by Sonja B
I can’t take this shit! If he thought telling me about his and my mother’s past would change the way I felt about him, then he would be greatly mistaken.
“What do you want, Romano? I’m sure you didn’t call me here to rehash the past.”
He gives a weak smile. “You’re right, Axl. I just wanted to put that out there first so you would know the truth about your mother and me. Anyway, I wanted you to meet with me because I’ve come across some information that involves your siblings.”
My face twists, as he mentions my brothers. “What about my brothers?!”
Romano holds his hand up in defense. “Not about Felix or Adam but about Andres Jr. and Calla, your brother and sister by me and Anjelica.”
Was he fucking serious right now?! “You’ve got to be fucking kidding me! You called me here to talk about your kids?! I don’t have time for this shit, let’s go!” I turn to leave, but Romano calls out to me.
“Axl, please wait. I know I have no right to ask any favors from you, but I need you, please…son.” He pleads.
I whirl around, pointing my finger at him. “No! No! You don’t get to fucking call me that! Why should I give a shit about your kids?! Do you have them down in that fucking dungeon where you kept me?! Is someone down there beating the shit out of them, knocking their fucking teeth out?! Are you turning them into your perfect little killing machines?!” I seethe. “What makes their lives more important than mine?!”
Romano sadly glares at me, as tears fall from his eyes. This man who I once feared, sits in front of me, reduced to a sobbing mess. His tears mean shit to me. Did he cry for me?!
“Don’t you get it, Axl? I’m trying to right a wrong! No, their lives are not more important than yours, but look at me, Axl.” He spreads his arms wide. “I don’t have long, Axl. Somedays I feel like my old self and others I’m too weak to get out of the bed. I cannot protect them like I could have if I was younger. I just found out that not only was Anjelica having an affair with Rocco, but she was in on that bullshit with him. Those two were plotting behind my back the whole fucking time. She doesn’t love me; she just loves the power I hold! She sure as shit don’t give a fuck about our kids. She’d rather push them off on their nanny than spend time with them. I was too blind to see what was happening in my own house. Now that I’m down, her behavior has become even more suspicious. I know she thinks once I’m gone, everything monetary wise will go to her, and my title will go to Andres Jr., but that’s not how it will go down.” He pauses then reaches over and pushes a button on the nightstand. The door to the room opens with Lorenzo stepping in.
“Yes, Andres?” He asks.
“Lorenzo, can you take Monica and Felix to get some refreshments, please?” Romano replies.
“Wait, I’m not leaving Axl alone with you.” Felix declares with a twisted face.
Romano raises his hands in defense. “I promise, you have nothing to worry about, Felix. There are a few things I need to discuss with Axl in private. Now, if he wishes to disclose our conversation to you later, then that is his choice.”
I glare at him, before turning to Monica and Felix. “It’s fine, guys. This shouldn’t take long.”
Felix comes to my side, leaning close to my ear. “Are you sure about this, Axl?”
I nod. “Yeah, I’m sure.”
“You kill that mother fucker if he tries anything!” Felix states.
“Without any hesitation,” I respond, before looking over to Monica. “I’ll be alright, baby.”
She places her hand on my forearm. “I know you will, love. Come on, Felix.”
Together, they walk towards the door. Felix looks over his shoulder at me. I nod and he nods back, before leaving out the door.
“Axl, please have a seat,” Romano says, bringing my attention back to him. He points to the chair next to the bed, then places his glass back on the nightstand.
I cautiously walk over to the chair, never taking my eyes off him, as I sit down.
“Axl, I don’t expect you to forgive me, and to be honest, if I was you, I’d probably be feeling the same way, but right now, I am at your mercy. Anjelica and Rocco were working with some of my enemies to take me down. They thought the war Rocco and Julian started would be the end of me. Now that things didn’t go as planned and Rocco out of the way, my enemies will be coming for her because they didn’t hold up their end. Right now, I could care less if they get her backstabbing ass, I just want Andres Jr. and Calla safe. I know what I’m asking is a lot, but Axl, you must protect them. They could use them to get to me or worse.”
