“Don’t ever do that again” Roman’s voice is rough and deep as I report to him in his office. He sounds good but he’s so damn annoying. He’s getting in my ass for doing my job.
“You told me to handle it anyway I saw fit.”
“And that was the best option you could think of?”
“Yes, it got the job done didn’t it?”
“That’s besides the point.”
“No, that’s exactly the point. Why are you so poised that I did my job?”
“There were better safer options that you could’ve chosen.”
“So you should’ve given me specifics.” Roman practically growls, his light smooth skin is red in frustration and my fists are clenched in annoyance. But why are we both so bothered? Why does he get under my skin so bad? I literally just met the guy and he’s driving me insane.
“Fine specifics, don’t ever do that shit with anyone again.” I frown, stepping forward so we’re toe-to-toe. And he has the audacity to lean casually against his desk after all that shit he did tonight. Damn him for looking good, hot and nonchalant.
“You can’t fucking do that.” I know he’s my boss and I shouldn’t talk to him like this. Hell he bought me, I’m sure he could have me killed whenever he wants. I’m never this bold but he pushes buttons I didn’t know I had.
“I can, I’m your boss and I just did.” He brushes his hair back and I tighten my fist. He looks so good when he does that. I bet his hat is soft and…what the hell am I thinking? I really need to have sex and soon.
“Why are you acting like you care? You don’t even know me.” Roman’s jaw clinches, as he steps forward and stares into my soul with his penetrating eyes. The usual soft calm orbs are replaced with fiery brown that makes my insides melt.
I may have a type after all and he’s definitely it.
“Understand something Ms. Dixon. I know you a lot better than you realize. In fact I know everything about you. I have personally decided to take responsibility for you and that means while you are under my care I will look out for you. You may not understand this yet but you are important to this family. So like it or not there are people around who will care about you without question. That is what this mafia is.” It’s clear that he cares about every person here and he’s not going to waver on my methods. I’ve never had anyone but Sparrow put me in my place like this. Except this is different.
I didn’t want to kiss Sparrow…
I clear my throat and step back, I need space before I do something stupid. “Is that all?”
“Yes, your training is complete but there are 2 things we need to discuss.”
“What?”
“First, you will not be an assassin for the Stone mafia.”
“What the fuck Roman-”
“And two” he cuts me off with a hard glare before his eyes soften to their normal state. Bipolar ass. “ I’m sure you heard it earlier butI want to make sure you understand. You are Reuben Stone’s daughter and I hope to have you take over one day.”
“Wait…what?”
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I leave Roman’s office confused, conflicted, and horny as hell. I can’t believe that I’m Reuben’s Stone kid. What is he thinking telling me that?
What’s the point in him telling me that?
Am I supposed to feel honored or something ?
I’m just annoyed that this whole time my “father” and “siblings” have been living the luxury life while I grew up in the streets. Roman found me so why couldn’t my own father. Right because he never wanted me. I don’t care if he never knew my mom was pregnant, he never stopped to consider that he might have another kid out there.
And Roman wants me to take over? Why the hell would I want to run a mafia? After Roman’s little story I took my envelope of cash and told him I want nothing to do with leasing a mafia. I told him I’m fine being an assassin but he refused, saying my training is complete and I failed.
That infuriating man.
I stop downstairs in the kitchen where Sparrow who I now know as Noé and Emily are talking, drinking, and eating with Ryland and Rusty who are smoking.
“Hey, Snow, how’d it go…oh. What’s wrong?” She asks as I take Ryland’s blunt and take a deep hit. I cough but keep going until Sparrow takes the drug from me, handing it back to Ryland.
“You don’t even smoke like that? What the hell happened?” Sparrow asks and I roll my eyes.
“That man is infuriating. He says I failed my final training because “I didn’t follow orders and put myself at risk”, ugh asshole.” Sparrow snickers but I just cut my eyes at her.
“If he fails me then what? Is he going to kill me now?”
“Nah, he wouldn’t bitch this much if he was planning on killing you.” Sparrow says as her and Ryland share knowing smirks.
“True, you’d just be dead. Besides you’re one of us right? A Stone kid, he can’t kill you even if he wanted to.” Reggie slides me a drink that I take gratefully. It’s been so long since I’ve been high, it definitely doesn’t help the horniness. Sparrow gives me a warning glare as I take the blunt from Ryland but I act like I don’t notice.
