Taken By The Mafia Lord

While Arianna and her mother were together, the brothers as well were engaged in a meeting. Even Ezra who had been sent away to investigate the incident was back since Ephraim and Elvis already got the details thanks to Marcel.

However, unlike the others, Elijah was the least comfortable in their midst knowing everything was his fault.

"I'm sorry," He apologized when he couldn't stand the guilt gnawing at his heart anymore. He had been unable to stare his brother Eric in the eye for a while now.

Hearing the apology, the other brothers raised their heads interestedly, watching to see Eric's reaction. He had been quiet for a while now.

However, Eric ignored him and went on to say to the others, "Since it has gotten to this point, I have no choice but to agree to the deal with Marcel. If we want the other families to be a part of this war, the Luciano family would have to be part of the commission."

He went on to say, "I hate to say this, but this is the right timing. With the Basil family gone, someone has to fill in that void and the Luciano family is a powerhouse in this business and they should have a seat already. The others would have to get used to it."

But Ephraim asked, "Wouldn't that be seen as nepotism? It's enough that you're building an alliance with the Luciano family, but marrying one of their own. The other families might see that as a power play. You're risking your position here, Eric." He didn't like it.

"That's why Elijah can't marry Adele yet. They would have to hold a wedding ceremony once the war is over and no one can have an idea of her pregnancy. Once Marcel is in, the other families can protest all they want, the deed is already done." He added confidently,

"And you don't have to worry about me. They all know no one can do this better than me."

And that was the truth, Eric was not just a businessman but a negotiator with vast connections in and out of the country. He was greatly respected thanks to the relationship he's built with his clients. His nickname was the "Draven Fixer '' since he always seemed to have a solution for everything.

"Fine, the pregnancy stays between us." The brothers agreed to it.

"Tomorrow morning, I'll have to speak with Marcel then." Eric was up on his feet before the others. "To your tents, O Draven." He playfully bade them goodnight and then he was out of the office.

However, Elijah followed and called after him, "Brother!"

Seeing that his brother was intent on not talking to him, Elijah had no choice but to get in his way and he finally halted.

"What?!" Eric barked, startling him.

To be honest, Elijah was scared of facing his brother, but it was time to stop being a coward.

"I'm sorry," He said to his brother as if this wasn't the first time he said it already.

"Okay," Eric shrugged and took a step forward only for him to block him again.

"What now, Elijah?"

"That is it?" He was confused.

"What more do you expect?"

"You might have said okay, but it's not okay," He pointed out.

"Just the same way you might have apologized, it doesn't erase what you did," Eric said and his throat went dry at once.

Eric faced him, "I told you, Elijah. I warned you against your recklessness! Your impulsiveness! Yet you never listened. The world isn't as simple as you see it, every action carries consequences that might not only affect you but your entire family! And here, you have yours."

He sighed, "I don't hate you, Elijah. You're my little brother, but then It would take me time to look at you the same way I did in the past, so please give me time."

And with those words said, Eric left him while Elijah stood helplessly in the hallway. He ran his hand through his hair, yanking hard at his scalp. This was not how he expected his life to turn out. It should have been better than this. But there was no denying part of it was his fault and like his brother said, he had to live with the consequences.

"You're still up," Eric pointed out when he came into his room to see his wife was not yet asleep.

Natalie stood from the bed, walking towards him, "How would I sleep when I know you have it tough at the moment,"

Getting to him, Natalie wrapped her arm around his neck and drank him in, "You look stressed," She pointed out.

"Aren't stressed men, sexy?" He winked, flirting with his wife.

"Oh, they are," Natalie leaned in to kiss him on the face and then smooches him on the lips once, twice, and thrice. She whispered into his ear, "I know something that might be able to relieve your stress."

At once, the temperature in the room increased and Eric's heart rate quickened, already having a clue where this was headed.

"Really?" He leaned in to kiss her but Natalie pulled away at the last minute, teasing him. She then pulled away from him and went to lock the door. If there was anything they learned so far, it was to never leave the door open with Rose around. She had a knack for ruining the moment.

Once Natalie was back, Eric drew her into his arms and had his lips on hers. The best thing that has ever happened to him was marrying this woman and he has never regretted it one bit.

However, when his hands crept into her nightgown, Natalie slapped his hands away and broke apart to say to him, "Tonight, it's all about you." Her husband was tired and she was going to do everything to energize him!

So she pushed him down to the bed and Eric laid back comfortably and spread his legs having gotten the clue. Tonight was going to be great.