Explanations and Meetings

EMMA

“Good morning, Emma. I didn’t realize Alex was still on your team,” Diablo says, his voice laced with accusation.

I can see the hurt in his eyes. If I didn’t know him so well, I might have missed it. Alex and Levi, as usual, are oblivious. They’re always more focused on my feelings and actions.

“We’re a package deal, remember? Let’s all sit down, have some coffee, and I’ll explain what’s going on,” I suggest, trying to keep things calm.

But Diablo isn’t having it.

“Emma, Alex is the reason we broke up. Even though you said you two were a package, I hoped you’d let him go.”

“No, Diablo, Alex isn’t why we broke up. We broke up because of your ego. You need to accept that Alex works for me now, or there’s no point in continuing this. It is what it is.”

“Without his help, I wouldn’t be where I am today. So, I suggest you start getting along with him.”

And just like that, Diablo’s jerk side is back. Great.

“What the hell do you mean, Emma?”

Here we go. Diablo’s being an ass. This isn’t how I planned to tell him everything that’s happened. I didn’t want to start with a fight, especially not in front of Alex and Levi.

“Sit down, Diablo, so we can talk,” I try again.

“No, I’ll stand,” he snaps back. He’s acting out, and honestly, it’s a bit childish.

“Fine, but remember why you’re here in the first place,” I retort, already annoyed with his behavior.

I sit down, and so does Alex. Levi heads to the kitchen and comes back with a hot cup of coffee for me.

Diablo’s glare doesn’t faze Levi as he hands me the cup. To add fuel to the fire, Levi sits next to me on the couch. I know he’s trying to get under Diablo’s skin.

I just smile and take a sip of my coffee. Levi’s tactics are working, judging by Diablo’s expression. I don’t approve of Levi’s behavior, but Diablo needs to cut the crap.

I start explaining everything to Diablo from the day we broke up. Halfway through, Diablo finally sits down. He’s gone pale.

I finish my story, ending with the night I was chosen as the number one boss.

Diablo just stares at me. Alex is the first to break the silence.

“Well, I guess a ‘Thank you, Emma, Levi, and Alex’ is too much to ask,” he jokes.

“Not now, Alex,” I scold him. “Diablo needs some time to process everything. In the meantime, we have a meeting to attend.”

“Diablo, will you be okay if we leave you here for a few hours? We have a meeting with Anthony.”

This snaps him out of his daze.

“Anthony as in Lauren’s father Anthony?”

“The very same.”

“Well, then I’m coming with you.”

I can tell he’s expecting me to say no. In the past, I would have, but not now. It’s time he’s seen with me doing business. No time like the present, I think.

“Fine, Diablo. But you have to listen to Levi, Alex, or me and not interrupt.

“I have a certain way of doing business. This will be a good chance for you to see how I handle things. It’s for your own safety.”

I expect him to argue, but he doesn’t, which is unusual even for Diablo. I just hope he doesn’t do or say anything he shouldn’t.

We all pile into the SUV. Levi drives, Alex rides shotgun, leaving Diablo and me in the back.

I’m looking out the window when Diablo takes my hand, intertwining our fingers and resting our hands on his thigh.

I can’t resist. I lean over and give him a soft kiss on the lips, leaving him with a smile.

We finally arrive at Anthony’s house. We wait at the gate while they finish with the bomb detector and inspect the car. It’s standard procedure.

They’re fools. Anyone who knows me knows I don’t do bombs or snipers. I prefer to kill up close and personal, so they know why they’re dying.

I don’t really need weapons. The night we met with Mason was just a diversion. He didn’t know me, and I didn’t know him. He still doesn’t know what I’m capable of, and I like it that way.

Anthony, however, is a different story. If it weren’t for our first meeting, Alex wouldn’t be working for me now.

Levi parks the SUV, gets out, and opens my door. Alex gets out and walks over to us, leaving Diablo to open his own door. This pisses him off.

“What the hell, Alex,” Diablo growls.

“She’s my priority, Diablo, not you. You can open your own damn door.”

