Hello dear all, as you can see from my status, today I am updating this story and we have another long chapter where we see how the encounter with Enna' father is going. Sorry for making you wait longer than expected, but didn't have time to update before.

I really hope you'll enjoy it and I'll be looking forward to reading your comments on the chapter to see what you think about it :-) Thank you sooooo much for them and for your messages!!!

On the right a picture of EAMON O'KELLEY, Enna's FATHER --> Liam Neeson

Dedicated to all of you and in particular to nullfuncion8 as a big THANK YOU for reading and commenting my story! xox

Enjoy!

EXTERNAL POV: DUBLIN, EIRE

Eamon O’Kelley was a calm and collected man that could swear and cuss worse than a sailor when the situation called for it, with his face becoming tremendously red for the anger; but he wasn’t a violent person, as he knew violence solved nothing. He loved his two kids with all his heart and even though they were both already out and working, for him they would always be his kids; he had lost his wife many years ago and it affected all of them, because she was a kind and warm person that resembled the sun and losing her so quickly, without being able to actually understand what was happening had been shocking. The cancer developed suddenly and when the doctor diagnosed it, unfortunately it had already spread in a vital organ and there was little to nothing to do about it.

She died in a few months and Ciara and Enna almost didn’t realize what was happening, but they had their father at their sides and together they made it.

He had served the Irish Army since he could remember and that took time away from his family, as he had been involved in operations in Northern Ireland and peace-keeping missions around the world; but that didn’t mean he wasn’t a good father, for he loved his family more than life itself. His family was his life and losing his wife meant a piece of his life being painfully torn away. Even though Enna and Ciara were already adult and about to start their own life, he felt the need to leave his job and start a new life in the quiet country side of Ireland working as farmer and growing vegetables. He had lost the interest for his job and now he just wanted to be with his son and daughter.

Enna and Ciara were amazing and very special and he knew about their sexual orientation, as they never had secrets, because he believed in speaking face to face and confronting every matter with rationality and serenity. It wasn’t so easy at first to understand the situation, especially considering the strict and overly religious background of his family, but what was he going to do? To hate his two kids just because they loved someone of their same sex?

He didn’t remember Jesus saying anything of the sort in the New Testament and he didn’t remember Jesus talking about hate, as he only talked about love and understanding and compassion. And how could he hate his own flesh and blood, his life? His wife would have put up a strong fight for that, because she did not care about their sexual orientation and when they came out, she simply hugged them and said she would always be at their sides.

She indeed was a wonderful and special woman, and of course she was always right.

So Eamon O’Kelley took time to understand what homosexuality meant and little by little he grew more comfortable around the argument and would openly talk with his children about their relationships and likings. Enna and Ciara were his light, his life, his air and his everything. Whenever he heard someone judging them or chastising them for their orientation, he would tell the person off, one of the rare moments where he would break his calm and composed self and swear more than a sailor. His wife never really appreciated the cursing, but when you are married to a captain of the Army, well, you need to get used to it and Eamon sure had a colourful set of swears.

He had grown more and more attached to his two kids and he would do anything for them and when that man came along, that Michael, he knew there was something wrong about the way he eyed Enna, as if looking at a property rather than a human being, as if he thought he could possess him as a prize. His instinct alerted him, unfortunately proving to be right, for the lowlife had showed his true colour and turned into a possessive and violent man that almost hit his son and made his life a nightmare.

Yes, almost according to his knowledge, because Enna never told him that it actually happened two times and probably it had been a good decision in a way and wrong in another. But Enna feared his father would lose his temper and do something completely irrational and dangerous; and when it happened, one time was sort of an accident, and the other Michael was drunk and it was the last drop that cut their relationship for ever.

Eamon often questioned himself on why it wasn’t bloody possible to throw him to jail and let him rot there? He never understood how stalking wasn’t considered a crime and all those menaces and calls in the night and more. But what could he do? There wasn’t much in his power to solve the situation, only watch over his son and make sure nothing was going to happen to him. Violence was not the solution and Eamon O’Kelley was not a man that would disappoint his son and daughter.

