Final Nail in the Coffin

EMMA

We finally make it to the penthouse. Levi takes Alex to show him his room while I head for a shower. I end up sitting on the shower floor, crying until there are no tears left.

It feels like I’ve lost the love of my life. I realize that I did love Diablo, and I still do. I’m relieved I didn’t sleep with Dean. What I just did to Diablo feels a hundred times worse than anything he ever did to me.

A broken heart can mend, but picking up the pieces of the disaster that is now Diablo’s life seems impossible.

The water turns cold. I’ve been in the shower for what feels like forever.

Deciding I can’t hide in my room like a scared kid, I put on a black crop top and black jean shorts. I head to the kitchen and see Alex and Levi in the living room, enjoying beers and pizza.

Levi, as always, is the first to notice me. He motions for me to join them and hands me a cold whiskey. I down it in one go, and he pours me another as I grab a slice of pizza.

He hands me the whiskey along with the encrypted phone.

“Emma, this phone hasn’t stopped ringing since we got back. All four of Diablo’s allies want to meet next week. I’ve set up meetings with them, and there are six new ones that want to meet too.

“I’ve scheduled them all for next week, some during the day and some for dinner. Word travels fast, and they only want to meet with you. Diablo’s status is gone. His ranking has dropped even further.

“You’re now second in line. Mason Magaddino is currently ranked number one. But I doubt he’ll hold onto that title for long,” he says, his words barely sinking in.

Fresh tears well up and I start sobbing like a child. Alex looks freaked out by my breakdown. I’ve never shown any weakness except to Dean and Levi. I feel like such a wimp.

Just then, Dean walks in. He sees the two guys staring at me, unsure of what to do.

He rushes over, wrapping me in a bear hug. He sits down on the couch, pulling me onto his lap, cradling me like a child, and stroking my back up and down.

Eventually, the tears stop and I manage to pull myself together a bit. I wipe my face with the back of my hand and realize that Dean and I are alone in the living room.

“Where did Levi and Alex go, Dean?”

“They figured I had things under control and went to their rooms.”

“I’m sorry, Dean, I have to be honest with you. I don’t think I can ever love you the way you deserve to be loved.

“I lost the love of my life and to make things worse, I broke him, Dean. I completely destroyed him.

“I thought it would make me feel better, but it doesn’t. I don’t want to be like him,” I say, on the verge of tears again.

“Emma, I hate to be the one to tell you this, but from what I heard, it’s done. You’re the head of the second strongest Mafia organization, and Diablo got what he deserved. Losing you is just the final blow.

“He didn’t and doesn’t deserve you—never has and never will. Honestly, I’m glad you’re free of him.”

“Dean, it doesn’t change how things are between us. I know you love me. And I love you, but not the way you love me. I can’t hurt you like this. I think we should just be friends.”

“Alright, Emma. I’m not happy with your decision, but I won’t force you. Maybe one day you ~will~ look at me the way you look at him.”

“How do I look at him, Dean?”

He fiddles with his fingers, looking down at his hands.

“Dean?”

“Like he’s your next breath, your heartbeat, your reason for living. Like you can’t live without him,” he finally says.

“I don’t know why, though. He’s broken your heart over and over.

“I’m not promising I’ll wait, Emma, but I’ll wait for a while. I just hope you find your path to happiness and that it leads you to me.”

“I’m really sorry, Dean.” I hug him tightly, knowing that after tonight he’ll probably be gone before I wake up tomorrow.

“Are we still on for dinner and the club, Dean?”

“I’m not really feeling it, Ems.”

“Me neither, Dean, but I need to show up or it’ll look like weakness. I can’t afford any mistakes now.

“I need to start showing my dominant side as someone not to be messed with.”

“Then and only then can I—” I stop mid-sentence.

“Then what, Ems?”

“Don’t worry about it, bubs. I’ll tell you one day—just not now.”

I glance at the time and see it’s already past six. I made reservations for seven at the restaurant across from the club so we wouldn’t have to drive.

