NALEDI’S POV
“No.” Caellum objected first.
I resisted rolling my eyes. “Look at it in this manner. Luka is hotcake right now. You said it yourself, a lot of people have been trying to see him, trying to bag a partnership that I need with him. Why can’t I try my hand too?”
“No. That is not an option.” Caellum said, “You are not going a thousand feet close to that man until you absolutely have to. He’s not as simple as he seems.”
“I am not some damsel in distress. I know my way around difficult situations. I need to know what I’m up against. Feel him up.”
“This is not a negotiation, Naledi. You are not permitted to leave that house until you have to. And that means this weekend.”
Frustration bobbled through me. “Is there any hope of you changing your mind?”
“Nope.”
“Then the whole purpose of this meeting is defeated. What use is it knowing who the enemy is and yet being unable to do anything about it.”
“Sometimes, it’s best to know who you are up against. Buy time and stew in till you can get to him.” His face turned cold, “Then take him out once.”
Just like I planned to do with him. Only that he didn’t know.
It took a moment before I backed down. “Fine. You’re the boss after all.” A sigh. “What am I supposed to do with myself for three whole days?”
“The house is big, Naledi. And seeing you have no problem with getting words out of Korah, three days will roll over like a breeze. You wouldn’t even feel it.”
“I bet. Have a nice day. I’ll be in my room.” I said in the most sarcastic voice and made my way upstairs.
The meeting dispersed and everyone went about their duties. Which was a big fat nothing seeing Caellum refused us to get anything done about the darned Luka Donatello.
Night came and I was losing my mind. Any more time spent studying the darned man will have me blowing my brains out. I didn’t do this. I was a woman of action.
If Caellum thought it was a bad idea to approach him first, then I just needed to prove just how wrong he was about that. I pulled up my computer and opened Luka Donatello’s file which had been seated on my desk for the longest time.
Seeking him out will be my way of studying him. At least get a real picture of who the guy is. It wasn’t like I was going to speak to him and reveal my Amara Cordel Identity.
He was in the Casino. I could just pass off as another loaded delinquent looking to make some money. What could go wrong? And what’s better? Caellum didn’t have to know.
What he doesn’t know cannot hurt him. Right?
********
“No.” Marcus’ tone was firm. “The Alpha gave his orders. If he finds we flaunted them, he’ll have our heads.”
“He doesn’t have to know,” I whined, standing at the doorpost of the workers’ quarters. “Or better yet, see it as a trip to the Casino. We’ve been boxed up all day. We just needed to get wind in our hair, and have a fun night out.”
“No,” Korah said and I rolled my eyes. “We can’t risk it. It’s too dangerous, not to talk of what the Alpha would do if he hears it.”
I was done reasoning with them. “Look, I didn’t come here to have you all give me a thousand reasons why my idea is bad. If I wanted that, I’d fucking call Caellum.”
“My lady…” Korah started but I cut her off,
“Listen. It’s either you are in or out. I won’t force you to do anything you don’t want to do. I’d appreciate it if you extended the same courtesy to me.” I took a deep breath, “I am leaving. If you are going with me, then I suggest you get prepared, cause I leave in five minutes.”
“You don’t even know your way around Sicily. What makes you think you can get around without us?” Marcus asked, seething.
I walked into the house, standing in his face. “You see, due to a certain rule, I’ve had over fourteen hours to myself, going over this darned man I am supposed to work around. I may have learned a few other things that can aid my finding him on the internet. He’s not your definition of a low-profile man, you know?”
I stepped back with a satisfied look on my face. “Besides, there’s this thing called GPs tracker. Heard of it? I could easily make my way around town. I can drive. Or call a taxi. Whichever feels more convenient.”
“This is a bad idea,” Korah said and I nodded.
“We’ve already established that I am only capable of making bad ideas.” I walked out the door. “Five minutes tops.”
I returned to the main building with one task in hand. Dodge every camera as I made my way to my room and out of the building. I know there was a chance I got caught by the cameras, but lets face it, what was the probability of Caellum sitting in a chair, all day, watching my every move.
I’d say one in a billion. And that inspired a lot of confidence in my little rebellious act. If it got to the part of doing things on my own, I was also confident in my abilities.
I’ve been a sniper since I could handle a gun and all my deals were a one-woman show. I hated clutter. I got downstairs, dressed in a sexy black gown, and a blonde wig, only to meet Marcus and some other men standing in front of the building, blocking my way.
A smile made its way to my lips. “You decided to come. And brought your friends with you.”
Marcus didn’t smile. I watched Korah step into my sight with an expression I couldn’t place my hands around.
“You can’t leave the house.” He said with a resolute look on his face.
“You are wrong. You will get out of my way and I will leave the house while you be a good boy about it.”