So when he heard Enna being distressed and trying his best in masking his feelings, he understood something was not so right and went to visit him; his son looked a tense mask of forced composure and smile, and when he tried to ask him if something was on his mind, he simply shook his head and said he was only tired. Of course he didn’t buy the excuse, but if his son wasn’t ready to talk, then it meant to leave it for the moment. They never had secrets, they never hid anything from each other and so it simply meant to give him time and space. Enna had his sister and friends, therefore he wasn’t alone and anyway, he was a mature and strong person, someone that would be able to completely surprise for how strong and serious his determination and will were. He had taken that from his mother and same for his physical aspect. The only traits his two kids inherited from their father were the blue eyes.

Eamon O’Kelley knew his son was not simply tired and had something in his mind and he knew it wasn’t that bastard that actually had the guts to show himself at his door. But he gave him a piece of his mind and then filed another complaint and damn, he wasn’t going to let it go that easily. He didn’t punch that rat only because his son had told him to stop.

But what could make his son look like a tormented soul? He never saw him looking so pale and tired, almost fragile, sighing silently and gazing out of the window for a moment as if lost somewhere he could not reach. If that was a man doing, be sure he would have a word with this lad and make clear a couple of points.

So when his son didn’t call him when he should have, he felt something and his instinct alerted him again. There wasn’t anything strange in a missed call, as Enna was busy with his job and had friends, but he had been strange the whole week and his voice sounded distant on the phone. And more importantly, Enna would never forget to call his own father. Therefore he took the decision to visit him.

Now he was standing at his door and mentally cursed in realizing his instinct had been right once again, but something was different; something fell in the wrong place. Or better, something fell not in the usual place.

His son was there with a radiant and full smile, his face slightly flushed and his top just a tiny bit messed; Eamon’s eyes ranked his figure and noticed how he was yes smiling and sincerely being happy, but how he also seemed nervous, as if caught red-handed. Then they scanned the man right at his son’s side, standing there silent and with a hard stare, standing there just placing his hand on his son’s back with apparent calm and composed attitude, but the stance and his eyes spoke differently. That man stood there as if ready to tear apart anyone that would dare to say a wrong word about Enna. As if ready to kill anyone having wrong intensions.

It was everything there; in the way he kept beside and behind Enna at the same time, one hand in the middle of the back, his stare scrutinizing and piercing, his shoulders squared and strong, his face and expression controlled and calculating. Those eyes were something indeed, for he never met someone with such hard and commanding stare, but controlled at the same time. That man was assessing him and was studying his reaction and behaviour, trying to understand something.

After being in the Army for long time, he had developed a certain skill in reading people stances and body languages and that man there was no ordinary man. He was a man of instinct too, but there was much more behind that; and what had Eamon O’Kelley surprised, was the quick look of adoration he sent to his son when he stepped out of the door to hug him. An imperceptible smile formed on his face and let his hand relax down. And he sure didn’t miss the way he son stood there with that man. No, he didn’t miss it. That stranger was the reason behind his son’s smile and he couldn’t believe it at how he changed since a week ago.

And Enna was about to get a shower when he called? Probably yes, but not alone.

“Dad heya, so sorry I didn’t call you last night.” He threw his arms around his neck and snuggled closer, as he always did since he was a little kid. Eamon answered his hug and patted his head.

“It’s ok, Enna, I understand you were probably tired and busy, but I was a bit worried and I came over, hope you don’t mind it.” At those last words he looked at that man, which said nothing, but simply stared silently. “I see you have company, am I interrupting something?” And at those words he felt Enna’s body slightly stiffening.

What was that about? Was everything ok?

“Of course I do not mind it, dad.” He pulled back and smiled again that bright smile, this time directed only to his father. “Let’s go inside and did you already have dinner or not? Because I am going to cook something and you should join us.”

Us.

So there was an “us”.

It was amazing at how just a little and short word could actually mean and speak thousands of words; and for sure the way his son pronounced it said even more.

He quickly looked at that man and something else caught his attention.

That was not ordinary man for another reason; he had to make things clear and make sure his son was ok. He had to understand who that person was and what his intentions were; he had been in the Army for many years and sent to missions all around the world, fighting for peace and for human rights and he had witnessed all sort of situations and met all sort of persons and this one here was no common man. He sensed something and wondered if he was correct in that or just getting old and overly protective.

