Chapter 5

~Third person POV~

"Leave me! Let me go you..." William doesn't even let her finish before he slaps her hard on the cheek. Kemi loses her balance and falls on the bed. Angrily, he moves on top of her and starts to tear off her clothes. Since she proves to be so bold, he would see how bold she is going to be now. Kemi still struggles with him trying to push him off and he instinctively raises his hand up to hit her again but the sound of his phone ringing tone stops him. He moves off from her, and pulls out the phone from his pocket.

The name 'George' displays on his screen and he slides to answer.

"Yes George, speak."

"Consigliere, the underboss wants to see you." George says from the other end of the call.

He clenches his fist in anger as he hears him say that.

"I'm busy with something right now!"

"He says to come see him quickly; he's got an urgent message from the boss for you."

"F**king brother!" He mutters, clenching his fist even tighter.

"Fine, I'm coming now." He abruptly ends the call and hurls the phone to the floor.

"Damn it! That damn brother of mine! Who does he think he is, ordering me around?" He curses loudly. It infuriates him when his brother always holds the upper hand. He believes that being the underboss shouldn't give his brother the right to give him orders because that position was supposed to be his.

He turns back to Kemi, pointing at her menacingly, "You better stay in here and don't do anything foolish. Don't make a sound, or I'll end you."

William strides over to the couch to grab his jacket before exiting the room.

Their father, Richard, operates as the head of the mafia family while maintaining a cover as the chairman of "THE LAWAL INDUSTRY" in Lagos. William, at 35 years old, is seven years older than his younger brother, Lexis. Despite his seniority, their father has not deemed him suitable for the position of underboss within the mafia; instead, he selected Lexis. With the backing of other mafia members, Lexis has risen to the role of underboss and is poised to become the new mafia leader after their father.

Lexis commands both fear and respect from everyone, and often, their father allows him to make all decisions related to the mafia, even without consulting William, who serves as the consigliere. This deeply frustrates William. While he acknowledges Lexis's success in defeating rivals and earning wealth for the family, he believes he could achieve the same given the opportunity.

William has devoted his entire life to the family, yet he feels overshadowed by Lexis. He's determined to claim what he believes is rightfully his. To do so, he aims to garner support from influential individuals, ultimately securing his path to the throne. George, a long-serving capo under their father, has pledged loyalty to the boss, indicating that he would also support Lexis if he were to assume leadership.

It's indeed advantageous that William has a close relationship with George, who holds a prominent position as one of the wealthiest and most respected capos in the mafia. However, securing George's support won't be a straightforward task, given George's unwavering loyalty to the boss. Despite George's assurances to William, there remains an element of distrust.

William has a plan involving Kemi and hopes she can be a valuable asset. While it's uncertain, he believes it's worth the attempt.

As he exits the elevator on the fifth floor, William encounters George, who approaches with his right hand in his pocket.

"He's in his meeting room, consigliere," George informs him.

Concerned, William furrows his eyebrows. "You haven't mentioned anything about the girl, have you?" he asks.

George exhales in frustration. "Oh, come on, consigliere. I wouldn't stoop to such pettiness. The underboss, however, has his own methods. You should be aware of that," he continues, "You know he would've likely realized you brought someone in, right? He might assume she's one of those girls you bring for the auction."

William acknowledges the truth in George's words. Lexis probably knows about the newcomer and expects her to be presented at the auction.

"You didn't exactly try to conceal it," George adds with a smile. "I'm sure you have your reasons."

William returns the smile, but then his expression turns serious. "Why did you ask Erica to bring the girl to me earlier?"

George looks apologetic. "The boss had me run an errand, so I had to ask Erica for assistance."

"You're well aware that she collaborates closely with Lexis. You could have inquired with your subordinates instead."

George nods. "True, but the men aren't permitted to ascend, and I dispatched my soldiers for various tasks. No one anticipated a newcomer, which is why. Nonetheless, I apologize for approaching Erica. I didn't give it much thought, but I assure you she's oblivious to everything."

William narrows his eyes at George. "Have you two reconciled? Are you already quite fond of her?"

