NALEDI’S POV
I dressed in an all-black assemble, ready to sneak out of my own pack.
It felt refreshing to finally address this pack as mine, and although I was not fully performing my duties as a part of the pack, considering I was working with the enemy. But that was ending today.
I leapt out of my window after locking my doors, hoping anyone who came around would grab the memo and think I was sick with the flu, or just being a spoiled brat.
Anything at this point would work beautifully as long as it meant I didn’t get to be disturbed. As I sneaked out of the pack, I hoped and prayed that I’d return in one piece without anyone noticing my absence.
I gave myself three hours max to finish my mission and return to the Cosa Nostra. And hoped I was able to pull it off. Which highly depended on how willing Nicolai would be to accept my resignation from his ‘Bring-Caellum-to-his-knees’ team.
Soon enough, I was out of the pack, and on my way to the place I was supposed to meet Nicolai. Judging from my past interactions with him and the location he gave to me, I figured that was a stop where he was going to send people to meet me.
I dropped by the road with a face cap, head bowed as I sent a text to him, informing him of my presence and my limited time. I was about to press send when a car stopped in front of me.
I looked in the driver’s seat and there he was, face forward and waiting for me to enter. Without wasting any more time, I hopped into the car, joining him in the passenger seat.
“Nicolai as a driver?” I said as soon as the car got moving. “I got to say, you manage to surprise me every single time we meet.”
He turned to me and I couldn’t decipher what the hell went on in his mind. “Since you nurse thoughts of pulling out from our deal, I couldn’t wait to pick your brains on the said matter.”
My brows raised, “Oh really? Is that code for wanting to blow my brains off?” My tone was straight to the point and flat-out serious.
“You think I want to kill you?” He sounded amused and I was confused.
“Judging from the fact you killed Luka right under my nose, I can’t really put it past you now, can I?”
He took a right turn and his lips formed an oh sound. “You finally said it. You see, I was wondering when you’ll thank me for that.”
“Thank you for killing Luka?”
“For killing him for you.” He briefly met my eyes. “For riding you of the guilt you would have felt for killing him.”
Now that was funny. “Do you know me?”
“Well enough to know you are completely foolish to be taken by that monster you call your mate.” His words were a piercing arrow. “You are fucking the son of the one who murdered your family. Your father must be rolling in the grave from such betrayal.”
“You know nothing about me. And I’ll appreciate it if you held your tongue on anything about my family.” My tone grew cold, “Trust me, the last thing you want is to see me angry.”
“Oooh, I’m so scared.” He mocked. “I will give you one last chance to work with me, get rid of the stupid feelings you think you have and go on with the initial plan.” The car slowed to a stop and I figured we were right where he picked me from.
“I was thinking about getting money for the last batch I delivered to you.” I said out of the blue, “You know, the one you never paid for?”
“You think you are funny, don’t you?” He gauged me with that look again. “Hardy Har Har, Naledi. Think about it, what do you think Caellum would do when he finds out you have been frolicking with the enemy? When he finds you have betrayed him? Do you think that man would let you off the hook just because you are his mate?”
He tutted when I didn’t answer. “We both know that’s not happening. And trust me, it’s better you honour your late father and family which he murdered by bringing down the Cosa Nostra than this failure of a future you dream of having with him.”
I cleared my throat, refusing to let him get to me. “You see, unlike what you think, I have no plan of letting him find out. I plan on telling him myself. And I will, right after I’m done here with you.”
“You know I could kill you right now. No questions asked. I could kill you and make up a story for your death. It’s that easy to wipe you out of existence.”
“Then you should. Because there’s no way I am working for or with you anyway. As a matter of fact, there’s a high chance I go to Caellum right now and blab about everything we’ve been through together from the night Luka was murdered.”
“I’ll give you time. Think clearly about what you are about to do and be sure you are in your right mind. In the meantime, I’ll go about bringing Caellum down in my own way. But be warned, if you do decide to make the wrong call, I will make sure you regret it. That is my solemn promise.”
“Now get the fuck out of my car.”
I didn’t need to be told twice. I stood by the walkway as the car sped into the road, shocked I was still in one piece. I felt my gun and it was still intact. The sweet feeling of relief poured inside me and in the minutes following, anxiety.
What the hell was he up to? Why was he so cool about it? Why did I feel like something was about to go wrong? I didn’t have the time to swell on it because I realized a good two hours had gone with our interaction.
I had an hour to return to my room and I didn’t have time to waste. Without further ado, I hailed a cab and in the same way I came, I dropped a distance from the Headquarters and sneaked my way in.
By the time lunch came, I was in my room, ready to eat.