Zephyr's Promise

26

Creep. That is probably the word more than a few people would use to describe me as I watch Nile. Safely we've landed with only a semi-inebriated Ira. In the car with a driver Fabian has sent us, I watch her.

So far she has pushed her glasses up three times. Twisted her finger in her curls seven times. And has found me staring at her countlessly. Shame never comes each time I am caught. Unlike me when our eyes latch onto one another she tries to look away. My kitten is more than a little shy. Mostly I think she's just worried about how we will deal with reality together. Between the two of us neither of us have been in a successful relationship. I haven't had a girlfriend since maybe my late teens. Her ex was manipulating her.

The two of us don't really know what we're doing. Secretly I am worried I have doomed us before we even have had a fair chance. At the end of this I have another duty to uphold. Leaving her is a non-negotiable. Already I have made the decision. For the first time in my life I really fear that it will cost me.

What other choice do I have?

Making tough decisions. Giving up, sacrificing. All of that is reserved for my family. It is what we do. Part of my duty, my responsibility, is to ensure stability. For generations my family has sacrificed blood, sweat, and tears in order to maintain the organization. In order to not only remain in power but create an effective system. For us it is more than influence or money. This is part of our heritage. After all my Papa has done for me I can't let the one thing he cares for to be taken from us. There is no other option.

Fuck do I wish there was though. Merely the thought of what's to come is worse than taking a bullet. If only it were safe for her there. Being mine will only pose more problems. I'm not the kind of man to not claim what is his. Which Nile is. Again another problem. Traipsing through town is dangerous enough alone, putting her at risk is something I physically can not do.

Another deeper part of me is nervous that even if I could bring her with me it would ruin her. The life I live isn't pretty. Much to Nile's disbelief she is untainted. A pure dove floating in the dark world. Over time I believe she may change. Because of that she will start to resent me. The way she sees me now might not always be the same. The adoration. The trust she bestows in me, I can't break that. Taking her with me would ruin it all.

Our driver pulls to a stop. "Ladies. Gentleman, we have arrived." Nodding my head I swiftly guide the two women into my apartment.

A familiar voice rings out in the dark of the apartment. "Look who finally decided to show up."

"Ah." Ira screams and practically throws herself into my side. Great, now I have to burn off my right arm. "Who the hell is that?" She shrieks when the lights turn on.

"An old friend." I say shrugging her off. She should be happy I didn't shove her off. "Off me Ira." With a grunt she moves away and closer to Nile. "Where's my brother?" I ask my oldest friend without acknowledging his presence.

"Who are these two?" His head tilts to the side capturing both women beside me. Even though he is one of the few people I trust most in this world, when his eyes land on Nile I can't help the grunt that escapes. Nile is the most exquisite woman on this earth, no man should be able to look at her aside from me. "Hostages?"

"Associates." I supply.

"Friend." Ira says. "Lover." She smirks while pointing at Nile.

"One of them may be a dead associate if she keeps speaking out of turn." Sharply my words cut the air.

Fucking Ira. How my brother deals with her is completely beyond me. Why Nile seems to enjoy her presence is another mystery. Personally I could do without her constant yapping. Whining. Complaining. Generally her voice alone causes the hairs on my body to preen with annoyance.