Passion.

Chapter Seventeen

David's POV:
These feelings have been haunting me.
The ultimate decision, one that has to be made by me. The Mafia doesn't follow rules, but it follows orders, and if someone sent that message, with that choice for me to make, that is what is going to happen. I decide who dies. That is so much responsibility on me. I don't want My Father to die because ultimately, he is my father. Roan has always been more of a brother to me since we're only 17 years apart. While we've grown apart emotionally, I can't imagine losing him. Let me check in with Claire.
Claire's POV:
I'm freaking out. I can't handle the thought of Roan dying. But he's not going to die. I take a deep breath and remind myself- he's not going to die. The doctors did say he hemorrhaged so much he could've died, but his vitals are doing okay and they're going to perform surgery on him to take the bullets out carefully. For a swift moment on the ambulance ride here, I thought he wasn't going to make it. And in that moment, my heart shattered piece by piece. Losing one of the most important people to me, someone who literally taught me what love meant, would break me completely. Next to my father, Roan and David are the most valued and loved men to me.
Roan's POV:
I know the note David found. I know he found it because I picked it up and looked at it before I lied down on the couch. The only real question is, will he betray my trust, and make a decision behind my back? I know my son. But I also know how I was before I had him. I was selfish and if I needed something done, I got it done. No matter who I hurt or betrayed in the process. I wish differently was for my son, and although we don't have much of a bond, he is the closest thing I have to a brother. No matter how complicated the relationship, he grew into a fine gentleman that I trust more than any other man. As soon as David turned eighteen I made sure he was protected. I made sure he knew what he was getting himself into, and he chose to work beside me. We protect each other, we make sure that whoever fucks with one of us gets killed, or is never seen again. We support each other in what we do, and make sure our tracks are swept clean. That's what this line of business calls for. But in this time, choosing between me or Claire Stone, the woman he loves, and his father, who will he choose? Either way, no matter what he says, neither Claire or I will be harmed. I have a plan, I always do. I just don't want Claire to see how vicious this work can really get.
Claire's POV:
Roan woke up for a couple of moments right before he went in for surgery, and I was relieved at the sight of the smile he put on before he waved goodbye. David is comforting me while I wait for Roan, but these hours won't go by without the anxiety of my nerves. I stupidly thought we'd be okay after I got kidnapped and they completed there job. But of course, that's not how this goes and I was unaware of how much of a rude awakening I must be in for. I know I'm making a mistake as soon as I google the words "What does it mean to be a Mafia Boss?" The basic definition comes up of: Someone who controls part of an organized criminal group.
I could understand that.
But when the horrid images of blood pop up, and some family tree thing I don't quite understand, I'm a bit concerned. Peoples story's are being shared, from "Daughter of Mob Boss" to "Wife of Crime Man." When I see something that I just can't shake, I exit. But the image I just saw keeps replaying in my mind. A man with a-
No. I can't do this to myself. These people aren't Roan Smith. Plus, Roan explained almost everything to me, no matter how complex this world is. He's more of a hit man than a mafia boss, and more people want him dead then he wants them. If anyone dies because of Roan, he has a right to kill them, that's a guarantee. Sexually, it's been the time of my life. Romantically, I've fallen in love. Criminally, I have no idea what I'm in for. But I trust Roan and David more than I could ever admit or insist. Although I might be scared, I have more fear about if my men will be okay, rather than what awaits me in this lifestyle.
Roan's POV:
I know who I have to hire to really investigate this with me. Reggie Richardson. Russian Mob Boss. He doesn't care who gets killed, how old they are, or what they did- if anything. He kills for the danger, and provides with one guarantee, money. He thrives to be the richest mafia leader in the world. But of course, he doesn't beat me or my title. Which is why him and I have a fellowship with one another. An understanding. The last favor I did for him was a big one, and one that I risked almost everything for. If anyone's going to be loyal to me, it's Reggie Richardson. There's only one man in this kind of world that I respect, and besides David, that's him. But these are just my thoughts while being wheeled into surgery.
Nearly Six Hours Later...
I awaken out of the anesthesia and open my eyes to Claire's beautiful staring face. She's stunning, as always. "Hi beautiful" I say, alerting her. "Hey." She smiles. A teary eyed, cover-up smile. There's something wrong, her eyes are swollen and puffy, cheeks red. "What's wrong?" "Nothing." She lies. "Tell me." "I just was overthinking and thought I'd lose you for a minute." "Come here." She walks over and I gather her in my arms, leading her to fall onto the uncomfortable hospital bed. There's a stinging pain in my shoulder, but I don't care. I'll ignore the pain to keep her comforted. "Nothing that serious happened to me. I've been shot before, and I always make it out alive. I'll always come back to you Claire, I don't ever plan on going anywhere. So don't worry that beautiful head of yours." A few tears shed from her heavy blue- gray eyes and I wipe them away. I hate seeing her cry. But what actually pains me, is knowing I'm the reason she's upset. I introduced her to this evil world, and as selfish as it sounds, maybe if I hadn't she would feel better. She's opened her heart up to me, and David, and I won't let either of us disappoint her. However, If in some way we do, and we fail to protect her, it's over. I can't let her get hurt physically, and if that means saving her heart from me, I'm okay with losing her. As cruel as it sounds, I'll sleep peacefully knowing she's safe rather than knowing she's under my protection, yet could be harmed at any given time. I'm not much of a texter, I prefer to hear someone's voice over the phone, but I shoot Reggie a text that says "Hey. I need a favor. Fly in tonight, and meet me at The House." "What's the occasion Smithy Boy?" He replies. I fucking hate when that prick calls me that. He's younger than me, and still seems to think I'm a boy. I fucking love that smug bastard. "I need a cold blooded killer." I send. "You got me."
I knew he'd be there.

Three Uneventful Days Later...
Claire's POV:
"Reggie fucking Richardson." "Roan Smithy Boy Smith." Roan and his obviously close friend, greet each other. "And who is this Dime?" Reggie asks me, British accent thick and clear. "I'm Claire Stone." I introduce myself. "Lovely to meet you Mr.Richardson." "Oh the pleasure is all mine." He winks, a smug, cocky wink. He takes my hand and kisses it, attempting to be charming. Ugh. Who does he think he is? I'll be nice for now, simply because he puts a smile on Roan and David's face. David becomes annoyed and puts his palm on Reggies chest. "Back off. She's ours." Ours? Ours?? "I don't belong to anyone, actually." I correct him. Yes, I'm dating them. But I'm not anyone's property, nor will I ever be. "Oh, we got a spicy one don't we?" He smirks. I hate that snarky smirk, and comment. There's a look in his eyes I just can't shake though, like he's waiting for me to give in to his thick dirty blonde hair and sexy British accent. But I won't.
I won't.