Diego’s POV
Being a mafia is hard, having to treat people in the most shabby form is harder. But I enjoy it. Mostly because the recipients are deserving of what comes to them. I can’t imagine playing nice with someone who thought it was cool to joke with my money.
My back ached from beating the shit out of a washed-up Atlanta socialite’s son who thinks he can walk into my casino and make a mess of it. Pouring myself a glass of whiskey, I downed it in one go, sucking my teeth as it burned my throat.
The door opened abruptly and my nemesis, Hernandez, walked in. The only reason I haven’t buried him alive yet is because he is the only one I have aside from my nana that I trust and probably a couple of men who work for me. The only thing he brings to me is a headache, more because he is my lawyer.
“Hello there bestie.” He cooed in his usual annoying way with the gayish attitude he always presents.
I huffed tiredly, “The last person I wanted to come in contact with today is you. Why are you here, Hernandez?” Holding out a chair to sit, he must have pulled at it a bit too much because he was close to falling the moment his butt touched the sit. I coughed out a laugh while keeping my face straight.
“You had better not laugh,” Hernandez growled, giving me a cold side glare.
“What’s with the sudden mood? It’s not like I held the chair out for you. Why are you here anyway?”
“Come to think of it, Diego. You are one of my worst mistakes.”
“Why is that?” I inquired with an amused look on my face.
“Just because you never act excited to see me. Many times I doubt if you love me.” He whined, making a dramatic snort.
I winced, feeling molested. “I never liked you from the beginning. What’s the fuss all about now?”
“I hate you.”
“You are welcome,” I replied, grinning. “Come on, I know you won’t be here if it’s nothing important. You hate the casino. What’s up?”
Folding his hands on the table, he held my gaze, looking all serious. “Well, I do have news that might not sound very pleasing to you, but it’s necessary. I know there must be a reason why she kept it to herself. I was just worried and had to poke my nose a little.”
“Why do you keep going about in circles and who is she?” I asked, sounding impatient.
“Your grandmother.”
My heart raced at the response, “What happened to her?”
“I think she might be suffering from depression. I was at the family hospital today to catch up with my dad’s monthly report and I saw her leaving too. We were far apart, so I didn’t get the chance to say hello. Out of curiosity, I had to beg Dr. Amanda to tell me what she was there for.”
He paused for emphasis then continued. “Because you never mentioned to me that she was unwell. Turns out she has been treating depression due to the feeling of emptiness and loneliness for a few months now. And I remember she mentioned her desire to have her grandchildren before death finally takes hold of her the last time we spoke.”
Kissing my teeth, I leaned back into the chair, relaxing my already racing mind. “What the hell? Do you intend to give me a heart attack? I thought it was something serious.”
Hernandez scoffed in disbelief, “Why would you talk in such a dismissive manner? I get that all that you care about is guns and money. But have you forgotten Nana Isabella is the only person you share a bloodline with? If she is so lonely despite the number of assistants that live in that giant mansion of yours. Then you should be eager to help.”
I shivered at how scary he looked. One would think my years of handling a gun and gutting people’s insides out would keep me immune to things like this. But every time Nana Isabella and Hernandez get pissed, I don’t like being around to witness it.
“What would you have me do? Because I really do not understand the anger coming from you?”
He furrowed his brows, appearing frustrated. “Can you not be like that? She keeps asking you to provide her with children, but you refuse. It’s not like you lack the resources to do that.”
“How about you? Why aren’t you preparing for a family.”
Shrugging, he snorted. “I’m not the only child, neither am I the first. My siblings are the ones saddled with that responsibility, and thankfully they already gave my parents that. Which means I can do whatever I want. But your case is different. Nana only has you. You should honor her request at least, it’s easy.”
“Of course it’s easy. I have told her times without a number to let us adopt, but she refuses and wants an actual biological child.”
“So, what’s wrong with that?”
I maintained a blank expression, “Everything. Where do I get a woman to birth to my child who wouldn’t go crazy on me? You do know how desperate these ladies are. I wouldn’t be surprised if I end up fathering someone else’s child or get involved with one who intends to steal from me.”
“I thought you would be over this paranoia by now.” He said.
Turning my face away from him, I stared into space. My life has been saddled with carrying on my father’s legacy at a very young age, and the mafia world is so crazy you will have to be very coldhearted to be a part of it. I had to age quickly in my reasoning to keep my father’s world intact. With the help of my grandmother, I learned the ropes in no time.
However, the very first person I chose to love had only been a bait set by a counterpart in the game, and it almost ruined me. I promised to never let myself get carried away ever again. It did take a toll on me as I was heartbroken for months.
“It still won’t change anything. I already made up my mind.” I said after a long pause.
Hernandez exhaled, tapping on the table slowly. “But you do know there has to be something for you to do. You owe Nana Isabella that much. She deserves to be happy for raising you all by herself.”
Sniffing, I reached for a cigar and lighted it. “I will talk to her. She probably just needs a vacation.”
“Don’t be stupid, she needs a grandchild.”
“Why don’t you just give it to her?”
“I will if I have to.”
I pointed the burning part of the cigar at him. “Remind me to put you on my to-kill list.”
He laughed lightly, “What if I tell you there is a way for you to have a child without aborting or getting into an intimate relationship with anyone.”
My ears perked in curiosity. “And how will that work?”
“A surrogate.”
“What’s that?”
“Someone who would carry your child. All they need to do is inject your sperm into her, and she carries your child.”
“Hmmn, that sounds exciting. How do we go about that?”
Crossing his legs, feeling proud of himself. Hernandez grinned sheepishly. “How about you leave that to me!”