It was late for dinner, so I ended up ordering some snacks and cheese from room service, and I had to insist that Ellie eat something. One thing the girl would need to learn about me — I hate to be upset. But as soon as we finished eating, I went back to our agreement.
— You will have two weeks to solve your problems and get rid of your little boyfriend, and when I get back, we will talk about the details of our adjustment. Do we have a deal, Ellie?
"Yes," she replied, resigned. — But how do I know when and where to find you?
— Don't worry, I know where to find you. — I touched her face again and she walked away.
— And how can you be sure that I will not run away, or go to the police when you turn your back?
— I know all about your brother and nephew, baby. Years ago, when we captured the third member of the car, he had no problem speaking; your brother is only alive until now because I had more urgent business to do. — He said looking into her eyes, so she could see that I wasn't kidding. — If you run away, I will find you; if you go to the police, I'll take the opportunity to hand over the evidence of the kidnapping attempt that is enough to frame your brother and nephew ... and from what I found out the local police don't die of love for them. Don't you dare challenge me, soon you will understand that I hate to be contradicted, so think carefully before doing anything.
— What if I stab you in your sleep? You are not afraid?
— So lovely! I would love to see you try, my Principessa. — I kissed her lips taking her by surprise. — You are so sweet. I want to see what stuff you are made of, my sweet Ellie!
I've never been so excited when kissing a woman, and the way she fumbled with words when trying to face me made me crazy. It was hard, and I couldn't wait to unveil this girl.
— Talk to your nephew, then my driver will take you home. I suggest you say that it was all a mistake, that they set him up, but that you managed to clarify everything. — I touched her arm to get her attention. — Ellie, I saw how Alex defended you, and I confess that I liked the boy, he is brave like you. Fulfill your part of the agreement that I will fulfill mine, and keep in mind that I don't usually give second chances.
Ellie shook her head, indicating that she understood what I meant, so I continued.
— Thank the heavens that I decided to take care of this issue personally, usually my men shoot first and ask questions later. But don't try my patience, because I won't go out of my way to hear your explanations, capisce?
— I understand, but how am I going to make them both believe that?
— Your nephew did not see me, because it was dark when we approached him, it is very likely that he also does not recognize my men. But that's your problem, not mine. Now as for André, I will take care of him.
— And as for me, what do you expect me to do? — She looked at me with sad eyes while waiting for the elevator.
— I won't hurt you, Ellie. If you don't betray me, I'll be good to you, I give you my word. Now go get your nephew, I will see your brother.
— You won't hurt him, right? You said it was their life for mine.
— Hey, calm down. I always keep my promises. Remember that, Ellie. — I pulled her into my arms; I wanted to kiss her, but it was still too early to take the next step, so I just stuck my forehead to hers. — I'll let someone do your security. You are mine now, and I always take care of what is mine.
Amazed by my declaration of possession, she ran to the room where Alex was, and even, so I could see that she was shaking with fear. I felt like shit for what I was doing; I wanted Ellie, but I wanted her to be receptive.
***
I looked at André's file in my hand and saw that he was a goner, not worth the sacrifice Ellie was making.
André Oliveira, 29, six stints by the police for theft and possession of narcotics, several arrests for domestic violence. An ex—wife and an eight—year—old son. He received 10 thousand reais from Vitto or whoever hired him.
I confess that I was offended, I valued my uncle's life or death more. And because of André's record, I was tempted not to do my part of the deal.
When Lorenzo brought the idiot, I saw the damage my men did; he was unrecognizable, his face bruised, and from the swelling in one hand, I think he also has a broken finger or two.
I grabbed a drink and sat down to watch the recording of what was done with Ellie's brother in my absence.
— I see that your stay with our staff was very interesting. — The idiot groaned in his chair when one of the men raised his head to look at me. — I read your file, and I'm wondering if it's worth leaving you alive. Do you think you deserve to live, Mr. André?
— Dude, I already explained that you weren't a person. I had to do it, you know?
— Three teenagers killed because of you. And I'm still wondering if I should spare your nephew's life. Do you think I should let him live?
— It doesn't hurt him. The kid changed his life, he was not to blame for this move. Please, man, leave the boy out of it, he doesn't even know anything.
— It's true, he has no idea what's going on. And he changed his life, it seems he wants to live, and you, on the other hand, sold your soul to the devil. But for your luck, an angel has been softening my heart, and just for that, I will leave you alive. And if you want advice, get out of that city, stay away from whoever hired you, and stay away from your son; you are a bad influence for the boy. And remember, I don't usually give second chances.
— I'm going ... I'm going to disappear for a while, get a job, add some money and leave.
— Do that and maybe you have a chance to go to purgatory instead of going straight to hell. Now get out of my way, I never want to see your face undone again.
— Yes sir.
— Hey, bastard! If you don't deserve this second chance, I'll pluck your skin with my knife, fill it with salt and sew it again, understand? — I waited for an answer, but he just nodded. — Now get out of my sight. My men have already told you what you can and cannot do, right? — he waved again. — So I'm done here.
The idiot was left at the door of the hole where he lived, a kindness on my part, and Lorenzo returned to the hotel, it was time to go home.
— Are you crazy, boy? Will you continue to play with death?
— Don't overdo it, godfather. I know what I'm doing, don't worry.
— No, you don't know, since you just brought three more people into this mess. Is there a crazy person wanting your head and yet you decided to play doll house? What the fuck are you thinking?
— Fuck you, Jullius. I didn't invite anyone, they crossed my path.
— Did she do that? Did that poor girl cross your path?
— Stay out of it! I want her, she—is—mine. And that matter ends here.
— You fool! I hope you know what you're doing. Jullius looked at me reproachfully. — As for the rest, I cleaned up all your shit; Ellen and the boy are safe at home, and he believed the story she told. Already uncle, André, I think he will spend time trying to get his head off his tail.
— Thank you, godfather!
— I don't want you to expose yourself unnecessarily. I worry about you, and I'm too old to be cleaning up your shit, boy.
— Jullius! — I called, and he came back. — Put a security guard on Ellie's glue, I want to know each step of her, where she goes, with whom she talks, and what she eats. She mentioned a boyfriend, and I want to know who the guy is. And one more thing, find a safe place for us here, maybe a house with a yard and pool.
— You stupid bastard. You never listen to me, do you?
— You have two weeks to find a place for us. And godfather? — I called when I got in the car — Ti Amo!
I know that Jullius cares about me as if we were a father and son, scolds me as if I were still a teenager, and I love him for that. But this time he may be right, I may be putting more people at risk for the simple fact of not keeping my pants closed. I settled in the back seat and opened my computer to answer some emails.
***