“Thank you son; must admit I skipped dinner.”

Enna rolled his eyes and playfully slapped his father’s shoulder.

“Dad, how many times have I told you to eat properly and at regular times? And for properly I do not mean fish fingers and horrible canned food.” He moved to the side and let him step in the apartment. That man slightly nodded and closed the door for his son, going back in placing his hand on him, around his shoulders this time.

“Are you going to introduce me to your friend or have I really interrupted something?” Again his son stiffened imperceptibly.

Why was that?

Enna quickly exchanged a look with man and as answer he smiled. It was a tender smile, the same kind of smile he had for his wife, a smile and look of sincere love, and not a look of insane possession. He didn’t look at Enna as if looking at an object; his entire face softened when staring at his son and there was something about them...something he couldn’t point out, but rather strong.

“Good evening Mr. O’Kelley, I am Roman, it is a pleasure to meet you.” He spoke with assertive and calm voice, which had a subtle note of hidden intimidation that was not spoken on purpose, but as natural inclination of this man.

Eamon O’Kelley smiled on the corner of his mouth and nodded.

So the person here was named Roman and came from some Eastern country, given his strong accent. They shook hands and it was a solid and strong hand-shake, which made him understand the substance that Roman was made of. Good. However, he noticed how his son blinked one time when Roman introduced himself, as if surprised, but had to give him credit, for he masked the surprise immediately. However, he had to know what this was about.

“Nice to meet you, Roman. I’m Enna’s father, Eamon O’Kelley. Are you a friend of my son? I never saw you, I believe.”

The corner of his lips slightly turned up in a crooked smirk and it was clear they had understood each other at first. Even better, as he never liked to play around. They released from the hand-shake and Roman slipped his arm around Enna’s shoulders. Again, there was that gentle and subtle note of tenderness, but of protectiveness as well.

“We met some time ago and we are not friends.” They studied each other and that man searched in his eyes, then he smirked again, for softening it into a smile when he said those words. “I love Enna and I would die and kill for him.”

Yes, that man had understood the situation at once. Eamon liked that of him, but there was something else that left him dubious. Roman had a certain life behind his shoulders, as it could be perceived easily from trained eyes, and that was loud and crystal; he as well had a dark air around him, and he wondered whether his son knew about that or not. Then a particular caught his attention. One button of the shirt he was wearing opened up and a glimpse of a tattoo on his chest showed from there; he had already seen that tattoo once he was in Kosovo.

Now he knew what he felt was right and from the way he introduced himself and had looked at him, it was clear that man already knew who he was facing.

This man, Roman, was truly no ordinary man.

ENNA POV

I was not expecting Roman to introduce himself with his real name and state that clearly his feelings for me to dad, as I knew he needed to keep his identity concealed and he had good reasons behind that, even though I had no knowledge about anything and I was not going to pressure for information. But it was as well true that Roman was a person with a keen instinct and I believe he sensed something coming from dad, because my father immediately understood something was up with me and dear me, I should slap myself for not being able to better cover my emotions, but he just caught me completely off guard and I was still too immerse in the blissful happiness of having Roman at my side.

And we had just been interrupted right in the middle of something and must admit I was still a bit dazed and effected.

When he said he loved me and he would die and kill for me, I felt again those waves of crushing emotions erupting and coursing in my body and I bit my lower lip to keep a relatively composed face. Hearing those words from him, from Roman, the man I loved with all myself, that man I belonged to and that my heart and soul were linked to indissolubly, was something that left me without breath. I needed to feel him, to touch him, but with my dad here I had to behave; Roman however felt something coming from me, because when he said those words, his hand clutched his shoulder stronger, not in an assertive way, but as to say not to worry, as he had understood, as he meant every word and that he really loved him.

I instinctively leaned in his embrace and relaxed.

He had asked me if it was ok to speak first to dad and I understood why; with my father he was going to be open and honest and I knew he was studying him when I opened the door, as I felt it. I saw it in the way his eyes ranked his face and assess his attitudes. It would not surprise me if he had checked on my family and friends’ background and the idea did not annoy me or scare me; Roman was that kind of man, and he was extremely focused and efficient. Gaining information was something that gave him an advantage and a chance to better plan a strategy. I will ask him later, as I was genuinely curious, but only later.