“Guys, enough. If you don’t stop this petty arguing and jealousy, Diablo, you can get back in the SUV and leave.

“We’ve been working together for a long time. There are certain protocols that Levi and Alex have to follow.

“I’m their priority. Be glad they’re looking out for me; otherwise, I wouldn’t have been able to get you back. Now grow up and leave them alone. We need to present a united front, not this crap.”

“I’m not happy about this, Emma. We’ll talk about this later.”

“Fine, Diablo, we will. But remember, no interruptions or interference from you. I’m running this meeting my way, got it?”

“Fine,” he grumbles.

I start up the stairs, with Levi and Alex trailing behind me. They’re always a step behind, Levi on my right, Alex on my left.

“Hold up,” Diablo barks. “Why the hell am I stuck in the back like I’m nobody?”

“Diablo, you’re really pushing my buttons. We haven’t even made it to the meeting and we’ve already had to stop three times. Let me make this clear. In the Mafia world, I dumped you, remember?”

“You’re at the bottom of the pecking order now and I have to rebuild your reputation.”

“You can’t walk next to me because it would suggest that we’re running things together. I can’t risk that. It would ruin me and leave me vulnerable to the other bosses.”

“I lead, then Alex and Levi, and you follow. If you don’t like it, stay in the car.”

“It’s going to take time to rebuild your reputation, so for now, just do as I say. I don’t have time for your crap. I’ve already got to deal with Lauren again.”

“I’m late for this meeting and you know how much I hate being late. So, are you coming or staying in the car? Either way, I’m going now.”

I pivot and head for the door, not caring if any of the men follow. I’ve had enough of their childish antics for one day. I’m seething.

The door swings open just as I reach it. Lauren, of all people, is standing there, looking as flawless and polished as ever.

She’s wearing a black dress that hugs her curves, pushing her breasts up high, making them look even bigger.

Her nails are a deep, blood red. Her hair and makeup are perfect. She’s finished off her look with black stilettos. She looks stunning.

“Well, if it isn’t Emma and her playthings. I assume you’re here to see Daddy?” Her shrill voice grates on my nerves.

“Well, I certainly didn’t come here to waste my time on a tramp like you, Lauren. So if you don’t mind, time is money. Where’s your father?”

“In his study, as usual.” She looks past me and spots Diablo. Her face lights up. She flashes a big smile and pushes past me to get to him.

“Diablo, baby, I’m so glad you came to see me,” she purrs. “You don’t know how much I’ve missed you.”

She wraps her arms around his neck and pulls his face down, planting a kiss right on his lips.

When she pulls away, he’s got red lipstick smeared on his mouth. I don’t know who’s more shocked, but we’re all taken aback. I thought I made it clear last time that Diablo is off-limits.

I’m jealous. How dare she? But then again, I know why she did it. She’s trying to get under my skin, and it’s working. I have to keep my cool or I’ll rip her head off.

“Diablo, wipe that tramp’s lipstick off your lips. When I fuck you later today, I don’t want any trace of her left on you. And you better take a shower when we get home. Her scent is sickening.”

Lauren stops stroking Diablo’s arm, her smile fading.

“Are you telling me you two are back together?”

“Yes, Lauren, we are. If I wasn’t clear the first time, let me make it clear now. If you touch him again, your father will find your body parts scattered all over the US. Do you understand me?”

“No, this can’t be. I thought he was back for me. Daddy! Daddy!” She pushes past all of us and heads for Anthony’s office, with us trailing behind her.

When we enter Anthony’s study, we hear Lauren wailing. “Daddy, he’s back with her now. I have no chance of getting him back.”

“Now, pumpkin, you knew from her last visit he’s off-limits. I don’t know why you thought he’d be back for you.”

“But Daddy, he loves me not her. He’s mine. I want him, Daddy. Please, Daddy.”

“Lauren, you’re a grown woman. You need to accept that he’ll never be yours, pumpkin, not while she’s around.”

“Then kill her, Daddy. Kill her so he can be mine.”

