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"What do you mean, the women are being rescued?" One capo sneered at me.
"I will not tolerate human trafficking. And I refuse to sit back and let women be sold as though they are cattle. No more sex slaves, no more rape. If I hear it is happening...." I look around the room, letting it sink in for a moment before I continue. There is no room for weakness here. "What the Pakhan did to his brother will be child's play. I will put it on a public display for everyone to watch. And believe me, if you think the Pakhan was brutal, I assure you my vengeance will be worse."
I can see the shock in the men's eyes. They never thought that a woman could lead. They never expected the Pakhan to take such a stand with me. But I will show them just because I have tits doesn't mean I can't be ruthless and cruel. I have already shown them I will not tolerate disrespect.
I look at one of the older capos when I see him nodding thoughtfully.
"She has more than proven she is strong enough to lead us. Rose will do well. Many wise choices are already being made. Her father would never have done what she is already doing. Not only was he violent and greedy, but he led with fear rather than respect. You have my support and I will make sure the men under me understand that."
I nod at him. "Thank you for your show of support. We have a lot to do and now is not the time to be fighting amongst ourselves. The families have a lot to discuss, so let's not waste time bickering. I don't expect blind obedience or instant trust, but I expect the men to fall in line and follow orders. That means no more violence toward one another or women. This is not a game. The Pakhan has agreed to help me if needed, so one way or another it’s happening. We will rule this city together."
Most of the men seem to come around and I know this will all take time. But I carefully note the ones who seem to be fully against this. They might surprise me, but then again, I can't take that chance. With the things that were happening around here, I couldn't believe that my father and Salvatore were the only ones involved. They will show themselves eventually and until then I will be patiently waiting for them.
"If you have anything you would like to add, please speak now."
No one speaks.
"Good. Let's get to work, then we have a lot to get done. I want those women found. Dismissed."
Everyone files out of the room, and I can see the shocked looks on some of their faces. I know they were not expecting me to take control and I know it will take time.
"They are going to be a problem," Aldo says as he watches the men.
"I know, but we can't focus on that right now. I know there will be problems and we will deal with them as they come. Thank you for being here, Demetrius. I know you are busy. It means a lot."
"It was no trouble. I wouldn't leave you on your own to face the families."
"Soon the families will understand how much stronger we are together. This will take time. I will work with each of the men personally and will need a list of the men under you. The sooner we get this started, the better."
Vlad slides his arms around me. "Don't worry love I know how Demetrius works. I will be the one helping with all of that. As we all settle into the new normal, it will all get easier."
"I will help too. If you would like." Aldo said, looking around the room.
"Thank you, Aldo, your help would be much appreciated. Once we have the families settled, then we can plan for the wedding." I smile.
Chapter 51
Rose
Stayingontopofeverything is much harder than I thought it would be, but with Aldo and Vlad’s help, it’s been manageable. The constant hustle and bustle in the families’ headquarters fills the air with a mix of urgency and determination. The sound of ringing phones and hushed conversations echoes through the dimly lit corridors, blending with the occasional clatter of weapons being cleaned and loaded.
There have been significant changes in the families since the men realized that I wasn’t messing around. The walls whisper with rumors and apprehension as the remaining members grapple with the shifting power dynamics. Together, Aldo, Vlad, and I have worked tirelessly over the past few months, pushing forward, and making progress.
I have not shied away from the front lines, joining the raids and immersing myself in every battle, much to Vlad’s horror. The acrid stench of gunpowder and sweat lingers in the air as we navigate through the chaos and uncertainty. Yet, this hands-on approach has earned me the respect I need, far quicker than if I were merely orchestrating from the safety of my office, following in my father’s footsteps.
In recent weeks, many problems have arisen, keeping us on our toes. The women we rescued from the warehouse, their haunted eyes reflecting the horrors they endured, have begun their journey towards recovery. However, the bitter taste of loss lingers as we mourn the many deaths that occurred. The weight of grief hangs heavy in the atmosphere, reminding us of the immense stakes we face.
Amidst it all, Vlad remains a pillar of strength and solace by my side. His unwavering support and comforting presence provide a respite from the turmoil surrounding us. I am overwhelmed with love for this man, knowing that I can never fully repay him for all he has sacrificed and done for me.
Demetrius, too, has gone above and beyond to assist in any way he can. He understands that ultimately, I must shoulder the bulk of the responsibilities alone. I refuse to allow the families to perceive me as a pushover, and I will not tolerate anyone underestimating my strength. Determination fuels my every step, and a fire burns within me, ensuring that I am not seen as weak.
Lying in bed with Vlad, I find myself fixated on the cracks in the ceiling, tracing their jagged lines with my weary eyes. The suffocating weight of nightmares has plagued me for hours, their haunting images replaying in my mind like a broken film reel. In the stillness of the room, Vlad’s rhythmic breathing lulls me further into my guilt-ridden thoughts. The scent of his peaceful slumber fills the air, a stark contrast to the turmoil that engulfs me.
My liberation from the oppressive grasp of my father was a bittersweet relief, but the act of ending his life continues to torment my every waking moment. The weight of the decision I made hangs heavily on my conscience, tugging at the depths of my soul. Rationalizing that it was the only way, the only path to freedom, offers little solace. I turn to face the clock, its glow casting an eerie light on the room. 3:00 am. Sleep feels like an unattainable destination, distant and elusive.
There is an overwhelming sense of impending responsibility that looms over me, casting shadows on my already weary spirit. The weight of unresolved matters bears down on my shoulders, threatening to crush me under its burden. Doubt begins to seep into my thoughts, questioning my capability to face the challenges ahead. The room remains still, save for the faint ticking of the clock, a constant reminder of the time slipping away.
As I lie there, grappling with my inner demons, the room feels heavy with the weight of my anxieties. The ceaseless battle between guilt and necessity wages on, leaving me uncertain of my own strength to confront the trials that lie ahead.