Now I should make those two relax and stop assessing each other like two snipers ready to shoot at the first error. My dad used to be a captain of the Army and he had been in many missions, therefore I knew he had detected something; I sure did not miss the way he eyed Roman. And to be honest, when Roman decided to use his real name and be straightforward, it sure surprised me, yes of course, but it also made me breathe in relief.

One thing was telling a lie to my friends, but another story was blatantly lying to dad; it would be really difficult and painful, but for Roman, for us to be together...

“Dad, let’s go to the kitchen and I can make you a good cup of tea while I prepare dinner, what do you say?” We were still standing in the hall and I noticed his coat was drenched with rain, as it had suddenly started pouring again. “And please remove your jacket; I don’t want you catching a cold.” Seriously, he was a man over his fifty, but he could be such a child sometimes.

He smoothed his expression and smiled.

“Yes, yes, let’s take the drenched jacket off before I mess your apartment up and I shall remove shoes, too, don’t worry.” He smiled wider and I just shook my head. Dad wasn’t exactly the most tidy person and dear me, it always surprised, considering his past in the Army, but I guess he was used to have mum taking care of everything. “Are you bossing Roman around as well?”

“Dad.” I said feeling my face slightly blushing and hearing Roman softly chuckling. I didn’t boss people around.

“Enna son, before we have a cup of tea, let me make clear a couple of points. First, what is this man to you? He stated his feelings and I can tell he is serious about his words, but I want to hear what you think, and then second point.” Dad shifted his severe stare on Roman and they both simply glared each other, again like two snipers ready to exploit the smallest slip. They were eyes to eyes, as both were of the same height and probably size, as dad was a sturdy and big man, completely different from me and Ciara. “We have no secrets in my family, as my sons and I always talk and discuss about everything. Can you live with that, Roman?”

I gulped down silently, as his words were impossible to be mistaken. Roman’s arm tightened around my shoulders and pulled me closer.

“Yes, as I believe the same Eamon, and Enna and I have no secrets.” They shared another silent and hard glare and I nervously bit my lip, peeking at Roman with thundering questions in my head; of course he was going to be straightforward, but did it mean to say everything to dad? Was that a good idea? Was that safe? Wasn’t that risky for him? I didn’t know what to think right now. He felt my look and tilted his head toward me, giving me a soft smile. “It is ok my angel.”

Yes of course.

He had read into me and felt my confusion, and he had already thought about everything. I should stop worrying about such little details, as Roman was a man that left nothing to chance, but it was true we didn’t know each other that well and worrying was normal, even if we were soul mates. There still was so much I did not know about him; little things and particulars, but precious and important at the same time. To be honest and rational, we didn’t know each other at all, but there was this connection between us, this pull...I felt Roman so close to me, as if I knew him since forever. And I loved him. Oh dear me, I loved him to lose my mind.

“Enna?” Dad called my attention back and I blushed. I had just spaced out like a kid, how embarrassing was that?

“Yes dad, is as Roman says. We have no secrets and even if we met only a few weeks ago, I love him and although the whole situation is not that simple and for sure is not just black or white, I really hope you’ll understand.” I slipped away from Roman’s arm only to take his hand in me. He looked at me silently and I knew what he was thinking about. “I love Roman, dad; I do really love him. We will try to explain as much as possible, is that ok with you?”

He said nothing, simply took a deep and long breath and removed his coat hanging it at the door. Then he scratched his hair and exhaled.

“I can see it is going to be a long evening. Does Ciara know him?” Dad understood more than I imagined, so I simply shook my head, as words completely failed me now. “I don’t like to lie and you know it, but in this case we will simply call it omitting, as she knows nothing.” I bit my lip and nodded. “I believe now I would need that cup of tea.”

“Yes, dad.” I simply said and we all moved to the kitchen, where I prepared the kettle for hot water and then placed three mugs on the table, each with a tea bag.

“You forgot this, Enna.” Roman had brought the bag from the shop and dad looked between us and shook his head. Dear me, it was rather embarrassing, because he of course had not believed in the excuse of the shower. “What do you want to make?”

“I don’t know to be honest.” I was still a bit confused and he simply smiled and cupped my face with his hand, caressing my lips with his thumb.

