Page 14 of Seduced By the Mafia Don

"Viktor is a monster," I assert, stepping forward so the cityscape stretches beneath me, Adrian behind. That's what matters: the city, its people, security, sanity. "Shortly after the war, I discovered he was trafficking victims within his warehouses in the city. Consequently, I orchestrated their demolition. I made it impossible for him to build here afterwards. His activities elsewhere remain beyond my reach, but not this city. Not Dallas. Not while I draw breath."

I refuse to follow in my father’s or brother’s footsteps.

"I have to maintain cordiality with Viktor. Pretend he’s a human being. But I will never disregard his true nature."

Adrian exhales heavily. "Damn."

I turn toward him. "What would you have done if you’d discovered a warehouse full of captive women?"

"I would've freed them... of course?" His response suggests uncertainty. "They deserved freedom."

His performance lacks conviction, though perhaps he's merely uncomfortable. That doesn't necessarily mean moral corruption.

"Inform Viktor, I'll meet with him."

"Should I mention the warehouses?"

"No. If he intends to beat his chest, at least let it be at the right person."

My intercom buzzes. My wealth management team awaits our conference call.

"See yourself out," I instruct Adrian, walking to my desk.

* * *

My mother contacts me that afternoon. "I've arranged for a certain artist to visit my humble abode this evening, if you'd kindly make an appearance."

"Why your home?" I inquire.

"She mentioned she would be more comfortable with another woman present."

“Well, that portrays me favorably," I remark sardonically.

"You can't fault the poor girl. Last night undoubtedly proved stressful. I admire her self-assertion. That exemplifiesdaughter-in-lawpotential."

"I'll participate in this portrait session, but just this once. You can give me a belated birthday gift or keep it for yourself. But whatever scheme you're orchestrating, I'm checking out early."

"But... why?" She suddenly sounds wounded. "Would a mutual attraction be so catastrophic?"

"We're compensating her beyond months of her typical earnings, Mother. The power dynamic is entirely imbalanced. Moreover, you surely must’ve seen the look on her face last night. She wants nothing to do with... the Family."

"You're overanalyzing everything. Simply enjoy the portrait session. Let the future take care of itself."

"As if either of us has that luxury."

"Well, it sounded inspirational."

“Indeed, quite motivational. Anything further, my beloved mother?"

"Just that I love you," she says.

"I love you, too."

The rest of my day blurs into legitimate financial endeavors. I was studying finance when Luka's accident occurred. I completed my degree, then assumed leadership to prevent the Family from falling apart. Into civil war. Into carnage.

Soon, I'm navigating through Highland Park. Mother's residence stands behind fencing and towering hedges. I enter the security code, then drive along the narrow lane toward the limestone mansion. Sienna and Mother await in the entrance, Sienna in paint-spattered clothing with rolled sleeves, her pale brown wavy hair cascading to her shoulders.

She regards me with that same perplexing, conflicted expression.

---