George shakes his head. "That girl lacks empathy; how can anyone be fond of her?"

William smirks. "And do you consider yourself one of the empathetic ones?"

George smiles arrogantly and places his hand over his left chest. "I do have a heart, right here. You're the one lacking one."

William chuckles and shakes his head. "I've been attempting to contact my assistant for a while now, but I can't seem to reach him. I wonder where in the world he is."

George starts to say something but stops himself.

"Is there an issue?" William inquires.

He shakes his head abruptly. "No, no issue," he adds. "Let's proceed now."

William nods, and they make their way to the third door on the left. Erica steps out of the room and bows to William.

"He's inside, Consigliere," she says to him. He nods at her and walks into the room before the door slides closed.

Lexis stands by the window with a cigarette in his right hand, waving his left hand to gesture for William to sit, and he feels anger rushing through his veins. He has been putting up with Lexis for a long time now, and it just gets harder every day. He feels Lexis doesn't even have any regard for him as a consigliere or even his older brother; he just orders him around.

Lexis turns to him and walks to where he is sitting before he leans on the table, smoke curling out from his nose and mouth.

"Alhaji Bawa is going to be at this auction, and Father says we have to impress him..." Lexis rolls his eyes as he says that, not hiding his hatred for the Alhaji. He continues, "Father says I should leave it to you this time..." He looks at William, his face displaying no emotions as usual. "So, you should prepare a great package, brother, in two weeks' time before the auction."

William scoffs, "You could have simply sent the message to my assistant."

Lexis smirks, "Your assistant? I don't think you have one anymore."

William furrows his eyebrows in confusion as he wonders what he means by that.

"And what's that supposed to mean, Lexis?"

Lexis places his cigarette back in his mouth before extinguishing it.

"No need to be alarmed, you see. I merely had a brief conversation with him, but his unwavering loyalty to you irritated me, so I decided to impart a little lesson. It's a shame I took away the only person loyal to you," he says with a sinister smile.

"What the heck?" William jumps to his feet, slamming his hands angrily on the table.

"What the heck did you do to my assistant, Lexis? Did you kill him?" William's anger simmers, and Lexis's smirk indicates he's relishing it. "I demand to know what you did to Fred, Lexis!"

Lexis sighs and shrugs, refusing to answer the question. He suddenly grows serious.

"The girl you took from the old man I gambled with, where is she?" Lexis inquires abruptly.

William isn't surprised that Lexis has already discovered this information. He just didn't expect him to piece together that she's the old man's daughter so quickly.

"I have no idea what you're talking about..." William denies. "—and besides, hasn't the money already been paid to you?"

Lexis furrows his brow and toys with the piercing on his lower lip. "What you told me was that you were going to deal with the man yourself, which is why I released him. I was just looking to have some fun that day, and you chose to play nice, so I allowed it. You never mentioned that your way of dealing with him is by f**king his daughter."

"It's not quite like that. I have other reasons for taking her."

"Are you planning to bring her to the auction, then?" Lexis asks.

William gulps and looks away. This isn't how he wanted things to unfold. He hadn't originally intended to auction her off, but given the circumstances, it doesn't seem like such a terrible idea now. He could have her carry out his plans for him before the auction.

"Do I really need to bring her? I have other girls, including virgins," William suggests, hoping Lexis will drop the matter. However, Lexis smiles, his usual cunning grin.

"So, what exactly do you plan to do with that girl, dear brother?" He furrows his brows, teasing, "You're not thinking of marrying her as a second wife, are you? Your wife would have a fit." Lexis chuckles.

William groans in annoyance. "You told me Father said I should handle it, so stop prying and mind your own business while I handle mine."

"That's right. I'll leave you to it. But your assistant will pay the price for deceiving me."

William clenches his fist. "And what does he have to do with this? Come after me, and let him go."

"Someone has to pay the price, brother, just like how that girl is paying for a debt she didn't owe," Lexis smirks.

Fred has been his assistant for a long time and has been very loyal to him. He's one of his most trusted people, and Lexis is well aware of that. The fact that he can't do anything to stop Lexis infuriates him.

"Release him, Alexander, or I'll make you pay."

