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Chapter 7
Leon
Fuck.
That is the only word for what is going on with me right now.
Firstly, I can’t believe that yet another person assumed I was gay, but it’s funnier than it is offensive. The look on Bethany’s face made me want to burst out into full on hysterical laughter, but I somehow held it in and told her it was alright. That she hadn’t hurt my feelings or embarrassed herself as much as she thought. That I had a good time with her. Then, we had all joined in the dining room in the main house for dinner, following me helping Bethany cover up her bruising with heavy makeup. Yes, I know, that doesn’t really help my case. I can’t say I would do such a thing for just anyone whether I am skilled at it or not. But there is something about her that makes me just want to be near her. I think it is this new journey she is about to take rediscovering herself. It’s fascinating to watch her bloom, coming out of this horrible relationship and realizing all the things she missed. It makes her seem so alive, and despite all the fake stuff all over her body, she is glowing.
I am sure over time the fillers will all fade, and she will probably choose to let them go, appreciating who she really is. And there seems to be nothing hotter than a woman who is confident in herself and truly knows who she is with no apologies.
It’s ironic that right after I am summoned to New York to discuss my lack of relationship and if I am going to be giving my Clan an heir that I met a woman with the potential of bringing me out of this funk I am in. Though, I don’t consider it a funk. It doesn’t bother me to be alone the same way it does other people. I like company but don’t need a woman. I want to want a woman and not have to have her, to possess her. I think that’s better for both of us. But it’s a little scary that I feel something for her so quickly. It was something instant between us when I looked in her eyes, and the conversation comes so easy. Maybe it was because she thought I was gay, but I’d like to think it’s because we have a natural connection.
I know it is totally the wrong time to go directly after her. She is about to go through a divorce and needs a little space, but I can be patient while I am there for her. But I am afraid to be away from her and lose my spot by her side and my spot in her head, for that matter.
After dinner, she goes back to the guest house, and Natasha follows her with the kids to have some girl time while I stay in the main house with Anton, having promised a guy’s night since technically it was supposed to be my last night here. I doubt that’s happening, though because I can’t imagine not continuing to build whatever this is with Bethany right now. I have to follow my heart and all that shit.
I follow Anton up the stairs into the game room and den and help him set up a game of pool. He’s already got the alcohol poured, at least for him. I have declined considering how much I have already had today. I don’t like being super drunk, so I need to sober up here.
He breaks the rack and shoots two stripes in before he turns to me and narrows his eyes. I know something is coming, some kind of lecture, but I don’t know what it is about this time.
“So, what the hell do you think you are doing with Bethany?” he asks me. He doesn’t look mad but seriously curious, and maybe a bit like I am insane.
“I know she doesn’t look like my type, but she needs some encouragement right now -”
“So, you feel the need to hit on her?” he cuts me off, and I shake my head.
“Where did you hear that?”
“From Natasha.”
Well, that was fast. I don’t even know when the two of them had to talk privately. Maybe the two had texted or something. Women were good at that. But something must have been lost in translation.
“What is that game when you whisper something to someone and by the time it gets to the last person it’s not the same thing at all?” I say, wracking my brain.
“Telephone,” Anton answers.
“Yes, that’s the one. I think something like that has happened here. I did say something, but what it was is that I would be hitting on her if this thing with her husband was not happening right now. I know it’s the wrong time to be so forward,” I assure him, my hands in the air in surrender. “And besides, she too thought I liked men, so I needed to make it clear that was far from the truth.”
Anton chuckles as I shoot one of my colors into the pocket.
“But you do have some kind of thing for her?” Anton asks as he watches me miss one and goes to take his turn. He has already cleared half his balls, but I like being the underdog and beating him last minute. It’s more fun that way.
“I guess you could say that.”
“But aren’t you going back to Romania soon?”
“I don’t think so.” He finally misses, and I go to take my shot, getting three into pockets at once. I point at him and smile as he flips me off. He hates when I do that. “I want to stick around and make sure everything goes okay for Bethany and if nothing else to make sure that fucker doesn’t come around here. I know you won’t always be home to protect her, and I don’t trust that he won’t come here at some point if he gets desperate enough. I don’t want to ruin her confidence, but she has told me a lot. He is a controlling motherfucker, and I don’t think men like that let go so easily. There is sure to be another incident.”
I get another one in the hole, and Anton curses at me, slapping his stick against the wood in frustration before taking a swig of his drink - vodka I think this time. It’s useless as I keep getting them until I have already won.
“Rematch?” he offers me.
I nod. “Sure, but let me make a quick call.”
I step down the stairs, knowing that I need to let Mariana and Ion know what my plans are. It is important that they are aware I won’t be in my territory for a while. Part of me dreads this conversation after they already scolded me in a way, but maybe if they realize what I am up to they won’t jump on my back about sticking around in Miami.
I get through to Ion’s personal line, and he picks up. “Leon, to what do I owe the pleasure? Have you finally decided to ask me for an arrangement?” he asks, and I scoff, knowing he means an arranged marriage. It was one of the solutions I was offered a couple days ago in New York, and I flat our turned him down.
“No, I actually needed to inform you that I will not be returning to Romania when I planned originally. I stopped in Miami to see Anton, and it turns out I may be here for a little while.”
The silence is what clues me into the fact that Ion is furious. He always gets quiet like that before he blows up. But what I don’t expect it to hear him put it on speaker and bring Mariana into the conversation. There is something that is even more intimidating about her than Ion. I think it is the contrast between how beautiful she is and how ruthless she can be, but her last name really tells me all I need to know. The direct lineage of the mafia actually comes right down to her, and she makes sure everyone knows it even though the old view is that only men can rule. The two of them are actually pretty equal, though.
Ion has me repeat myself to Mariana who doesn’t hide her disapproving hiss. “Leon, Romania is where you belong and where we need you. You can’t just abandon your territory.”
“I am not abandoning it,” I argue. “And I am pretty sure right now your priority would be me offering an heir for my clan. Well, it just so happens I met a woman that could be my wife and start popping out babies for you, so you need to let me do this.”
I am pacing right now as the two debate quietly so I can’t hear exactly what they are saying over the phone, and that’s when I see her. She must have come in to grab something, but Bethany is staring at me like a deer in headlights.
I think she heard what I said, and I think she knows I meant her.
