Chapter Seventeen

Eveleen' POV
( After three weeks.. .. .. )
I never stopped thinking about Rose. She was in danger. I was always fearing he'd kill her. I didn't try to call her once. I know she'll not pick it up. She is born stubborn. When I told Mini everything she couldn't believe it. Mini wasn't good at keeping secrets. So I don't talk to him. Mostly, Rose and I shared everything. I was gazing out of the balcony. I could see the backyard garden.
" You like the house. " Duante asked me, hugging me from behind.
" It's beautiful. " I replied, glancing down from the balcony. It was so high, I was clutching his hand firmly. Traffic was moving like ants in a fixed queue far from my sight. I could see the main highway from here.
I never thought he'd be this good to me. When I met him, he was nothing more than a ruthless personality for me. He was so caring toward me in the last three weeks. Indeed, he was always kind to me. He helped me in saving my friend Mini, although we couldn't save Rose from him, because of her own thinking. I was praying for the safety of her and her child in the devil's house. He also let Mini stay with me. He understood we had lost our friend and we needed each other. He asked me, I wanted to study or wanted to do something. I asked him to give me some time to think over it. Two days ago, I found an article in the newspaper about him. He helped to keep the city clean, capturing drug dealers, extortion. He is cruel with felons. He didn't leave me alone for a second in my sorrow.
Next morning, I was on the same balcony. Duante was in his office. I was thinking about him, the way he pampered me. I was smiling while thinking about him.
You're in love with him, my inner voice reverberated in my mind.
" You're in love. " It reached my ear.
I turned to face her with surprise. Mini was in a baby pink top and white shorts. She bought the same for me. She was returned from the hospital.
" Who told you? " I scowled.
" Your blush! You're thinking about Duante. " she smirked.
" Yes, I'm thinking about him. But I'm not blushing. " I said, moving away from the balcony.
" You're lying. Your eyes are telling, see it's shining. " she said, crossing her arms.
" Are you going somewhere? " I asked to change the topic.
" Don't change the topic. You know we're going to an orphanage, including you. " she frowned this time.
" I don't know. " I said and shrugged my shoulders. Mini was right. But I was not ready for it. I want more time to understand him. I've just started to know him now. But it was impossible to understand him completely. He could move his thoughts and plan any direction at any time.
" You love your husband. It's not a bad thing. " she said, putting her hand on my shoulder.
The door creaked open, " You girls are ready? " Thomas asked. He was in grey half sleeves T-shirt, showing his muscles and blue jeans,
" Fifteen minutes. " I demanded.
" I'm waiting in the hall. What are you doing here? Let her be ready. " Thomas said, hauling her out of the room.
They had been good friends in a short time. Mini had started dieting now. She went to the gym with Thomas every day. Rose couldn't believe her eyes, if she would hear it. I was missing her, I couldn't say the same for Rose as she disliked me. Although I denied her as she recently came from the hospital. But she ignored it.
I saw my reflection in the mirror, a pink top printed rose flower over it. I ran my hand over it, " Missing you, Rose. " I whispered. My eyes got water. I took a deep breath and picked my handbag. I went out of the room.
Thomas and Mini were laughing over something. A small smile spreaded on my lips. I was glad to see her happy, " Ready? " I asked.
" Looking pretty. " Mini walked the distance and pecked on my cheek.
" Thanks. " I smiled bigger.
" Let's go. " She held my wrist and pulled me toward the car.
Thomas' phone started to ring, " Brother. " he whispered, hoisting it up to his ear. He was looking restless.
" Sorry girls. We've to cancel the plan. " he disappointed.
" What's wrong? " Mini grimaced
" Dad is on his way to home. " he said.
" What! Duante never told me about his father. " I asked in astonishment
" He's my father and younger brother of Duante's father. '' she said.
" Duante never talked about it. " I wanted to ask him about Duante's father but was cut by Mini. Indeed, I don't know anything else about him. Thomas is his brother, he's a businessman, that's all I know. I never thought about it.
" What does that spirit have to do with our plans? " Mini asked.
" Brother's order. You should change. Dad hates pink. " he said.
Mini exchanged her gaze with me. That was strange, " But we love pink. " Mini said and shrugged her shoulder.
" We can meet him when we return from the orphanage. You can stay here to attend him. We'll be back soon. " I said, walking toward the car.
" You don't understand." Thomas said, holding my wrist.
" You're overreacting, Tom. We'll be back within an hour. '' Mini said.
