Chapter 35: 35

Javier

The atmosphere in the hall was completely different from usual.

Instead of the tension that usually hung in the air during our meetings, this time, everything was filled with laughter, lively voices, and the sound of glasses clinking in constant toasts.

The smell of cigars and whiskey permeated the environment, mixed with the noise of loud conversations and laughter echoing off the walls.

I was seated at the head of the long table, a glass of whiskey in my hand, watching my men celebrate with rare enthusiasm. Marco was beside me, a smile on his face that I hadn’t seen in months. He raised his glass, drawing everyone’s attention.

— A toast to the boss! — he announced, his voice loud and clear enough to momentarily silence the others. — And, of course, to the future mother of his heir. May this child bring luck and prosperity to all of us!

The men raised their glasses, shouting words of congratulations, and I smiled slightly, accepting the toast with a nod. I took a sip of the whiskey, letting the warm liquid slide down my throat as Marco sat back down.

— Looks like you’ll finally have something more precious to protect than your shipments, Javier — he commented, laughing, but with a tone that suggested seriousness. — Camille must be surprised by all this fuss.

I chuckled quietly, shaking my head.

— Camille still needs to process everything. And, honestly, maybe I do too. — I confessed, my smile fading a little. — But one thing’s for sure: no one touches a finger on her or that baby.

— We expected nothing less from you, boss — said another man, Bruno, from the other side of the table. — And, to be honest, I think this news gave a boost to all of us. After everything that happened with the shipment, we needed this.

I nodded slowly. He was right. The news of Camille’s pregnancy had done more than just lift the mood; it had restored a sense of unity that seemed to be fading. As much as I knew my world was chaotic and dangerous, the idea of having a child gave me a determination I hadn’t felt in a long time.

— And you, Javier? — Marco asked, leaning a little toward me. — How do you feel? Being a father isn’t like leading a group of armed men.

I looked at him, letting the question linger in the air for a moment. It wasn’t something I had a ready answer for. Since the moment Carmen had handed me that positive test, my mind hadn’t stopped.

— I’m not going to lie — I started, spinning the glass in my hand and watching the amber liquid. — It’s uncharted territory for me. I don’t know if I’m ready, but I know I have no choice. Camille and this baby... they will be my priority. No matter what happens.

Marco nodded, and his expression grew serious for a moment.

— That’s what we need, boss. A king who knows what’s important. And, from what I see, this child has already changed you. For the better, of course.

I laughed, but didn’t respond. Instead, I raised my glass, drawing everyone’s attention.

— To all of you — I started, looking at every face around the table. — I know we have our differences, our challenges, but this celebration is not just mine. It’s ours. This baby will be protected by each of you, just as you’ve always protected what’s ours. Thank you for being with me.

Cheers and toasts filled the hall again. Bruno pulled out a guitar, starting an upbeat melody that was soon joined by singing voices. The celebration continued for hours, with more whiskey, exaggerated stories, and promises of loyalty.

But while everyone was having fun, my mind wandered. As much as I appreciated their support, I knew the news of the pregnancy wasn’t just a cause for celebration. It was a reminder that my world, as much as I wanted it to be, would never be completely safe.

And now, more than ever, I needed to make sure nothing happened to Camille. Or the baby.

The celebration continued around me, but my motivation now grew like an uncontrollable fire.