Chapter 3 #3
I run my fingers through my hair because knowing my father he will be there.
“Honestly, Axl there’s no doubt in my mind that he won’t show up.
This about what he built even though he has no say over it anymore, I do, but that will not stop him from voicing his displeasure of my choice.
The part that he needs to realize is that he has no say in my decision just like his father had no say when he appointed me to take over the family.
You are my eldest son and it is your birthright to be the next successor, my heir. ”
Axl lets out a deep breath. “Father, I’m telling you now, I won’t sit back idly if he disrespects me or my family.
He doesn’t give a shit about me and could care less about him.
Never would I have thought to be in the position I am but now that I am here, there’s no turning back.
Either he accepts it, or he can go fuck himself!
I am Axl Salvant-Romano and after everything I’ve been through, I will fight to keep what is destined to be mine! ”
I watch as his eyes darken. Axl has been through so much...
I have put him through so much and because of that I know he means every word he has said.
“I know son and it is yours...all of it.” We stare into each other’s eyes.
My heart breaks every time I think about what I did to him.
I should have embraced him the moment I took him from his mother’s house.
Now I, we have a chance to make things right for him to be the rightful heir.
“I will fight right by your side, Axl as I should have done all those years ago.”
Axl slowly nods. “I know, Father. You have proven that but if I feel like you have double crossed me too...”
I raise my hands. “You will never have to feel that from me, figlio (son). Where is this coming from, Axl? Why would you feel like I would double cross you?”
Tilting his head while keeping his eyes locked on me, Axl replies, “Why wouldn’t I feel like that, Father?
I am trying, really, I am but you cannot just expect me to forget the past like it never happened.
Do I think you have changed, yes? Does it shock the shit out me, yes?
Do I think we would ever be where we are today with a father and son relationship, hell no.
I sit back watching you with the kids and see how loving an attentive you are to them...
?” His eyes gloss over. “And I shouldn’t feel this way but I a tinge of jealously hit’s me sometime.
Like why he couldn’t have been that way with me instead of throwing me in a fucking dungeon and treating me like a fucking animal!
Why didn’t he want to potentially do to Andres Jr. like he did to me?
Why did I have to be turned into a stone-cold killer?
I know how ruthless you can be. So, why wouldn’t I feel like you would do the same to me? ”
I drop my head in shame because everything he said was true.
“Axl, son I know what I did to you was unforgivable but you’re here so that lets me know you are willing to let the past go.
I am sorry I was not the father you needed back then.
You know after you were with me after that first year, I started to see you differently.
When you trained, I saw the same fire and spirit in you that I held when my father did the same to me.
I started to see my son. That was the reason I had you put in your own room.
There were many times I wanted to talk to you about everything but I knew at the time nothing I said would have mattered because of your hatred for me.
I could have let you go but I also knew if I did I would’ve lost you forever or worse you would have come back to kill me, but when I married Angelica, I saw how she lusted after you and I knew I would have to set you free.
There was never anyone watching you boys, Axl.
I only threaten that to keep you from trying to run but If I could turn back the hands of time I would.
I would embrace you in my arms as a father should.
I would have taken Elena and the boys away from that abusive drunk and put a bullet through his skull.
Son, just know I love you and I am with you every step of the way; you will never have to second guess if I’ll ever double cross you. ”
Axl does not say a word as he lowers his eyes back to his lap. I think we have said enough so I stand from my chair. “I know you’ll do fine tomorrow. Come on let us see what Luna has prepared for lunch.”
Axl stands with his big body still tight with tension.
“Let it go, Axl.” I tell him as I come around to the front of my desk.
I grip his shoulder. “This is a new day and we are moving on from the past. As for tomorrow’s meeting you will know if you need the Snatcher of Souls to make his appearance. Until then just sit back and observe.”
“Damn straight!” He states as we leave the office.
One thing I knew for sure was Axl could hold his own whether I was there or not.
I was confident my son would walk into the meeting and make his presence known.
Whether they accepted him with open arms or not, the Romano name would live on with Axl leading the way.