Interlude | The Agreement

"You may excuse us" Leonelli said, not bothering to look at Fariello or the others present in the room. His eyes were fixated on Emilia's, his hand still holding onto hers as he spoke.

"Of course," Fariello said politely through gritted teeth as he walked past the both if them, her siblings and mother in tow. Emilia turned slightly to meet Amelio's gaze, watching as he stood unmoving and transfixed, his eyes now focused on Leonelli's hand around hers.

Leonelli cocked his head to the side, his eyes running over Amelio's stoic frame.

"Were you deaf when I spoke?" He questioned, clearly amused with the reaction he got from a now startled Amelio who shook his head frantically.

"No, I apologize" He muttered before turning to leave, sparing one last glance at Emilia before shutting the door behind him.

An uncomfortable silence fell over the enclosed room as Leonelli's gaze lingered at the spot where Amelio had stood before. He scoffed, his attention now back on Emilia.

"Why do I have a feeling your brother already detests me?" He asked, settling down on his seat. "I wasn't being too mean, was i?" He gestured for her to seat beside him, which she silently did.

"Why so quiet?" He asked yet another question, reaching for the liquor decanter that sat on her father's desk, "Don't tell me you're a shy one"

"No, I'm sorry I just didn't expect to meet you, I'm just a bit surprised" She says, watching as he poured a cup of whiskey for the two of them.

"No need to apologize, anyone would be in your case. Your father told me that he hadn't informed you nor your brother who was sent to retrieve yot, of the agreement because It would cause some problems for me" He said, offering her a cup.

"What agreement?" she asked as she took the cup from him, her fingers brushing against his momentarily.

"One that your father and I agreed on a while ago after you disappeared" he responds, "I'm sure you wondered why your family hadn't found you all this time, it was simple. They couldn't look for you freely in my territory and I definitely took note of your arrival in my turf last year" He explained.

"The agreement states that if your father wished to meet you again in his lifetime, He would ensure that he paid with your life"

"My life?" Emilia sputtered, getting up from her seat; her eyes widened as the man before her grinned like the devil she had heard he was. The merciless kingpin who said what he wanted to with no regret or repercussion, took what he wanted with no cost insured to himself. Did he mean to kill her or worse, own her?

"Don't panic, Emilia. It means that your life is mine to wield as I please. Take it as a form of ownership. You are now under my custody" He says, waving his hands dramatically, his whiskey slurring about in his cup, threatening to spill over.

"Why would my father ever agree to such?" Emilia snaps, now on her feet as she took careful steps away from the man before her.

"Maybe he missed you or he felt cornered, who know?" He shrugs, "I mean, it won't be the first time that he's been selfish when it concerned you"

He smirks, a knowing look on his face as he gauges her reaction, "It'll just be like the time he killed your lover, right?"

"Fuck you" Emilia spat, stray tears rolling out in torrents as the truth of all he says stares her in the face, "It doesn't make any sense"

"Well not entirely, but I guess all will be revealed when you speak with him later today" He says as he takes a sip from his drink, "It would probably be best if you discuss such trivial matters with him. I mean, you could come with me quietly or I could just walk out the door and tell him about the child you're carrying and its father, then there'd be a replay of the past, am I right?" He says, smiling as he relishes the fear he perceived from her, her lips quivering as she struggles to hold back her emotions.

He gets up and walks towards her,grabbing her by her hand and tugging her forward so he could whisper in her ear, "The next time you swear at me, would be your very last, mi amor"

Emilia stifles at his threat, staring at the man who offers a frigid smile before slipping a hand around her waist.

"Now" he says, straightening himself, "You'd better be on your best behavior or risk suffering the consequences"

With that he pecks her on the cheek, smiling as she scowls at him.

He takes quick strides towards the door, holding it open for an awe stricken Emilia, "Shall we?" he asks, watching with keen interest as she walks past him, a renewed aura of hostility radiating off her.

We're off to a good start, Emilia. He thought as he followed closely behind her, This is only the beginning.