Vince’s POV
Even though her fingers grip around the weapon tightly, I feel a bit guilty she is not ready to use a gun. Stalking forward, I move behind her before grabbing both hands to pry the gun from her hand. Then I pull the trigger and hit the target.
Looking up, I raise a brow at her, and she darts her tongue around her lips nervously, making me stare absentmindedly, until she grabs the gun from me.
She moves back in position, her desperate moves to learn how to use a gun, among other things, are amazing to me. At this point, she might become a better fighter than I am.
Unconsciously, a smile splits over my face in pride. I was right about Ann. I was right about choosing her to be my queen.
We are on high alert, waiting for an attack from the Silicones at any moment. They have been too quiet for a long time, and I believe they are preparing to take us unaware.
Another reason why I am in a haste to ensure that Ann is well-trained in fighting skills and, most importantly, how to use a gun. I want her to be able to defend herself in times of trouble. That way, I can rest assured that I won’t have to worry about her when an unexpected attack happens.
Usually, it takes up to a month to train a newbie, but I have plans to make Ann a good fighter in just two weeks.
Luca trains her alongside me when I have free time to spare. She already knows how to punch, how to dodge a punch, and how to kick. I intend to test her endurance and strength level today.
Moving back in position behind her, I hold onto her hands as she grips the gun more tightly. “Never put your finger on the trigger unless you intend to kill.”
I press into her finger and the trigger, and the shot rings out, making her shut her eyes tightly. I keep pulling the trigger until there are no bullets left.
Slowly, she flutters her eyes open and turns slightly towards me, her lower lip a trembling mess. To assure her, I flash her a smile, and her eyes lock on my lips.
The sharp ringing of my phone jerks me back to reality, making the smile drop from my face. Embarrassment coats her face as I grab the phone from the high stool and turn my back to pick up the call.
“Boss,” Alesso utters in greeting on the phone. “We just sighted some of them at the airport, and it doesn’t look like they are arriving.”
I nod in understanding. “Roger and two other men were seen leaving LA, and the plane is headed to New York City.”
“When is the shipment expected to arrive?” I demand, thinking of Ann’s mother. I have a strong feeling they are going to meet with her stepfather. They obtained their weapons from him and Carter, and now that Carter is no longer with them, I am confident that they will soon discover who killed him.
“Saturday, boss,” he replies with incredulity.
“Good, you can head back home. Let’s have a meeting as soon as everyone is back.”
“Sure, boss,” he mutters and disconnects the call.
I don’t intend to tell Ann anything about our plans with her stepfather because I am sure she is going to be worried about her mother.
Before I can twirl around to continue the training with her, my phone starts to ring again, and I see a flash of my mother’s name.
“You are not going to pick up your call?” Ann questions, and I signal to her to continue till I am back before strolling out. I leave the building and head towards the mansion.
Finally, she is calling.
I can’t ignore her call because I know she will end up in my house if I don’t pick up. As soon as I enter, I take long strides towards the staircase, wondering what it is she wants with me this time.
Since the night at Marco’s farewell party, we haven’t seen each other. I didn’t give her the opportunity to speak with me at the party, and she never called after that.
Now that she knows I am married to Ann, I am sure this is definitely not about getting married. The phone starts to ring again, and I pick it up immediately, as I pull my door open to go in when she mutters coolly. “There you are.”
Instinctively, I turn around to see her standing by the landing with the phone glued to her ears. My eyebrow flies up suspiciously.
Before I can say anything, she takes the staircase up and walks past me into the room. With a heavy sigh, I move in and close the door behind me with my arms folded around my bosom.
“What are you doing here?”
Her gaze widens on me, disbelief skimming over her face. Then she snarls and glances around, probably for the sight of Ann.
Walking to the armchair, she slouches down and begins. “Vicente, are you truly married, or is this just a ploy to get me off your back?”
There is a smirk on her face as she asks the question.
“What do you think? This is what you wanted. I have obeyed you, and that is enough.”
“This is what I wanted!” she exclaims loudly. “I wanted you to marry Isabel, Vicente, and you know it. I wanted her for you because you never bothered to ask. I know you are just doing this to spite me, but you have no idea how much you are going to regret this if you don’t leave that wh*re if truly you are married to her and go for Isabel instead.”
I shut my eyes, unadulterated rage washing through me. “Mom, leave now before I do something I will regret.”
“What will you do? Hit me like you once did? Go ahead.”
I want to say “yes,” but I can’t. I am still trying to make up for that single mistake I made years ago, and here she is pushing me to the wall yet again.
“Marco acts like he is fine with this, but he isn’t. You know who Marco is, he made you who you are, Vince. Why can’t you honor him just this once?” She is using that voice again. She uses the same voice when she wants to get me to do whatever she wants, but not this time. “Isabel is heartbroken too…”
“And you think I care? I don’t give a damn. I’ll do what I want and be with whoever I want. You or Marco can’t make a decision for me. Annette is my wife, and she will remain that for as long as I want. If you are not ok with that, then leave and never come back here!”
She freezes with disbelief, her mouth hanging open.
We always do this, ever since our father died. For a moment, I feel she will bring that up and try to use it against me, but she is too hurt as she slams her shoulder against me on her way out.
When she opens the door to move out, she goes still, and I see Annette standing in front of the door with a guilty look on her expression.
Mother stares at her with disgust for a moment before storming out.