“I’m not sure about that. Don’t you have to be claimed by Reuben to be a Stone kid? He’s never claimed me, hasn’t now, and I doubt he will.”
“Just give him some time, he’s surprised. I mean who would expect their kid to show up after 20 years?” Emily says, shrugging and drinking, despite being 18. I guess I’m no better only being a year older and doing a lot worse shit.
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“I don’t really care honestly. I’m fine without being claimed by some man I’ve never met. I’ve loved my whole life doing what I want. I don’t want someone coming and changing that.” Roman, I’m talking about you man.
“He’s our boss,” Sparrow reminds me and I shake my head.
“I’m not an assassin, he’s your boss. I’m just the girl he bought.” The bitterness is clear in my voice and I roll my eyes. I’m so tired of hearing everyone telling me he’s my boss.
“Okay that’s enough for you. You’re supposed to be sober.” I roll my eyes. Yet another decision made by Roman dictating my life.
“Why because Roman wants me to be?” Sparrow rubs my head as I start getting worked up. He’s just so frustrating. And he has the nerve to look so damn handsome while bossing me around. He addresses me like he’s talking to a kid he has to babysit.
Ryland laughs as he tries to hand me the blunt again, only to get his hand slapped by Sparrow. “No, she had enough.”
“Awe come on, she’s usually so quiet and reserved but there seems to be more to the little snowflake.” Ryland and the guys laugh and they use my high stare to get to know me. I tell them about my mom dying, living on the streets, meeting people from all over the city, my time in the detention center and how I got stabbed.
I don’t know how much we drink and smoke but it’s 2 a.m, Sparrow and Emily have disappeared and the guys dragged me along to watch them play video games. They tried teaching me but my fucked up ass kept dying so they kicked me off. I’ve settled for watching and smoking.
These guys aren’t too bad. Granted I’m high and a lot more relaxed but they’re nothing like Kyle and Travis. None of them have tried anything. They’ve made sure I ate and drank water and I’m not uncomfortable. Especially Reggie who went from checking me out to being a big brother. It’s weird but cool I guess. It’s something I never thought about but I don’t mind it.
“What the hell do you think you’re doing? Ryland? What are you thinking, letting her smoke?” Roman burst into the room, storming over to me and taking the blunt from my hand.
“She’s fine, man, we’re looking out for her.” Are they seriously talking about me like I’m not here?
“I don’t care. She’s not supposed to be getting high.” That’s it. I grab Roman by the shirt, swinging him down onto the couch, straddling his lap and holding his shoulders down.
“I’ve had it with you. I’m not a child and I don’t need some man I’ve known for a day to come and tell me what to do. You told me that my services as an assassin aren’t needed here which means you’re not my boss. All you are is the man who bought me and I intend on paying you back. But if you want any more say in my personal life, you need to become someone in my personal life.”
Despite my sharp words I’m practically melting sitting on top of this man. It feels so good being this close to him and he smelts like he just got out of the shower. I suppose he did judging by the casual clothes. I’m so glad I convinced Sparrow to go home and shower before coming over here. I don’t want to move but since I finished my spiel I should.
He doesn’t say anything, just gives me a blank look and I sigh. Now he suddenly has nothing to say. He’s so annoying and he works me up so much it’s frustrating. I get off his lap and walk out of the room. I’m over this.
I walk around until I end up outside in a beautiful garden lit with soft lights along the pathway. I take in a deep breath of fresh air and walk in the garden. It’s beautiful out here. This is really the life my father’s been living without me. I can’t help but feel a little bitter.
I come to a stop at a fountain where Reuben is standing, smoking his cigar, staring at the sky. I don’t say anything as I start walking again, intent on walking away.
“I’m sorry Winter” I stop as he speaks, his voice ringing out in the quiet night. “I know that doesn’t change your life and it’s no solace to the bitterness I’m sure you feel but I am sorry. I was a young foolish man that didn’t know how to man up and take responsibility.”
“So what changed?”
“My first wife died, along with my son, my mother, and my uncle. My carelessness cost their lives. With a lesson like that I grew up quickly and didn’t need to be taught twice. I learned the importance of family and caring for those around you. I’ve never taken my family or the success I’ve built for granted again.”
