33. Sandro #2
Trying to regain my breath, I let him lead me toward the limo. When the driver opens the door, I thank him before sliding in. Fuck. Even that smell… It’s perfect. Absolutely perfect.
When Daddy takes his position beside me, I have to press my hands against my legs to stop myself from tackling him with happiness. Because this? This is more than I ever expected to feel…to have.
“What do you think?” he murmurs in my ear when we finally head off the property.
Turning to face him, I try to find the words, but they’re not there. I can’t give him poetry, or anything perfect, nothing to match this for sure. In the end, I give him what I can.
“This is the most romantic gift I’ve ever been given. Thank you.”
Snorting, he shakes his head. “Only for you, my Sweet Boy. This can be our romance. Even if it is a limo…”
I merely smile, unable to say anything else, too consumed by this feeling. The freedom of it all… The knowledge that someone is next to me who actually cares. It’s almost too much. It’s the sweetest pleasurable-pain I’ve ever experienced.
I fell in love with Lio so gradually, but yet it felt like he was always mine. At this moment, I realize that I’m far more in love with Tennant than I thought I was, and I hope he keeps me. Because I’ll do what I can to be his forever, as well…
It doesn’t take us long to reach our destination.
The board seems to prefer running the meetings out of fancy locations…
Places where they can line their pockets with money that has been donated to a good cause.
Normally, board meetings take place on-site, or hell, even remotely now.
But these fuckers? No, that's not good enough.
A couple years ago, when Robert joined the board, he managed to convince them to start holding the meetings at exclusive restaurants.
Which is probably what got Sarah in the most trouble.
She vehemently—and loudly—disagreed. Not only because they’re supposed to provide services to the needy, but also the fear of any medical data getting out.
But the asshole managed it, likely because greed is the common denominator of mankind.
Today’s location is a restaurant that I’m intimately familiar with, and I breathe a sigh of relief. Good. Even if blood is spilled, the owner won’t give me a problem. Considering it now belongs to the Council…
Tennant steps out and merely stares at the restaurant before laughing. I cut my gaze to him, and shake my head with a sigh. Because, really?
“Did you not look at the location?”
“I wasn’t the scout, no. And while I'm normally given a much better report, I have a feeling this one was a gift to you,” Tennant says with amusement.
Vittoria was a gift from my grandfather to my grandmother.
Well, it’s more accurate to say my grandfather kidnapped my grandmother, and to make things right with her family, he paid off their debts, including this restaurant.
And in true historical Martelli fashion, he chose to stamp it with part of the Family Motto. In this case, Vittoria for Victory.
God, just the idea of my grandmother’s family having to go about their business and stare at that name… It sickens me.
One of the first things I did after taking over was to try to sign it over to the descendants, but surprisingly, they asked that I keep it.
Instead, we restructured the ownership papers so they received the majority of the profits from it, because, of course, my grandfather was taking their money too.
And my father didn’t bother to make it right.
The only amount I keep is enough to pay the taxes. They have paid far more than they should have. But despite me encouraging them to change the name, they kept it. I wonder why…
Heading in, I’m surprised to see Aldo at the hostess station. Bemused, I greet him, “What are you doing on the floor?”
“Giving my daughter the night off,” he retorts with a laugh. “Are you dining with us tonight?”
“Actually…” I wince, hating that I’m putting this good family under strain. “I came to crash the hospital board meeting. They hurt Sarah.”
“No!” he gasps, and I breathe a little easier knowing he won’t bar me from my task. Sarah is a favorite here. I try to visit occasionally, since Aldo insists, and Sarah is who I bring. Although, I wouldn’t mind showing this place to Cristian.
“Do you think you can let us in?” I ask.
“Of course. And don’t worry about any damages. I’ll make sure to prepare you some food while you take care of business.” He gestures for me to go ahead as he hurries toward the kitchen.
Leading on, I turn my head toward Tennant, who follows me silently, and apologize. “Sorry, I didn’t take the time to introduce you. I’m sure Aldo will insist on proper greetings afterward.”
“He seems rather taken with Sarah. How well do you know the manager?”
Shrugging, I reply, “I don’t really know Aldo that well.
He took over for his father a while ago.
