Part of Your World

The Offer

I returned to the party, a sulking, irritable mess. It was late, thankfully, and people began to disperse in clumps, heading home or to the bars. I needed a drink more than anyone.

I made my way to the piano in search of my discarded whisky, my downcast eyes falling upon Natalia's hot pink toenails, her feet seeming huge to me after Aria's. Everything about Nat became repulsive in the span of two seconds. My migraine surged as I brought my eyes to her face. Hands on her hips, clearly drunk, she glared at me, an expression I was used to, but in private. I gave her a look of warning, sensing one of her insane outbursts was forthcoming. Don't do it, I thought, clenching my teeth so hard my jaw popped.

"Who was that little red haired slut?" she said, loud enough for anyone nearby to tune in. My hands trembled, and I balled them into fists, feeling my tendons stretch taut. I'd protect Aria's reputation, people's thoughts be damned. I owed her at least that much after ruining her night.

"Watch it, Nat," I seethed. She snorted, attempting to cross her arms over her firm, bulging tits.

"Did you fuck her? You sleezy asshole," she snapped. I stepped forward, feeling a hand on my chest, holding me in check. I knew it was Liam, my second in command, just by his calm, strong presence.

"Get her out of here, now," I grit out to him.

"On it, boss," he said with a pat, moving forward. Natalia backed up a step, almost tripping over the black violin case. Fuck. In her haste to escape me, Aria'd forgotten her instrument. Stickers dotted the chipped case, some peeling off in places. The sight almost brought a smile to my face. It was endearing, imagining her excitement as she decorated something that gave her happiness. I hardly knew the girl, but the image felt right in my mind, her excitement and joy at something so simple.

Her gaze fell to it, a malicious glint entering her eyes as she bent down, flipping it open and yanking the violin out.

I lunged for her, too late. With all her mite, she smashed the violin against the ground, the splintering of wood and snapping of strings grating upon my ears. Everyone fell into tense silence. Liam pulled up short, stunned as he looked back at me, brown eyes wide. A palpable fear trembled through the crowd, but it culminated and centered on Natalia, who eyed me as though I were about to kill her in cold blood. I was sure that's exactly what my eyes told her.

"If I should ever see your face again, it will be the last time you draw breath," I seethed as tears sprang from her eyes. She knew just how considerable her misstep was. To disrespect me while surrounded by my people, by men who killed and tortured on my command, was a grievous mistake indeed.

I straightened up my tie, squaring my shoulders, bringing my gaze to Liam.

"Tell my family of what has happened. I expect my brothers will enjoy handling this," I said, turning to stalk off, silence and terrified eyes following me.

Everyone shuffled to the elevator, seeking escape. I let them scatter like roaches, pulling out my phone as I neared my room, searching the internet for the most expensive violin money could buy.

The next day dawned, cool and grey, this new cold front sticking around as the leaves began to change, taunting me with their orange hues. Everything reminded me of Aria now, but I'd fucked that up beyond repair. I checked my phone, expecting a call or text from Claire about the violin her friend had left behind, but was surprised to find no such messages. Only Claire had my number. I balled my hands into fists and fell back onto my silky pillows, glaring at the ceiling.

I fumbled for my phone again, not bothering to check the time as I scrolled through my contacts and pressed hers. It rang a few times before a groggy voice answered. I turned my head, glancing at my alarm clock. Seven-thirty on a Saturday morning. Fuck.