THE MAFIA'S PET

“Think about it carefully Travis. One last job and you'll get that promotion you've always wanted.”

Robert's fingers drummed against the wooden table.

Silence between them stretched.

“Think about it carefully,amigo. You're the only one I trust to handle this perfectly Travis. Just this one and you'll be promoted to deputy—”

“Permission to think this over,sir?” Travis finally spoke.

“Yes. Sure. Of course.” Robert smiled. “Two hours.”

Travis sank in his drivers' seat. If he took this one last job,he'd be promoted and finally be able to live a better life. But…the price he had to pay. This was his best friend's family Robert was talking about. How could he possibly stab Luca in the back when he'd only been good to him.

He'd always suspected the Tyrell family was into illegal business in Italy. But,the Tyrell family had never been bad to him.

He had to do this for himself. He had to do this for her.

~~~~

“I'm glad you decided to stay the summer with me. It's so lonely here.” Luca smiled as he walked into the living room with Travis.

Travis looked around, inspecting the surroundings as if to find a clue.

“Why are you looking around like that? Are you CIA or something?” Luca laughed.

Travis sighed. If only Luca knew.

“So, what kind of jobs are you looking for?” Luca asked. “Anything that pays well.” Travis smiled. Finally,they reached one of the guest rooms.

“This room is all yours. Be careful though,it's opposite Adrian's. He doesn't like disturbance.” Luca walked in.

“Got it.” Travis nodded.

“I'll leave you to settle in then.” Luca smiled before walking out and closing the door.

Travis looked around,there were no obvious cameras. He scrolled through the images on his phone.

Pictures of Adrian walking out of illegal places with his signature smirk on his face. “I have to do this for her.” He sighed.

They looked out at the black hue in the sky through the window. He didn't know how long it would take to root Adrian out,but he had to.

Travis opened the door gently with a creak. He peeked out, ensuring no one was in the hallway before he finally stepped out.

His eyes lingered on Adrian's door for a while.

~~~

Adrian adjusted his tie. He looked out the window and stared at the orange sky dipping in the horizon. The day had been long. Endless choices, punishment and ruthlessness.

“Should we give them the weapons,sir?” Raymond asked.

Travis hummed, “Any information on Aliandra?” He asked. “Nothing yet,boss. I'll inform the men to keep searching.” Raymond smiled.

“Should we go to the business meeting now?” He asked. “No,let's just go home. Today has been tiring enough.” Adrian turned his head away.

“Okay boss. I forgot to mention,your cousin brought a friend to his home to stay in the summer.” Raymond swallowed.

“A friend? Is Luca in his right mind? We're literally on the edge of losing everything we've worked for and he brought someone in?!” Adrian was vexed in his seat.

“I already looked into the visitor. He's just an ordinary kid looking for a job boss.” Raymond's fingers trembled.

“Drive.” Adrian's voice was low and cold.

Raymond hurriedly ignited the engine and drove off.

On the way home, Adrian's mind kept going back to one thing— Aliandra. He'd searched everywhere for her,but it seemed she'd vanished off the face of the earth.

Luca and Travis were having dinner when he arrived.

“Uncle,you're back.” Luca shifted uncomfortably in his seat. Adrian's gaze was buried in Travis’ gaze. “Who's this?” He asked, turning his head to Luca.

“Umm…he's my friend. I'm sorry uncle,I should've informed you first.” Luca scratched the back of his head.

“Good evening,Mr Tyrrell.” Travis greeted.

Adrian scoffed. “He'd better be gone immediately when summer is over.”

The lump in Luca's throat dissolved. “That was a close one.” He sighed.

“Is he always that cold?” Tristan asked. “Yes. The only person he's ever opened up to—”

His words hitched in his throat.

“Nevermind.”

Tristan frowned but he didn't dwell much on the topic. “What does he do?” He asked.

Luca raised a brow gently.

“He does a lot of things.”

“Oh,I see.” Tristan stirred his soup.

“You're still the same, Tristan. Always wanting to know everything.” Luca chuckled. Tristan smiled, “doesn't hurt.”

“You should really look for a girlfriend. Come to think of it,I've never seen you with any woman before.” Luca sat up.

Girlfriend? Tristan had never thought about that. He was always studying, always competing to be the best. He had no family members as both his parents were orphans. They died when he was six and his sister was ten.

“Come on,one girlfriend wouldn't hurt.” Luca urged. “And live like you and Samantha? No thanks.” Tristan chuckled.

“You know things with Samantha were orchestrated by my parents.” Luca laughed. “That's one thing about rich people,I guess.” Tristan rose his head. “Even Adrian has an orchestrated match already.” Luca spilled.

“A match? What woman could possibly catch his eye.” Tristan spat. “Like I said,it was orchestrated. Uncle Adrian doesn't have time for women.” Luca's brows knitted as if he remembered something.

“Have you started looking for jobs?” He asked. “Yes,I have an interview tomorrow at bismart.” Tristan smiled.

“Bismart? Good choice.” Luca winked.

~~~~

Adrian sat in his study. On his desk lay pictures of a woman. She had pretty eyes and a warm smile. A short clip kept replaying in his mind.

The woman was in the snow,in the pool of her own blood. She looked at him with a smile. The light her eyes once wielded dimmed. Her limbs all froze,but her eyes never closed.

“I will find you Aliandra. And when I do,I will kill you again.” Adrian muttered.

He saw a shadow flash through the room. Quick and swift.

“Show yourself.” He demanded.

A woman walked out. She was dressed in black leather and she had a gun in her pockets. She had an awkward smirk on her face.

“Rumeya? What are you doing here?” Adrian asked,a brow raised. “I knew I'd find you here.” Rumeya walked towards the desk.

“What are you doing here?” Adrian repeated. Rumeya smiled, showing no fear towards Adrian “Relax,my father sent me.”

“What does Barton want?” Adrian asked. “A fresh load of weapons.” Rumeya smiled. “He didn't need to send you over to ask that.” Adrian's curiosity grew.

Rumeya only smiled.

“Is there a problem?” Adrian asked.

“The white cloaks are back.” Rumeya answered.

Adrian's gaze darkened. The white cloaks meant trouble.