“We need to get ready. Dinner reservations are at seven,” I say, standing up. I go and knock on Levi’s door first. He opens the door, already showered and dressed.

“Hi,” he says, a bit awkwardly.

“Hi,” I whisper back.

“Look, Ems. I was out of line earlier in Diablo’s office. I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay, Vi. You were right. I’ll get over it. Thanks for being there and for coming to dinner with us.” I give him a big hug, then turn and walk to Alex’s room.

I knock and, to my surprise, he opens the door wearing only a towel. His hair is still wet and messy, water droplets rolling down his torso over his infinity tattoo, the tattoo I love.

Damn, another gorgeous man living with me. Why do I torture myself by surrounding myself with these Greek gods?

“Heya, boss, what can I do for you?” I can’t stop staring at him. He has an amazing body, and to top it off he has a well-defined v-line... water droplets are sliding down it, disappearing into the towel.

Damn, I need to stop ogling.

I’ve grown accustomed to Levi’s good looks, but in the beginning, his physique and charm had me spellbound. That’s all water under the bridge now, though. We’re good friends, and I don’t want to blur the lines between business and pleasure.

Then there’s Dean. That’s a whole different story. I’ve already crossed a line there. Not that I’d make a move on Alex, but he’s undeniably attractive. A woman can appreciate, right?

I swallow hard and clear my throat. “We’re heading out for dinner at seven, then off to the club. Levi’s sorted out your clothes and probably filled you in on my expectations.”

“I need you to follow the rules and guidelines. If you’re unsure about anything, ask. Don’t make a fool of me, Alex. I demand unwavering loyalty. Are we clear?”

“Sure thing, boss.” He grins, a hint of mockery in his smile.

“I’m serious, Alex. I need to trust you with my life. Don’t screw this up.”

As I head to my room to get ready, I hear Alex’s door slam shut.

Dean is MIA. He’s probably decided it’s best to stick with Levi until he leaves tomorrow.

I take another shower, washing my hair with a new strawberry-scented shampoo. I switched it up because Diablo was fond of the vanilla scent I used to use.

I’m trying to erase as many reminders of him as possible.

Stepping out of the shower, I head to the closet in search of an outfit that strikes the perfect balance between classy and sexy. I finally settle on a purple two-piece set. The lace bodice ends just below my breasts, revealing my tanned midriff.

The bottom is a pair of lace shorts with a chiffon overlay, showing off a generous amount of tanned leg. I pair it with purple lace-up stilettos and let my long black hair fall in messy curls down to my waist.

I feel good about the outfit. I just wish Diablo were the one accompanying me. Fighting back tears, I grab my small handbag and head to the living room where all three men are waiting for me.

They’re all dressed in black shirts and jeans, each sporting black Vans, Converses, or boots. They all look handsome. I know I’ll be the envy of every woman there tonight.

They’re deep in a discussion about football. I’ve always been a football fan, but I never seem to find the time to actually watch a game.

Maybe I should arrange for us to go to a game once the craziness of the upcoming weeks settles down. The Super Bowl is just around the corner.

I clear my throat to announce my presence. They turn to look at me, and all three jaws drop in unison.

“What are you staring at? Is there something on my face?” I ask, pretending to wipe something off my cheek.

Dean is the first to recover. “Damn, baby, you look stunning. We’re definitely going to have to stick close to you tonight to fend off the wolves.”

I blush slightly at his compliment. I’ve never considered myself beautiful, let alone stunning.

“Thank you, babe,” I reply softly. “Shall we get going? I’m starving.”

Levi and Alex remain silent, not that I expected them to say anything.

I’m eager to try the restaurant’s food because I’m considering buying it. I know the owner will be there, and if I like what I see, I might make an offer.

With the money Diablo and I split today, I could easily buy a few businesses and still have plenty left over.

Dinner goes smoothly, all of us steering clear of any Diablo-related topics. It’s almost ten when we arrive at the club. The first thing I notice is that Diablo isn’t there. I feel like I’ve dodged a bullet.

