The Last Empire [Mafia and Roses #3]

Chapter 3: Chiara

KIKI’S POV.

Making my eye makeup extra smokey, I apply the false lashes and move to get my contacts. Wiping my hands clean, I unlock the contact’s case and apply each to its assigned eyes. With a feeling of satisfaction, I stare at my reflection and let the blue-eyed lady stare right back at me. Taking and hair band I tie my hair and the short trails with hair pins. Moving my hand over the dresser to take the black scarf, I tie it like a hijab.

Slipping my legs into my stilettos,I adjust my wristwatch and lift my bag off the bed before walking out. Looking through the banisters as I descend the stairs, I notice the crowd coming in through the central exit and I put on my aviator sunglasses. I can hear my bangles jingle as I adjust the long sleeves of my knee length dress.

Handing my bag over to my female guard, I beckon to her to move closer.

“Sofia, I would like to drive myself. Ensure you instruct the hotel manager to take in only fifteen VIP guests. I will be late, take care of my apartment.” I say into her left ear and she nods.

“Yes, Ms. K.” She responds and we move for my private exit.

Stepping out of the hotel, I move for my car.

“Ms. K, would like to drive herself and no one should escort her.” I overhear Sofia say to my driver.

“Ms, K, let Sofia go with you then. You need to have someone with you.” The head of the security department requests and I turn to look at him.

“Sofia has been given an assignment. I would be safe, Antonio.” I reply and take my car key.

Settling in my car, Sofia turns over to place my bag on the shotgun’s seat. As soon as she shut the door and my door is being shut, I start the car. Driving out of the garage, I step on the gas.

Stopping the car as the traffic lights requests every coming car stop, I take off my glasses and move my hand over the console to get my lipstick. Re-applying my lipstick to add more pigment to the red, I smack my lips and shift my gaze to the rare view mirror to check how perfect it is. With the honk from the cars behind, I start the car and step on the gas again until I have reached my destination.

“I knew getting in won’t be easy.” I mumble as I stop the car.

Adjusting my scarf, I put on my glasses properly and walk towards the security at the gate.

“Hi. I am here see Ms. Phoebe.” I lie through my teeth and the man on the left passes me a cold glare.

“Reason for visit?” He asks and I raise my head.

“Business proposal. I was here last week, you weren’t the one on duty. Marlo, was the one on duty.” I recall Mike mentioning the name.

“Go in.” He replies and I murmur a word of appreciation before walking through.

That’s such a weak security for a strong mafia group as my mother’s. Holding the scarf to cover my nose and mouth, I move to hide as some of her men seems to be on their way out. Holding my breath as I hide behind the huge pillar, I run in as soon as they are out of the way. Bending down, I take off each of my shoes and hold them in my hand.

“s**t I forgot the hidden cameras.” I mumble and move the scarf to cover my nose bridge further.

Walking majestically, I move for my mom’s office.

“Who are you?” A husky voice asks and as soon as his hand taps on my shoulder, I apply my flip over skill, but he seems to be stronger than me.

Dang it!

Pinning my hand to my back with his strong hands, he pulls my scarf and I let out a whimper. Shutting my eyes as I hear multiple footsteps approaching, I struggle to set myself free, but it is too late as I hear her voice.

“What’s going on?” Her voice is laced with so much power as usual and the man holding me like I am some criminal turns me to face her and she lets out a gasp.

“Kneel!” The man commands and my mother raises her hand to stop him.

He lets go of me forcefully and I whimper as I stagger forward.

“Leave.” She commands and all of her men leaves.

I can see she is doing well.

“Chiara.” She calls out to me as I turn on my heels to leave and I stay still.

“I shouldn’t have come here.” I say and she hugs me.

“Chiara, you have come to see your mother.” Her voice is shaky.

Is she crying?

I really couldn’t stop myself from coming to check on my parents, they had lost me for years to protect me. They lied to me and made me feel like I was alone all my childhood but they are still my parents after all. I had thought lady Tee would be a mother figure for me for a long time and I could move on with loving Colton, but my past is still very much connected to the present and it just won’t leave me.

My parents live for this, Alejandro, Joe, Mike, Bianca, Marie, Lady Tee and even Nolan are all related to what I ran away from; the mafia.