“I will help you, my angel.”

I shook my head and took the bag in my hands, trying to think what I could actually cook.

“No, just sit there and enjoy the tea.”

“But I do enjoy to help you.”

My dad looked at us and I could tell he was having an internal battle about everything and I understood him; he was worried about me and he feared Roman could be another Michael and of course he had caught a glimpse of his tattoo showing from the shirt he then closed immediately. What would he do if he knew everything? How would he react? Dad was sharp and hiding facts from him wasn’t easy; that’s why I was relieved when Roman decided to be open with him.

I could not think about what to make for dinner, because I was nervous and trying to guess how he would react. I was not prepared to face my family, as it never occurred to me yesterday this could happen; never thought dad would make me a surprise visit and what to do about that? He had called me and rang my door bell, no way to ignore it, as it would only make things worse. What happened before was only the introduction and I knew what was going on in his mind right now. I just hope he would not...he had to understand that Roman was my soul mate and that I did not care about his life and background.

“Just sit and I will arrange something, do you have preferences?” He indulged his hand on my arm, his eyes piercing mine and looking for answers and then he nodded and smiled.

“As you wish, my love. And no preferences, I like everything you make.” The kettle whistled, which meant hot water was ready, and thus I went to move, but he stopped me. “I will do it.”

He poured hot water in the mugs and brought one to me and then handed one to dad, who was still looking at us without saying a word. I smiled and blew on the steaming cup and then finally I decided what to make for dinner; it would somehow help me to relax and focus on this. I went to the sink and washed my hands and then searched inside a cupboard whether I had some pasta left; cooking something that would take some time was the best solution to my momentary confusion and tension, as it would help my mind to relax. Lucky me, an intact pack of spaghetti was there waiting to be used.

“Dad, Roman, is spaghetti good for you? I can make them with tuna and tomato and add olives, and if you are very hungry I can make a big mixed salad and..”

“Enna, anything is fine, you perfectly know I love your cooking and you are just like your mother in that.” Dad smiled gently and then came over and placed his hands on my shoulders. “You are not making another mistake like before, right son? Are you listening to your mind and instinct this time? You are not letting the momentary rush of emotions blinding you? I simply worry about you. I saw many things out there and you know it, as you know I never judge a book by its cover, because I see the best men turning into bloody beast.” There was a not so subtle and hidden meaning in his words and of course we got it. He turned around and looked at Roman. “But if you will do as much as thinking of hurting him, you can consider yourself a dead man, you hear me? You have my word.” Roman simply nodded and kept silent.

“Dad!” I gasped.

“No, that’s not bullocks son, he must understand. I cannot have another bloody bastard going around you, like that Michael.” At his name Roman’s eyes blazed and dad did not miss it. “You know the bastard, you met him?”

“Yes, when Enna and I met for the first time.” He didn’t add anything else and it was better to explain more.

“I went out with Priya, Ciara and some of her friends and right when we were at the dancing floor Michael showed up and he had drunk a lot.” The mere idea had me shiver and dad cursed under his breath. “He became his usual self and I think he wanted to hit me, but Roman stopped him. I don’t know how that happened, but he seized his arm and chased him away, well, after almost breaking his wrist.”

“You almost broke his arm?” Roman said nothing. “Good, but he deserves a break without the almost.”

“Dad, you know what I think of..” He stopped me and sighed.

“I know, but you need to realize that man is dangerous and he’s a bloody stalker. Nice words don’t just do it for him.”

“Your father is right, angel. You should let me talk to him.” I quivered at the way he said “talk to him”, because I knew there was no talking involved in that; he saw my reaction, but kept his eyes firm on mine.

“You promised me.” I said with hard voice, staring him back with firmer resolution, and my father looked between us not understanding.

“Yes, Enna. I did promise you and you know I will keep my word, but only if he stays away.”

“Care to explain what this is about?”

“Roman wanted to hunt him down, but I made him promise not to do anything. I don’t want any of you getting into trouble for someone like him.” I said exasperated, not understanding what was about guys and their tough speech and attitudes. Why they had always to hunt down someone and act like this?  Oh dear me, did you hear my thoughts? I think I was tired right now, yes, I was tired, for I never had such silly and girly thoughts. It had nothing to do with attitudes, as they both were sincerely worried and in their shoes I would be the same.

