DOUBLE TAKE (Part 8)

Move Along

Unfuckingbelieveable.

Yep, that one word only describes my life over the past few month's. No one could make this shit storm up. Not only did I accuse and torment the love of my life, I willingly allowed her to kidnap me and induce her own punishment upon me. Then once I took her pathetic attempt of a mafia out, I thought maybe, just maybe we could work our shit out but no. Oh no, dear old Pape arrived and laid the law down.

Yea, it was pure luck that he didn't kill Tia but banning us from seeing each other was just as bad. Many time's I thought of escapes but none were foolproof. Pape was right, Tia would be dead minutes after I left and putting her life at risk just wasn't worth it. I've caused her enough damage and I'd kill myself before I brought more harm her way.

Besides, Pape has kept me so busy that I have no time to slip away. Now it seems that Sire is his golden boy where I once was. Now I've been reduced to cleaning up the pit or other crime scenes. I'm referred to as the errand boy and to further humiliate me for my disobedience, he'll have me fetch the coffee or snacks duiring our meetings. I

Duiring this time he has barely spoken to me as if he thinks his silence bothers me. Hell, I'm glad I don't have to deal with him as much and that Sire catches the brunt of it. Even my mother voiced her thoughts to him about his treatment to the both of us and it led to a small quarrel but in the end Pape still didn't relent. There's only one woman that can make Pape backtrack and that was grandmother. Even as a grown man all she had to do was give him that look and Pape had an instant attitude adjustment.

My heart still aches from not having Tia in my life but I'm starting to come to terms with it. Mom understands my pain and we've shared a few talks on the topic and in the end we both came to the same conclusion, maybe that this was for the best for Tia. But mom also believes that if we are meant to be that fate will bring us back together in time. It's easy for her to trust fate because of her and Pape's rocky past. After a few year's of separation they found their way back together. She knows how guilty I feel over my mistreatment of Tia but she still insists that in time Tia will forgive me and be okay. She can't explain the why's of it but claims that true love can overcome any obstacle. But what if I wasn't Tia's true love? Where does that leave me? I know mom means we'll and is trying to spread her positive attitude but I think she just might be wrong on this one. Tia is gone and she's not coming back.

Even when Pape speaks about the investigation with him men in Germany I'm made to leave the room. He doesn't want me to have any information on Tia. I do know that she's well, I see her face splashed on magazine's and fashion commercials on television. I'm like a boy that has a fantasy dream about a hot model, a girl that's out of reach.

But all my heartache aside, there's so much more going on here that seems could blow into a hell of a storm soon. First with King and my Pape. They haven't spoken since their altercation and can barely stand the sight of each other. However this hasn't stopped King from his weekly trips to Vegas but it's just not the Vegas trips that has my Pape pissed, it's assuming that King is responsible for Tia's escape. Honestly I don't know what to think anymore and if King was involved I owe him a huge thank you. If Tia hadn't escaped the truth would have never came out and more than likely she'd be dead.

"Did you prepare the coffee? Severo is due to arrive at any time Heir". My Pape's voice rang out dispersing my thoughts.

My only answer was to nod and continue awaiting Severo's arrivial. Pape had insisted upon a meeting with him unbeknownst to King. I believe Pape is going to give him an ear lashing about his involvement with King. No sooner than that thought entered my mind Severo was announced. As usual we all went through the pleasantries then got down to business.

Severo took a seat across from my Pape and the rest of us flanked around the long, oval table. "What's so urgent that you called me here on such short notice?" Severo asked.

"We need to discuss my brother King. I'm aware of his many trips to see you. You do realize he isn't to have any business dealings until he reaches twenty-five and only then if he shows he can handle his title?"

Severo rolled his eye's and rubbed his hand down his chin in irritation. "Are you fucking serious right now? Please tell me I wasn't called here for something that could have been discussed via phone."

" Are you involving him in his business? " My Pape asked ignoring Severo's sarcasm.

"Yes.I am. I'm following the wishes of your mother. If something were to happen to them I was to step up and show King the reigns. I've been running his side of the business since he was a baby so there's no better person than to teach him the ins and outs. Besides, I don't seeing you offering to help him learn the ropes. Your parents were great allies to me and I find it honorable to work with King so closely. He will be great but it is my job to look after him and step in if I see anything wrong. Regardless if Mr. And Mrs. Harper are gone, I will continue to keep my word" .

I could tell that this didn't set well with my Pape by the time in his voice as he begin to speak. "Then I hereby release you of your duties. You are no longer guardian over King's business. You may go as soon as the paper's are drawn up".

Severo smirked." I'm afraid that can't be done. You see your mother was a very smart lady. She has the contract noncontestible. Which means it can't be broken until King reaches age".

"Or you die". My father stated and the room became tense.

" I assure you Demarco that would be a bad move on your part. I am one of your most trusted allies. Death by your hand wouldn't look good for your future allies. Now this meeting is over".

Severo rose to go but stopped short of the door. "Tell your lovely wife Samantha that Avery and I said hello and if she ever needs to be placed in hiding again I'll gladly help her once more".

" The fuck you say? " My pape boomed.

And this is where the shit hits the fan. Severo smirked and walked on out. My Pape was immediately on the phone calling my mom down. I was aware that mom had went into hiding duiring their difficult time's but I can barely remember it. However I didn't know Severo helped her. I took this as my cue to get out before the roof blew.

Since Pape was now preoccupied with this new info I needed a night out. After I showered and dressed I ran back by the den in hope's of taking Sire with me. I decided to take the secret hall in to avoid my Pape when I caught Sire rushing from the Den into the hall. "Damn dude, what's the rush?"

He only shrugged and remained mute. I noticed a lipstick smear on his collar and smiled. "So who is she?"

" What? Who's who? " He asked a bit nervous.

Laughing, I pointed at the smudge. Sire tried to run it away and gave an odd chuckle. "Oh that,it's no one. I just needed some relief and hooked up with one of the strippers".

I looked at him oddly. "Since when was that your thing?"

" Hey, I have my needs ".

Leaving it at that, I asked him to join me. Sure agreed but needed a shower first. While I waited I slipped on into the Den for a drink. As I say my way to the bar I passed Alice. "What are you and CJ doing tonight?"

" I'm going home and CJ is working and want be in until late".

"Too bad. Sire and I are heading out".

" Have fun. I'm going to camp out on the couch and binge watch an old show".

We parted ways and within an hour Sire and I was at a club having some drinks. My mind drifted back to Tia. I couldn't help but wonder what she was doing, if she ever thought of me or missed me? Eventually after a few drinks I came to the realization that it was over and I should just accept it and for some reason I thought it would be smart to try and move on by looking for a new love. Maybe I could find what I had with Tia with someone New. People can call in love more than once right?

My eye's scoured the place for someone that may pike my interest. After nearly giving up,I spotted her. She sat alone, abandoned by her friend's who were dancing. Something about her seemed so innocent and sweet. She was much shorter than Tia and had a darker complexion but still beautiful. Not super model beautiful but pretty none the less.

Pushing my comparisons away I strode over. "Hello, I'm Heir".

She smiled and offered her name. "I'm Fera".

" Fera". I repeated and smiled.