DERRICK’S POV
The entire day, I couldn’t get Joan out of my mind. No matter how hard I tried to focus on the tasks at hand, my thoughts kept drifting back to her. It was maddening.
I still felt like a fool for checking on her while she slept. Hearing her murmur another man’s name in her dreams ignited a rage within me that I couldn’t understand. Every time I remembered that incident, I’d literally feel my blood boil. Why did it bother me so much? She was just a maid. I couldn’t have feelings for her. Could I?
My emotions were all over the place, and I hated it. I’d never experienced anything like this before. Usually, I was in complete control, but Joan… Joan was different. She made me feel things I didn’t want to feel. And I fucking hated it.
My mother has summoned me to her playroom after I was done eating. While I ate, I had to endure the torture of Joan standing not too far away. I noticed her occasional glances at me. I ignored her, even when she greeted me.
I would try to avoid her from now on. The sight of her alone – with her long hair, pink lips, deep blue eyes. She looked so innocent. And don’t get me started on that uniform. The sight of her in that uniform makes me want to bend her over my lap and see what’s underneath. I want to spank her till her cheeks turn red.
What the fuck is wrong with me?
When I was done eating, I walked to my mother’s playroom. I hadn’t seen her in a while. I was sure she came by to discuss something important.
“Mother” I said as I walked in “Irene”
When I walked into the room and saw Joan there, my chest became filled with an emotion I couldn’t describe. Seeing her only made my feelings worse.
“Joan” I said firmly ” What are you doing here? Get out”
My mother and Irene gave me shocked looks. Joan’s eyes widened in surprise. I knew that I sounded harsh but I couldn’t help it. The thought of her with another man was driving me insane and I didn’t know why.
My mother stood up, giving me a stern look. “Derrick, there is no need for such rudeness. Joan is here because I invited her.”
I quickly caught the disapproval in my mother’s eyes and adjusted my tone. My mother was not the one to play with. If there was any female I respected a lot, it was her.
“I just… I don’t want to be in the same space as her.” I said through gritted teeth “I would like some privacy”
My mother sighed, still shooting a disapproving look at me “Very well. Joan, could you give us a moment?”
Joan bowed her head “Yes ma’am. Thank you for the invite”
She walked with her head down, her eyes avoiding mine, and left the room. I watched her go. My chest tightened with emotions I couldn’t name.
As soon as Joan left, the room became silent. The air was filled with so much tension that you could cut it with a knife. My mother glared at me. Instantly, I knew she was about to scold me.
“Derrick,” my mother said “You shouldn’t have done that. Why were you so rude to her?”
“I’m not in the mood for company, mother. I just wanted to be alone with the both of you”
That’s one way to put it. The truth is, I don’t want to be around her. Why? Because every time she’s near, I feel things I don’t want to feel. It’s driving me insane.
“You could have told her in a nicer manner. That’s all I’m saying”
I opened my mouth to respond, but Irene quickly stepped in, diverting the conversation.
“Mother, let’s not dwell on Derrick’s behavior right now. There’s something important we need to discuss about the business.”
My mother sat down and turned to Irene “Very well. What is it?”
I took a seat next to my mother, listening to what Irene had to say.
“It’s about the drug operation in London” Irene said “Things have been… unstable lately. We’ve had issues with some of our suppliers, and there have been whispers of a potential leak from the authorities.”
My mother’s eyes narrowed. “And what are we doing to address this?”
I didn’t want to say anything or interrupt. I wanted to see if Irene knew how to handle things on her own. I knew about the operation problems in London but I left the issues for Irene to solve. It was a test. I wanted to see if she would pass.
Irene glanced at me before continuing. “We’re tightening security, ensuring our routes are secure, and making sure our contacts are reliable”
Irene looked at me for approval. I nodded. She sighed in relief. She was actually getting better at this.
“Keep your eyes on everything till it’s settled” I told her “Tighten all loose ends”
“Yes brother”
“There’s another matter we need to discuss” my mother said “I had a meeting with Sir Richard”
Sir Richard was one of the godfathers. As soon as she said that name, I knew where the matter was heading.
“Derrick,” my mother said, turning back to me, “it’s time for you to get married.”
I stared into space, not saying anything.
“You should be settling down now” she continued “It’s also necessary for you to take over the title as the mafia don. It’s time, Derrick. If not, the title will go to Henry and you wouldn’t like that.”
Irene nodded in agreement. “Mother is right. It’s not just about tradition; it’s about securing our family’s future and improving our alliances.”
My mother continued, “I’ve introduced you to several suitable girls in the past, but you’ve never shown interest in any of them. This cannot continue.”
I felt my frustration growing. I didn’t want to get married but at the same time I didn’t want to lose the title.
“Mother, you can’t just expect me to marry someone I can’t tolerate.” I said “Those girls were all air heads. They couldn’t even hold a conversation”
She gave me a pointed look “Oh really?”
Irene spoke next “We understand that, but perhaps there’s someone you think might be suitable?”
My mother went quiet, sharing a look with Irene. Then she turned back to me.
“Do you have anyone in mind?” she asked me “Like that maid, Joan, for example?”