When I and Ronnie got back, he wrapped his arms around my shoulders. I glance up at him. His face is blank as usual.
"Nowadays you don't hang out with me like before." He said.
"Aww. You miss me already." I teased him. He flicked my forehead. I slapped his shoulder in return. His lips twitch up slightly and that is all I can get from him. Lovely.
"Not to mention the amount of trouble you are getting into."
"Don't change the topic."
"I didn't. Let's have a fancy dinner."
"Alright, fix a day and time."
We walked into the kitchen finding Mom waiting for us. Food is ready and Mom's eyes brighten finding us. My mouth watered at the sight of it.
"Welcome back kids."
"I am so hungry Mom," I said.
I munched down my food quickly. Deo ate slowly like he always does. Once I was done I gave Mom a pointed look.
"Mom, do we have any relation with Derek Martinez?" I asked. Her face paled and fear crossed her eyes. There is something.
"Why are you asking?"
"I found out that he paid money to kill me. I don't think I know him and seeing Delian reaction it felt like you guys were hiding something."
"Do your Grandpa know about it?"
"Delian must have informed him by now."
She sighed and walked out of the kitchen without giving me answers. I stare at Ronnie who ignores me and eats the food. I gripped his arm.
"They won't be telling us. Something is fishy." I whispered.
"We have a big day tomorrow. Let's talk to them Once it's done and we are safe."
"Ron." I protest.
"Brat." He said with a smirk. I slapped this arm causing him to roll his eyes. My gaze landed on his dessert, chocolate cake. I tried to drag the plate toward me to which he slapped my hand.
"It's mine." He grumbled.
"Please," I said.
"You already are yours."
"Ron, I love you."
"Don't use that on me."
Groaning he let me have a few bites. Pressing a quick kiss on his cheek I dash away. Need to dig into Derek Martinez.
...
The next day after finishing school I headed back home. I found a luxurious car outside with a man standing in front of the house glaring at guards who were protecting the home. Guns are pointed at a stranger but he doesn't even move. I got curious since the Guards hadn't shot him yet because normally they don't hesitate to take such measures.
"If something happens to me then don't forget this territory will be burned down into ashes." said the unknown man.
"We didn't get any orders from our capo's to let you in," said Lucas.
"What's going in here?" I said loudly diverting their attention on me.
"Capo." They greeted me.
I walked to my guards and stood in front of the man while folding my arms on my chest. The man narrowed his eyes on me.
"Who are you?" He asked.
"Jade Slaughter. Who are you?" I asked. He felt familiar, I wonder why.
"You don't know who I am. Never mind who do you think you are to stop me." He demands.
"Capo of this territory. State your name and business." I said in a flat tone.
"Dante Martinez. I am here to get my woman back."
"Get out of here. First, you got in without permission and what woman? Your woman isn't here." I said. Only mom and other maids live here, I don't think any of them are his woman.
Elites are a pain in the ass. And out of all the people Dante Martinez, what would his woman do in here? This is our territory. Derek Martinez tried to kill me and Dante Martinez is here. Even Mom wasn't happy to hear about Derek Martinez. Looks like there is more to the story than they are hiding.
"Then where is she?" He demands.
"What's her name?" I question.
"Dante Martinez." Grandpa's cold voice cut our conversation off.
I glance at him, his face void of any emotions. Usually, he is happy. I had never seen him with such an expression. Besides him, I found another man who was tall and looked proud. His eyes are dark red while his hair is jet black. Come on, now who is this person? He gave me a smirk to which I rolled my eyes.
Grandpa stood beside me glaring at Dante. Okay, I think there is a whole novel behind this hatred.
"How dare you to get in my area without my permission?" He demands.
"You know the reason for me being here."
"Get lost."
"You forgot who am I? I won't be merciful every time."
"Dante get out of here while I am being nice." The man who came with Grandpa smirked at him.
"What are you doing here, Valentine?" asked Dante.
"Let's see. None of your business," replied Valentine. "But if you want to fight then send your men to my territory."
I can feel Valentine's words, dark cool, and ruthless. He wasn't threatening, it was a promise. Even Dante understands his intentions.
Derek clenched his fist but stepped away. He drove away soon. Dante is Elite and if he took orders from Valentine then I bet he is Elite too. I should learn about Elites if I am going to fight them. I glanced at Grandpa lost. He smiled at me.
"Good job kiddo. He is Valentine Drakos, my good friend." Grandpa introduced us.
Drakos, shit. The top Elite family who are invincible. If Grandpa is friends with him then why didn't he ask for help? Maybe Valentine Drakos declined. And he sure looks like a person who doesn't care much about anyone.
"It's good to see you, Jade. I have been waiting to meet you." Valentine greeted me.
"Nice to meet you too," I said politely.
"He wants to have a chat with you," said Grandpa. I nodded and followed them in.
Once we were settled, Grandpa gave me the softest look that he always gives me before dropping the bomb. What is it this time? Please tell me about Dante being in here.
"The marriage alliance I made was with him," Grandpa said causing me to glare at him.
"Didn't I prove myself? I should have my prize." I proclaimed.
"Of course, you will have what you want but I can't break it off."
"But why? I worked hard. I worked day and night to prove myself."
"It was planned when you were born. I am sorry but it was the only way to save the territory."
At this point, I am so done. So all my efforts were in vain. In the end, I will be sold off like a diamond. I glance at Valentine who is watching me in amusement. Can I punch him? Probably not considering he can destroy me for now. Maybe in the future, I will hit him.
"There is no way I will be giving up on being the leader of Slaughter." I declared.
"You don't have to. It's yours, but this marriage will be held as planned." Said Valentine.
"I still have time until the wedding. Mark my words I will get enough power so you won't be able to force me."
He chuckles and replies. "Challenge accepted. By the way many tried but they weren't able to stand against me. Even other Elite families don't dare to get in my way, you saw Dante earlier."
I wonder why he said it, so I could go back off. You are wrong Valentine Drakos, I will make you regret underestimating me.
"It will be fun to see you admitting your defeat," I answered back with a smirk.
"I like your attitude. Good luck." He said with a genuine smile.
"Thanks."
"I will prepare the most luxurious wedding in honor of your defeat," Valentine smirked.
For a second I thought he was being nice. What the hell is this guy? He is so arrogant. I smiled at him.
"Don't worry about the wedding. Since I will be preparing your funeral." I offered him.
"You aren't the first who will be disappointed at the end but keep on dreaming."
"I have a vision and plan. The only thing left to add is your head."
Valentine chortles, his eyes shining too. "Kids sure have a lot of nonsense to speak."
Before I could give another comeback Grandpa interrupted our banter. He looks rather pleased by it.
"Let's not argue. Jade, he is a special person so be polite." Grandpa said getting up. "I will order something for us, Jade entertain our guest," Grandpa said leaving me with Elite. Like did he forget what I told him? But wait I can kill him now. When I glanced at Valentine again I found him grinning.
"I am not an old man like Grandpa but if you want to fight then I will go easy on you," said Valentine.
"You should jump from your ego and find out how deep it is." Jade offered.
"I am very much powerful but you can't grasp it yet. That's fine after all you are my daughter-in-law."
I placed my palm on my gun with a smile. Grandpa came back making me pause. Valentine already noticed my moment.
"You guys seem like happy see getting to know each other is important," Grandpa said.
"What were you doing Jade tell your dear old man," Valentine said charmingly causing Grandpa to gaze at me with too much expectation.
"Nothing, I was just getting to know my father-in-law." I cringed on my own words. Valentine didn't even try to hide his laughter.
He sure is enjoying but until when.