I met with him at the time, and he still refused to change the name, or take full ownership.
They insist that I’m family, so I try to stop by occasionally.
And that's why we won’t be able to leave until we eat at least two plates of food. ”
“It’s a good thing we didn’t eat dinner before we came.” Tennant’s amused smile barely lasts before his colder, harder expression takes over. Then again, we’re right in front of the private room.
I hesitate, unsure what to do. My hands shake; it’s been so long. The words are so quiet, I can barely make them out. If anything, it’s more the feel, the shape of the air displaced beside my head.
“You’ve got this.”
Breathing in the courage he gives me, I nod and then open the doors, not bothering to knock. I’ve been in this room countless times, and it’s still stunning. Of course, the people currently occupying the room ruin it completely.
There's dead silence when they notice I’m the one who has entered—not Robert, like they’re expecting. Eventually, someone finds the courage to speak.
“We weren’t expecting you,” Gerald manages, although it’s strained. As Head of the Board, I’m sure he’s aware of the maneuvering. I’d love to sink my knife into him.
I merely stare at him, refusing to show any emotions. “I’m here to tender Robert’s resignation. It appears he made a grave…error…and can no longer serve on the board.”
“I see,” Patricia, the only woman on the board, responds calmly, though the amusement on her face suggests otherwise. Personally, I’ve always enjoyed speaking with her, and it’s a relief knowing she may not have been involved in this fuckery.
Gerald scowls in her direction. “Where is Robert? You’ll have to excuse me if I don’t trust your report.”
I shrug a shoulder. “I’m not sure where he ended up exactly. He won’t be coming back, though. Extended vacation and all that.”
“I’m confused. I thought you were no longer in charge.” I don’t recognize the man speaking, although his smooth tones annoy me.
With a savage smile, I retort, “It appears several erroneous assumptions were made. About who I am, the power I wield, and what I’ll accept from people. Of course, making an enemy of me is your choice…”
I stride forward, moving closer to them, and making a point to look at each individual person.
I flex the full power of who I used to be, the man who controlled the city and had people who accepted that my word was law.
They don’t need to know that’s changed drastically. Not when this will protect Sarah.
“What do you want from us?” Gerald’s voice shakes, his hands fisting around the silverware he’s holding. Tennant comes closer, standing right behind me. If I intimidate them, they’re definitely not sure what to think about this man.
“The police have exonerated Dr. Ranlen.” I force myself to use a bored tone, but it’s hard with the anger twisting inside me.
“And the board investigation is flawed. I expect, given the new information, you’ll drop this foolishness, and, if you want to continue operating, the Senator will be turned away.
After all, from the reports I’ve received, Dr. Ranlen brings in four times what he’s offering, and nobody is demanding a wing be named after them. They wouldn’t be so egotistical.”
“You can’t expect us to rely on blood money when there’s someone who is perfectly respectful that is willing to back us!” Gerald shouts, slowly losing what little control he had. Nobody else says anything in support of him.
“Very well. If that’s what you think, I can make sure the rest of the money is pulled. Do you think you can survive off what the Senator alone gives you? Money that has already come with strings?”
I let the question hang, but Patricia quickly answers. “I don’t think we need to do anything rash. The investigation, on my end, showed Dr. Ranlen to be innocent. I haven’t seen the results from my colleagues. I’d certainly be interested if they’d like to provide any so-called evidence.”
The silence is thick. We all know they planned to just shove their recommendation through without truly investigating. It sickens me that they’d play games like this, but it's not surprising.
“Since no evidence has been found, I expect that you’ll be apologizing to Dr. Ranlen.
It wouldn’t be remiss if Gerald stepped down—permanently.
Considering Robert assumed he’d be taking the position, he must have been leaving anyway.
In fact, I believe he’s no longer qualified to serve on the board in any capacity. Isn’t that right?”
While he sputters, unable to form a sentence, the rest of the board quickly chime in with their agreement.
Patricia’s voice is the loudest, but the rest meekly give in.
I breathe easier knowing Sarah’s job is safe, even though she’ll likely leave.
At least there will be no black mark on her record, because Patricia’s shark-like expression makes it clear she’ll take care of this, personally.