly wrong. Every moment spent with Lawrence felt precious, as if time was slipping through their fingers.

One afternoon, as Amari passed by the grand dining room, she overheard a conversation between two of the estate staff. They were whispering in low voices, but she caught the words “war” and “Montemayor” with unmistakable clarity. Her heart skipped a beat, and she lingered by the door for a moment, trying to hear more.

“You think it’ll come down to that?” one of them asked nervously. “An all-out war?”

The other person, a tall, older man who Amari recognized as one of the more experienced guards, nodded gravely. “It’s looking that way. The Montemayors have been gathering their allies. It’s only a matter of time.”

Amari’s stomach churned, but she quickly moved on before they noticed her eavesdropping. She needed to find Lawrence. They had discussed the possibility of war, but hearing it confirmed in such a casual, offhanded manner made it feel all the more real.

She found him in his office, as usual, poring over documents and talking with Alexander. The atmosphere in the room was serious, and both men looked up when Amari entered.

“Amari,” Lawrence greeted, standing up from behind his desk. “What’s wrong?”

She closed the door behind her and walked toward him, trying to keep her voice steady. “I overheard some of the staff talking. They said the Montemayors are gathering allies.”

Lawrence exchanged a quick glance with Alexander before nodding. “That’s true. We’ve had some intel confirming that they’re making moves.”

“And?” Amari asked, her voice sharper than she intended. “What are we doing about it?”

Lawrence sighed, rubbing a hand over his face. “We’re working on it. We’ve been securing our own allies, but we’re trying to avoid an all-out war if possible. The Montemayors are playing a dangerous game, but I don’t want to escalate it unnecessarily.”

“Doesn’t sound like we’ll have much of a choice,” Alexander chimed in, his expression grim. “They’ve already made their move. It’s only a matter of time before they strike.”

Amari felt a surge of frustration. “Then why are we just waiting? Why aren’t we taking action?”

“Because we’re not like them,” Lawrence said firmly, his eyes meeting hers. “We don’t go to war unless we absolutely have to. I’m not going to throw us into a fight without exhausting every other option first.”

Amari’s heart raced, her mind filled with images of Lawrence fighting, of the chaos and destruction that might come. She hated feeling powerless, as if they were just waiting for disaster to strike.

“But what if something happens to you?” she asked softly, her voice laced with fear.

Lawrence crossed the room and took her hands in his, his expression softening. “I won’t let that happen. I promise you, Amari, I’ll do everything I can to keep us safe. But you have to trust me.”

She wanted to trust him, but the stakes were too high. She nodded, even though the knot of worry in her chest didn’t loosen.

Alexander cleared his throat, breaking the moment between them. “We’ve got a meeting scheduled with one of our allies tonight. It might help to sway things in our favor.”

Lawrence nodded, releasing Amari’s hands. “Good. Let’s hope it works.”

---

That evening, the meeting took place in one of the estate’s private rooms. Lawrence, Alexander, and a few key allies gathered to discuss strategies and the potential outcomes of the brewing conflict. Amari, though not directly involved in the business side of things, was allowed to stay in the background, listening quietly as the conversation unfolded.

One of the key allies present was Antonio Vargas, a powerful businessman who had close ties to both the Stuarts and other influential families. He was a tall, imposing figure with sharp features and an air of authority. His presence alone seemed to command the room, and Amari could tell he was someone not to be taken lightly.

“We’ve confirmed that the Montemayors have been reaching out to smaller, independent groups,” Vargas said, his deep voice resonating in the room. “They’re trying to build a network of supporters. They’ve already managed to sway a few.”

Lawrence frowned. “Which ones?”

Vargas listed off a few names, and Amari could see the tension in Lawrence’s posture. These weren’t just names to him—they were people he had once trusted, people who were now aligning themselves with his enemies.

“It’s not surprising,” Alexander muttered, his arms crossed over his chest. “The Montemayors know how to make offers that are hard to refuse.”

Vargas nodded in agreement. “Exactly. They’re offering protection, power, and money. For some of these groups, it’s an offer they can’t afford to turn down.”

“So what’s our next move?” Lawrence asked, his voice steady but edged with determination.

Vargas leaned back in his chair, considering the question for a moment. “We need to show them that aligning with the Montemayors is a mistake. We have to make it clear that there will be consequences for betraying the Stuart family.”

Amari’s heart pounded at his words. She could see where this was heading—a confrontation was inevitable. But as much as she feared for Lawrence’s safety, she also understood that they couldn’t back down now.

“What kind of consequences are we talking about?” Lawrence asked, his tone measured.

Vargas’s eyes darkened. “Whatever it takes to remind them who holds the real power.”

The room fell into a tense silence, the weight of the decision hanging in the air. Lawrence exchanged a glance with Alexander before turning his attention back to Vargas.

“I’ll consider it,” Lawrence said finally, his voice calm but firm. “But I won’t go to war unless we have no other choice.”

Vargas didn’t seem entirely satisfied with that answer, but he nodded nonetheless. “Fair enough. But don’t wait too long to make your move, Lawrence. The Montemayors won’t.”

---

Later that night, after the meeting had ended and their guests had left, Amari found Lawrence sitting alone in his office. He looked exhausted, the weight of the day’s events etched into his features. She approached him quietly, placing a hand on his shoulder.

“You did the right thing,” she said softly.

Lawrence looked up at her, his expression conflicted. “Did I? Or am I just delaying the inevitable?”

Amari knelt beside him, taking his hand in hers. “You’re trying to protect us. That’s what matters. We’ll face whatever comes together.”

He looked at her for a long moment before leaning down to kiss her forehead. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

Amari smiled, her heart swelling with love for him. “You won’t have to find out.”

They stayed like that for a while, holding on to each other as the world outside their walls prepared for the storm that was surely coming.

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