CHAPTER 02 – DOM
POV: ADAM
2 YEARS EARLIER
The big day has arrived when I will finally eliminate that damned smile, that demon who calls himself my father! I joined forces with the French Capo to set up an ambush for Dom and, in return, offered an alliance. Knowing the rivalry between them, this partnership became convenient. A French informant reached our henchmen, informing them that the French mafia was on our territory seeking an agreement to expand our business.
That sadistic and ambitious old man would neither refuse nor allow such audacity from the French on our soil.
"You're late, as the future Dom, you should never be late!" Dom Ethan says irritably.
I simply get into the car without daring to argue, after all, I had a well-planned scheme in mind!
We arrive at the designated location, an abandoned warehouse with a table in the center, dim lighting, and Capo Bruce standing at the front, surrounded by his henchmen. Only Dom Ethan, myself, and five other men enter. Outside, we have more than 20 henchmen covering the territory!
"So, I see you received my invitation! It's an honor to meet you in person, Dom," says Bruce, extending his hands for a firm handshake.
"You didn't give me many options, Capo Bruce. I would say your reputation precedes you. You're a cunning and genuine man," Ethan replies, his voice dripping with irony.
"We didn't come here to exchange compliments but to do business. Shall we begin?"
I point to the table and the chairs in front.
"Forgive my son, he's still in training," Ethan retorts.
Before we could sit down, we hear gunshots coming from outside the warehouse.
"It's an ambush! Let's go, shoot!" shouts Dom.
I obey the orders, but instead of shooting the enemies, I shoot the remaining henchmen.
Soon, Filipe and my friend Micael enter the place, covered in blood, nodding their heads, indicating that all of my father's followers and henchmen have been eliminated!
At that moment, Dom Ethan realizes what is happening...
"You damn son of a bitch, betrayal is the worst violation of our laws. You'll pay dearly for this!"
With a treacherous smile on my face, I approach my father and disarm him.
"It would be betrayal if I had planned all of this, daddy! But... the French mafia set up an ambush, and we barely made it out of here alive. Unfortunately, we had the misfortune of losing you in the midst of the gunfire..."
"You bastard! I raised you, gave you everything, made you a man!"
"Raised me? Gave me everything? You only gave me hell, pain, and suffering!"
"I made you a MAN, a DOM!"
Unable to contain myself any longer, I start punching his face until he falls to the ground...
"Here is the man you forged!"
I deliver consecutive punches and kicks, asking Micael and Filipe for ropes as they widen their eyes and approach.
"Finish this already, you don't need to be like him!"
I look at my brother with hatred.
"I won't be the same, but worse!"
Filipe steps back, not recognizing me. I light a cigarette and turn my back.
I take the ropes, tying him up, rendering him unable to move. I grab pliers first and look at him with so much fury... I feel all the anger and resentment built up for years exploding:
"I'm going to wipe that sneering smile off your face!"
I pull out some of his teeth, causing him to groan in pain, but he doesn't give in...
"Hahaha... Is this all you've learned? You piece of shit, you couldn't even learn how to torture properly!"
I smile, taking a sharp knife and opening his mouth, forcing him to stick out his tongue...
"Remember how many times you cursed, humiliated, and spat on my face with this tongue and mouth?"
"Y-yes, ummm, mmm."
I smile and cut off his tongue with the knife, watching the blood spurt, covering his entire body, the floor, and staining me.
"These hands that sent the henchmen to beat me and also punched me until I was on the brink of death?"
I cut off his fingers, slowly tearing them off one by one, relishing in revenge!
"Well, I'll leave you to sort things out... within the family! We'll talk soon." - POV: Bruce.
I nod, still staring into my father's eyes, which convey pain and hatred, but never... fear!
"These damn feet that trampled on me when I was lying on the ground, unable to move from so much pain..."
I pick up an electric saw I had brought and start sawing his feet... He writhes in agony! When he is completely bloody and barely able to keep his eyes open...
"You damn bastard, you deserved more for everything you did to us... However, I see that you're not as strong as you claimed to be!"
I grab the gasoline and douse his body, giving him one last look...
"Go back to your home, burn in hell!"
And I set fire to the bastard, listening to his screams of anguish...
I look at Filipe and Micael, who have a horrified look on their faces, I lower my gaze to my hands, body, and face, covered in blood... DAMN! Damn father, you made me into what you wanted most, you made me worse than a demon...
I give the orders,
"Burn everything and leave false traces implying an ambush by the French."
Filipe and Micael nod, unable to utter a single word.
I turn my back and leave that warehouse, that place where I know I left my soul and heart... I return empty and hollow, I return without life, without hope, and without love!
I return as a true DOM!
I snap out of the memories that were more like nightmares haunting me, and I see my brother sitting there.
PRESENT TIME
POV: ADAM
I'm sitting in my office, immersed in mafia affairs. The incompetence of my henchmen is making me stressed, along with the theft of another shipment, resulting in a loss of $100,000... I won't let this go unnoticed. It's not just about the money; it's a matter of honor, respect, and fear!
I pour myself another glass of whiskey, feeling the liquid go down my throat, leaving a bitter taste in my mouth.
At that moment, someone knocks on the door.
"Dom, may I come in?" asks Filipe, his gaze lowered ever since the day I killed our father.
"What is it?"
I tilt my head towards the envelope while pouring another glass of whiskey.
"I received a letter from Capo Bruce Lis Mavromatis. One of his messengers just delivered it."
I open the envelope, and as I unfold the letter, a photo falls out. I reach for the photo and look... Fuck, she's beautiful! What an intense, strong, determined, and sweet gaze... Angelic features!
I lift my gaze, noticing that Filipe is analyzing me with a mischievous smile on his lips.
"I heard she's strong, trained as a warrior, and educated as a lady. Which is unusual for the Mafia, as women are not supposed to be more than wives and housewives!"
He drifts off in thoughts.
"Surely her beauty goes beyond her appearance."
I'm surprised by his analysis, but Filipe has always been like that... more of a dreamer, romantic, and analyst!
I start reading the letter:
Les salutations, Dom! (Greetings in French)
How is the reign going? I believe it's becoming more pure and dignified under your leadership!
I heard that you've expanded your fleet, and with our alliance, we've received proposals from the borders of Mexico and Canada.
La prospérité!
But the reason for my letter is not just to talk about business, but to seal our agreement according to our traditions, and with congratulations, I say: She is ready!
If I may say so: Polished and up to your standards!
As per our agreement, the engagement is to take place in 7 days.
Until then,
End of the letter
I place the letter on the table and run my hand over my face. Who does this Capo think he is, being authoritative with me?
Capo Bruce is a very diplomatic man, sounding friendly and welcoming when he talks, but I know of his reputation, his trails, and power!
No man reaches where he has reached without leaving piles of tortured and lifeless bodies in his wake.
I take a deep breath... I stand up and pour myself another drink. Filipe looks at me seriously.
"Dom, what do you want me to do?"
"Prepare the contract and organize everything. We'll have the engagement at the Cotswolds Hall of our council, here in England. The engagement will take place in 7 days!"
"So soon?"
"We will honor our agreement, solidify the union with France."
Filipe leaves with a nod, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I pick up Davina's photo... Such a beautiful name for a girl!
Davina... I'm anxious, why do I feel this way about someone I don't even know?