Chapter 110: Apologize To Her

Chapter 110: Apologize To Her

Luciano

There were four cars in total, each with a decided space in between to not gather any useless amount of attention as we drove to Epe. The buildings and cars moved past my eyes as I looked out the window in a blank stare. There were low, repetitive sounds in the almost empty car, caused by my leg moving up and down. It wasn't because I was anxious, I was pissed. 

For the past months, I have waited for the call from Metteo. I should have already killed him for what he had done but I needed him more than I wanted to confess. It took every muscle in my body to hold back from twisting his neck that time he attacked my warehouse. I had hoped he had news or at least a good explanation, but no, he came there empty-handed and if I had known then, I wouldn't have turned back that day. I would have continued home. 

I don't know if I should feel bad about not telling Abigail or even my mother the truth but the automatic impulse to keep them safe was stronger than the will to be honest.

***
About five hours later, we arrived in the city of Oshodi. I didn't step out to the entrance of a massive casino, instead the air was filled with liquor and cigarette smoke coming from the strip club on the other side of the street. My men weren't here with me and I was the only one emerging from the car. My driver had already gotten orders of what to do, so he drove off. I looked over the crowded street as I adjusted the gun in my waistline.

There was a never ending line to the entrance of a nearby club and the loud sound and laughter was enough to give me a headache. I spent more time at home and away from energy like this for a long time and had a hard time adjusting so quickly. I was perhaps a bit underdressed for where I was about to go, instead of my regular suit and pants. I was wearing loose jeans and a t-shirt. Not that I should care, I fucking owned the place. The security guard threw me a glance as I came closer and immediately greeted me with a welcoming smile.

“Mr. Adams, pleasure to see you here tonight. It has been a while.” The man said.

I had a lot of people working for me and I usually didn't even bother learning their names but this guy, his name is Nasa, was one of them I liked.

“Let's just say I have a lot on my plate.” I replied with a heavy sign.

For the past year, I haven't been around to check up on my clubs and restaurants as much as I used to but it was for an approved cause. He chuckled and stepped aside to let me in. Only the men and women who worked close to me like my maids and guards, knew about  my true profession. But men like Nasa, they had no clue. They didn't need to know, I had two sides hiding beneath my mask. Luciano, the sophisticated businessman and the vicious mafia Don.

In a way, I find it nice to be treated as a normal person every once in a while. Don't get me wrong, I loved the look of fear in people's eyes but being feared came with both ups and downs, mostly ups. Every table and seat was occupied with men lustfully gazing at the half-naked women parading around or dancing on the stage. I usually enjoy watching them but today, I wasn't interested. So I kept my gaze away from the revealing bodies grinding on the poles.

I strolled along the table, letting my eyes wander over the men to see that everything was in its place. I don't allow inappropriate fondling or non-consensual touching of the women working for me. Getting harassed wasn't part of their jobs. I was just about to move out of the room, but something caught my eyes. There was a group of older men in the far corner, probably around their fifties, and one of them tried to urge one of the waitresses to sit on his lap. Without hesitation, I pulled out my gun and walked towards the table. I got there just as he grabbed her wrists to keep her still. The young woman snapped her eyes to me when I stopped behind his chair, a panicked expression on her frowning face. It washed away and she looked relieved by my presence.

“I suggest you let her go before someone gets hurt.” I threatened calmly.

The three men who faced me kept grinning and clearly found the situation entertaining. I looked down at the gray-haired man in front of me with my hands behind my back, holding the gun loosely in my grip. He moved his head to the side to get a glance of who was standing behind him.

“Why don't you mind your own business, little boy?” His comment earned a laugh from his friends and he still clutched the girl's hands tightly. When I pressed the muzzle of the gun to the back of his head, the laughter died down. I decided to take it further by cocking it.

“Either you let her go or I will shoot both you and your perverted little friends.” My tone was low but sharp. 

I wasn't here to take care of some dipshits and my patience was already running low. He released her and the men gave each other an anxious look before slowly standing up. The man who held the girl did the same and I decided to retrieve my gun to its place. I saw the girl's wrists starting to redden as she tried to rub them back to normal. The men began to turn and leave, but I wasn't satisfied just yet. Before he got any further, I quickly grabbed his arms, which caused him to stumble backwards. He was now facing me but had to look up. He looked almost exactly like I expected, a pushed back hairline that had started thinning, wrinkles in his eyes and mouth and a look of fear clouding his widened stare.

“Apologize to her.” I said.

It wasn't that I personally cared for the girl or in any way felt the urge to keep her safe like I do with Abigail. But what he did to her was completely unacceptable and it disgusted me. I might not be the kindest man in the world, but I knew what respect and good behavior was. This man did not, apparently. He lowered his eyes with a twitch in his jaw and then looked at the girl standing a few feet away.

“I am sorry, I shouldn't have done that.” There wasn't a slight strain in his voice, if he didn't mean it. 

Even if it wasn't fully honest, I had to be and I pushed him away. All four of them quickly snatched their jackets and hurried out. I looked back at the girl.

“Are you alright?” I asked.