Bound by Fire: Burning desire (#2)

Ace p.o.v.

Patrick, one of my men, head a strange look on his face when I recited the things Daleyza had asked for. He stuttered something, nodded and walked away. Shaking my head I walked toward the garage. As I drove to the burned down warehouse I dialed JJ’s number.

“Boss.”

“How far are the trackers?”

“They’re getting closer…”

“I don’t want words JJ. I want results. Next time they better have the traitors in front of them or I’m replacing them.” I grumbled and cut the call.

Walking in the warehouse I assess the situation. Kyle walked up and gave a report of the damages.

“This won’t affect us at all so I don’t think…”

“Hmm.. have you found out how the place caught fire?”

“I don’t know exactly. From the security footage it looks like an arrow on fire was shot through the window…” his voice trailed off. I inhaled sharply.

“And have you seen the person’s face? Or have any indication who it is?” I started massaging my head.

“No.”

“Well try harder. I think it may be one of those petty gangs trying to climb their way up.” I snapped my fingers trying to remember the name. “They tried something like this already… The something dogs or lions I don’t know anymore. Anyway… get something to identify them and gun them down. They’re starting to become a nuisance. Take a team and finish them. I don't have the patience to deal with small gangs.” After checking the inventory I did a quick round and left.

I drove to my dad’s mansion with the thoughts of Daleyza on my mind. Every time she surprises me. As I stepped out of the car I saw my own reflection. I had a strange grin on my lips. I frowned. Why was I smiling like that? Brushing it off I walked in nodding at the men at the door.

I see doc coming out dad’s room. Looking rather worried.

“Is he dead?” I ask startling him.

“What? No.”

“Then why do you look like someone did?” he rolled his eyes.

“Abram is fine.” I wait for him to continue. It didn’t surprise me he called dad by this first name. They were good friends… still are. “It’s my daughter.” He sighs.

“I didn’t know you had a daughter.” I raised an eyebrow.

“I didn’t either. Just found out today… and she wants to meet me.” he rubs his hands over his face.

“So?”

“I don’t want to expose her. She’ll be a walking target.” Then it dawned to me why he looked so worried.

“I can spare one person to watch over her.” I shrugged.

“I’ll think about it. I’m not sure.” He was quiet for a few moments. “I can’t believe I have a daughter who is a doctor.” I heard him whisper to himself as I walked into the room.

“Ace…” my dad said as soon as I walked in. “Took you long enough.” He pulled his lips in a tight line as he put a mug down on the nightstand.

“Considering I didn’t want to come it’s actually early.”

“I raised you better than that boy…”

“You didn’t raise me so cut the crap. Anyway you have another son…”

“Hmm I had no idea. But I suppose it’s for the better. Now we have control over all the big gangs here.”

“What are you talking about?” I started wondering if doc gave him something that he started hallucinating on them.

“You and your brother are leading the Russian and Italian mafia. And your delightful little son has rights in the Spanish mafia. You made sure the Mexicans won’t crawl up from somewhere. So I would say we are the most powerful.” He had a smile on his face. It unnerved me.

“You really are going crazy. Daleyza’s brother is the leader of the Spanish mafia…”

“He doesn’t have to be... Are you really going to let that stop you? You are so close to being the most powerful man in America. We already have established our place in Russia now we can expand more.”

I knew talking to him won’t do me any good so I just walked away. On my way out I ran into Matteo. Instinctively my hand went to my gun. It would still take some time to get used to him.

“What are you doing here?” my eyes flickered to his hand, which was also on his gun. Seems like the feelings were mutual. After a few seconds both of us relaxed and stood straight in front of each other.

“I had some questions.” He shrugged. “I figured since he is okay he should answer me.”

“Good luck with that.” I chuckled. “The old man is starting to go crazy.” He nodded and we walked our separate ways.

I went to my hotel and saw through some of the paperwork. I’ve been ignoring it for far too long. After hours of signing contracts I was finally exhausted enough to go home. At least the hotels seem to be running smoothly. As I enter the house it seemed quiet. I went up to Aiden’s room and he was busy with his tablet.

“Hey champ…” he looked up. “Are you ready to start training with me?” he nodded slowly. “Where is your mama?”

“She is bribing uncle Vik to do something.” He answered as he got up from bed and walked over.

“What?!” without thinking I rushed up to the guest room. For some reason that mental image makes me want to punch someone. The room was empty. I walked downstairs and saw shadows from the kitchen.

“If you’re going to make me treat you like Aiden, I’m going to hit you with a baseball bat.” I heard Daleyza snarl. As I walked into the kitchen I saw Vik perched over the counter sitting on the bar stool as Daleyza stood on the other side with her arms crossed. As her eyes snapped up she let out a relieved breath. “Owh good you’re here. Get your friend here to eat or I’ll shoot him. He’s been working on my nerves the whole damn day.” She grumbled and walked off.

I let out a small chuckle. I walked to Vik and slapped his back lightly. He had a smirk on his face.

“It’s fun messing with her.” he said as he started eating. At least he is talking now.

“I’m taking Aiden training. Come by after you’ve eaten.” He nodded slightly without looking up.