“And he is right. Do you know the Garda cannot do anything to him unless he touches you? But once that bastard does it, who knows what might happen.” Dad sighed out and rubbed my arms. “Well, talking about him won’t solve anything at the moment. Now please, just consider what I said before and think about it.”

“Dad, I made enough thinking, believe me. I am not making a mistake, as Roman is nothing like ... like.. I cannot even bring myself comparing them in the same sentence. Roman and I met and yes, we definitely belong to different worlds and realities, but I do love him and believe me when I say that nothing is blinding me. Love is not blinding me, because Roman had been sincere and rather crude, which would have snapped me awake, if it were only a momentary daze dictated by sudden emotions and whims. But it’s not and I realize rationality cannot explain it, dad, but I love Roman.” I looked directly at him, at my love, as we exchanged a glance, and then I spoke, more to him than to dad. “I feel safe with him and I trust him.”

He said nothing and his expression didn’t change, but after a moment, he smiled and nodded. My father once again looked first at me and then at him, and sighed out, probably tired.

“Enna, give me a moment, will you?”

“Yes, dad, of course.”

“Mind if I use the bathroom? Just want to wash my hands and refresh a moment.” I nodded and before moving, he hugged me tightly.

When he left, Roman took a step toward me and placed his hands on my face.

“Forgive me, Enna. I do make problems for you, but do not worry about your father, yes? He is a man that can understand. And I promise you: I will not involve you and your family. I promise it.” His voice held such final and firm tone, and so did the intensity of his stare. But I had no doubts about it.

“I know, thank you my love.” I closed the little distance between our lips and gave his a soft kiss. “And thank you for telling dad your real name and I think he probably guessed something, because he was in the Army and well..”

“I know, Enna. I see you love your family and I see he is important for you. That is why I took that decision.”

“You checked on my family and friends, right?” I asked simply curious, smiling and tangling my fingers in his hair. He seemed surprised and then nodded with a careful expression. I was right and it did not bother me, as for a man like him, in his position, it was probably completely normal.

“You mad at me?” I shook my head. “Sorry, it is my habit and not because I do not trust you and you know it. I simply wanted to be ready, that is all.”

“I understand you, Roman. Of course I’m not mad at you, why should I? And you don’t need to apologize; for me is another world, another reality and it’s impossible to comprehend all of it, how it works, but what you did makes sense and I understand why you researched about that.” I smiled and hoped he could feel the sincerity of my words. “Roman, I was serious when I talked to dad and there is nothing blinding me. Yes, rationality is not able to explain everything, but I know for a fact that what I feel for you, the love I have for you is not blinding me or making me take harsh and impulsive decisions. I love you, Roman, so much...”

I had the need to make this clear and final once again, because he had to know, to understand the depth of my feelings, of my understanding. Dad had been right in asking me such question, because it was normal at first to have emotions and false sentiments clouding your judgement and visions, but it wasn’t the case with Roman. I was lucid and completely aware when I took that decision, even when we first slept together. It hadn’t been the whim of a moment. It had been a decision for life.

He said nothing, just kept my eyes prisoners of his compelling and undressing stare, his hands now buried in my hair, his lips a breath apart from mine. Blinded? Impossible. I saw everything very clearly. My instinct had always been right and it screamed at me with Michael, but when we met Roman, it whispered to trust him and told me he was the one.

“Enna, you are so ... forgive me because I have no right word for that, only special, but it is not enough, Enna, I love you more than I can explain. You are...”

“I am your angel.” I playfully said, stroking his nose with mine and smiling while tilting my head to the side.

“Yes, you are my angel, Enna. You really are.” He went to press his lips on mine, but dad called from the bathroom asking for a new towel and Roman chuckled. I answered him to wait a moment, but then Roman shook his head. “I will go, so I can wash my hands, too. Where do you keep them?”

“In the small white drawer beside the sink. He should actually know that.” I rolled my eyes, but then remembered that sure dad wasn’t very good at remembering such things. “Well, I will start with dinner or else we will starve tonight.”

“Be right back.”