“Lauren, that’s not how it works. I have no intention of killing her—and even if I did, there’s no guarantee he’d love you. Not to mention the consequences I’d face if I did kill her.”

Lauren starts crying. We’re all standing in the doorway, watching her pathetic display.

Diablo steps out from behind Levi and Alex to stand in front of Lauren.

“Lauren, I don’t love you. I never have and I never will. Even if Emma and I weren’t together, I’d never come back to you. I suggest you move on and find your own happiness.”

Diablo’s words shatter Lauren. She sobs as his rejection finally sinks in. It didn’t matter what I said or what her father said, but hearing it from Diablo himself broke her. We could all see it.

“Lauren, pumpkin, why don’t you go compose yourself and join us when you’re ready,” Anthony suggests. Lauren runs out of the office, sobbing.

Anthony turns to face us.

“Emma, darling, it’s good to see you again.” He kisses each of my cheeks before letting me go.

“Diablo.” He nods, refusing to walk over to shake his hand.

“So, Emma darling, can we get down to business before any more drama unfolds? I think we’ve all had enough hysteria for a lifetime.”

“Please excuse my daughter. She refuses to accept that Diablo has moved on,” he says, motioning for me to sit down.

“It’s quite alright, Anthony. She’ll come around one day.”

“One can only hope, Emma.”

Ignoring Diablo completely, Anthony starts discussing business with me. Diablo moves to sit in the seat next to mine across from Anthony. Levi pulls him back, indicating that it’s a big no.

Diablo’s face is a storm of anger. I can see he’s pissed, but this isn’t how we do business. If he’d just plopped down without an invite, I’d be in another fight to prove I’m top dog.

Diablo is making things tough for me. I’ll need to have a word with him in private, or he’ll risk everything.

Lauren comes back a few minutes later, her makeup flawless as if her meltdown never happened. She stands behind her dad, eyeing Diablo the whole time, which really grinds my gears.

With business wrapped up, Anthony and I share a whiskey to seal the deal.

“Thanks for the meeting, Anthony, but I’ve got to get going. I’ve got a few more meetings lined up today before I need to show up at the club tonight.”

“You’re welcome to join us for a drink there later tonight if you want,” I say, crossing my fingers he’ll decline.

Anthony starts to shake his head no, but Lauren cuts him off. “Please, Daddy, can we go? I promise I’ll behave. I won’t try anything with Diablo. I’ll be on my best behavior.”

“Alright, pumpkin, we can go as long as you behave.

“Thanks, Emma. We’ll see you there tonight.”

“Great. I’ll reserve the VIP room. Do you want me to book any entertainment for you, Anthony?”

“Now that you mention it, would you mind?”

“Daddy, what about mom?”

“What about your mother, Lauren?”

She knows her dad will just leave her ass at home if she pushes him further; she drops the issue about the entertainment.

I give Anthony a kiss on both cheeks, then turn to leave, with Alex and Levi trailing behind me.

Diablo turns to Anthony, extending his hand for a shake. If Anthony takes it, it means he accepts Diablo. If not, we’re screwed.

We wait for what feels like forever. Finally, Anthony shakes Diablo’s hand. Our collective sighs echo in the now silent office.

We head to the SUV and pile in. The silence is so thick you could cut it with a knife. I’m seething.

Clearly, Diablo doesn’t get his role in all of this. And now I have to deal with Lauren’s drama tonight. Diablo tries to hold my hand, but I yank it away. He looks at me, confused.

“No, Diablo, I’m fucking pissed. I suggest you leave me alone for now. We can talk about this when we get home.”

LAUREN

As the SUV disappears down the driveway, I know I’m one step closer to winning Diablo back. I just need him to see that Emma is bad news. He loves me. I know it.

I just have to show him tonight at the club. He’s always loved me but won’t admit it. He was close once, I could tell—but then he had to meet that needy know-it-all bitch.

Tonight is the night he realizes I’m his one true love.

I need to look perfect tonight. What am I going to wear?