“Delilah has also taught me many lessons on being a better man. She put me through the ringer before letting me marry her but it was worth it.” I assume he’s referring to the woman who went off on Roman and him before.
“I suppose it’s not your fault. My mother wasn’t exactly a saint. I can understand why you would think her pregnancy had nothing to do with you. I can only remember her mentioning my father once. She said that she never told him that she had a kid but she wished she had. At the time I didn’t care enough to ask more. Food was my priority not having a dad.”
“Was it rough for you and your mother?” I look at Reuben who has a deep frown on his face, staring at his fountain. I shrug, looking at the flowing water.
“Yeah, but it taught me how to survive. I wouldn’t be the person I am without having gone through what I did.” Reuben smiles and nods, tucking his hands into his pocket in an all too familiar way. I glance down at my hands in the same state and snicker. Looks like we have one thing in common.
“I saw your work today. I was impressed.”
“That makes you” Reuben laughs as we both start walking along the path.
“Roman is protective. He was here for the shootout after all. He also watched his own family die so he gets a bit overprotective at times.” That’s horrible, I had no idea. I thought he was just this cushy guy who grew up with a silver spoon like the rest of them.
“He’s frustrating” even with his tragic history he’s still demanding. Reuben laughs again, blowing the smoke out of his cigar.
“He means well and if he won’t have you as an assassin I have another offer. An executioner.”
“What is that?”
“It’s clear that killing doesn’t bother you? You don’t mind getting your hands dirty. When we need information or we capture an enemy, you’ll be in charge of killing them after we get all the information. Roman won’t have to worry and you’ll still get paid. Sounds good?”
“Yeah, it sounds like a lot less work for me.” We shake on it and he smiles.
“Great, you’ll be working alongside Roman and Alan.”
“Do I have to?” I practically whine and he laughs.
“Yes, because I find it amusing, the two of you.” I roll my eyes as he laughs, stopping to look out into the bushes.
“Why exactly is it amusing?”
“I’ve never met anyone that gets under Roman’s skin like you do. The boy is too serious for his own good. That’s why I said you two are amusing.” Reuben ashes his cigar, glancing at the bushes again.
“As amusing as you two when it’s not a school night. Emily” he calls out to the dark. A girl sheepishly steps out of bushes and shyly waves goodnight. Reuben shakes his head and starts heading inside.
“I’m getting too old for all of this. Goodnight Winter.”
“Goodnight, Mr. Stone.”
“Call me Reuben” he turns before stopping again and turning to face me.
“As my daughter you will never have to worry again. All and it will be given to you, after all I have 19 years to make up for. Food will never be your priority again.” Reuben nods sincerely before heading inside.
I don’t know what to say to that. Was that some dad and daughter moment or something? Never having to worry again and asking for anything I want? I could never do that. Sparrow comes out of the bushes and I raise my brow.
“You and Emily?” I ask as we walk around the house to go home. Home? Never thought I’d say that so soon.
“It’s complicated but he interrupted at the best time.” I snicker looking at her uptight face.
“So why do you look like that?”
“I’m so damn frustrated and horny, I haven’t had sex in months.” Sparrow whines and I laugh with a nod.
“Same, I damn near attacked Roman in front of the guys.” He looked so surprised but collected. Aside from his sometimes red face and hard glare he always looks composed and put together. Like nothing gets under his skin.
“You two would be cute together.”
“Don’t tell me that, he’s completely my type” I mumble and she pushes my shoulder.
“I fucking knew it.”
“Whatever, how am I supposed to work with him? He’s so controlling.”
“You know, he’s not that bad with me, or anyone else. I think he just likes you and it’s been a long time since I’ve seen him with someone.”
“Why would he like me? We literally just met for a day and then again today. And he was bitching at me the entire time.”
“Exactly, he spent the entire time worrying about you. I’m positive that Roman likes you.” I sigh as we walk home, shrugging as I think about his bored look on the couch.
“It doesn’t matter, besides I want sex right now and he’s clearly not going to help me with that.”
“I feel your pain” we both laugh, before falling into a loaded silence. We glance at each other in agreement and start speed walking home.