(Sequel to Two Gangs and a Golden Girl)
***
"If you even think about touching me, I will literally rip off your arm," I growl when Xavier prowls closer. He doesn't stop. His poison green eyes drill into mine.
"I will have you, Marigold, and we will...
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"Hello, I'm Amber Marigold, but you can call me Rebma. Rebma D'logiram," I greet after opening the front door.
In front of me is a dark skinned man in his early forties and an identical younger version of the man, standing next to him. Behind them are a couple of more guys.
"Hello, Rebma, I'm Gareth Finnegan and this is my son, Falco Finnegan. I was part of the original six inner-gang members of Sterling," Gareth says.
"Welcome, Gareth," I say and step aside for everyone to walk in. "Hello, Falco," I greet the young man when he passes me. He has a friendly smile - just like his father. But I don't doubt they're both hiding at least two weapons each.
When everyone - about a dozen, men are comfortably inside, I lead them to the living room where I already arranged all the couches for everybody to see me. The air around all of us is tense and awkward as everyone grabs a seat. My current inner gang stands at the wall - arms crossed and trying not to look intimidated by the crowd of more mature men.
I pause for a moment. Try feeling nervous or scared, but the burning hate towards Xavier quickly fades out and I'm once again left with a cold, hollow shell. I almost don't even feel like talking. But with a steady breath, I know this is all I have left of myself. My right to be Sterling's leader.
I suck in another breath and start: "So, I've called this meeting, because we obviously, have a few things to discus regarding the gang," I start off with. "Firstly, as all of you probably know by now, I have claimed my right to be Sterling's leader and-"
"Not to be rude, but how can we trust you're the rightful heir?" someone interrupts. He's a large man at the back with quite an impressive beard.
"My father was Trebor and I-" I try to say.
"You must understand that we are skeptic about that claim," Gareth interrupts. His dark brows knit together and his son next to him, stares at me for long moment as well.
I don't find myself getting annoyed. I only feel a dangerous pulse go through my hollow chest. "Well, then let me explain. My father's name was Robert Marigold and Trebor D'logiram is that name backwards. Nearly two years ago, he and my mother got murdered right here in this house. They never told me about the gang, but they-"
