• DAMIAN •
I stepped out of the car, barely able to hide the amused smile on my face as I approached Leon by the doors to the cathedral. Three of my men flanked at either side and behind, clearing the path from the flashing cameras and eager paparazzi crowding the way.
"I thought we were having a private sightseeing expedition." I muttered, settling beside him. "How on earth did they know we were coming?"
His lips quirked in an amused smirk — or an attempt of one. "It comes with the package, fratello. We move, they follow." Leon said, motioning for us to smile and wave at the flashing shutters of cameras before moving towards the entrance. There the reverend waited, a tight smile gracing his lips.
"Welcome to the Windsor Cathedrals," His voice strained out the words like he had regretfully rehearsed it. "Would you mind a tour of the grounds?"
Leon forced a smile and walked past the man in silence. I nodded at the man and followed Leon quietly. He didn't dare protest or make any remarks to our hearing. The Windsor Cathedrals was a frequent location for most of the family meetings but this time, we were utilizing it to plan for the remembrance of our fallen godforsaken older brother, Valerio.
We both dipped our fingers into the bowl set by the altar, making a sign of the cross from our heads to both sides of our chests. After watching Leon make a silent prayer of sorts, we finally settled at the highest floor of the great hall, overlooking the pews and meticulously carved statue of the virgin.
Leon rested his forearms against the metal banister and let out a sigh. "Father would be impressed by our choice, he's always loved commemorations in holy places."
I scoffed. "I wonder how a sinful man like himself could be so drawn to such beliefs."
"We all are," He turned to look at me and let a ghost of a smile hang on his lips. "At least, I am. It might seem hypocritical, but faith might be the only thing stopping some of us from going over the edge."
I watched him closely. Leon wasn't one to talk beyond necessary these days. He kept to himself, speaking to us when needed and when he wasn't in control but the look on his face as he spoke now, I could see little signs of the brother I used to know. "I doubt Father has the same ideology you have. His sins are beyond forgivable."
"We could say the same for ourselves." He stared ahead at the burning candles clustered below, "It's probably a sin that we're standing in here right now."
For a moment silence enveloped us. Until he cleared his throat and stood straight. "How's Dario holding up?"
"Worse than I anticipated." Which was an understatement. I'd seen Dario at his worst growing up. He was impulsive, sad, filled with anger and devastated on most days. But he was more upbeat now since our last meeting. "I think he's either on something or he's found an outlet for his frustrations."
"Then order more men to keep a closer eye on him. I need him on his best behavior until the ceremony is over. We don't need Father's nagging, I'm barely enduring as much now that he's out of service."
"Hmm." Is all i could muster. Dario would probably find a way to out maneuver the men I send to watch him. He'd grown used to it already. I sighed and felt the buzz of my phone stuffed in my jacket.
I checked to see a message from Makua. She was almost at Carlsons'.
I brought my attention back to Leon only to catch him watching me suspiciously. "Who's that?"
"A potential client." I said, maybe too fast for Leon's liking cause his narrowed eyes zeroed in on mine.
"For what department?"
"Music." My voice was steadier than I expected. "My team discovered an underrated talent being stifled by Echo Records. We want to snag her, I believe she'll be a profitable venture." I swallowed hard after saying that, hating the way the words came so easily. She was far from some money grabbing opportunity but I needed to say whatever could convince Leon to back off.
His laughter cut through the tranquil silence of the hall, loud and oddly out of character. Leon looked fairly amused. Fear creeped in but faded when he spoke. "Good. Good. Those cocky executives at Echo think they can look down at the achievements of our artists, I remember when they beat us to sign that Hayden girl. A little payback isn't bad." He nodded as his smile slowly receded. "I love the way you think, brother. We should capitalize on promoting this musician as a hidden gem, with all achievements on display. Let's make them sweat."
I smiled at his praise, releasing a steady breath. "Yes, we'll hopefully conclude the arrangement tonight and I plan to invite her to the gala night next week to play her songs to prove her talent to the shareholders present."
