13. CARLOS
CARLOS
I sit in my cold ass office, playing with my phone in my hands before writing out a message to my cub.
Lucas managed to get a hold of Simon's number.
I need access to him at all times. The next logical step is to put a tracker on his phone, but that's another day's problem.
I need to talk to him as that favor is due to be repaid.
Me: The time has come for the favor to be paid.
Si: How the fuck did you get my number?
Me: Are you really asking me that? You need to pack a bag, ready to leave at the end of next week.
Si: A bag? Why?
Me: We’re going to Brazil.
Si: The hell I fucking am! I’m not leaving the country with you. You’ll have to think of something else.
Me: These are the terms. The brothers are aware and you will come with me to uphold your end of the deal. Pack for hot weather.
Si: I don’t trust you.
Me: And I want you. No more discussion. Lucas will forward you details.
Si: I will make your life hell, motherfucker.
Me: Sounds perfect to me.
Simon doesn’t respond, but that's what I’ve come to expect from him. I’ll see him later anyway as I have a meeting with Jules and Simon is always present for those. Just as I put my phone down on my desk, it rings, it's the devil. My father.
“Yes,” I say, leaning back into my chair, composing myself so I don’t take the rage baiting that he inevitably will give.
“When are you coming home with your brother? I’m tired of waiting.”
“We leave next week. I’ve had to make plans here in my absence. Don’t worry, you’ll get Enrico back.”
“He’s not my main concern.”
“Neither am I. We made a deal, don’t go back on it, Father.”
“I won’t. But I’m disappointed, Carlos. My first born should be here, taking over from me. Not only have you abandoned your family, you have failed to protect your brother. You know what you bring him back to.”
“I really don’t give a shit. I’m not looking for approval. Just an end to this and for Enrico to leave here so I can move along in my life.”
“A life filled with traitors. I thought I taught you better than that. To know the men around you. They don’t fear or respect you, Carlos.”
“You think what you like. No amount of spying on me will have me back under your control, Father. I only respect our agreement, not you.”
“I look forward to seeing you, Carlos.”
Ending the call, I want to slam my fist into the wall.
Hopefully taking Lucas and Simon with me will provide the barrier needed between me and my father.
He is less likely to start a conflict with Simon present, a member of a cartel in another country.
He won’t want another battle. That's what I hope.
A couple of hours pass quickly, trying to get everything in place for my departure next week, when there is a knock on my office door. I’m expecting Jules and Simon for their next collection, but I’m disappointed to see Jules walk in with Ivan.
“Ivan, I wasn’t expecting you,” I say, and Ivan looks a little offended.
“I feel so loved. Simon is out on a job if that's what you’re asking,” he says as he crosses his arms. Interesting he has picked up on the Simon issue, does he know?
“I wasn’t,” I say, trying to come off indifferent.
“Yeah, well, I think he’d rather be here than picking up a college girl,” Ivan says and it's like I’ve been injected with hot rage. He’s on a fucking date? My hands clench on the desk, picturing them wrapped around Simon's throat when I see him next. You wanna play, Simon? Lets fucking play.
“I’m sure he’ll succeed in his task.”
“No shit, the guy has a revolving door of women,” Ivan says, and now I’m picturing smashing Ivan's smug face in. He’s doing this on purpose. Jules nudges him, trying to move him along.
“Are we going to do business, gentlemen?” I say with the fakest smile, aiming all my hate at Ivan. I want them out of here before I explode.
“Lets do it,” Jules says as he takes a seat and we get to business while Ivan is distracted on his phone. Luckily they’re not here for long, as something has happened, causing Ivan to race out of here like his ass is on fire.
Simon is lucky I’m too busy tonight to stalk him down, because with the way I’m feeling right now, it would be in his best interests to avoid me until I’ve calmed down. He knew my rules and broke them without any shame.
You were warned, little lion.