06| Maverick.

I step outside of the SUV, rubbing the back of my nape as I tilt my head and stare up at my father's mansion. My brow darkens into a scowl as I continue to glare at the looming stone structure.

Mine is bigger... A lot bigger.

It may seem unorthodox to express such a sentiment, but it is undeniably true and I take great pride in my current position. 

I have achieved success through my own efforts, without relying on others for opportunities. 

My father on the other hand was given his seat at the head of the Elite Family table because he is the eldest son.

The Elite table is made up of five crime lords with powerful names you dare not whisper out loud.

It gives you the whole... You speak of the Devil and he shall appear vibes. 

Exhaling deeply as if I can rid myself of the stress that consumes me, I look at Dan my driver who is standing next to me in silence.

“Keep the engine running. It looks like Father has sent his soldiers on a wild goose chase to keep this meeting a secret.” I state sternly, clicking my neck and rolling my shoulders back.

The air is already crisp and it's growing colder by the second as my gaze scans our surroundings. 

There isn't a soldier in sight to search me after I ascend the stairs, nor a butler to greet me as I enter through the grand double doors.

“As you demand, boss. This gun is clean and cannot be traced back to you.” Dan extracts a pistol from the back of his suit jacket and holds it out in front of me. “It’s too quiet and everyone knows that silence screams chaos.”

I grit my teeth, silently acknowledging his plea as I exchange guns with him. Carefully, I inspect the magazine to ensure it is fully loaded before smoothly sliding it back into place and discreetly concealing it at the back of my pants.

Ascending the steps with purpose, I confidently swing open the double doors, allowing them to slowly shut behind me. Stepping into the luxurious foyer, I savour a brief moment of solitude, mentally preparing for the chaotic events that are about to unfold.

With a poised stride, I make my way up the grand staircase, turning left to enter the narrow hallway that leads to my father's office. 

The door is closed, which strikes me as peculiar given the absence of anyone else around. 

Shaking my head, I dismiss the multitude of questions swirling in my mind and proceed to enter without bothering to knock.

My father and Gio-fucking-Lorenzo are standing in the corner of the room, nestling a crystal tumbler with whisky - neat and three fingers high each.

They both turn to look at me simultaneously, wearing a self-satisfied grin that stretches the corners of their wrinkled mouths. 

I struggle to contain my anger, resisting the urge to grab one of my father's armchairs and forcefully propel it across the room, causing him to plummet out the window to his death.

“Well, don’t you two look a little too close for comfort? Anyone would think you are trading secrets like two besties that get off on sucking one another’s cock.” I hiss, coming to a standstill as I reach the centre of the room, shoving my hands into the pockets of my slacks. “So tell me, Father, is Gio circumcised or is he still a foreskin?”

My father’s nostrils flare with rage as his grip tightens around the glass in his grasp. If he was fifteen years younger, he would’ve shattered the tumbler with little effort.

“And this is why you will never be next in line to rule my empire, Maverick. You’re a disrespectful little cunt that has caused me nothing but a lifetime of disappointment and regret.” My father snarls, tossing the last mouthful of whiskey back in one hit.

I roll my eyes to show him his words do not affect me and I don't need anything from him. 

Because shit... I'm a made man! 

“Respect is earned old man and for you feeling disappointed with regret… maybe you should have tried to be a better father when I needed you instead of sticking your cock in every blonde that was half your age looking for her next meal ticket.” I retort with a deep sigh, tired of the constant insult marathons we have whenever we are in each other’s presence.

“I should have made sure your mother aborted you rather than taking her word for it. She was a poisonous bitch that had a mouth of a Goddess on her. If it wasn’t for her dick-sucking skills, I’d…”

“Let me guess, you would have given her to Gio so he could traffic MY mother to some sick bastard in the Bahamas. I know. It’s the same bullshit you feed me every time.” I hiss, curling my hands into tight balls of fury in my pockets.

“Now, now… you two.” Gio pipes in like he is trying to play peacemaker between us. “We are gathered here for business purposes. You can continue your family squabble after I leave.”  

My father and I continue to glare at one another with nothing but hatred and dominance blazing brilliantly in our eyes. 

After a beat or two, my father breaks eye contact, places his empty tumbler on the Bar Trolley and moves to stand behind his desk with Gio following close behind him.

“I've been informed that you have found Arnica?” Gio asks with urgency lacing his words.

“I have and she is back at my estate as we speak,” I reply, thrusting my chin forward as I widen my stance.

“And when do you plan on killing her and making it stick this time?” My father enquires, folding his arms across his chest as he glares at me like I am his fucking lap dog looking for its next doggy treat.