Chapter 10: The L Word

(All Russian translations are from google the bottom ones to translate better from sound. Italian translations also google.)

After having coffee together dancing around the kitchen a bit, they decided to get ready in there best. Seeing as his father firm was the companies lawyer, and his mother was the one who designed and created everything for the party and conference. There would be a special catered lunch in the eating area after the conference was made to celebrate for the workers. Then they can go about back to their work. They made sure to dress their best as it was a televised conference. Reporters everywhere from every media and the conference rooms on the fifth floor would be held with very important people like partners and other A-list clients. Even her father, uncle, aunt, and her friends.

After driving there she opted out of a special driver. Gage told her he could back away and let her go ahead with all the reporters. Around taking pictures of everyone. She reminded them they didn't know who she was so she loved the idea of being his arm candy. Smiling to her he shook his head. The reporters all taking their picture. "Mr. Brooks is this your girlfriend?" "Are you excited for the turn over?" Gage waved a hand at hem to calm down. "Yes this is my girlfriend, and we have somewhere to be so please thank you but move." He told them on a voice that would be demanded as they parted ways.

Walking up to behind the make shift stage. "There's my baby." Angelo said hugging onto her. Looking at Gage Angelo hugged him to whispered in his ear. "I see the make up boy next time don't leave no visible work eh? At least not when she's got to camera ready." Gage blushed as Angelo gave him an evil eye and a smirk. "Couldn't keep it in your pants for one night man?" Jaxon whispered to her. "I wasn't like that, now mind your business. Trust me I know it wasn't like that. I would be able to read it on." Hunter and Jaxon both at the same time and high fived each other. "That's it you idiots go join the others." Eddie told them throwing them out. "You too." "What'd I do?" Dre' whined leaving to go stand next to his friends.

Gage went to leave. "You don't have to go anywhere." Eddie told him flatly. "You together now aren't you?" "Yes sir." "It's Angelo to you boy. You go up there with us, you stay with us now. That's your place. Unless you already changed your mind?" "NO! No. I just didn't want to cross any lines." "I get it Gage we'll learn together I'm new at this too. I didn't really get a chance to know the last boyfriend as boyfriend status. We'll get through it together. Let's get this shit show started." Angelo said making everyone laugh. Tessa was still standing behind the make shift curtains. As Angelo took the stage and the podium. Eddie and Gage took the far back corner to his right side Stage left. As the reporters and employees alike came to gather around. Someone handed him cards as a speech as Angelo laughed looking around.

"For years now the people always try to give me speeches. We all know how well that works though right?" Angelo laughed throwing the cards in the air. Tessa only could imagine it but laughs to herself. Same ol Angelo no one could ever tell him what to say. Looking around the room at everyone most her knew most he didn't Making sure to look at every face in the crowd. He has been happily waiting for this moment for a long time. Pride filled his chest. He would be retired but still working the smaller companies as to help out his baby she will need it. A member, the adviser on her council board member that's all he needed to just sit back and still be able to bat for her in her corner when she needed him to. There was so much more in this life she would need him for but not this. Not to be the Donna she is born and made to be. This was his soul purpose in life. She was his purpose in life. No amount of lives he's changed or saved was ever going to be worth it compared to her.

"I have run this company and hundreds other just like it for about fifty years. From the ground up I have built this to the place it is today. I am not stupid enough to know that I did not do this alone. It was through the hard work and dedication of hard workers like each one of you on these floors in every company worldwide. From our partners across the world. To many other workers who jumped in and helped us share our dream world wide for a better world for tomorrow. The last decade in a half though these major changes we have brought to the world have not been my own but the work of someone way smarter than me and beyond her own years." Taking a breath still looking all over the room.

