Underworld: Labyrinth of Love

"Fetch me some water, Lila," I announced upon entering the premises of the Bentley manor and threw a glance at the head maid, scurrying away to fulfill the command. Again, why hasn't Dad sold this old manor yet? Can't believe it's the 21st century and manors are still a thing. My eyes fell upon the looming figure sat in the center on one of the high chairs, carefully reading a book. The least you would expect from a Mafia leader was to read a book peacefully and not play with guns now and then, well my father had always been an exception. "Those motherfucking Crassus didn't show up. What else do you want me to do?" I spoke authoritatively, catching his attention. His sharp gaze fell on me, the gaze that could make anyone tremble but me. After all, that's one of the many privileges I've got from being his daughter. "I showed up this once but they didn't and the next time they do, they better have a good reason for wasting my time." The precious 2 hours of my day were wasted in a meeting for finalizing the deal of a new brothel that the Crassus desperately wanted to build, only for them to not show up. If the Bentleys are handling the dealings that don't mean they could shove it off of them and become an asshole. Never mind, they already are assholes. In one sweep, Dad got up on his feet shoving the book aside. "Leia." He whispered the middle name that he knew could soften me easily. Pulling my gaze away from him, I folded my hands above my chest. Something was up since he would only use that name to soften me up because being nice was the only way for me as fear never got to me. "Raphael must have a good reason for his mistake. Tell me, is the deal finalised?" He spoke calmly and I once again found myself impressed by his calmness. Raphael, the head of the Crassus family who had taken his place as the head only a few months ago after Lennox Crassus, his father, died in a mysterious way that had been kept secret from the rest of the families. "Expecting anything less from me Dad?" I arched a brow as Lila handed me the glass of water. "It was bound to be signed with or without Raphael Crassus." I took a sip watching the proudness flickering in his expression. Including the Crassus, the four families had been ruling the mafia world for more than 100 years now. From the times of war to the modern era they had been bound to rule together with an agreement that our ancestors signed. "Anyway, what was it you wanted to talk about?" I sat across him on the other head chair. His expression grew serious to an extent where I almost started contemplating what it was. His call from earlier popped into my head when he sounded just as intimidating while asking me to come over to the mansion for a word. We weren't supposed to be the intimidating family here, then what was going on? As much as I hate to mention it now, I was enjoying the suspense while it lasted. "Iris, there's -" He paused as his glance moved from me to my left.  I guess I know who it is. "Oh, Christian honey, why didn't you tell me that Iris was coming over?" An annoyingly sharp voice boomed in the hall followed by Katalina coming into the view. The stepmom. How much I wish that this was combat training instead of a family meeting, at least then it would have been fair to break her nose. "I'd have told Lila to prepare a feast, after all your good news calls for a celebration." Passing me a gaze as sharp as that of a snake, she lowered herself onto the arm of the chair Dad was seated in. What's she up to now? If it wasn't for her, I wouldn't have left my own house. "Am I missing something here Dad?" I asked, intrigued about my good news that ironically, I was unaware of. His face darkened before he gave a side glare to Katalina. I smiled internally, even though she deserved more than a glare. "You didn't tell her Chris? We are halfway through the wedding preparation and you've yet to tell her!" Instead of shutting up, she continued to blubber leaving me gasping. What wedding? Is Beatrix getting married? I didn't think Katalina was a fool enough to get her single 20-year-old daughter married. Besides, I won't let it happen to my only sibling. "2 months without me here and you decided to do everything yourself without involving the family in it," I shouted at him. Beatrix didn't even have a boyfriend, who the hell are they marrying her off to?  That can only mean one thing... He leaned ahead and uncrossed his leg, concern spread across his face. "This decision was made after a lot of speculation Iris. That's exactly why I called you here today, to discuss it with you." His demeanour calmed and peaceful and I clenched my jaws. Another deal, another sacrifice for the sake of the Bentleys future. Using the Bentley daughter for the Bentley, isn't that the stupidest? "Your mother and I have thought on it deeply and found the marriage as a great feat for us, Bentleys." I stood up abruptly, finding his first word the most offensive. Mother? When will he stop acting as if I give a damn about the woman who treated me like s**t from the moment she took my mother's place. Clearing my throat and managing a calm temper, I spoke, "Katalina. That's what your wife is to me." My words hit like a slap to the stepmother's face as her smile vanished within a second. "I assume your anger is acceptable since we hid it for quite some time now." He reasoned and I smirked. "Anger? I am only stating facts and here are more." I said coolly, taking a few steps ahead. "I won't let my innocent sister be sacrificed for the stupid stability of peace between the families that you're seeking." I finished to find them, shocked. Katalina shot a hand to her chest, gasping. "Why are you dragging my daughter into this?" Like I had committed a sin that was considered a sin in our world as well. My brows twitched slightly. "What do you mean? Isn't she the one getting married?" I asked hesitantly, afraid of the other possibility. When they both stayed quiet and exchanged a look, I knew what I feared had come true. "It's you. You and Raphael, who are getting married." Dad's words hit like a ton of bricks.