I heard the squeak of a car. Duante stepped out of his car. He was looking like an emperor. His bodyguards surrounded him. He covered the distance with his long strides, " Why are you not ready yet? " he asked, looking at me.
" What's wrong in it? " I asked.
He sauntered toward me with a frown, " Haven't I made myself clear to Tom? " he looked at Tom. He was in a livid mood.
" Me and Mini are going to an orphanage. We'll be back soon. " I told him, and moved ahead.
He caught my wrist and twisted it behind my back, " You are not going anywhere. You'll stay here and fulfill the duty of your wife. Change it. You know if you'll not, I can. " he said annoyed.
I don't want to shout and create any scene in front of Mini, " You're hurting me. " I whispered. He loosened his grip and freed my hand. I rubbed my wrist. I was thinking wrong about him. He was cruel, he is cruel and he will cruel. He never can mend himself. I was feeling anger boil inside me.
I scooted inside my room. I selected black gown for me. It'd suit my mood today.
When I came out of my washroom. He was standing beside the balcony spreading his gaze out, " I don't want any mistake. " he said, without looking at me.
" Hire an actress who can play the role of your wife. You won't need to direct her. " I annoyed. He shot me his cold glare and narrowed his eyes at me, " What's wrong with you, Duante? " I was genuinely in a worse mood. He always put his decisions on me.
He ambled toward me, but I could feel a storm in his amber eyes, " Don't you dare to disrespect me? You're considering following me, my saying blindly. " he twisted my wrist again.
A tear ran down my eye. He leaned in and kissed my neck. I sharply inhaled from my mouth. Thousands of butterflies started to fly in my stomach. I clutched his shirt in my hand. He'd never say sorry. It was his new way to say sorry to me. I closed my eyes to feel him.
" Sir, He's here. " Aakash said. His eyes were on the ground.
He told him to go. I bite my lower lip and sighed deeply.
" We should go. " he politely said, resting his hand on my lower back.
" He's Antonio Rego, younger brother of my father. He is also mafia. He decided things are good or bad for his people. He likes everything to work according to him. You'll speak when it requires. " he said and caught sight of me.
" I had heard, you are the Emperor." I asked, " You didn't talk about it. I was thinking um.. " I stopped.
He raised his one eyebrow, " A considerate person is that, who knows to hide and securely keep his weakness. " he said, tucking my hair behind my ear.
My mouth gaped and I was blinking to believe what I heard from him. " Okay. " I whispered, meeting my gaze with him.
" Come. " he said slowly.
I was walking with him, trying to match his fast pace. He always put his hand around my waist in public. I was nervous. Why was I his weakness?
I walked in the drawing room with Duante. Thomas was laughing with a gentleman in his around fifty. He was tall, fit and some white hair in his brown hair. He looked at us.
" My son.. " he cheerfully said. His voice was heavy. It sent shivers in my body. Duante eyed me and smiled. I returned his smile.
He shifted his gaze at him, " How are you, uncle? " he said, hugging him. He strongly patted on his back that its thud reverberated in the room. But his uncle was glaring at me. I never left my smile from my lips. Duante broke the hug and embraced his arm from one side of me.
" She's my wife, Eveleen. " Duante smiled.
" Hello, sir. " I nervously smiled.
" Hello, " he nodded at me with an emotionless expression. He stared at me. I swallowed hard and lightly hit Duante with my elbow for help.
Room echoed with the trio's laughter. I hung my head and sneaked a look at Duante. He was laughing wholeheartedly. I rarely saw him like this. Small smile covered my face. He was looking so real and handsome. The real him, I haven't seen this side of him.
" I didn't believe him at first, she's naughty. But now I do. '' his uncle whispered in Duante's ear. I was clutching my hands together and chewed on my bottom lips.
" You didn't tell me, Tom? She can tease our Duante. " he said through his chuckle.
My eyes widened picking up it from him. I darted my gaze at Duante. He raised his eyebrows at Thomas and gave him his deadly glare.
" You better watch your tongue brother." he furrowed his brows.
" You're not supposed to threaten my son. " he told him laughingly but found he meant it.
" Dad.. . " I heard from Thomas.
My mouth gaped shockingly and immediately I covered my shocked look. I felt the tension in the room.
I saw Duante beckoning at Tann. Then he turned to look at me, " Go with him. " he said, rubbing the pad of his thumb on my cheek.
I guessed, his relationship with his uncle was tangled hysterically. They pretended to be nice to each other but failed badly. Perhaps his uncle tried but Duante didn't allow him. I felt his glare on me. Duante was waiting for me to leave the room.