"This wonderful courageous person is the reason we have put better watering systems world wide for people, farmers, animals you name it. His person is the reason why we have helped build better homes, villages, farms, food supply. Why most endangered species are making a comeback because in her words a shot in a hell is still a shot worth taking. The work and money to get kids and battered men and woman off the streets. Bettering education in parts that had no option for a better way in life. This person is th every reason why tomorrow will always be a better place than it was yesterday. I am proud to announce my retirement handing down and over this empire we all have made to the soul person this last decade and a half who has earned it and made her own. Made better than it was with me as your leader. I proudly hand over the reins to my daughter Tessenia Moretti." Standing back clapping his hands everyone was roaring across the room.

Sean and Maddison mouth dropped as far as it could go. Shocked filled through them. Maddison couldn't believe her eyes and ears. To know that her son is dating the most powerful person worldwide. She was sending silent prayers to the lord above for the great opportunity of her son being with someone as worthy as he is. The life her grand babies could have and never struggle. The intelligence, the beauty. The protection they will have. Getting way ahead of herself she was just thankful she didn't ruin it the way she could have. Sean was in shock. He knew who Angelo really was. He knew what his daughter is destined to be, now he knew his son had no idea of the position he was now in. Looking at Gage he knew his son had no clue of everything that was ahead of him. Not even knowing if he would be ready or up for it. Looking at him at how he looks at the woman crossing that stage hugging her father. The way he looks at her. It was clear rather he was ready to be a king or not this woman was meant to be his more than she was a Queen of Kings. Hoping this will all have a happy and safe ending once the truth came out he already decided to be on her side for the sake of Gages.

"Thank you. Thank you everyone for your warm welcome. The only changes anyone needs to be worried about is the great projects we have coming to help make the world a better place we already have many in the works to make us still stay standing tall. For all you share holders the market as of right now is up three hundred percent. That's not thanks to wall street boys no, no, no that is thanks to all the hard workers in every company known over. Thank you all for helping my dreams, or dreams. The visions of other great people come to life. My door is always open to new ideas, providing you have an appointment. Thank you all keep up the great work. I will make sure I work hard for you." Tessa waved off to the crowd hugging Eddie her father and wrapping her arm around Gage best she could as he kissed her forehead walking them off the stage.

Making their way through the private elevator going up with her Tia Gabby, Tio Eddie, Angelo and the other friends she has she was already told by her men that the other big wigs have entered the room and got a glass of champagne and other hard drinks with the food. Surprisingly Maddison had arranged. Looking to the room she found who she was looking for but the second she walked in everyone screamed CONGRADULATIONS!! All making their way to hug her and wish her well. They men in his room were around her age and up and all adored her. Some even in appropriate ways others in way they hid so they wouldn't get a bullet to the head. Like Walters who brought shame and disgust to all those around. He was a little mad a woman was now in charge of him woman were to be seen not heard. However he knew better than to pop off now.

Going around the room she found them the two men she was looking forward to meeting all morning. "Lincoln, Kane I was looking for you." Smiling to him. "You found us boss." They teased with her as Gage was next to her smiling. Gage I want you to meet Lincoln and Kane they are both brilliant. In fact I have been so impressed by their work last few years I'm offering them a promotion." "Seriously?" Lincoln asked he and Kane feeling honored knowing what a big deal this actually was to receive praise and honor from not only a Don/Donna but THE Don/Donna. "Yes Lincoln I need a personal assistant and it's yours. Kane Gage needs an assistant as much as he'll fight me on this he's wrong. He's projects and work meetings all that is starting to pile up he needs you to keep him straight. Gage I know that you should be able to hire your own person but Kane here is simply the best. He knows all about computer science, coding, everything you need this position to know so they can keep up with you." Tess told him.

"I trust Ms. Moretti if you say he's the best. I believe it. Trust me boys this one here evaluates people for days. Best judge of character I've ever seen." Gage told him hugging her tighter. "Thank you Mr. Brooks." "Gage only please." Shaking their hands proudly at them and moving around the room. Excusing herself to go around the corner to sign a few papers a hand covered her mouth on the way back leaving her to smash her head back in the man behind her.

