~In the base of Hellions~
(Third person's P.O.V.)
Thud, thud, thud, thud, thud.
Three pairs of boots enter the underground fight arena. The atmosphere here is so stuffy that the arena feels no less than a dungeon. A perfect place for their meeting.
"You know what, Aiden? I have never seen someone make Faro wait," a middle-aged, tall guy with long hair speaks in a deep voice.
Aiden glances at the man who now has a small smile on the corner of his lips. Although Aiden adores this man, Lucas Hendrick, like his father figure, he rarely expresses it in his expression. So, Aiden's impassive look doesn't bother him.
"You sound JELLY, old man," Nathan, Aiden's best friend, and crime buddy opens his mouth. "We know that your sorry ass can't take the fact that Faro spends his precious time waiting for Aiden whereas you get your ass kicked by the same person," Nathan snickers.
"Well, if we're talking about what my ass can't take, I'm afraid the only thing bothering my butt is Aiden's tail, which has its own nasty mouth," Lucas replies bluntly.
Aiden silently admires Lucas's sense of humor while Nathan gets all worked up for getting insulted. But before he could come up with a reply Aiden's deep voice comes.
"Enough chitchat. Now, focus on the sh*ts we are here to discuss."
___________________________
(In the meeting room)
The atmosphere of this dark room can be related to those we see in mafia movies. Dim light, pungent smell of pot and liquor, heavy air filled with smoke, and a girl in her almost naked attire.
"Hey, kid. Long time no see," a silver-haired, tattooed man welcomes Aiden. A Cuban cigar is hanging on his lips.
"Buenas tardes (Good afternoon), Faro," Aiden greets him in an impassive tone and takes one of the seats.
"So, about our meeting today, shall we begin?"- Lucas asks while Faro nodded in response.
"Today's meeting is very important for the upcoming events. Hellions will see some huge reformation this time. And then we'll discuss the arrival of our new goods," Lucas starts the meeting with a solemn voice. "So, Faro, share your plan with us."
Faro blows a puff of smoke and puts the cigar down before starting. "You know that this southern region of Hellions is the most important region of our business. Thanks to Lucas and Aiden that we are doing well so far," Faro pauses.
Pin-drop silence is prevailing in the room.
"However, I made a decision. I believe Aiden is strong enough to take care of the whole southern region alone while Lucas, my old friend, can join me in the center. So, Aiden, tell me your thoughts."
Everyone turns their eyes to Aiden.
"What thought?"- Aiden sounds authoritative yet neutral.
"About my plan to assign you the head of this southern region," Faro's voice is dripping with amusement.
"Do you mean that you had to choose me out of many of your 'eligible men'?"- raising one eyebrow, Aiden asks in a sarcastic tone.
Nathan swallows hard at the audacity of Aiden, while Faro and Lucas burst into laughs.
"Guess, we should have thought twice before opening our before you," Lucas smiles at Aiden like a proud father.
"Well, Aiden. I admit that you are the best we have. In fact, it's better to say that you are the best we have ever had in Hellions till now. The idea of who would be in charge of the Southern Hellions kept bugging me until I saw you retrieving that huge batch of Crystal Meth from those Ghost bastards. So, we believe that you are now capable enough to take care of the southern region and I'm proud of you for that. If it wasn't for you, the Ghost Gang wouldn't have let it go that easily. It's hard to believe that you are taking Joseph off in such a short time,"- smiling at Aiden, Faro put back the cigar in his mouth and exhales another puff of smoke.
"You just wait, Faro. It won't take long for him to catch up to you,"- Lucas's gratifying voice comes.
"I will surely,"- Aiden says firmly. For the first time today, Aiden's eyes are showing emotion. Though it's hard to interpret his expression, his sturdy voice sure gives a hint of the emotional turbulence he is going through.
One of Faro's girls enters the room and serves wine to all the 3 men.
"So, this toast is for our new in-charge of the Southern Hellions. Let's make it count. Cheers,"- Faro speaks.
"Cheers."
Aiden takes a long sip to ease his mind.
___________________________
~Outside the meeting room~
(Aiden's P.O.V.)
The meeting ended up declaring me the new head of the southern region of Hellions. Everything is going according to my plan. If things go smoothly, it won't take long to reach my goal, my ultimate purpose to be part of Hellion.
"By the way, where is your cousin?"- Nathan asks me.
Crap! I was just enjoying my time and Nathan had to spoil my mood.
"Why do you ask?"- I question him back with a stern voice and I, myself, know it very well that Nathan won't dare to reply.
"Ha. Ha. Ha,"-Lucas finds our conversation funny, which I don't like. "But I wanted to discuss handing over the first batch of the new white powder to our clients. It would be great if he were here right now,"- he continues.
"Well, I asked Liam to stay nearby during the meeting. If you wanna talk about the dispatch, I can call him to join us,"- I tell Lucas without changing my bothered tone.
"That's great. Call him to meet us here."
I look at Nathan and that is enough hint for him to understand what I'm asking him to do. He nods in response and excuses himself to make the call.
While Nathan is on the call, I and Lucas talk about his new position in Hellions. Then suddenly, he says something ridiculous. Ridiculous to me at least.
"I want Liam to stay by your side to learn the sh*t we do,"- he says. "I expect him to be grown into a badass leader like his cousin."
'This old geezer,'- it takes a lot to control my inner voice.
"Like I've said a hundred times before Liam is not my responsibility. You are the one who introduced him to this gang. So, taking care of Liam should be your burden. Don't drag me to clean the mess you made,"- I speak clearly.
"Ha. Ha. Ha. I know that for sure. That brat sure has the ability to get under your skin, hasn't he?"- Lucas lights up a cigarette. "However, another thing I'm damn sure about is that you will protect him at any cost,"- he puts the cigarette between his lips and waits for me to reply.
Though I don't wanna admit it, the last part Lucas said is actually true. There aren't too many people I'm closer to. So, it's true that I will protect the one I love. But I won't admit the fact, at least not in front of Lucas.
"I believe that impudent's ass has grown enough to protect itself,"- I speak in an indifferent tone. However, to prove me wrong Nathan appears with an irked look on his face.
"What happened?"- I ask him.
"Well," Nathan scratches the back of his head. "Liam wasn't answering my phone, so I dialed Ethan's number. And," Nathan swallows before continuing. "Ethan said, Liam has left."
My hand automatically rises to pinch the bridge of my nose.
'This jackanapes.'
"Nathan, go and start the car. I'm coming in a while."
Hearing my words, Nathan leaves without saying anything.
"Liam is still young and doesn't know much about the business yet. Don't lose your cool," Lucas tries to make a conversation.
"It's not about the business. It's about defying my order," I tell him in a calm voice. "Now, give me the sample of those new white powders."
My answer doesn't provide much room to talk back. So, Lucas just turns on his heel and walks away to bring me the sample.
(Inside the car)
"Drive to his place. FAST," I order Nathan as soon as I get into the car.
Nathan follows my command, but only the first one. Instead of pacing fast, he is driving like a f*cking amateur, who has gotten his hands on a car for the first time in his puny life.
"What's the point of having a sports car if you get the feel of sloth riding?"- I ask in a hushed tone.
Nathan gives me the best innocent look he could form.
Great! Nathan is also getting the knack for irritating me.
"Stop and move your sluggish ass out of my driving seat you douche."