Chapter 1

*Words and Meanings*

Kaleutel - cartel

Sajangnim - boss

~~~~~

Eleven years.

It's been eleven years since that dark day. It still haunts me to this day that I stood and watched. I watched everything and did nothing to help them. My dull honey-brown eyes stare back at me from the mirror and I school my features.

I'm often told I look a lot like my mother; having her long straight black hair and Asian eyes. I'm often told that I'm just as dangerous as her as well. Tomorrow is my birthday. I'll be twenty-one and my parents' last request will finally be carried out; I'll be initiated as the boss.

I neatened my black suit and tied my hair in a high ponytail. I'm the future boss, after all, might as well look the part. Being the eleventh year since my parents died, today we pay respects to them as a final farewell before the new boss is initiated tomorrow.

"Hurry up, Miliani. We are going to be late!" my older brother, Dwayne calls from outside.

I scowled, "Wait for me in the freaking car then, or I'll just take mine!"

I hear him huff and I mutter curses under my breath. That man infuriates me so. I put a final touch on my makeup and exit the bathroom with a powerful stance. Compared to most men and even women in the Hwang House of gangsters, I am by far the tiniest but no one dares mess with me. They know that what I lack in size, I make up for it in authority and ruthlessness.

Dwayne gave me a once over and rolled his eyes, "It is inappropriate for a woman to wear suits. You know this, Miliani."

"It's inappropriate for you to tell your boss what she can and cannot do." I spit back. I walk past him and head out the front door to the limousine, Dwayne hot on my trail.

"How are you so sure that you'll be taking over? The families still have to decide if you're a good fit."

"I am a good fit, Dwayne. Do I need to get rid of another one of your money hungry whores to prove that?"

I got in the car and nod to my driver and I left Dwayne standing like an idiot in the car park.

The cemetery looks just as dark as the day we buried my parents. Dwayne was right behind me, being my shadow as he's always been all my life. I know my brother doesn’t love me, he just respects me to an extent. I've never felt any warmth from him, not even a hug; he always glares at me with hatred.

I haven't gotten a hug since my dad died, nor have I felt any warmth or love from any of the members of this organization but that's okay. Mom taught me from an early age that love and warmth mean nothing in this life without loyalty. That was all I needed, their loyalty.

We finally arrive at the grave and I do everything in my power to hold back the tears. I can show no weakness; I must always exude power and dominance and never let anyone read me. I will do any and everything to make my parents proud.

I lay the first pair of flowers on the graves and say a silent word to them. Dwayne followed and then my mother's creepy brother, Seong. I have never called him 'Uncle' because he has never earned that right. I make it a point to stay away from him; he always gives me this weird look. It makes me sick to my stomach.

The procession went on until all the members, new and old, paid their respects to the old Kaleutel leaders. A sort of pride welled in my chest. I trained them all myself. As the future leader, it was my responsibility and I must say, I did a fine ass job.

~

"Sajangnim!" my right-hand man, Chul-Moo called to me. We were back at the house, where all the family heads have gathered. They arrived just as we came back from the cemetery. After greetings and assigning them to rooms, I put together a small affair and here we are.

"She is not the sajangnim yet, Chul." Dwayne cut in.

I glared at him, only to receive his cold stare.

"Stop acting like an insolent child. Do not disrespect me. Brother or not, I can always find another bodyguard." I hissed and met Chul-Moo halfway.

He didn't have to say anything; his expression alone told me that this is a serious matter. Silently, he followed me to my office and I had him lock the door. I secretly made my office soundproof. I will be the second woman to run this establishment and I am not blind to the things that go on behind these walls. I know the conspiracies made against my mother.

It will be even worst for me seeing as I'm a more competent leader than my mother. The older men hate that a woman, especially a young woman is heading an organization usually run by men. Chul immediately started explaining.

"You must be careful tomorrow. I have just heard a few of the men talking. Someone wants you dead." he says, confirming my suspicions.

I sat on my office chair and crossed my legs. They wanted me dead a long time ago. It was something I had to live with these past 11 years.

"I know,” I admitted nonchalantly, “ I've known for a few days now. I've already prepared for an ambush attack. I just need you to find somewhere safe."

He bowed in respect at my request. Chul-Moo has been the closest thing I got to a friend. I would hate for him to be caught in this crossfire. He is more than capable of protecting himself but it still doesn’t quell my worry. They all hate him because he’s different but not me.

"I will, Miliani." he whispers back.

I nod at him to leave and once he does thoughts start rushing through my head. This has Seong and Dwayne written all over it. No, those two aren’t clever enough to come up with a successful ambush. I sighed and rubbed the bridge of my nose. I am not afraid to die, I’m afraid the killer may be someone close to me.