"FUCK TESS! It's me. Calm the hell down." Antonio told her holding his head back. "Well dumb ass you know better than to do that crap. Play dumb games win dumb prizes." Hugging him tightly. "It is good to see you healthy and good after about what a year give or take." "Yes almost a year. I also would like to report to you, that Dimitri and I have got them. They are ready for us tonight. I hear you got the book. I'm excited to try this." "Me too. Be sure you guys are there by eleven the latest." "Yes boss. I will make sure to be there and we'll be ready." Gage coming around the corner where he could hear them but no see them.

"Tess one more thing before you get back in there. Not work related though." "What's wrong you got a problem with your hotel or something is Eric alright I just saw him." "No Eric and I are fine. If I don't ask you this now than I will forever regret it. We have a history. We have life together in the past, present and always in the future. You hold a place in my heart no one has ever filled. You will always hold this place my Tessa. You make me a better man I will forever be thankful to you for it. In a couple of months though with the celebration and all I need to know if I can be more than your friend. Can I be your husband?" He pulled a ring that was beautiful to her. "I'm sorry Tony, but my affections for you don't go that far into my heart. I do love you but not in love with you. Thank you for he offer but I'm not that woman for you. When you meet her you will be thankful we are just friends. I pray for you, yeah." "That is your final word?"

"Yes Tony it is. I'm happily taken right now. The claims been set by Angelo himself." "Than I will respect your decision and the man who must be worthy enough to have you." Hugging her tightly. She leaned back on the wall for a moment as Tony left. Walking around the corner he saw a huge dark mountain man glaring at him in a way. Sticking out his hand to shake Gage's. "Antonio Tilman. Congratulations on being the luckiest man in the world. May you always deserve her. You can come to me when you need it. I will not fight you for her, when she has spoken her peace." "Thank you for that. For respecting her. Gage Brooks." Looking at this man it was clear he is not from their world. "I hope you know what you're getting yourself into. If you hurt her. I will come for you." Tony said walking away back into the room.

Tessenia bumping right into Gage. Looking up at shocked to see him there. "Should I except this often? Men proposing to you in hallways or anywhere else.? Gage asked tilting his head to he side arms crossed. "I'd like to tell you no baby, I really would but I swore not to lie to you. Besides you know these crazy men just want power. Just know I will always come running back into your arms." "That man didn't want raw power Tess. You know it." "Yeah but you also know I can't love him the way he needs, or wants, or deserves to be." "After all you share with these friends of yours why not?" Wondering what it is that she holds herself back from these powerful friends she's known her whole life. "They're not you Gage. I love you." The words leaving her mouth before she could catch them. Both just staring at each other. Gage took her grabbed her to his body holding his hand to tilt her neck through her hair tilting her to kiss her deeply while the arm tight around her waist so she couldn't leave.

Before he could say a word Angelo came and grabbed her for the pictures of the paper and release. "That was quiet the confession son." Sean told him walking in behind him to the room as they were waiting for his mother to join them. "You heard that." "Saw, heard, noticed the gleam in her eye when ever you come around and she gets that twinkle like I do your mother when she's near. You could have warn us she's your boss son." "Didn't think it was important. A job doesn't make you who you are or change your personality." "That is true. Your mothers been beaming with pride at the fact that your woman is well who she is. Now she's convinced about the greatness of her grandchildren. That her son finally can have the right kind of happiness. Are you though son. I can see it in your eyes but I would like to hear it from you. Are you happy?"

"Of course I'm happy dad. I finally got a woman who not likes me for me but loves me for me. I don't like the fact that a line of suitors just magically appeared but I trust her. I never felt jealousy, territorial, or even possessive before but I mean she brings out the best in me. I'm better with her." "You can say it you know it's just us son." "I love her dad." Gage told him whispering to him as if he was scared someone would come run up and steal her away the second he words were spoken. "It's not enough to make a woman feel it son, she needs to hear it to. She's been showing you apparently. Cooking for you. Hell she cleans your house and hers. Works hard like you. She calls to make sure you eat when you not around. Hell she calls when anything pops up your he first person she can't wait to share with. That's love son. Maybe kick up your game a little if you aren't ready to say it out loud yet, show her." Sean old him with a wink.