Leon surprised me with a clap on my shoulder. "Excellent. Let's blow their minds, they'll approve any budget we present. In time, we should buy out the shares of that subpar record label, we'll slowly destroy them from the inside out,"
I tried but failed to hide my amusement. No one was more hell bent on getting even like Leon. For good reasons though. It was all a game to him and for once, I agreed with taking down this corporation, especially a specific executive I was about to learn about tonight.
"Let me not hold you back, just make sure the meeting ends in success." I hated the way his tone dipped at the word. But whatever suspicion or reservation he had, he didn't speak on it. "Keep me updated." With that, he turned his attention back to the flickering candles below and I took that as my sign to leave.
***
Walking into Carlson's, I didn't know what to expect when I approached the table where Makua waited. Frankly, I was a few minutes late but only because I needed to get flowers first. White roses seemed like the best option, unique and beautiful, just like her.
"I'm sorry I'm late." I sat opposite her, my breath hitching in its way at the sight of her. Her naturally curly hair was sleeked back in a bun with a full puff at the back, hazel eyes highlighted by dark liner and lips glossed. With a black dress that fitted her perfectly.
I swallowed, loosening my tie and watching her lips curve in a smile.
"It's okay, I didn't wait long." I knew it was a lie but I didn't comment on it as I reveled in the way her eyes lit with interest at the bouquet cradled in my arms.
"For you, amate" I managed to say, handing it to her. She leaned back and smelt them and if I wasn't imagining it, I heard her giggle. It was an airy and amazing sound. God, I was gone.
"Thank you, they're lovely." She turned her gaze to meet mine and I felt the urge to find something to do with my hands. I picked the menu and nudged at hers.
"You're welcome, let's order." I muttered, feeling the heat radiating off the table. The restaurant was remarkably ambient and hosted only a few guests — well, it was the hardest restaurant to book all year round. But my men had found a way.
I waited for her to order and when our orders were taken, I straightened my back, focusing on the file resting on my lap. "I spoke with my brother. He's on board with taken certain action against Echo records."
Her eyes widened. "How do you mean? Are you going to — "
"No, no one's going to die," I took a long sip of water, fighting the urge to laugh at the way she relaxed. "Unless they make things hard."
"No killing people," She leaned forward.
"But I thought you said you didn't mind." I teased.
"I meant if it was inevitable."
"Do you think your label will easily agree with giving up managerial rights to mine? My team has come up with terms where they release your music and we handle all administrative aspects of your career."
She huffed almost I disbelief. "So, from one to another. What's the guarantee that I won't be shelved again?"
I resisted the urge to test the limits of her cute attitude, instead placing the file on the table. "Here are the terms. If you read it carefully, you'll note that we're taking a smaller percentage and placing you in the priority rank. Coupled with the fact that we'll be announcing our relationship once the deal is settled. No expense would be spared."
She opened the file, tentatively reading as much as she could. Her eyes found mine with the same questioning glance from our first meeting. "Why?"
"Because you asked." I smiled, fighting the urge to divulge too much. "And I'm interested in getting to know you. You're talented and deserve way more recognition. Gian Entertainment can do that for you."
A smile curled at the corner of her lips. "Do you propose the same deals to all your clients?"
Was she teasing me? "Never in person. I need to give more credit to the pitching team."
She was laughing now and my heart clenched from the way her face brightened. "Alright, I'll give this a closer look and get back to you with an answer."
"Just say you want another date with me." I wanted to double down on the teasing but it was worth seeing the joy grace her beautiful features.
"Maybe." She sent a small smile my way. "This is nice."
I tried to stop the boyish smile that curled at my lips when the appetizers were dropped in front of us. She seemed lighter than the last time we met. I hoped she'd get everything she wanted. Hopefully, she'd want me as well. I swallowed hard at the thought and sipped more water as she began eating.
It was unreal. In a couple of days or hours, whether real or fake, she'd be known as mine.
And I as hers.