Lexis feigns a frightened look, saying with sarcasm, "Really? How terrifying."

"Release the boy, Lexis! He's innocent!" William slams his hands on the table again.

Lexis turns to the table, pretending to frown. "You might break the table at this rate, William," he chuckles.

William clenches his lips in anger. "Are you trying to use him to blackmail me?"

"Blackmail you? Certainly not. I know well that you wouldn't bend for a subordinate, no mafia member would."

"So what do you want then?"

"Nothing, I'm just bored, looking to have some fun," he smiles. "I'll decide what happens to him."

"You can have fun with anyone you want, and I don't care. But if you harm my assistant, I won't let it slide this time, Lexis."

Lexis shakes his head and walks away from William back to the window. "You know me too well, brother. I fear nothing. So do what you want, and I'll do what I want," he turns to William. "Don't delude yourself into thinking you can bring me down; you're not clever enough."

William struggles to contain his anger, resisting the urge to draw his gun and take drastic action.

"We're supposed to stand together against our family rivals, but it seems you'd rather join them," Lexis adds.

William clenches his teeth. "I never said that. I've pledged my loyalty to our family, and I won't waver."

Lexis rolls his eyes before saying, "Just make sure Father doesn't find out about that girl. She's supposed to be with the other girls in the slave quarters, but you've kept her in your room..." He shakes his head.

William rolls his eyes, knowing Erica would likely inform Father.

"I understand. It's fine, but please save a little of her for Alhaji Bawa," Lexis says with a grin.

"I never said I'm bringing her to the auction."

Lexis turns fully to him, leaning on the window. "Then what's her purpose? Your plaything?"

"If that's all, I'll take my leave," William says and starts walking toward the door, but then he pauses. "Send my assistant back to me."

He hears Lexis chuckle, "You don't dictate to me, Consigliere. I do as I please."

William clenches his fist and turns to Lexis with a smirk. "I understand that you long for a mother's love, and that's why you're like this. It must be so lonely, right?"

Lexis's smile fades, and his face grows serious once again.

William continues, "I may not be the Underboss or the one everyone fears, but at least, I'm not a sadist like you." He smiles. "And I do have a mother; it's less lonely that way." He moves to walk away, but Lexis's voice stops him.

"The dead don't come back, brother. Do you expect me to cry a river because I don't have a mom? You talk like a child."

Lexis slowly walks toward him with his hands in his pockets, wearing a sinister smile. William dreads whatever he's about to say.

"Considering how lonely and miserable your mother is every day, don't you think she should just pass away as well? It's truly a pity, you know," Lexis says, shaking his head. "Isn't she a burden to you? Should I help you get rid of her? It would be painless and fast, I promise." He smirks.

That's the breaking point. William can't contain himself any longer and draws his gun, pointing it at Lexis's head. "Repeat what you said, you son of a bitch!"

The unaffected look on Lexis's face pushes William over the edge. Lexis just stares, smiling. As William turns around, he sees Erica pointing a gun at him, along with five men.

Lexis sighs and waves his hand at them. "It's just a disagreement between stepbrothers; it's fine. You may go," he dismisses them.

Erica hesitates briefly before reluctantly lowering her gun and leaving with her men. With William still holding his gun to his head, Lexis reaches for his shoulder and pats him.

"You know very well that the instant you pull that trigger, you're not going down alone, but everything you have as well, and I'm sure that includes your dear mother, right?" Lexis taunts.

William clenches his fist in anger and lowers the gun, tucking it back into his pocket. The door slides open, and he turns to leave when Lexis offers one more remark.

"Be careful, dear Consigliere..." He says with sarcasm. "—so you don't fall for that girl from the slums. It's not safe to have too many weaknesses."

William swallows hard and scoffs, "You watch out as well."

William knows that's the problem; Lexis doesn't have a weakness. If there's anyone who adheres to the rules of the mafia without hesitation, it's him.

"He doesn't care about anybody but himself; he killed his own mother anyway," William thinks to himself as he shakes his head. He exits the room in frustration and anger, a familiar feeling after any encounter with Lexis, his god-damned brother.

Xoxo