"There you are." Maddie said hugging her son tight. I'm mad at you for not telling me." "I know. You understand why though." "I do." "So where is our woman of he hour?" Looking around he room. Angelo came walking back to Gage to drag him for a few pictures. Letting him take some with his parents and some added with Tessa. "Angelo I would like to introduce you to my parents Maddison Brooks, and you probably know my father Sean Brooks." "Ah yes Sean how you been?" "Good Angie how you been?" "Feeling every but my age with days like today." He laughed out Angelo loved Sean he was a loyal and hard worker he knew about the underground but would never tell. "Mrs. Brooks good to meet you. You have yourself a hell of a boy here." "Please call me Maddie. I wasn't aware you meet her father already son." Maddison was beaming happily.

"Well yeah mom we had dinner few nights back." "You're son is one of my best and hardest workers you should be proud. I am." Angelo told him the truth of his words shocked over half the room. Never heard of outside his own family circle has the great Don Angelo ever said those words. Especially not mafia, or family related. Madison's heart was touched as she half hugged her boy who was almost blushing. "Thank you Angelo." Gage told him in a low whisper. "Come have a drink with me Sean catch up for a spill." "After you Angie." Sean still teased him with that name only few could get away with it and live.

"Angelo I'm going to get straight to the point." "You always do Sean, you're no fun sometimes." Angelo faked pouted to his friend. "I don't want my son to know the truth about Tessenia." "Not what I thought you was going to say at all not even cracking the top ten." Angelo told him flatly. "I like your daughter. I have the highest respect for your family. She makes him happy. They need each other Angie. I know you sense it or you wouldn't let him near her. I am on her side in this. I know it will come out eventually but for now please just help me keep them happy." "I know you have no pull in my world, you are only the best legit friend and lawyer I got so if that is my advisement who I am to argue with my council?" Angelo told him smirking in his glass.

"I really am proud of your kid. I'll be even prouder when I see him take the rightful place next to her. You should know Tess put your family under our protection world wide. Kane is your sons new assistant. Although he is worth of the position he is also one of the best fighters and weapons experts, he double as a security guard no one will ever hear one of my men coming." "Alright than you should know your daughter has turned down four marriage proposals this morning one of them being Tilman." Sean smirked proudly. "Yeah after that hits the stands and medias the claim will be set publicly." He showed the picture of Angelo, Gage and Tessenia happy together smiling. "That's a cute one send it to me." Sean said smiling. Walking back to his wife while Angelo and Eddie finally left the room.

The party died down. Gage and Tessa thought they could sneak away for a moment to her new huge office and try to make out on the couch. Opening the door walking in backwards with him leaning down kissing her sweetly as they were laughing in between they jumped when they heard him. "Dude man that's like our sister." Dre' whined. The room was filled with Lincoln, Kane, smiling Jaxon, Hunter, pouty Dre', Antonio and three other men he never seen before one staring at him like he would bust into flames. "Well look at that people. Lincoln we need to talk over some rules bud." Lincoln hands up smiling to her. "Welcome to my private office gentlemen what can I do for?" She teased.

"Just get that short ass over here." Elijah told her loudly running up to get a hug. "It's damn good to see you girl." Eric running up behind him. Guys please meet Gage. Gage this is Eric Donovan who I know you meet this morning is Antonio Tillmans assistant. This little nut head is Elijah Carter he is Dimitri Russo's assistant. That man over there brooding like a sulking child in the back is Dimitri Russo. You know Tony know and everyone else." As they all nodded their head to him the four others shook his hand. "Guys this is my boyfriend Gage Brooks he's the lead along with Axel Brooks in the security and computer resources department. Axel is standing right there too." She said waving to him as he was waving back.

