IDRIS

Once the meeting concluded, Idris took it upon himself to visit the garden. Despite the tacky decorations, the garden alone retains its attraction. Tall shrubs that give the illusion of a maze, embedded with flowers of all types and colors.

Now he thinks about Josi. He hasn't spoken to her since he sentenced her to house arrest, which at the time was done out of his own anger. But he never retracted the sentence, because he will not be made to look like the weaker one of the two. So Josi will remain locked up until further notices.

What frustrates Idris now is the fact that he's not used to arguments-specifically ones where the opponent has no price to pay. Or at least, a price resulting in death. He's starting to wonder what exactly brought upon the idea that he could handle a relationship. Especially with someone as stubborn as Josi.

But Idris only thinks that about her because she won't behave like the rest of his men-and sometimes even his enemies. She challenges him, something he isn't accustomed to either. With this being his first relationship, he finds that there are more complications than he'd accounted for. There's a part of him that misses his life before he fell for Josi. When he had little difficulty and would indulge in his options of women.

But that reality is no more. He loves Josi. And so he will stick to her no matter what argument stands in their way.

"Do your tattoos have meaning?"

Idris turns to see Rosari with the same warm smile. Upon their initial meeting inside, the two had barely spoken, what with all the introductions and Enzo's rambles. Quite astonishing that she's related to Enzo, because not a single speck of his genes seems to have transferred over. She must take on her mother's looks instead. How incredibly lucky. She's been spared from the rotten seed that is her father.

With skin a vibrant gold — much like the sunset glow at dusk — and eyes that resemble the caked earth, Idris thinks there must be men scrambling for a chance with Rosari. Wavy brown hair that rests by her waist and a height around Josi's level. She's objectively beautiful. But what Idris just can't seem to figure out is why she's still single, because in a life as grim as the mafia girls her age were already married off. Perhaps Enzo makes up for his lack of visuals with his fathering skills, seeing as he hasn't forced Rosari into some marriage proposal.

"My tattoos have no deep meaning. People draw on themselves when they're bored."

Rosari nods, now by Idris's side and spectating the shrubs of flowers. "I hear things about you, but you're a bit different."

"What kind of things?"

"Good things."

Idris tilts his head, a bit puzzled. "That's weird. People usually call me a piece of shit."

Rosari must find this reply amusing, because she turns to him and even begins studying his profile. "I also hear you're a very good looking man. Guess that part was true."

Idris keeps his eyes on the shrubs. He's used to such compliments. "I have a girlfriend." He tells her, though he and said girlfriend currently aren't on speaking terms.

"I'm aware." Rosari replies with a smile. She steers the conversation back to his tattoos. "How many more do you have?"

"I don't believe you're here for my tattoos, are you?"

"Actually, I am." She picks a flower, this one a rose. "I was intrigued by the one on your nape."

It's then Idris takes the time to study her once again. She speaks with so much gentleness to her voice, which makes him question if she really is a daughter of a crime boss, especially one as ferocious as Enzo. But he can tell from the luxury brands she's cladded herself in that she does, in fact, come from Enzo's wealth.

Idris turns back to the tall shrubs. "I'm more intrigued by the fact that you're related to Enzo."

"What do you mean?"

"Your father's not the best contender in the looks department." Idris tells her. "I'm surprised he was able to wed. Couldn't imagine anyone waking up to that everyday."

Rosari's eyes widen, too stunned by Idris's honesty. She sends a hand over her mouth to conceal what Idris thinks is a . . . smile. Then she begins laughing. Suffice to say, Idris is beyond confused. This is not the sort of reaction he expected.

"I'm sorry," Rosari tries calming herself and only succeeds after more seconds of suppressed laughter. "I should probably head back. It was nice meeting you." She gives him the same killer smile and begins her journey back to the mansion.

Strange, but it's no longer Idris's cup of tea. He takes a peek at his watch and sighs. The time has come to head back home.

~《¤》~

JOSI

A lock of hair falls to the floor. Another one follows. And another.

Josi snips her hair off with a pair of scissors. There's a mirror aiding in the process, but it does little to better the precision. Precision is not what she's after, however. She chops the hair off at neck's length, studies her face, then snips again.

No true reason for this change other than boredom. Now at day ten of house arrest, Josi has succumbed to the dreary routine. Meals in bed, as she's lost interest in leaving the bedroom. So they bring the food to her and only return for the serving tray. More time spent reading, which has also become dull in the confines of the house. Then there's the sunset, the highlight of Josi's day. But even that will soon run its course.

The only sign of civilization she's witnessed occurred during the trip yesterday, when Idris had her transferred from the penthouse and to the estate. Ten days this lockdown, five days during the last. It could be a month next time. Perhaps even a year. Idris loves the idea of having Josi where he can watch her. It's why he has so many restrictions. What's preventing him from sentencing her to a lifetime of house arrest? He seems to only issue the punishment when he's angry, but who's to say he won't make it permanent?

Josi sets the scissors down and sighs. How could a man this shrewd possibly claim to love another? It must not be love. It must be something far more twisted. Idris is simply not made for a concept as complex as love. He probably has his own definition and has somehow shaped it into that very concept. There's no denying that he has deeper affection for Josi, but should it be considered love?

A bit useless at this point. There's no point in trying to nitpick the wired network that is Idris Verdonni's mind. As long as he deems her the love of his life, he will never allow her go.

Josi grows weary from the thought. She gazes at the ceiling, eyes empty and yet filled with pure misery. "Someone save me from the virus that is Idris Verdonni."

But there will be no superheroes coming to the rescue. If she desires freedom, she will have to work for it. Get the job done herself.

The man in question saunters into the bedroom minutes later. He pauses when he sees Josi's severed hair on the floor, but since they're giving each other the silent treatment, he simply brushes it off and heads into the closet.

As much as Josi despises speaking to him, she cannot handle any more of the house arrest. She has to initiate the first move. So she waits until Idris emerges from the closet with a couple folders containing documents of some kind.

"I'm ready to move on, Idris." Josi tells him. "I can't take another day in this house. You win."

Idris studies her with a certain look to his face, and even in his eyes Josi can see a sense of relief. Like he's been waiting for things to draw a conclusion. He exhales sharply. "Croff will take you where you want to go." Then he takes his leave.

And just like that, the conflict has already begun steadily decreasing. Still, the fact that he agreed so quickly must mean he's in a good mood. Probably from the alliance which Josi caught wind of. The Maranzos have now become a part of Idris's plan against the Toulours. Whatever they have planned, they must be fully confident in themselves, seeing as Idris's mood has bettered.

Now that she's gained partial freedom, Josi shifts gears towards Rand once again. Let the meetings commence. She needs this plan expedited.

Josi exits the bedroom on her way to the sun room. A chance to relax given she's been lifted from the punishment. But what she doesn't expect to hear is the chatter from within. Her hand halts where it is on the doorknob. There seems to be another visitor already occupying the room, and upon closer inspection she realizes it's Idris. Idris and some other colleague who must be older than he is. They seem to be holding some sort of meeting.

"And you're certain this information will destroy the Toulours?" Says Idris.

"Never been more certain about anything, Verdonni." The older voice replies, who Josi now knows is Enzo Maranzo. "They will all drop down like flies."

More Toulour affairs. This conversation isn't for Josi's ears. She lets the doorknob go and picks out a different destination for the afternoon. Perhaps the library. But as soon as she turns to leave, she's greeted by a new visitor. A girl she's never once seen before.

___________________________________