Chapter 45: Eric

"I felt like a cornered animal, with all my claws out, ready to attack. Ariele had stirred the darkest side of me, and I was full of anger. In the mafia headquarters' office, I felt like my whole world was crumbling around me. Anger was consuming my being, and I couldn't control it.

I remembered every little detail that had filled me with so much rage. My wife, who had shaken the trust I had in her. Just when I thought Ariele was tamed, she surprised me by seeking an authority she didn't have. Her grandfather, who treated me as if I were a subordinate. And her cousin, trying to undermine my authority in the family.

But it wasn't just them. There was a long list of people who had challenged me and were now facing my wrath. They thought I was the weakest link in the family, but they were mistaken. I was the strongest, and I was willing to do anything to protect my legacy and my family.

I looked around the office and felt the presence of the mafia in every corner. The portraits of my ancestors, the weapons on the walls—everything was part of my family's history. I was a mobster, a man who feared no death and would fight to the end for his ideals.

I recalled my tough childhood, how I had struggled to survive and make it to where I was now. I had overcome all adversities, and I was one of the most powerful mobsters in the city. And no one would bring me down.

The anger inside me was overflowing, and I knew I needed to take action. My life was at stake, and I couldn't tolerate the insults and betrayals of those around me any longer.

With a cry of fury, I stormed out of the office, determined to show everyone that Eric was not a man to be underestimated. My anger would be my fuel, and I wouldn't stop until all my enemies were on their knees, begging for my forgiveness.

I arrived at Italo's mansion, still seething with anger. Upon entering, I was greeted by Romeu and Ariele's grandfather, who exchanged pleasantries with me. I tried to maintain my composure, but the tension in my body was palpable. I was not good at controlling my anger.

"Good morning, Eric," Romeu said with a mocking smile.

"Good morning," I replied with a nod of my head. He meant nothing to me, had less significance to me than a fly.

Soon after, Ariele's grandfather led us into his office. I followed behind them, still seething with anger. What more could they do to make me furious?

When we reached the office, Italo appeared calm and composed as always. He gestured for me to sit and then looked at me with his penetrating blue eyes.

"Eric, have a seat," he said, pointing to the chair in front of his desk. "We need to talk."

I sat down and crossed my arms over my chest, preparing for whatever was to come. Romeu sat beside me.

"I know you're angry," Italo began. "But we need to discuss what happened last night."

I growled, feeling the anger surging again.

"What's there to discuss?" I said angrily. "Ariele and her relatives are all against me. They think I'm the weakest link, but they're mistaken."

Italo tilted his head to the side, studying me with his now dark eyes.

"My granddaughter loves you, Eric," he said. "But I won't allow that kind of behavior in front of me again."

"It wasn't my intention," I knew it was a lost cause; Italo had felt the blows at the right moment.

I took a deep breath, trying to control my anger.

Italo got up from his chair and came closer to me. He placed his hand on my shoulder and looked directly into my eyes.

"Trust me, Eric," he said. "I'm here to help you. But my granddaughter will always come first."

Italo decreed, and looking into his already weary blue eyes, I could understand why the sons had been caught in a bind. Italo was weak, and probably all the sons were.

I looked at him, feeling a mix of anger and despair. But I ended the matter with a nod. If necessary, Ariele would live in the countryside, far away from everyone, but no one would interfere in our marriage.

I was sitting in the meeting room with Romeu, discussing the merchandise route. Now, I was in charge of the family's business, and my meetings were with Italo and each capo in the countries scattered around the world. Romeu was one of Clecio's dons, a Capo, and the father of my ex-fiancée, Guilda, who now rested in the fiery fork. Another concern I had to take care of.

I had my reasons to believe that one route was safer and more advantageous, while Romeu insisted that another was the best choice. Tension was rising as the discussion continued.

"You're not understanding, Romeu. This route is not safe enough. We'll put everything at risk if we follow it." I said, with a firm and authoritative voice. I had done business in that region, a few, but enough to know which way to go, navigation could be tricky sometimes.

"But, Eric, Italo said this is the best option. He's the boss, and we have to follow what he says." Romeu retorted, his voice getting louder, I knew it was a test from Ariele's grandfather.

"I know he's the boss, but I also know this route isn't safe. You're not considering the risks." I replied, my patience running out quickly.

The argument continued for a few more minutes until Italo entered the meeting room, interrupting the fight.

"What's going on here?" He asked, with a concerned expression on his face.

Romeu and I looked at each other for a moment before I took the initiative to speak.

"We're discussing the merchandise route, Italo. Romeu believes we should go by a route that I consider unsafe. I'm suggesting a safer alternative." I explained.

Italo listened carefully to my explanation and then looked at Romeu.

"What do you have to say about this, Romeu?" He asked.

Romeu explained his position, but Italo agreed with me, saying it was better to follow the route I had suggested.

Romeu and I exchanged glances again, but this time, there was a moment of silence. We both knew we had to put our differences aside and work together to ensure the success of the operation.

"So that's how we'll do it," Italo said, putting an end to the discussion.

Romeu and I looked at each other once more but said nothing more. We knew we had to set our differences aside and work together to ensure that everything went smoothly.

I left the meeting with Romeu, still angry with him. He had tried to confront me about the merchandise route, and now, to make matters worse, he was attempting to provoke me with insinuations about Ariele.

"Send my regards to my lovely cousin," he said with a malicious smile.

I could feel the anger bubbling inside me. How dare he speak about Ariele in that manner?

I took a deep breath and tried to keep my composure. There was too much at stake to act impulsively.

"Don't worry; I'll pass along your regards," I replied with a firm and controlled voice.

But inside, I was boiling. That imbecile daring to talk about Ariele like that. I wanted to grab my gun and shoot him in the head right there and then. But I couldn't do that. Not yet.

I knew I couldn't let my anger and jealousy jeopardize my position in the mafia. I needed to carry on with my work and keep things under control, even if it meant swallowing my anger for now.

But Romeu had no idea of the fire he had ignited within me. I would remember this, and one day, he would pay dearly for provoking me in that manner.

I arrived home and went straight to the bedroom. Ariele was lying on the bed, seemingly in a deep sleep. I looked at her for a few seconds, recalling our earlier argument. But suddenly, I forgot all about that and approached her. I took a quick shower and lay down beside her.

I felt the warmth of her body and snuggled close. Despite all my frustration, I couldn't stay away from her. I needed to feel her touch, her scent. I felt the softness of her skin, the rise and fall of her chest as she breathed.

I was still angry with her, but at the same time, I wanted to hold her and never let her go. It was a confusing feeling, but one I couldn't deny. I gazed at the ceiling while Ariele slept peacefully beside me. I knew we still had things to work out, but for now, I just wanted to be there with her.

Suddenly, the anger from earlier seemed so distant. I only felt the obsession I had for her, despite all our fights and disagreements. An obsession that made me ignore the sex strike she was pulling because being near her was enough for me in that moment.

I stayed there, by her side, for some time, simply savoring her presence and warmth. Eventually, I drifted off to sleep as well, with the comforting feeling of Ariele beside me.