"Boyfriend. Wow never thought I would really see the day for that. You must be something truly special to catch the eye of our Tessa here." Dimitri said in a suspicious voice. "Back down there Russo. He's Angelo approved. Something you ain't." Jaxon warned him. Dimitri snapped his head to him. "the prikalyvaesh. vy govorite mne, chto don andjelo odobril eto obychne grazhdanskoye litso, chtoby byt s vami? (those are the kickers. are you telling me that don Angelo approved of this usually civilian to be with you?) on nay tolko odobryal ego, noh yi prodvigal ego, dajeh nay znaya, chto oni byli predmetom. don andjelo dajeh skazal, chto gorditsya im." (he didn't just approve of the ego, but he promoted the ego without knowing that they were the subject. don Angelo even said he was proud of him.) Jaxon rubbed in the fact.

"Da, paren, ya dumaiu, chto samaya priyatnaya vesch, kotoruyu on kogda-libo govoril au tebe, eto slava bogu, tvoy sympathic malchik, potomu chto tvoim nay khvataet mozgov. (Yeah man I think the nicest thing Don Angelo ever said about you was thank God your pretty because you is lacking brains.) Hunter told them as they were laughing very hard. "Dai, ora penso che siamo un po' maleducati lasciando l'uomo fuori dalla conversazione. Non mancare di rispetto a Tessenia mancando di rispetto al suo nuovo uomo. Dovrebbe essere trattato come lei. Anche da noi Dimitri." (Come on now I think we're being a little rude leaving the man out of the conversation. Do not disrespect Tessenia by disrespecting her new man. He should be treated the same as her. Even from us Dimitri.) Tony snapped to them knowing very well why Dimitri is mad.

"Forgive me for being rude or coming off as such. It is just taking me by surprise is all. That's our Tessa though No? Always full of surprises." Dimitri told Gage shaking his hand. "Yeah I guess, that's my baby." Kissing her on he head leaning her n more to him and away from Dimitri. Gage didn't over look the jealousy fuming off the man in front of him. The hatred for Gage arms around Tess just rolling off in waves. He didn't back down from his glare either instead he was keeping simple contact matching it with his. Shocking even himself where was this new protective, masculine side coming from. Gage was over twice Dimitri side in height and weight. He was pretty sure he could snap that man in half but something rolled off Dimitri something demanded power. He knew he was a powerful man. However not strong enough to be taking his woman off him.

"How many languages do y'all speak?" Axel asked trying to ease the tension. "Well Lincoln, Kane, Eric, and Elijah know forty-five. "Jaxon, Dre' Hunter, Tony, Dimitri and I know about ninety-five it was a requirement as Dark Heights to know languages. You couldn't graduate if you couldn't read and write in twenty-five of them." Axel and Gage looked shocked. There are like 117 countries around the world. Gage was beyond impressed. How. Just how could the human mind contain all that, was so surreal he thought to himself. "Gage we actually have a business meeting down stairs to go to and I have a working dinner tonight. That also needs are direct attention. So how about I text you when I get home and I'll see you tomorrow?" Tessenia asked him as they all got in the private elevator. "How about dinner tomorrow just you and me at my place? Maybe bring a few things of your own?" Kissing her sweetly. "It's a date." Smiling to him as Kane, Axel and Gage got off.

The meetings were long and tortuous. The evening was so much more fun. There was a small group causing problems for the families. Dimitri and Tony found them and brought them in to be served justice. Pulling out a book on mummification they all got excited. They could wait to start practicing on the traitors of the families. First Tess started to insert a hook through a hole near the nose and pull out part of the brain. Then she proceeded to make a cut on the left side of the body near the tummy. Then removing all the eternal organs. The men were alive when she started. They were enjoying trying different cultural techniques.

