"Shall we get down to business Mr. Albert?" Gabriel smirked...
Just as those words left Gabriels mouth, Mark who was on standby outside the room shifted in his position. Right after, he heard a "dub" through his bluetooth device. It was a signal from Albert. One for him to stay still and make not a single move.
Albert diverted his attention towards Gabriel. He smiled mirthlessly towards the incessantly grinning man. His eyes stared dominantly into the opposite's as he slid his fingers across his belt.
Gabriel's eyes languidly followed, his trying smile still plastered over his lips. Even after witnessing the black pistol openly tucked in on the waist of the fearsome Mafia Lord, he simply chuckled.
"Woah, woah. Pistols are way too scary," Gabriel stood up and paced closer to the sofa Albert sat on.
His drink still in one hand, he settled down on the seat's arm, his other hand patting Albert's shoulder,
"Why don't the both of us relax a little, yeah?" As the man squeezed his shoulder, Albert's head spun as a reflex, his eyes blazing.
Looking at his stern reaction, Gabriel retreated his hand quickly, clearing his throat, "Or not."
"But I honestly want to discuss something with you," Gabriel shrugged his shoulders, "I want our companies to collaborate."
He took a sip of his drink and grinned, "Would you like that?"
Albert scoffed, tracing the rim of his whiskey glass, "What makes you think I'd like that?"
"I have quite the name in this industry," he lifted his eyebrows smugly.
"Does young master Gabriel think I'd comply so easily?" Albert imitated his expression with a mocking simper, "The fashion industry is of no use to me."
"But the idea of a robot functioned for styling based on the user's preferences should be, right?" Gabriel raised his glass and peeked at Albert through it.
"Your Frolebs approved A-list tech company partnered with mine, and we'd be the first to release such an advanced product. We'd be the talk of town for decades!" His arms opened excitedly at the thought.
"My company has enough popularity for it to last a century. This doesn't appeal to me in the least." Albert waved his thumb in disapproval. "My company would only be slaving away over your idea." he continued
"Who said so? Since it's my idea, production cost is over me. And because it will be your efforts, a 70-30 division of profit should be good," Gabriel pointed at the Mafia Lord first, and then at himself.
Hearing this, Albert laughed, his deep chuckle resonating throughout the room, "Pretty good. Since it's a partnership after all, huh."
"Ofcourse," Gabriel smiled back knowingly, "Yes, it's a partnership. Should I consider this a done deal then?"
"Yo-" Before Albert could complete his sentence, Mark barged inside.
"Boss, Anna-" Albert cleared his throat without turning back. He signaled for Mark to approach him.
He didn't know if it was an error on his part, but Albert saw the perpetually plastered smile on Gabriel's lips shake a little as his mouth twitched. Was it because Mark interrupted, or was it because of what he said;
'Anna?'
Nevertheless, his strange reaction made Albert narrow his eyes and observe the latter a little more, while Mark whispered the news in his ears.
However, the more he observed, the more he couldn't be sure of the change of expression he saw.
Because the man before him was still smiling brightly as ever, seemingly over the deal being confirmed.
As Mark finished reporting, he left the room again, in wait of his Boss. While Albert had his hawk eyes fixated over the modishly dressed man near him, he opened his mouth to speak,
"What was I saying again? I was unfortunately interrupted."
"That's more than alright. You were just about to fix our deal."
"Quite confident, aren't we?"
"I may be lacking in skills, but my ideas never fail me."
"Then I should trust a lacking person?"
"A small risk for a 70 percent share in profit, why not?" Gabriel shrugged.
He gulped down his remaining Pina Colada and continued, "I always stay true to my words, Mr. Albert. You willl definitely not regret our deal."
"I'll be the one making sure of that." Albert glared back as he stood up to leave.
"Wait, you barely took a sip from your drink."
"A Macallan is more to my taste." he waved his hand before putting it in his pocket and leave out in large strides.
*
"Martin, can you bring me a glass of Sauvignon blanc?" Gabriel ordered calmly sitting on the bar counter.
"Why would you propose such a deal with him, Young Master?" a middle aged man almost in his mid 40's spoke from the left corner of the counter.
Gabriel got up and walked towards the man, who instantly bowed in respect. Sucking at his teeth, the fashionista placed both his hands on the old mans broad shoulder.
"Werman, Werman... You have always been such a loyal assistant!" He said in a cheerful tone.
"Ofcourse, I will always be there to help you out. No matter what!" Werman replied sternly.
"See!!! That's what I like about you. You have been loyal to dad and now... Now you are going to bow down to me too" Gabriel took hold of the elderly's neck and forced him to bow.
The older one did not fight back at all, he let the other take control of his body only showing his dissatisfaction by curling up his hands into a fist.
"Ugh! You're no fun!!!" Gabriel whinned like a little kid and let go of the poor souls neck.
"Martin, make me another drink. The usual... I need the night to pass" the half drunk man ordered and flopped down on the couch.
After about five minutes, Gabriel abruptly sat up straight and looked Werman straight in the eyes. The wrinkled eyes of the old man were soulless.
After witnessing years of bloodbath and being an active part in most of them Werman was nothing but a monster. He had killed men, women and even innocent children in order to fulfil his duty to the late Regis King.
Werman was well aware of all the key affairs of the underground world. He had wanted to quit after his Lord's death and live a peaceful life, but Gabriel had other plans for the man.
Somehow, satisfied by the look in Werman eyes Gabriel relaxed back again and sipped from his fresh order.
"Werman, I need you to do something for me... Will you? He smiled at the old man only making him more curious.
"How can I assist you?"
----***----
"Tell me you are not going to fail me... again" the robotic voice spoke through the speakers.
"Young Lord... Everything is going as planned!" answered the man sitting on a revolving chair. His face covered with the hood of his jacket. The snake-skull tattoo clearly visible on his right bicep.
"Aha! You earned my respect. I shall reward you soon. Hahahaha" in hearing the robotics voice claim of price, the mans smile grew.
"I shall always be thankful!" he replied disconnecting the call right after.
----***----