Second, I spot Travis at the bar chatting with Carly and, I assume, some of their friends. I tell the guys to enjoy themselves while I head over to Carly.

When I reach her, I realize the friends are actually my friends too. Rick, Cody, Mario, and Cashè, all of whom I haven’t seen in ages. They all look so different now.

I smile and give each of them a hug and a kiss on the cheek before turning my attention to Carly.

“No hello for your friend, Carly?” I ask, surprised that she hasn’t greeted me with her usual smile and hug.

“I’m not sure, Emma. Are you going to get rid of Travis, too?” she snaps. I’ve always let her talk to me like I’m worthless. Not anymore. I’ve had enough.

If there’s one thing dealing with Diablo has taught me, it’s to never let people, even friends, walk all over me. I let it slide in the past because I thought that’s how I deserved to be treated.

“It depends, Carly,” I reply.

“Depends on what, Emma? Your period, your emotions, your hatred for Diablo, or actual merit?” she shrieks.

“It depends on all of those things, Carly, since you’ve already decided how your so-called best friend should behave. Where were you when Diablo screwed up every time?

“You were never there to console me. Where were you when my world was falling apart? I’ll tell you, Carly. Nowhere. As usual, you were focused on one thing, your own happiness.

“This friendship has always been one-sided. I had to listen to all your sob stories, your life, your achievements, give you advice, clean up after you both literally and figuratively, the list goes on.

“But when ~I~ needed ~you~, you were nowhere to be found. So you can go to hell. I don’t need a friend like you.

“And as for you, Travis,” I say, turning to face him, “I told you a while back, either you start earning your salary and do the damn work you’re paid to do or get lost.”

“Moment of truth: are you getting lost or working?” I know he needs the money if he wants to keep Carly; she’s high maintenance.

“Working, boss. What else?” After giving Carly a peck on the cheek and whispering that he’ll see her later at home, he starts mingling with the clients like he’s supposed to in the first place. I turn to face an irate Carly.

She immediately starts yelling at me about what a terrible friend I am and how I can’t tell her boyfriend what to do. Looking around, I see the four guys have vanished.

Levi comes over to hand me a whiskey. I down it in one gulp and ask for two more.

“Carly, you need to chill out or I’ll have you kicked out of my club.”

“I get it, you don’t want to be friends. But if Travis is working here, we’re bound to run into each other.”

“We can be civil, if that’s what you want. Or you can steer clear of my club. It’s up to you,” I say, standing my ground.

“I want the old Emma back. The one who was always there for me, the one I could call anytime. I want my friend back.”

“Sorry, Carly, but that Emma is gone. You took advantage of me and I won’t stand for it anymore. If you can accept the new me, we can still be friends. If not, then that’s that.”

“If you change your mind and want to hang out, text me. If not, good luck with everything, Carly.”

I turn and head back to where Levi and the guys are waiting. Levi hands me another whiskey, which I down in one gulp.

I order my usual mix of drinks, finishing them off. By the time I get to the whiskey, I’m feeling pretty good and decide to slow down. I’m not in the mood to get wasted.

Alex vanishes with some girl, who knows where, leaving just Levi, Dean, and me. They have me laughing so hard with their stories about how they met and how Dean got Levi to straighten up.

We have a blast dancing, drinking, and laughing. And the best part? No sign of Diablo.

We leave the club at two in the morning. I had to cancel our usual three a.m. training session, knowing we’d all be too hungover to make it.

Back at the penthouse, Dean chooses to crash on the couch, which I appreciate. Before he turns in, he gives me one of his signature bear hugs and a kiss on the forehead.

I’m grateful he’s not pushing for anything more. I know this is his way of saying goodbye.

I don’t want to force him to say out loud that he’s leaving before we all wake up. I’ll miss him, but it’s better this way, for now.

The next few weeks are going to be crazy with work.

I need something to distract me from going back to Diablo and trying to fix everything.

The million-dollar question is, why the hell do I still love that man? Why do I let thoughts of him consume me, especially after what he did?