Page 31 of Bound By Threads
Pacheco pauses, studying Roman for a long moment. “You really think you can deliver what I’m asking for?”
Roman nods.
“I want an extra shipment. Half off.”
“Done.” Roman states.
“You’re not just playing at being a businessman, are you?” Pacheco shakes his hand, but Roman refuses to let go.
He leans in slightly, his voice steady and confident. “I’m not playing. I’m offering you a deal you won’t find elsewhere, with the bonus of a lifeline I’m not offering anyone else. Give me your loyalty, and when I’m done with my father, I’ll offer you something that will take you further than you’ve ever gone with him. We can be partners, or we can go our separate ways, but don’t insult me further by continuing to question me.”
There’s a long pause. Pacheco turns to look at the large man beside him, and they exchange a glance. I hold my breath, hoping Roman’s words have landed, praying this gamble, because that’s all this is, will pay off.
Finally, Pacheco looks back at Roman, his lips curling up. “You have guts, and I can respect someone who has the balls to speak to me like that. Alright, Roman, you’ve got yourself a deal… on one condition.”
Roman nods, not showing any signs of hesitation. “Name it.”
Pacheco’s smile widens. “You keep your word—no more games. You make good on what you’re offering, and I’ll have your back. Complete loyalty.”
“Understood.”
Pacheco leaves with the contract in hand, wanting his lawyer to look over it and a promise to be in touch.
I finally feel like I can breathe, like I’ve been holding it this entire meeting. Roman slumps in his seat behind his desk, running his hand through his hair and making it stick up in all directions.
“So that went well…”
Chapter17
Roman
“Roman!” my father barks, gaining my attention. “My study. Now.”
I sigh, pocketing my phone, and follow him to his study like a good little lapdog. It’s been like this for years—listen and follow along or suffer a beating so bad I can’t walk for days.
I walk into the study, Crew and Elijah already sitting there. “Take a seat,” my father commands, his voice colder than I’d like to admit.
I hesitate, my jaw clenching as I war with myself on walking out and telling him to stuff it. The last thing I want to do is sit across from him and pretend like I’m okay with whatever mess he’s about to force on me.
I shoot a quick glance at Crew and Elijah, both of them already sitting stiffly like they’ve been here for a while. What I don’t understand is why he’s done it so far apart.
I sit down, ignoring the way my chest tightens. My dad doesn’t waste any time with pleasantries. He never does. “I’m sending you to a university out of state. You’ll be there to expand my product. Distribute it, grow it. I want results, do you understand?”
The words hit me like a punch to the gut, and I force myself to swallow back the bile rising in my throat. Does he know about me and Pacheco’s deal? No, I’d already be on the floor writhing in pain if he did. Dad was never one to let things lie. Always quick to anger. Quick to use his fists. No, if my father knew, I’d be back at square one, facing the wrath of a man who doesn’t let anything slide.
I clench my fists under the table, trying to keep my voice steady as I speak on behalf of myself and the two men I call brothers. “Yeah, I understand,” I say, my voice betraying none of the frustration that I can feel boiling inside me. The last thing I want to do is let my father know he’s got to me.
He nods, satisfaction creeping into his expression. “Good. I knew you would see reason. You’ll leave in a week, and I expect you to settle in quickly.Make friends. Crew, you’ll be the main man I want to see distributing the product. Elijah, you’ll be attending classes, gaining access to the parties, and finding out who might need that extra little push for exam season. Roman…” My father’s eyes flick to mine, narrowing. “You will be my eyes and ears. I want to know who is in power there and find out if they are involved with the other families.”
I force a nod, even as my mind races. Seven days. That’s barely enough time for me to sort my team for sorting out the weapon shipment for Pacheco. And yet, I know better than to defy him. I need to play the long game to finally get rid of him with the backing of the other families.
My father looks at Crew and Elijah. “Do not disappoint me.”
Elijah tightens his grip on the chair, rage in his eyes, but he stays silent. My father owns him just as much as he owns Crew and me, and he hates it.
“Got it,” I say, standing up before I can say anything I’ll regret.
We all stand in unison, turning to leave. Crew gives me a sympathetic look, but Elijah? He’s as stoic as ever. His face shut down like it has been since we found out she was gone.
