“A hook-up friend?” Ivan asks, smirking, knowing he is making me uncomfortable.
“Does it matter?” I ask, shrugging. Please talk about something else.
“I would say a hook up with those hickeys. Nice. But don’t ever ignore work over getting ass again. Got it?” Lev says, pointing at me and I nod.
“Promise. So, what's happening with Tim?”
“Its time for payback. Want to join in?” Ivan says, glee in his eyes and excitement in his fidgeting behavior. He’s been waiting for this and I can’t wait.
“What do you think? Just tell me when and where.”
We all chuckle and they bring me up to speed on what I’ve missed and I’m grateful. Grateful for the distraction from the nightmare my life has become outside of these four walls.
13
CARLOS
I sit in my cold ass office, playing with my phone in my hands before writing out a message to my cub. Lucas managed to get a
hold of Simon's number. I need access to him at all times. The next logical step is to put a tracker on his phone, but that's
another day's problem. I need to talk to him as that favor is due to be repaid.
Me: The time has come for the favor to be paid.
Si: How the fuck did you get my number?
Me: Are you really asking me that? You need to pack a bag, ready to leave at the end of next week.
Si: A bag? Why?
Me: We’re going to Brazil.
Si: The hell I fucking am! I’m not leaving the country with you. You’ll have to think of something else.
Me: These are the terms. The brothers are aware and you will come with me to uphold your end of the deal. Pack for hot weather.
Si: I don’t trust you.
Me: And I want you. No more discussion. Lucas will forward you details.
Si: I will make your life hell, motherfucker.
Me: Sounds perfect to me.
Simon doesn’t respond, but that's what I’ve come to expect from him. I’ll see him later anyway as I have a meeting with Jules and Simon is always present for those. Just as I put my phone down on my desk, it rings, it's the devil. My father.
“Yes,” I say, leaning back into my chair, composing myself so I don’t take the rage baiting that he inevitably will give.
“When are you coming home with your brother? I’m tired of waiting.”
“We leave next week. I’ve had to make plans here in my absence. Don’t worry, you’ll get Enrico back.”
“He’s not my main concern.”
“Neither am I. We made a deal, don’t go back on it, Father.”
“I won’t. But I’m disappointed, Carlos. My first born should be here, taking over from me. Not only have you abandoned your family, you have failed to protect your brother. You know what you bring him back to.”