“Kiki?” My dad’s voice is still the same.

“Dad.” I say as my Mom lets go of me.

“I never knew you returned.” He says as he moves closer and I sniff.

I guess the make up disguise wasn’t strong enough, even my dad recognizes me.

“Can we talk? I miss my daughter.” My father says and I nod as my eyes stings from my held back tears.

If I missed them this much how did I survive in France with all of my pains?

“Chiara.” She keeps calling my name and I look at my Dad who nods at me with a sad smile.

Is my mom, okay?

“How’s she?” I whisper and he squeezes my hand.

“She will be fine now, that you are back.” He whispers back and I take my Mom’s hand.

“Mother.” As soon as the words leave my lips tears stream down her face.

“Brantley, she called me mother.” She whimpers as she speaks and I let my held back tears fall.

I really let my own pain cloud my senses. I left the people who genuinely loved me to undergo their pains alone.

We three ascend the stairs together and father leads the way to my mom’s study. Her mahogany desk has been replaced with a glass one and the clock that used to hang behind her swivel chair is no more. She locks her green eyes with mine and I take fast strides towards her to hug her.

“I am sorry, Baby.” She cries.

“I know it took long for me to come back to you, but I have now Mother, Father.” I say and wipe my tears before letting go of her.

“Thank you for coming back home.” My father moves to sit on the sofa and I do the same as my Mom sniffs.

“No more tears, all that matters now is me being here and in hopes to take up the family business seriously. How has the mafia and the company been?” I ask and my father clears his throat.

“Would you like to eat?” My Mom asks.

“No, but I do not mind a glass of juice.” I answer and she nods before leaving the study with so much enthusiasm.

“I bet she is going to make it herself. She won’t let any of the workers help her.” He comments and I smile.

“How have you been, Dad?” I ask and he sighs.

“You don’t want to know, Daughter. By the way, the mafia has been fine and Alejandro took over the mafia cause your mother let him.”

“Alejandro took over?”

“Not yet. He is on trial.” He replies calmly and I stick my tongue to my front teeth.

“What was the plan, if he fails his trial?”

“You know him so well. He is capable and more ruthless, he can handle the mafia group. He has Joe and Mike with him.”

“He didn’t come to France to safe me willingly, right?” I ask.

I am not expecting a negative response, but I really want a negative response this time.

“Right.” He responds and I tighten my grip on my dress.

“Now; that you have returned, what’s your next move? You have come to take your place, but Alejandro is there.” My Mom says as she walks back in.

“Thanks.” I mumble as I take the glass of juice from her.

Standing, I pace around the study with my glass in my right hand.

“I have returned to live from what I ran away from. I have not come to fight, I am here to do what I meant to do. Joe and Mike, offered me a job.” I answer my Mom’s question and my father raises his head.

“Some Job we should know about?” My Mother asks.

“Sure. I will be taking the position of Alejandro’s secretary.” I answer truthfully and they both sigh.

“Are you going to be okay with seeing Alejandro everyday? Will you be able to bear it when he brings in his women? What about the trauma you might have had to face? The biggest question is; are you taking this offer to be his secretary because you still love him? Did you break of your engagement with Colton because of Alejandro? Did seeing him again make you realize how much you still love him?” Mother ask.

Do I still love Alejandro? Am I back because of Mike’s words to me? Am I really going to be okay with seeing him everyday and living under the same roof as him, without any attachment to him? What if my nightmares continue? Would I be able to take it if he makes out with other women in front of me?

Those are questions that would have to answer itself as time goes on.

“I came back for a reason and that reason would be fulfilled. We all just have to watch. Again I will ask, is there any bone of contention for now?” I reply.

“The only serious problem we had, was Martins and you have taken him down successfully. As usual we have more work to do, but I think I need to rest from all of this now. I have never really enjoyed my life with my husband and I think I need that now.” Mother speaks and I drop the glass.

“You will be able to rest. I will stop by soon to have a long chat that has nothing to do with the empire. Take care, Mom, Dad. Anddd, yes! Please do not let Alejandro or his parents know that I am back yet.” I tell them and glance at my watch before moving for the exit.