-36-
Rafae l
As I sat at my desk, my mind deeply entrenched in work, the sudden shrill ring of my phone jolted me back to reality. Glancing at the caller ID, I saw an unknown number flashing on the screen. I considered letting it ring but for some reason, I felt like I had to answer.
"Hello."
"Rafael, I hope you're not too busy."
"Ivan?"
"Yes. I need you to meet me in 15 minutes," Ivan's voice was direct, leaving no room for questions or delays.
"Sure. Where should I meet you?" I replied, trying to keep my tone steady despite the sudden rush of apprehension.
"The old lot on 5th and Main. Don't be late," he instructed firmly before ending the call .
I quickly gathered my things and rushed out of the room. Ivan sounded calm as always but the underlying urgency in his voice made it clear that this was not a casual meeting. I felt a pang of guilt as I hurried out of the office, somehow already knowing that I would have to keep this meeting a secret from Yasmin.
I pulled up to an empty lot, a desolate place that seemed out of place for a meeting with someone like Ivan. I exited the car, and there were two people standing in the distance. One was Ivan, tall and imposing, and the other was a younger man, equally imposing with an air of intensity that sent a chill down my spine. Khalid Rashid.
I've only ever seen pictures of the infamous son of Ivan Rashid, even though he's been around my circle more than once. I've always wanted to meet him, but it never happened and now I would. Had I not been so consumed by Yasmin; I probably would be fangirling right now.
"Rafael," Ivan beckoned me over, his expression unreadable.
I walked towards them, each step feeling heavier than the last. I couldn't shake the feeling that something was terribly wrong. Khalid's eyes were locked on me, and I could feel the weight of his scrutiny.
"This is my son, Khalid," Ivan introduced us. "This is Yasmin's fiancé, Rafael Amato."
Khalid extended his hand, but there was no hint of friendliness in his eyes. "So, you're the one dating my sister," Khalid said, his voice low and menacing.
"Yes," I replied, my throat dry. "It's nice to meet you."
Khalid stepped closer, his expression hardening. "Listen carefully, Rafael. If you ever hurt Yasmin, if you ever make her cry, I will make you disappear. Do you understand?"
"I would never hurt Yasmin," I said, my voice steady despite the fear curling in my stomach. "I love her."
"You better."
I could tell why the rumors about him being linked to the mafia surfaced. He just met me and already he was making threats. Usually, I wouldn't take kindly to be spoken to in that way, but he was Yasmin's brother, and he was only looking out for her. I could let it slide, this time.
"That's enough," Ivan turned to the both of us. "We aren't enemies here."
"Is there a reason why you called, Ivan?" I asked, feeling slightly annoyed. "I'm sure you know I have a business to run."
They shared a look before Ivan burst out laughing. "I knew I liked you. Rest assured, Rafael. There is a reason I called. First off, how is my daughter?"
"She's good," I answered immediately. "I moved her into my house where she'll have 24/7 protection."
"Was this before or after Ethan William's little stunt with the press?"
"Before," I answered, even though with the way Khalid was eyeing me, it was clear he already knew the answer.
"Care to tell us why?"
"Is this an interrogation?" I asked bluntly, not in the mood for any games.
"Of course not," Khalid continued. "I just want to know if we're on the same page."
I eyed him for longer than I cared to admit but all he did was stare at me, waiting for a response and since I had nothing to hide, I gave him one. "Ethan showed up days before demanding that I back out of the deal with Ivan, or he would no longer go through with the divorce from Yasmin. Naturally, I told Yasmin about it, and she asked me to leave it to her. I didn't want to, but your sister can be very persuasive when she wants to be. Just to be sure I moved out of the penthouse and asked her to move in with me. She agreed."
"Now that we're sure we're on the same page," Ivan interjected, his voice calm but authoritative. "Let's move on to more pressing matters. As a wealthy man, I'm sure you've had your fair share of enemies, you don't get to where we are without upsetting a few people."
I listened intently, knowing what Ivan would say was very important. "Our enemies are not always obvious. They lurk in the shadows, waiting for an opportunity to strike. I can respect their tactic, they only come after us when they think they have a shot of winning."
Khalid nodded in agreement; his jaw set with determination. "And when they strike, they don't just go after me or my father. They go after everything we hold dear, including Yasmin."
"Do you understand what we're getting at."
I nodded. "I believe I do. Ethan's becoming a problem."
"Not just a problem," Khalid spoke up. "He's unpredictable yet so sure of himself and that makes for a dangerous combination. He knows who we are and if you are to believe even half of the rumors about us, he knows what we're capable of, but he doesn't seem to care."
"He thinks he has the upper hand," I debated quickly whether I should reveal what Yasmin told me about the legality of their marriage license. In the end, I felt like I had to say something. "Yasmin might get pissed at me for telling you this but they were never legally married, but he doesn't know that."
They shared a look once again and this time Ivan spoke. "I did tell you she tried to get married without telling me."
My brain quickly raked through every interaction I've ever had with Ivan, only to realize he was telling the truth. He did say she tried to get married which meant he already knew that Ethan was talking out of his ass. If he already knew that then why didn't he expose him, why ask me to join him at an abandoned lot?
"Why am I here?" I asked for the second time today. "Whatever it is just spit it out because this running around is annoying. If you already know everything, why call me?"
"Because there is one thing we couldn't be certain of, not without speaking to you."
"Well, what is it?"
"There are only two things I value in this world, my family and money. I was blessed with a family that I would do anything to protect, and I built my fortune through sweat, blood, and tears. And often, the blood and tears belonged to those who thought they could take from me."
I felt a chill run down my spine at his words, understanding the gravity of what he was saying. Ivan was a man who didn't mince words, and his implication was clear. I nodded again, silently acknowledging that I understood the stakes involved. Ethan was threatening the most valuable thing to him, his family and his actions would not go unpunished. He would either cry like a baby or bleed.
He looked at me intently, as if gauging my reaction. "Do you understand what I'm saying, Rafael?"
I met his gaze without hesitation. I knew what this meant and while Ethan and I were once friends, that was a lifetime ago. Ivan and I had one thing in common, the thing we valued most was family and Yasmin was my family. I would protect her in any and everyway necessary. "Yes, I do. I understand completely."
Ivan's expression softened slightly, as if satisfied with my response. "Good. Because Ethan has publicly made an enemy out of me. The world is waiting for me to respond but I prefer actions over words." he said, his voice dripping with disdain. "For now, we will do nothing, and carry on as if nothing happened. You will marry my daughter and I will make the first move when it is time."
"What about Yasmin?" the thought of keeping everything from her, left me feeling sick to my stomach. "Are we going to tell her what's happening?"
"No," Khalid spoke this time. "You will tell her nothing because there is nothing to tell. As of right now we're doing nothing to retaliate. My sister should be happily planning her wedding without thoughts of Ethan troubling her mind."
"Can you do that?" Ivan questioned me. "Can you keep our Yasmin happy until Ethan makes his move?"
I nodded. I could keep her happy not just for their plan to work but because I wanted to. I'd make it my mission to keep her happy always.