Chapter 5 - Joseph

Capo Vincent walked in and he did not look happy.

"Don, I have spoken to our contact, Rafael. The Columbians are not backing down. They believe Selena is part of the deal. They're demanding she be handed over to them, or else they will consider it a breach of contract." His words sent a cold shiver down my spine.

"What do they want in exchange?" I asked, keeping my voice steady. “Do they not understand this was not a deal brokered by the Rossi family?”

Vincent took a deep breath. "They want what George promised them. They want Selena."

My fists clenched under the table, the wood groaning under the pressure. The audacity of the Columbians was unbelievable. To think they could just come into my city and demand Selena like she was a commodity to be traded... it was infuriating. I had to keep a cool head, though. The family's future was at stake, and I couldn't let my personal feelings cloud my judgment.

"Tell them they're wasting their time," I said, my voice a low growl. "Selena is under my protection, and she's not going anywhere."

The room was thick with tension as the Capos waited for my next move. They knew better than to question me when I had that look in my eyes. But this was different; Selena was different. I didn't just want to protect her; I needed to.

My jaw clenched as I thought about those fucking Columbians and the nerve they had, thinking they could just take Selena like she was a prize in a poker game. The very thought of her being handed over to those monsters was enough to make my blood boil. But I couldn't let that anger take over. Not yet.

"Capo Vincent, I want you to arrange a meeting with their leader. We will discuss terms, but Selena is not to be touched. She is under my protection, and any harm that comes to her will be met with swift and decisive retribution." The room was silent as they took in my words.

The men nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. They knew I was not one to make empty threats. I stood up from my chair, the wood scraping against the floor, signaling an end to the meeting. "Keep me updated," I said curtly as they began to disperse.

As the room cleared, Antonio lingered. He knew something was off about my behavior, and it wasn't like him to be so observant. "Don," he began tentatively, "if you don't mind me asking, why are you so... protective of Selena?"

I paused, considering my words carefully. "Antonio, she's more than just a pawn in this mess," I replied, my tone even. "Her father's mistakes have brought her into this life, and she deserves better."

Antonio studied me for a moment before speaking, his gaze intense. "But why so much protection, Don? She's just a girl."

I couldn't hold back the irritation that flared in my chest. "Just a girl?" I echoed. "Selena is not 'just a girl'. She's a survivor. She's been through hell and back, and she's still standing. There's something about her, something special." I paused, searching for the words to explain the inexplicable bond forming between us. "I can't explain it, but I feel responsible for her. Like she's mine to protect."

I decided to check on her. The house was eerily quiet as I made my way upstairs, the sound of my footsteps echoing down the hallway. When I reached her door, I paused, listening for any signs of distress. But all I heard was the faint sound of her breathing, even and peaceful. I gently pushed the door open, not wanting to disturb her.

Selena was curled up in the center of the bed, the moonlight casting shadows across her delicate features. She looked so fragile, so vulnerable. But I knew better. Beneath that exterior was a strength that would not be easily broken. I found myself drawn to her, a magnetic pull that I couldn't resist. I have been drawn into something I truly don’t understand.

Antonio may be right and she is just a girl, but I can see her as being something so much more.