CHAPTER 3 My best friend

We've been trying to get my daughter, Layla, to eat. Since she met with that lady at the park, she's been ranting and raving on wanting the so-called Valerie to be her mother because she called Layla a princess. I didn't take it seriously until she started acting rebellious, refusing to eat or go to school.

I don't want anything to do with females, the probability of killing the next female I get entangled with is higher than me getting a boner from a romance movie. But after I met the so-called Valerie, I might have a change of mind seeing her smooth skin, curvy shape and long legs and dark brown eyes.

I mean she looks sexy and hot in the simple dress she was putting on that day, and she makes the best cookies. My best friend, Mateo, didn't help with the matter as he kept stating why I needed a wife, saying it'd boost my image in our world. I don't need a woman to boost my image.

"Why don't you take her request into consideration," She said "They're growing and they need a mother figure. Landon asked me the other day to call Celine, so she could act as their mother in school," she continued.

"They see other kids getting picked up by their mother, and they want that too. That's the least you can do for them, Leo," she left, closing the door behind her and leaving me in deep thoughts.

I picked up my phone to dial a number. "Hey Paul, I need everything you can find on Valerie Lysander, everything. I need it as soon as possible," I said to my private hacker.

"Yes boss, I'll send it sir," I put my phone down on my desk, rubbing my forehead tiredly.

I checked the file Paul sent to me, going through everything the details one after the other. I must say, she's the best candidate. I need to have a meeting with her.

The drive to her address was short. I wish Mateo had been here with me, but the idiot decided to go on boat cruise in Miami. Leaving all the work to me alone. I checked myself out again, my long black sleeved shirt covering my tattooed arm with two buttons open and well tucked into my trousers.

I knock at the door, checking my gun at the back of my pants intact. An older woman answered the door. "Hello, who are you?" She asked politely with a smile. She's the older version of Valerie but with dark hair and light brown eyes. She smiled sweetly, waiting for me to answer.

"I am here to see Valerie Lysander, is she in?" I asked, trying to be polite, seeing that they didn't recognize me.

Her face dropped in disappointment. "She left not long ago," She replied, Me pitifully.

"Who's there?" I heard a man's voice inside. He opened the door wider, so he could see who was at the door.

The expression on his face shows that he recognized me. Good.

"You know who I am right? I'm not good at acting polite and all that," I made my way into their house without waiting for them to usher me in. The house is warm and feels like home, bringing back childhood memories.

"Yes, yes. Come inside." The man I assume to be her father said carefully. He whispered something to his wife. She gasped loudly. She covered her mouth when our eyes met.

Chris, Valerie's dad, was about to say something when I cut him off.

"Let's get to business," I muttered, then proceeded to explain what I want from them and why I'm here.

They look confounded at my speech, I mean they should be. The most ruthless Mafia want to marry their daughter. It's a great honor. Seeing they're about to protest, I added

"I'm not asking you, I'm demanding. I'm sure you won't want to see me angry and a peaceful agreement will be better for both you and your daughter," I sneered, crossing my legs over the other.

"It's not up to us, it is up to our daughter. We can't force her if she doesn't want it." Chris uttered, holding his crying wife closely.

"Why are you doing this to us," Marie said in tears.

"Let's wait till she gets here," I stated, resting my back and waiting for my soon-to-be bride.

The sound of her car was heard. She didn't notice me when she entered, but she noticed the stuffy air in the room. I stood in the corner of the room watching her rant, angry about how it was a bad decision to marry me. I was enjoying the heave on her chest and her expression as she defended her reasons.

"I'm leaving first thing tomorrow morning, I've overstayed my welcome here," she half yelled, turning to go to her room.

"You won't dare, Valerie, take a step out of LA and I won't stop until I ruin you and your little career. I'll ruin everything and everyone you love will suffer for it," I saw her shiver at my words. Trying to see me through the darkness.

"You can't just come here and demand that I marry you when I don't even know you," she protested. She's bold, I like that.

"I don't like females that aren't submissive, but we can work on that. You don't need to know me, Val, I know you and that is enough. You sure don't expect me to propose because I know for certain the last one didn't end well for you," she winced.

"I hope you make the right choice because anything I want I get," i said, stepping into the light and she gasped, recognizing me.

I opened the door before turning to her. "My driver will pick you up tomorrow evening, be sure to get ready. I hate tardiness, and you don't want to keep me waiting." I winked at her before closing the door behind me.

The drive home was fun as I recall the shock on her face when she recognized me. I pulled into my garage and went straight to my daughter's room. I told her Valerie agreed to be her mother and I swore I would kill for the smile she gave me. If that's what she wants, then she can have it.

I read her bedtime story after feeding her. It's been the three of us since their mother left three years ago. I can't be their mother and father at the same time giving my kind of work.

The vibration of my phone took me out of my thoughts. I gently closed the door after me.

"Yes?" I said into the phone.

"Sir, there's something you need to know about Miss Valerie," Paul said.