" We've to discuss some business,darling. See you on the dining table." His uncle smirked.
" Go. " Duante growled. I nodded with a small smile and paced at the door. When my foot was out of the room. I could hear loud voices behind me. My heart was pounding rapidly. Was I the reason for this argument? Tann was asked to escort me in my room.
" Will they fight? " I restlessly asked Tann.
" I'm not the right one for this question. But I can assure you ma'am, it's normal for them. " he said and opened the door of my room for me.
" Thanks. " I mumbled.
He nodded his head and I heard the click of the door lock. I cursed under my breath. He locked the door. Duante must have told him to lock the door. He didn't want me to eavesdrop. I could only wait now.
I was pacing to and fro. I was sitting and then she started walking again. I was getting nervous like he**. I listened to the door knob turn. I stood up from the bed to see, " Mini.. . it's you. " I was disappointed, I was expecting Duante.
" Thomas sent me a message to company you as your husband and father-in-law is busy. " She said in her usual mocking tone.
" Oh.. " I managed. She and Thomas had been good friends, are they actually friends? She never took orders from a boy. I had always found her punching boys, when I got in a fight with a boy or someone broke Rose's heart. She is the real Don of our group. Girls always asked for her help when they wanted to punch their x.
" What are you thinking? " she asked, spreading her hands in the air.
" When did you start taking orders from a boy? " I asked, raising my eyebrows.
She was blushing and hesitating to answer me. My guess was right, she had started liking him.
" We're.. . .. . " she opened her mouth. But I cut her off.
" Don't lie to me.. . . " I snapped.
" He um...... " She trailed.
" You both are dating " I guessed, folding my arms over my chest.
" How do you know? " she asked, scratching her head with her fingers. It was her one of the bad habits. But I found her cute.
" We're friends if you still remember. " I said, and embraced her in a hug, " I'm glad for you. " I smiled.
" Really! " she exclaimed, tightly hugging me back.
" Yeah! You had lost weight for him. You daily worked out. " I said, breaking the hug and pacing at the balcony.
" He never forced me to lose weight. " She shrugged her shoulders.
" Um that's cute. " I murmured and smiled.
My mind was full with Duante's thoughts. He was hovering in my mind. I didn't want any conflict with them. He was looking pissed. He was annoyed now but I liked his smile when he laughed. I couldn't imagine a heart behind his tough muscles, he knows to laugh. Small smile appeared on my lips, his thought gave me ecstasy.
" Are you thinking about Duante? Your smile is telling the amount of your love and it's unmeasurable. " she smirked.
I chuckled at her remark and placed my hand over my mouth. It would annoy her when I didn't agree with her.
" What's so funny? " she irritated.
" Nothing. " I laughed again.
She was saying right. I love him but I'm not ready to accept it myself. Then How can I make him accept me and my love? Life is complicated, especially for me. He wasn't a common man. It'd be far easier if he would be just a businessman. His rage scared me a lot. His smile is pictured in my mind. I loved his smile. He never laughs like this with me. I hope, one day he would. I crossed my fingers and made a wish of our happy married life.

Duante's POV
" Why are you doing this? " I seethed.
" Brother.. . " Tom started but I passed him my dead look. He went quiet instantly.
" Duante! We shouldn't quarrel like this. Our enemies are at our door to devour our family and waiting to ambush us. I know, I wanted badly in which shoe you are. You can't deny, but family comes first for me. " Uncle said.
I believed he meant every word when it was about family. That was the reason I allowed him in my house and introduced him like a family to my wife. It didn't go that well.
" You can stay here." I said.
" Thanks, I have something to show you son. " he said, indicating his security.
I narrowed my eyes on him and nodded.
" My men captured some pictures of Ricky spotted with Russian gangs. " he said, showing me his pictures with them.
I took it from his hand, " What are they planning? " I asked. It was Ricky, Handshaking with Russian gang leader.
" No idea, what are they up to? My undercover agents told me that it has something to do with Eveleen, Yes your wife! I have recordings of there's conversation. " he said and took the phone from his right hand. " There is only a small piece of it. It was so risky. " He said and played it.
" I'd help you to downfall the Emperor and you'll help me to have my girl Eveleen back from him. " Ricky's voice came out of the recorder. I couldn't hear it all.
I clinched my jaw and smacked it on the wall. How dared him to use me for my wife. She is mine and always will be mine. Ricky will never get her, not after his death.