I intensely stare at him, showing no emotion. I’ve been in this world long enough to know what he was saying was true. The type of men he was talking about would use any and everything to gain power, even if that meant using women and children to get it.
“Axl, it’s time for you to take your rightful place. I can’t continue to run the family business in the shape I’m in.” I shake my head at him. “If you do not take your position, if something happens to me, it will go to Andres Jr., which means Anjelica will take over because he is still a child. Everything I’ve built and worked hard for, she will destroy it all, then there’s no telling where your brother and sister will end up because I can guarantee she will not protect them.”
I stroke my beard, taking in his words. “You said she and Rocco were fucking around, how do you know the kids are yours?”
“I know they are mine, but to ease any suspicions, I had them tested, and I am one hundred percent their father.” He opens the drawer on the nightstand, then pulls out a thick large manila envelope. “Here,” he says, handing it to me. I glance down at them, then back at him. He lets out a low chuckle. “No, there is not a hit in it.”
“You will excuse me if I don’t see the humor in this,” I tell him, as I take the envelope.
“Understood. Inside are very important documents for you to look over. Everything you need to know about me and all my businesses are in there. What’s mine will become yours…the rightful heir to the Romano Empire.”
I stare hard at the envelope. Did I really want to do this? Did I want to bring my family into this lifestyle? Could I let two innocent children be caught in the crossfire of some bullshit their mother created with her dead lover? Would they be handed the same fate as Felix and Adam?
“If I do this, my brothers will have to be in with me.” He smiles. “I’m not saying I’m agreeing with this, I need time to think this over. I need to discuss this with my family.” I tell him, as I stand.
“That’s all I ask, Axl, but I do hope you will agree,” Romano states.
“I’ll be in touch,” I say, turning to leave out the room.
“Thank you, Axl.”
I grunt, as I open the cracked door. When I step into the sitting room, the last person I wanted to come in contact with was standing on the other side of the door, Anjelica. She must have been eavesdropping on our conversation. Nosey bitch.
Anjelica stood there like a glammed up blow-up doll. The dress she had on looked like it was five sizes too small. The damn thing barely covered her fake titties and ass. She looked like she spent way too much time in the tanning salon with her orange skin and bleach blonde hair. Anjelica was definitely not mother material.
“Hey there, Axl. Long time no see,” She greets, as she seductively approaches me.
I roll my eyes at her. “Anjelica”
“So, Axl, I caught the last part of you and Andres conversation. Who would have thought Andres’ personal killing machine is really his son? Wow, he’s really going to leave everything to you. You know, Axl, I could be very helpful to you with your transition, and while I’m helping you, you can help me. I think we could be great…partners in and out of the boardroom.” She purrs, as she runs her finger along the lapels of my jacket.
I grab her hands, removing them from my person. “I don’t know what the fuck you heard, but this is not what you want because if my wife finds out about this, she will end you,
” I smirk at the surprised look on her face.
“Too late,” Monica says from behind us, as she snatches Anjelica by the hair. Anjelica cries out in pain, as Monica throws her to the floor. Felix, Lorenzo, and Maxillo watch on with amused looks. I grab Monica by the waist, stopping her from killing the bitch. Out of the corner of my eyes, I see Romano has a big smile on his face, enjoying the sight of his no-good wife being handed her ass.
“That’s enough, baby. She’s not even worth it.” I tell Monica, trying to calm her feisty little ass down.
“Naw, fuck her with her nasty ass. Damn, you were already fucking the father, now you wanna fuck the son too?!” She snaps, still trying to get to Anjelica.
“Maxillo, get her out of here!” Lorenzo commands. Maxillo rushes to pick up a screaming and sobbing Anjelica. He takes her to the door on the other side of the sitting room. I guess Romano kicked her out of his room once he found out about her treachery. Smart man.