ROMAN POV

I stepped inside the bathroom and I was not surprised in seeing Enna’s father already drying his hands and face. We exchanged a glare and of course it had been an excuse. He was a very smart and quick man and that was the reason I decided to play no game with him, and as well because I realized it would trouble and sadden my angel. Enna was extremely attached to his family and hiding something from them, telling lies, especially to his father, given their past experience, well, it would only weight on him and after researching about Eamon’s background I took the decision.

“I see you did find the towel.” I simply said crossing my arms in front of my chest and leaning against the doorframe.

He was a tall and strong man, with greying short brown hair and deep blue eyes. His face had that expression of composure and wisdom a man like him had gained with past experiences, but as well had from his own personality. I knew he had caught a small detail of the tattoo on my chest and from the way his eyes darted at mine it was clear he had already seen it somewhere else.

I must admit the first impression was of respect for this man, deep respect, something that rarely occurred to me.

“Yes and I knew you would come over, because I can tell my son is really bossing you around, not in a bad way, but I can tell you would do anything for him and just a snap of his fingers would do the trick.” I simply smirked and said nothing. In a way I believe his words were right; Enna had quite the effect and power on me and sure as hell, I didn’t mind it at all, and it was true he had my heart and soul in his hands. “Yeah, so that’s true and I bet he hasn’t realized it, yet.”

“What did you want to say or ask?” I didn’t see the reason to delay it, as of course he did not call me to have a nice and pleasant chit-chat about his son’s ways around me.

“Straight to the point, I see.”

“Yes.”

“I like that in a man.” I nodded at his words as silent thank. He studied me a moment and then his face grew serious and hard. “I saw your tattoo, Roman and I can tell it is not there just as decoration, there is something about you and apparently Enna knows a few things, but does he know what you do? Because I surely am not mistaking things. You work for some mafia organization, isn’t that so? Does my son know it? Does he really know what you are?”

He paused a moment and then his eyes became harder.

“I know the like of you and what sort of life you conduce. If you really love my son, as you say, you should leave. Now.”

EXTERNAL POV: KIEV, UKRAINE

After what happened in that casino something changed in Kiev and it was not sure whether things sprinted up or actually slowed down. It was a mixture of both and the entire organization was in confusion, because boss Boris was facing quite the huge issue.

Betrayal and not just normal betrayal.

But how could that be possible? No, there must be an explanation, for he refused to think his own son would really try to take him down, especially knowing he would lose the battle. He couldn’t be that stupid and shallow because he had fucking raised him to be a man and not an idiot, and if he preferred to take it up his ass, well, fine with that, but it didn’t mean he could really be that stupid.

Going against his own father in such old and structured organization meant only suicide, nothing more, because if that proved to be true, Boris would take action and son or not, he would make everyone involved pay for that. And let’s not forget the old men up there.

No, his son could not be that shallow and fucked up. There must be another explanation behind it, but what could that be? Was someone else trying to cover their shit using his son as excuse and shield? But then it meant that... no, that could not be possible either. Fuck, all of this was just such a waste of time and energy, which already cost to him quite the important deal of money and time. He hoped Roman would find what he was looking for and once they had proofs, then they could act in consequence.

What left him uneasy was the involvement of that drug lord living in Ireland. An international war was the last thing to wish for at the moment, as the situation in Ukraine was generally nervous and unstable, with new elections upcoming and the political ground unbalanced. Families were moving around and trying to tie with one part or the other and oligarchs sure did not sit around doing nothing.

Yes, an international war was to be absolutely avoided right now.

Something else happened in Kiev in the following days, but it was not to be known in which order right now and exactly when it happened. Actually, when two facts happened.

Two bullets hit straight at the back and side of the target right when he was about to react and counter attack; his eyes widened while his mouth hissed a curse and then his body dropped on the ground in a pool of warm blood.

A corpse emerged from the waters of the Dnieper River and drifted to the shore, to be later found by a couple of men.

Author's chit-chat:

So we have a couple of things right at the end of this chapter and what are your guesses on that? Any idea?

What do you think of Enna's father, did you like him? What about his last words? What will happen next? Do you foresee complications?

Well, I won't say anything right now, but going to update in three days and we'll see what's happening in Kiev and with Enna, Roman and his father. Updating soon!

Until next time xox