Finding Her

Jericho’s pov,

Bullet beads of sweat dotted every part of my body as I raced on the track. My mind was preoccupied.

I had sent down my men to find the woman I met in America, the one who crushed my impotence but the report was negative.

My whole fantasy came to an end when my father brought up his alliance with Vatos Locos…he wanted me to get married and he's damn serious!

I grunted and sped up as my thoughts became jumbled.

My ears picked the sound of footsteps approaching and I turned in a sharp pivot. It was Alex, he was walking into the gym.

"Your father asked for you," he said.

“If it’s about getting dressed corporately to meet the Vatos Locos, tell him he should go fuck himself.” I jabbed, and focused on the track.

I would have evaded this shit but my father held me bound. He threatened that he would give the mafia to another one of his countless children. I'd sacrificed so much for the organization and I can’t just hand it over to anyone.

Perharps, I still have some fuckers to deal with and I can only do that while I’m leading the mafia.

Well, father can’t force me to act enthusiastic about this whole shit and get excited like a fairy prince who can’t wait to meet his Cinderella.

He’d done his part, that’s, desperately getting me in a wedlocked with some bitch I know nothing about. I’m not going to treat her as my wife.

Whoever she is, she is going to regret this marriage. If I'm a demon to everyone else, I’m going to be a devil to her. I’m going to show her what’s like to live with the fucking devil.

“Well, she is here already,” Alex said, hacking through my thoughts.

“I mean your wife is here and boss wants you to meet her.”

My body stiffened and in fact my whole system went on shut down mode as I heard that. I don’t know if it’s because of anger or desperation to see the woman who’d stolen my happiness for the past few days.

I dismissed Alex and told him I’ll come down when I want.

“At least brush your hair dude. It doesn’t look good.” Alex scolded like an elder brother.

“I’ll appear to her how I want so, fuck off.” I groveled and he raised his hands in a playful surrender. He made to leave but then halted.

“I heard that the search for the woman you slept with in America is still ongoing," he said.

“Yes, why?” I sneered already knowing his next response.

“This madness really got to your head, huh?”

"Madness?" Maybe he’s right about that. “You do know you are getting married soon. You should focus on getting to know your wife first!” he added.

“Fuck off!" I yelled but he had already reached the door.

Few minutes later, I decided to take a break and by that time I was sweating profusely.

I didn’t care to shower nor did I care about my messy hair. I put on my casual T-shirt as I headed for the board room.

Men on different posts, shrinks and bowed as I walked past them.

My sweats had faded out by the time I arrived at my destination however, my shirt was wet with sweat.

I’d barely appeared before my father noticed me. It was as if he’d been losing his patience to see me; his face radiated with a sense of relief.

“I told you she would be beautiful Jericho,” my father had said with a satisfied smirk.

My eyes darted to the girl who was sitting ajar to my father and his client’s table. She was all groomed in a red revealing gown.

I couldn’t see her face because she was facing down.

“I would be the judge of that,” my voice came out cold. Honestly who cares about looks. I didn’t consent to this marriage and I’m never going to treat her as my wife. I can see she dressed like a slut to seduce me perhaps… screw them all.

However, her head sprung up from the moment I spoke.

I couldn’t believe my eyes when her eyes met mine. I know it’s been days now but I could vividly recognize that face. I recognize her even behind the makeover plastering her face making her look exceptionally ....beautiful. And to confirm that, her lips sprung, she gasped; obviously bedazzled to see me.

My face remained stoic. I never get petrified by anything but I was having a hard time dealing with the once bubbling rage within me and the relief of finally meeting the woman I’d yearned to meet again right in my house.

“It’s you again!” She muffled more like a statement after recovering from her reverie.

“Did you two know each other?” My dad asked with a frown, however suppressing his amazement.

“No we don’t. “He’s just someone I’d randomly met”. She said hastily. She sneered, flashing me a condescending look.

I felt insulted. "Randomly?! Our whole encounter was just random?! We had sex!" I yelled in my head.

“Very well then I’ll suggest you two get to know each other. But before then, Jericho, meet Leia, the daughter of the Vatos Locos…I mean your wife to be…. Leia, meet Jericho, your husband in a few hours...” My father said shamelessly, wearing a distorted smile.

"Wait. In a few hours? They’d already planned out the wedding day?" I scoffed and combed my fingers through my hair.

I ignored the disapproving look on my father's face. What was he expecting? To smile like an idiot and confess how nice it is to finally meet my wife?

The Leia girl didn’t make any move either.

I could swear my dad felt humiliated.

A maid came to inform us that the dining was set. Leia was led out of the room and l was left with my father. I expected him to bleed my ears with complaints and he of course, delivered.

Minutes later, we strolled together to the dining room. Leia was already seated.

I took note of how she was clutching her fork. Fire brewed in her cold gray eyes, she looked so much like she’ll rather be dead than be on this table.

I wondered why she came alone. It was obvious that her father was desperate to sell her off.

"It's no surprise that your father did not deem it fit to come down with you. We had all that regards the marriage settled. It's going down tomorrow…I mean the wedding ceremony," my father's words broke into my thoughts.

Leia said nothing but she shivered slightly and stuck her mouth with an empty fork. As much as she tried to conceal it, I noticed tears glistening in her red eyeballs. Could it be that she was also forced into this shit? Before I could couple my thoughts, she veered up abruptly and dashed out in burning rage.

“What the fuck are you doing son? Go after her!” father ordered coldly in his thick Italian ascent.

I scoffed and took seconds of my time before I stood up. I could decide to ignore his order but maybe I’ve so much to discuss with that woman too.