“You can let me go now, Axl.” Monica huffs.
I tighten my grip on her. “Maybe I want to keep you in my arms a little longer.”
She giggles. “Man, if you don’t quit playing with me and let me go…”
I kiss her neck, before I let her go, well not really let her go. I just loosened my grip but kept my arm around her waist.
Maxillo returns from Anjelica’s room and goes back to his post outside Romano’s door. She still could be heard screaming and throw shit around in the room.
“Are we good to go, Axl?” Felix asks.
“Yeah, let’s head home. We need to have a family meeting.” I reply, before leading them to the elevator.
I have a lot of shit to think over. Hopefully, with the help of my family, I will be able to decide how to proceed with the shit Romano just laid on me, and whatever was in the envelope.
Chapter 8
Felix
Axl was quiet on the ride home. Monica asked him what was so important for Romano to talk to him without us being present. He told her that he wanted to wait until we got home so he could tell everyone at one time since it involved all of us. I hope Romano didn’t threaten my brother with some bullshit because I will go back over there and send him to his maker faster than his heart condition.
When we made it back to the house, Adam was sitting at the island in the kitchen, eating his leftovers from last night with his head down. Keirra and Alex were on the opposite side of the island, discussing their dresses for the wedding. I head straight to Keirra, placing kisses on her neck, causing her to giggle. Alex joins in giggling. Monica went over to her and kissed Alex’s forehead, followed by Axl doing the same.
“Ladybug, can you go watch a movie while I talk with your mom and everyone?” Axl asks her.
She smiles up at him. “Sure, daddy. Don’t forget, we’re supposed to go to lunch. I only had a small bowl of cereal earlier because I want to go to Fun World so I can play games and have pizza.”
“That sounds good, Ladybug. We won’t be long, okay.” He replies, as she gives him a toothy smile, before leaving the kitchen.
Adam sets his fork down next to his plate, lifting his head to Axl. “What’s going on, Axl? Keirra told me you guys went to meet with Romano.”
Before Axl can reply, I bellow, “What the fuck happened to your eye, Adam?!” Everyone focuses on him. Axl walks over to him, taking his chin in his hand, turning his head from side to side.
“How did this happen, Adam?” Axl asks in a calm but stern voice.
Adam twists his chin from Axl’s hand. “It’s not bad, I was tightening a bolt on a part, and the damn thing broke, causing the monkey wrench to fly back and catch me in the face. Reese got some ice for me to put on it. It’s not even that swollen anymore.” Adam and Reese became best friends after we started attending our new school when Axl brought us home with him. He worked at the garage with Adam. He was a good kid that didn’t get into trouble, so Axl didn’t mind Adam hanging out with him.
I eye Adam suspiciously. I don’t know if I really believe this one. Adam has always been careful working on cars, but lately, he keeps coming home with different ‘accidents’. I’m going to have to bring up my concerns to Axl on the side.
Axl leers at him with the same look I’m sure I had on my face, but he shrugs it off. “You gotta be a lot more careful little brother. We don’t want you messing up that pretty face of yours.” The others laugh, but I don’t see shit to laugh about, so I turn to the fridge and take out a soda.
“Whatever, Axl. So, what’s up?” Adam asks, returning back to the subject at hand.
Axl lets out a deep breath. “How about we all go into the dining room because I think we all will need a seat by the time I’m done.” He takes Monica’s hand in his, as they both lead us out of the kitchen.
After everyone was settled at the dining room table with Axl at the head, he began to tell us everything that he and Romano talked about when Monica and I left out of the room.
Forty minutes later, we all sat back in our chairs, some with our jaws hanging open. He then pulled the papers from the envelope and read over them to us. Fuck Romano, I thought, but at the same time…fuck Romano. My brother deserved everything and more.
“So, what are you thinking, Axl?” I ask.
