In The Name Of Thy Father ~ A Borgia AU

Chapter Six

With each punch, the bag swung violently. Cesare pounded the bag with his taped up fists as if it were his worst enemy. In his mind it was. In his mind, it was Giovanni Sforza and he was touching his beloved sister all over again. The Borgia kept on beating the bag with such violence it swung wildly from its hook. His morning workout did not begin such ragefully. At first Cesare began to lift weights to keep up his strength. However, the more he thought about last week's episode with his sister and that disgusting Sforza, the more pissed off he became. That's when he taped up his taped up his hands and began to pound on the punching bag.

"Not matter how many times you hit the bag, Sir, it's still not Sforza."

Michelleto's voice rang in his ear. Cesare ground his jaw the more he pounded the bag. "I know." he hissed. "Yet it makes me feel better. Plus, when I do get the chance to pound the hell out of him, I'll be ready." His workout already was taking its toll on him. The sweatpants he wore hung low on his hips and long ago he discarded his shirt. His dark curls were soaked with sweat, and slicked back from his face. His muscular chest was glistening with a fine sheen from his hard earned effort.

Just then Juan walked into the gym and laughed. "Making sure you're ready for tonight's deal? Why you always insist on using your fists instead of a gun is beyond me. You're going to get shot one of these days, Cesare."

Turning around slowly, Cesare gave his brother a glare of death. "I do use a gun, Juan. Would you like me to show you? I'd be happy to show you my perfect aim."

"Is that a threat?" Juan cocked his head.

"No, why did you take it as one?" Cesare smirked, almost evilly.

His brother's eyes narrowed as he stared across the room at him. "Just be ready for tonight. There is a lot of money at stake. Not to mention the reputation of the Borgia name."

Cesare stepped forward until he was almost nose to nose with Juan. "Don't you dare remind me what's at stake tonight." His voice was harsh. It was all right for his father to remind him of his position. But not Juan. Juan was hardly even his equal. "You stick to your offices and leave the hard stuff to me." he spat out as he knocked his shoulder into his brother's as he stormed out of the room.

* * *

"Now tonight the plan is that Sforza will be at the casino and he will take possession of the cash for the sale of the casino. Because you are providing the muscle we are getting a portion." Rodrigo went over the plan again.

"Does the Sforzas have any idea that we're getting a monthly stipend from the DeLucas for letting them run their new casino in our territory after tonight?" Juan asked as he poured himself a drink.

Rodrigo looked up from his dinner. "Now I don't see the need to inform the Sforzas of that bit of information. All they need to know is that they are getting a good chunk of change for doing their part as our business partners."

Cesare smirked as he put his two .9mm's in his shoulder holsters as he pointedly stared hard at his brother. Their earlier conversation still hung in his mind. Yes, he was excellent with his fists. But he was even better with his guns, nicknamed Rapier and Stiletto. He then grabbed his black leather jacket and slipped it on to cover up his holsters.

"You will be careful?" Rodrigo put his hands on his son's shoulders. Despite the dangerous life they led, this was still his son. He never wanted any harm to come to him. He would never forgive himself. Family was family after all.

"Of course, Father." Cesare gave his father a small smile. "What I do, I do for the family." The truth was what he did for his safety, he did for Lucrezia. He knew what his death or any injury would do to her. He'd never put her through that.