Page 49 of Labria

“Yes. In my office right now!” she mumbled so no one could hear her but me and maybe my guards.

She stomped her way from the hall. I guess I had been summoned to follow her, so I did. She marched into her office, not bothering to look back to see if I was behind her. I didn’t have a clue what this could be about. I hadn’t seen her in about two weeks. The last time was when I ran into her at Push restaurant.

When I entered her office, I turned around and motioned for my security to wait outside. I was inside her office and it wasn’t too shabby. My eyes surveyed the room. She glared across the small room at me. I slowly took a step back and closed the door shut. Privacy was key in my profession. Labria was standing behind her desk, looking mad and amazing. Lord had great taste in women.

“What are you doing here?”

An odd question, I have business with this firm. I was the reason she was employed here. Did she forget I greased the wheels to get her law license in the state of Nevada?

“I honestly don’t know how Lord puts up with your shitty attitude.”

“My attitude. You have to be joking.”

“No dear, I’m completely serious.”

“I’m not your dear.” She crossed her arms in front of her.

“Thank god.” Her pussy must be made of gold because she was a pain to deal with.

“I know about the car explosion. I also know you haven’t figured out who killed your father. I know you haven’t found the person who tried to kill you, Lord and me when we were together fucking months ago. You’re supposed to be this big fucking mafia boss, and it looks like you’re the boss of bullshit.”

“Look sweetheart, you need to watch your mouth.” I took enough steps to almost bump into her desk. “You’re not that important. I give you certain liberties because you’re my brother’s girl.”

“Please give me and Lord the liberty not to be murdered by any of your enemies. That’s the fuckin’ liberty I think we deserve.”

“I’m not going to speak on anything about anything with you right here in this office or in this building.”

“Why not?”

“Your office hasn’t been swept for bugs and I don’t trust you. You could be working with the feds.”

“That’s dumb. I’m not working with anyone. I’m just tired of your bullshit.”

“So you just called me in here to chew me out?”

“No, I called you in here to tell you to get your shit together. If something happens to Lord. I swear to god.”

I chuckled. “What do you swear, sweetheart?” I glared into her eyes. I felt my face contort. Labria didn’t know the monster I could be. She took a step backward. “What are you going to do? Do you really think it’s wise to threaten me?”

“I didn’t threaten you.” She said through gritted teeth. “I’m telling you to get off your ass and handle this shit.”

“I’m handling it. This is the last time you will talk to me with this blatant level of disrespect.” I leaned over her desk and pierced her eyes with my stare. “I don’t think you realize how many bodies I have on me, women, kids, grandmothers. I can only like you up to a point. Don’t let your mouth make you a missing person. I can easily add you to the long list of missing women of color.”

We stared at each other for so long it felt like time stood still.

“Fine. I apologize for my tone. I’m just worried about Lord’s safety.”

“I’m doing everything humanly possible to keep all my brothers safe. I am very close to a resolution.”

“By resolution you mean—”

“Of course.” I nodded my head as I moved around her desk and walked up to her with my hand extended. She glanced down at my hand. “Let’s shake on it.” Then back up at me.

She extended her hand. I grabbed it and squeezed it tightly. I pulled her close until she fell into my chest. I grabbed her by the back of her head and gave her a quick peck on her forehead. I shoved her back, gently. She stumbled but didn’t fall.

“Why did you do that?” She frowned.

“Because I can. It’s better to be my friend than my enemy. One day, you will need my existence. You will need a favor from me and I only do favors for my family and my friends. I view you as both. Don’t do anything that changes how I view you.”

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