Pretty Little Ideas

Chapter Six

Luca Crovetto 

“ I'm back to the ville as instructed,Father”

I said firmly pacing the courtyard of my ville with my phone pressed to my ear.

“ Bene” he wheezed, his voice still carrying its depth  “Resta li, await further instructions”. 

“Father I have problem, I need to speak to you about the deal” I quickened my pace , frustration building inside of me.

“What about it” he asked his breathing was laboured and faint 

“The consortium is insisting on seeing the United front of our families before they agree and seal the deal!”

“And How is that a problem,son” he sounded reluctant and it made me scratch my head feeling the familiar frustration build up in side of me.

“ Father, you know i can’t  stand sophie, I know her, she's not exactly the most cooperative person” I explained 

Trying to keep my voice even.

There was silence  at the other end of the line  which made me  wonder  if he was paying attention.I was getting restless, then he finally speaks again.

“ Luca, we need The consortium, they need our resources and we need to up our finances” 

“I know” I sighed  feeling a surge of irration “But can't we find another way?” 

“ if all they want is you and Sophie present as a joint front  to show that the both families are in the same page before they agree on anything, then that you must do, there is no other way..”

“Sophie is unpredictable and impulsive..” I trailed off,  my face twisted in distaste as I mentioned her name.

“ I fear she will ruin the deal, what if she can't keep her temper in check?” I argued.

“Looks like you're the one who's going to ruin the business deal,Not Sophie. But you! “ his voice thundered through the phone amid disturbing coughs and wheezes. 

“you are a smart boy” he continued “ figure it out, Amario did his part, why can't you?” 

 I scowled feeling a sting from his words 

There he goes again ,always  reminding me of Amario's loyalty and the favour I owe him.

But I knew we needed this deal. working with The Consortium would  make us a lot of money and earn us visibility. 

They only work with the most powerful Empires that has achieved a unity treaty with other  rivals Empires. Usually this is hard to achieve because most strong empires lack that ability. 

Which is why The Consortium want to work with us, They know that our Empire was powerful enough to provide that security for them.they believe by doing so, they will avoid the risk of being attacked, losing their funds or damage in their business.

And in return,they will offer us a huge share of their resources, funds and connections which will help us expand our business and solidify our position in the market.

 

“Don't think about leaving just like you did or disobeying me a second time  just like you did” he warned sternly.

“you are going to do as I have asked,Do you understand?” 

“ si padre, capiso” I nodded, even though I knew he couldn't see me.

 “ I apologize,I will do as you've asked. at least, please no one should inform sophie yet. Let me handle it, I will speak to her as soon as the meeting is set.” I pleaded, my patience running thin

“ Very well Then. Make it quick” He replied curtly and the line went dead.

I stopped pacing and lowered the phone kicking a nearby stone in disgust as frustrating groan escaped my lips.

I just have to think of a way to get it to work with sophie or there will be serious consequences for me.

I took a deep breath and quickly shoved the phone back in my beige trench coat.

As I Stood in the courtyard,  lost in thought. A deep familiar voice from a distance interrupted my contemplation

“Amico mio! I knew I'd find you here”

I turned to see my friend, Roco, approached with a knowing smile.

“This is the third time this year you've made a break for it , isn't it?” he asked shaking his head. 

I looked at him with a concerned gaze” Roco,how did you know I was here?”

 “ you are not as steathly as you think you are my friend” Roco chuckled 

“ you are always drawn to this place. it's like a sanctuary for you”

I frowned worried that Roco had inadvertently revealed my whereabout to Sophie or to anyone else. “You know I can't have anyone knowing I'm here. It's not safe”

 Roco held up his hand reassuring me

“Don't worry, Luca I can't tell sophie something she doesn't need to know.

But you know I've offered you a way out,  You are the one who insists on staying here.”

I signed, Roco has offered me ways to redeem my self that I've declined  and he understands, he has always been very understanding  since we were kids.

But as we grew up,we began to develop different interest, Roco took his path and became a cop, atleast we knew that I had to take my family’s path.

Despite everything, Roco still remains a loyal friend. Focusing on our bond rather than my chaotic life. He still believes I'm still the same person he has grown up with.

it was good to have someone like Roco who understands me and the whole situation.

 “Good to see you man, let's get you something to drink” I said tapping his back. As we both walked back to the ville lounge.

“ this place never gets old” roco said his gaze roamed the room, his voice low and appreciative. he seemed to still appreciate the details and the sense of style that surrounded every aspect of the room. The walls embellished with dark wood panelling and contemporary art piece that I carefully selected. the table, made with polished black wood, The velvet sofa and armstairs still appeared modern and luxurious. Their deep red color seemed to pulse with the dim light.

The bar is a centre piece of its own, the shelves where lined with collection of fine spirits, rare whiskey and cognacs that I've actuated for years. 

I took a sit next to Rocos while my personal bartender pours in the Negroni he knows I love. But Roco stops him half way into his glass.

“ get me something strong and different, maybe Macallan 64” 

 

I nod, feeling the tension in my shoulders ease as i take the first sip. While Roco took his right after the bartender passed his drink to  him. We had our drinks in silence before Roco spoke up

“The boys are in town you know, just thought I should  stop by and give you a little heads up”

“Right, I'll take note of that “ I responded emptying the content of my glass in my mouth while I winced. 

“I have a business deal I need to close in with sophie or I will face severe consequences ” 

“Something you can't do alone ” Roco asked with concern 

“ surprisingly, It's not my shine” 

Roco took the hint,i knew he was making a list of advice for me and I wasn't in the mood, I needed a miracle more than an advice.”

But he went ahead anyway

“ you know luca,it's business, sometimes you need to be flexible, other times, you need to adapt to suitations” Roco said casually. 

“Where are you getting at?” I furrowed my brows. unsure of what he meant.

Roco leaned in closely “ I mean there is always a way to still meet the requirements without necessarily involving sophie directly”

Just then an idea began to form in my mind.

my phone buzzed, interupting our conversation. it was a message saying

“THE WOMAN FROM YESTERDAY IS ASKING QUESTIONS ABOUT YOU, WHAT'S GOING ON ”

I glanced at my screen with curiosity, my other hand gently tugging my beard. I didn't even give much thoughts into it before replying

 “ BRING HER TO ME”