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“Do you know what my father wants?” I don’t want to talk about Ava.
“I assume about the latest attack. We took a big hit. We lost close to half a million in the shipment. He isn’t happy.”
I drive trying to figure out what my father wants. What are his orders going to be this time? All this shit is getting ridiculous. I can’t fathom why marrying Fiona is so important. It’s almost juvenile.
“Has anyone seen Fiona?”
“Not yet. I have people on the lookout but it hasn’t been fruitful. If she is in the town she is hiding very well.”
“I don’t need this. I need to know why she is back.”
We are silent for the remainder of the drive. There is nothing else that needs to be said. Driving up to the restaurant there are men standing at the doors. Oliver and I look at each other confused. I park and we walk to the restaurant. Inside isn’t any better. My father’s capos and lieutenants are standing around. I walk towards the back where my father is sure to be.
“Unacceptable. I want results now. Oh good, my firstborn has graced us with his presence.” His tone is condescending. I am going to say something but he continues. “Let’s get started.” Everyone gathers around a conference table. Bobby, his consigliere, seated beside him. “As you all know we lost a lot of money with the latest attack. We can’t afford another one. To be better prepared I have joined forces with Cillian.” From the door to the right, Cillian enters. “Cillian, thanks for joining us. Have a seat.” Has he fucking involved the Irish on our affairs? He has lost his mind.
“Thank you for having me.” Cillian walks and sits beside my father where I should be. What is he playing at?
“Anytime, good friend. Down to business.”
For the next hour, my father details a plan where we are working alongside the Irish. Patrols will double with men from both sides with each other. Looking around the room there are angry faces. But no one will say anything. No one will stand up to my father. There was a moment I was about to, but Oliver stopped me. This little theatrical production my father has is going to cause a lot of carnage. He might not see it but Cillian is not a man who can be trusted. I see the mischief in his smile as my father speaks. People might be looking and listening to my father, but I am focused on Cillian.
“Everyone knows their new orders. Meeting adjourned.” I stand to leave when my father speaks. “Viktor,” he calls.
“Yes?”
“Clear the room.” He tells the remaining people. “Have a seat.”
“I am fine standing.”
“I wasn’t asking.” I sit and so does Oliver. “Cillian and I have been speaking. Fiona is back in town. I would like to have a family dinner. You need to set a date.”
“I am not marrying Fiona.”
“You will marry Fiona.” His voice fills the room.
“Dougal, don’t be hard on the boy. He is just enjoying his little toy. Fiona isn’t worried about the girl. Was her name? Ava is it?” I see red and start to stand but Oliver stops me. Cillian laughs. “We have all been there. It’s time for you to pack her up and send her home. It isn’t safe out in the streets for, what is it that you call someone who isn’t from your clan? Ah, an outsider. You never know bullets can fly while you are driving.” He mocks me. I stand throwing the chair back slamming my hands on the table making it shake.
“You will not threaten her.”
“Viktor, mind your place. Cillian wouldn’t waste his time on a whore.” My father barks.
“I don’t give a fuck what deal you broker. I will not marry Fiona.” I start to leave when he speaks again.
“You better think things through. I might just forget you are my son.” I don’t respond and leave. Everyone moves as I pass.
“Double her security.” I tell Oliver when we reach my SUV.
“Are you sure?” I turn to him.
“You have a choice at this moment. You can choose to obey our piece of shit of our father or stand with me. It’s time you pick a side.” I rarely admit Oliver and I share the same father. Perhaps the distance I put allows me to trust Oliver with my life. I open my door. He gets in.
Neither of us says a thing. He knows I’ve just declared war on my father by choosing not to marry Fiona. Anger is vibrating through me. Cillian pretty much admitted he was behind the attempt against Ava. But my father doesn’t care. He is all about power and money. He doesn’t give a shit about family.
“Do you love her?” Oliver asks as we reach the office interrupting my thoughts. I don’t answer. “If you do, I’ll go to war with you and protect her with my life. But if you don’t, you need to let her go. This arrangement needs to end for both of your sakes. She doesn’t deserve to be caught in the middle of a war if you don’t plan to be with her.”
I let his words sink. Oliver is my brother, my best friend, my second in command. I trust him with my life. If I am going to win this war, I need him by my side. I run my fingers through my hair looking out the windshield. I take a deep breath.
“I don’t know what love is. Ava brings me peace in the chaos. I won’t let her go. I can’t picture my life without her,” I confess.
