Arranged marriage to the princess of the Red Scorpions

338 Both Cousins

Richard leaned back as he tilted his head back to look at the Princess. Soft eyes met hard ones as the two silently stared at each other for a moment.

“Would you like to go back inside first and get some of the horrible food this hospital offers? I’m pretty sure that the two of us could do with something to eat, and I’m still not above a free meal.” He didn’t feel the need to wait for Lena to reply as he stood up from the bench after sitting there for a few moments.

“I think it would serve us well to have some food after everything going on. I’m sure you’ve not been eating that well either.” Lena didn’t quite understand Richard’s sudden pushiness as he put a hand on her lower back to try and direct her back to the hospital. The manner comes out as more friendly than urgent though the hand on her lower back pushed with a firm strength.

“I would honestly rather we talk first and figure out food later. I want answers to the question that I asked you.” The Princess wanted to move away from the other but found Richard not to relent in his actions so quickly. He clicked his tongue in annoyance as he moved closer to the hospital doors.

“And I would prefer to eat something first. If I’m not allowed to smoke, I think it is only fair that I should be allowed to get some food. Not to mention it would be remiss of me as your father’s friend not to ensure you’re eating as well.” He bumped the automatic door button on his elbow and stepped to the side, allowing the Princess to enter ahead of him.

Except she didn’t.

Lena stood outside the hospital door as she fixed Richard with a hard-to-read expression. The wind began to pick up again, causing her hair to whip around her face as her eyes became harder with each passing second. The silent war between them painted a dangerous picture for those considering leaving the hospital. Neither mafioso cared about anyone beyond the person in front of them. Lena wasn’t about ready to relent. Not until Richard gave her something to work with.

“Can we not agree on this one thing for now? Food is important, and I would like to think about getting inside and having something to eat before the weather picks up. Surely I’m not the only one who realizes that there will be a storm coming this way soon.” Richard raised only one eyebrow as he waited to see if the Princess would comply with what he wanted. Surely she couldn’t continue to be stubborn for such a long period? It would become quite a hassle for him if he pegged her wrong.

Zane would always give up after a short while once the two of them actually became decent friends. Richard quickly learned to push the slightly older man into doing what he wanted, even if it did come with a great deal of grumbling and curses from the side of the Red Scorpion Boss.

.....

“Fine, but what you’re going to tell me better be worth putting up with the food here and forgoing being able to smoke my pipe anymore.” Lena would have to dump it before they went inside. She knew that the hospital wouldn’t attempt to force such policies on her; she obeyed the rule only out of respect for the sick patients there. They hadn’t done anything deserving exposure to her second-hand smoke or being reminded of what they couldn’t have. At least not yet, that hadn’t.

“Trust me; I think you will find it quite worth your time. I’ll get you some extra coffee to make up for the table.” Richard waited to turn his back to the door only after the Princess had come in after him. A few guests in the hospital rushed out the moment he indicated that they were safe to pass.

“For the name on the top of the list you’re looking for, I have heard some mixed information about them. A little noise about them no longer being around and others indicating that someone is protecting them that no one wants to mess with.” Richard hardly waited for them to be in the hospital cafeteria before he started talking. His demeanor relaxed slightly as he picked up one of the food trays.

“If it’s true that someone is protecting him, it sounds like no one wants to touch whoever this person is. They won’t say if he’s with the mafia, mercenaries, or a third party. I’ve even asked a few other people I know, and they can’t say much about the matter. I do have my guess, however.” Richard asked the food server to fill his tray as full as possible. He didn’t care what they had to eat; he would take a little of everything to get rid of the annoying gnawing in his stomach.

“Did they tell you the name that I’m looking for? I asked Romeo to be very specific about that information.” Lena grabbed a tray of her own despite not being hungry. She felt that Richard would refuse to tell her anything else if she didn’t at least attempt to eat.

“Yes. I did hear about that. I also heard a rumor before coming here that maybe he’s not in such good health. I’m sure that’s something you can confirm later or not. Back to the name, though, it isn’t one that I’ve heard tossed around.” He, of course, asked anyone he passed by about it. It seemed, however, that it wasn’t one anyone wanted to touch. At least those who valued their lives.

“Tell me, though, why would you think someone like Marcus would be involved with this? I haven’t heard much circulating about him recently, plus I thought that the other cousin who doesn’t like me was the one who took over.”

“Because I think both cousins have something to do with this matter.”