no turning back

• thirteen •

elijah

"You just can't get enough of me, can you?"

"WHAT IN THE FUCK?" I roared.

Raman's breathy chuckle only irked my temper more. "10 times, though? Seriously? I'm busy."

"What the fuck did you do?" I bellowed through the line.

"I mean, how important can it be? We just got off the phone."

"This is not a goddamn joke, Raman. Why did you contact Ammu?" (Uncle)

"I don't know what the fuck you're talking about! I didn't contact anyone."

Releasing a growl, I pulled at my hair. "The next time I see you, you're fucking dead."

"I wouldn't even know how to reach anyone from that side," he insisted. "Why? What did Ammu say?"

"If not you, how else would he know about what happened to our parents? Only you and Aaron knew."

"Oh, I don't know," he said, voice dripping with sarcasm. "Maybe Aaron did it? The notorious traitor?"

"You're no better."

"I redeemed myself! Remember who's babysitting your girl, Boss."

Turning away from the window, I brought my fist to my mouth and cut my teeth against a knuckle. I wasn't sure if this was a can of worms I wanted to open with my brother. If he didn't know already, it was best to keep him ignorant.

But if he was aware, I needed to know.

"Did you know about the arrangement?" I asked outright.

"What arrangement?"

"The one between our parents and the others."

"What others?" He groaned. "Who are you talking about?"

I blew out a breath. He didn't know.

"No, don't do that shit," he groaned. "Don't shut me out. What arrangement?"

"It doesn't concern you. Ignorance is bliss, brother," I said. "I have to find out how Ammu got this number."

"Wait, why did he call you? If this is related to business, I need to know. We're partners now, don't forget."

I rolled my eyes. "I'm not afraid to put a bullet in your skull this time."

"Not unless you want the favor returned on your darling little angel."

"Shut the fuck up."

"Then tell me what arrangement you're referring to."

Sighing, I rubbed at my brows. I didn't feel compelled to explain the arrangement, given he had no involvement. However, Ammu's communication only promised future challenges for our business. If I didn't dismantle this threat, the situation would only worsen.

"There was an old contract," I huffed. "In order for our father to be appointed the leader in America, he was required to arrange a marriage between his oldest child and the child of a prominent leader in the homeland. It was supposed to keep things connected in the case communication became strained between American and Persian operations."

"You have an arranged marriage?" Raman said, sounding shocked.

"No," I growled. "I killed Father and therefore nulled the terms of the contract."

"Then why do you sound concerned? And why is Ammu calling?"

I clenched my jaws. "He called to make good on their agreement."