As they continued they decided that was enough they didn't need to finish the rest. They took the organs and grinded them into the pigs feed. The brain and hearts were sent to their own families and lovers or spouses. The procedures took a good portion of the night. "Keith get someone to clean this up. Thank you." 'That was a very good read. I'm glad we finally got to this. Next time let's try something a little more sacrificial." Eric threw out in thought as they all started pondering over ideas while washing up. When they had all finally changed and were coming out to their cars. She finally had enough turning to him as he was right behind her. Never been one to be sneaky never needing a reason to be. Was Dimitri in all his anger glory.

"Are you finally going to tell me what's crawled up that up tight ass of yours Russo? If you lost a stick I could tell you where it went." "You got a boyfriend. Once again you no tell us. It's like a slap in the heart. Tessenia you know I would do anything for you. I'm a patient man Tessenia I got all my life to wait for you. The worse thing is he's not even one of us Tessenia. He is not of a family. He just comes from a good family name. That's not the same thing he might as well be a commoner a high nobleman or some crap like that. He doesn't know our ways. He will judge us like everyone else does. Only looking to the bad sins and never the good. He will not see you the same when he finds out the truth about you my love. He will tuck tail and run like the coward most people are." Taking a step closer caging her in with her back to her car.

"He is a book smart person now. Sure he can hold his own but will he really want to? Would it be fair to him. To always know there's a fifty/fifty shot of danger all the time. Once in a while looking over your shoulder. To have to fight beside you. The training process he'll be forced to do. Do you think it is fair to make him do all that? Would the nerd really want to? Do you think being with a person like us living this type of life is in his dreams for the future? What will he think when or if you guys marry and have the kids. You think he will be happy to know they duty your first born must do? Tessenia this relationship is fine for a little romance right now, in the end it's not fair to either of you. You need to be with a strong man who won't walk away. Who knows who he has to be for and with you and even more than that wants to be."

"You know I love you. You know I'm always in love with you. I am just looking out for you. I just want you to be smart about this. Thinking the things through. This won't work in time you will see I am right. He will not stay. He is strong but not the strength you need. You need to make sure you don't get too attached for if he ever hurts you my sweet flower. I. Will. End. Him." Dimitri told her using one of his hands to play with a lock of her hair, his face close to hers. Pushing him back a little. "I thank you Dimitri for thinking and looking out for me. Although I know some of your concerns are valid I doubt they are coming for a good place right now, because it feels like your forgetting yours as my friend and boss." She warned him.

"Dimitri you and I need to get something straight you may have a crush on me but you need to put that flame out. I am happy and I love Gage we can work everything else out as it comes for right now if you had any feelings for me at all you would just let me happy, and be happy for me. Respecting my choices." "Like Tony did. I am not Tony my sweet flower. I know my place but I will always be here for you. In any way shape or form you need or want me to be." Running his nose against hers and pushing himself away. "When he tucks tails and runs like the scared dog he'll be. I will be right here. Two loving arms to piece your heart back together. I'll pull mine out for you if you need it. Anything for my flower. I love you Tessenia the real you, the beast within you as well Dark Angel." Dimitri took off in his car and left.

Texting Gage when she got home. Pist off that she let that damn tool Russo's words get to her head it wasn't anything she hasn't been told by Angelo but at least he was supportive. Was she being selfish to Gage. Of course she was she understand that now. After all they been through so far they deserve to be a little selfish now right? Shaking her head as a tear slowly falling of her cheek. She wanted to believe that he could fall in love with her and love her through the whole mafia thing she could give him a few days to adjust than just train together. Learn together. Remembering he kiss he gave her after she confessed she loved him, only to realize he said nothing back. Maybe she was rushing things. She couldn't help it, her felt the way it felt. Would she be able to survive a crash like Gage? For her at this point it wasn't about Gage being able to be the man she needs. Could she be the woman he needs. Could she live up to his dreams? Would he walk out of her life and dreams to fulfill his own that would no longer include her. With her feelings as strong as they are was she feeling all of this alone?