“That’s why I wanted to discuss this with you guys. Whatever I decide involves all of you too. If I agree to take over his spot that puts me on the radar with his enemies, …some could possibly become my new enemies. Some of them I know of and could probably smooth things over with, but the others I’m not too sure about. It’s a good thing no one knows exactly who’s the Snatcher of Souls. But I did tell Romano if I do agree, then I wouldn’t do anything without my brothers by my side.” He says, eyeing Adam and me.
“You don’t even have to ask, brother. You know Adam and I will always be by your side on this or anything else.” I tell him with certainty.
Monica sits to his left, shaking her head. “I don’t know, baby. You taking over his businesses might put a target on our backs. I don’t want Alex living a life of constantly having to look over her shoulder or not being able to trust anyone. I want her to have a normal childhood without any worries. Look how being in that life has ended for Andres Jr. and Calla. I don’t know…”
Adam scoots back from his chair, then stands. He chuckles. “This is like a scene from the Godfather.” We laugh along with him. “But seriously, though, Axl, in my opinion, you should agree to take over.” My laughing comes to an abrupt stop, as I stare at Adam with confusion. Monica and Keirra stare on with the same expression. Adam holds his hand up, before continuing. “Hear me out!” He says, looking at each and every one of us. “Axl, as much as I know you don’t want to have anything to do with Romano, this is your birthright. Hell, it became your fucking right the first day he took you and put you through all that bullshit. Truthfully, what he’s handing over to you is yours, Axl. It’s up to you to determine if you want to take it and if you do, you don’t have to continue on in the same line of business as he did. You could turn some of the businesses legit and not have to worry about looking over your shoulders. It will be your shit to do whatever the fuck you want to do with it.”
Adam retakes his seat in his chair. After hearing his side of things, he was right, Axl deserved that and more, and he could build his own empire from what Romano was offering him, but I couldn’t help but think about the two kids that were going to be affected by this also if Axl agrees.
“Axl, what about Andres Jr. and Calla?” I question. Andres Jr. and Calla were almost close in age with Alex. Andres was seven and Calla six. I couldn’t stand to see kids go through what Adam and I went did. They were too young to be put through that, and if their mother kept them, they’d probably end up with the same fate or worse.
Monica takes hold of his wrist that was on top of the table. “Baby, we can’t let anything happen to them. At the end of the day, they are your brother and sister, even though they have a bitch for a mother. You know I will always
have your back; however, you decide on this, but if you agree to what Romano is asking, I want them to be protected too. They don’t need to be with a mother who only wants to use them as a pawn in her climb to the top. They deserve better than that.” Axl gives her a half-smile, placing his other hand over hers.
“Okay, so if I decide to take Romano’s offer, I need to know by vote how you guys feel about it because I won’t do it unless we all agree to it, so all in favor of me taking over Romano’s position say ‘I’.” There was no surprise everyone in the room voted for him to take over Romano seat. Axl was built for that position. I had confidence in my brother to turn things around within the Romano Empire.
The next day, Axl left out early heading back to Romano’s to give him the news. How I saw it was if Romano turned everything over to Axl, then he didn’t have shit to say on how Axl ran things. His time was up, and there was a new fucking sheriff in town. Axl said once he was finished with his meeting with Romano, he was going to call Nolan to meet up with him to let him know what was going on too. Axl didn’t want Nolan feeling out of the loop, especially since he and Romano had problems in the past, which was totally understandable.
I decided to stay in bed longer because I didn’t have to be at the restaurant till ten to start prepping. I needed that extra time to lay in bed with all the stuff going on with Axl and Romano, plus Adam with his questionable injuries.
As I lay back on the pillows with my arm over my eyes, thinking about everything that is going, the door to the master bathroom opens with Keirra coming out with a towel wrapped around her. Since the night we had our talk, she has been here every night. She did go home the next night, but two hours later, after talking Monica into giving me the spare key to her house, I went over there and brought her ass back home where she belonged. I needed her next to me. Axl and Adam still said I was acting like a caveman, but I didn’t care.
“Come here, Keirra,” I say to her.