A Mob Boss's Heirs (Book 3 of New York Mafia Trilogy)

58. His Style Of Loving Her

Tristan stated in his serious tone " I am glad we have an understanding.... You tried to plead to me to forgive you. I asked you to pick a punishment but you pleaded for forgiveness... Lets say forgiveness comes at a price in our world. Sometimes the price is a simple punishment and sometimes its death..... Private Rosario, you must learn this lesson that pleading doesn't work with me and it certainly doesn't work with anyone I know in our world." He then thought to himself "Including your father. He doesn't respond well to pleading at all..."

His towering figure intimidating her. She didnt dare look away not wanting to get a third strike. She had seen how Tristan gave sanctions easily for even minor offences. He leaned slightly closer as he was towering over the desk while her pale form was sitting opposite on a chair she was clinging onto "So lesson number one is to never plead for forgiveness when you are dealing with the likes of me... It would make things alot worse.... "Now, lets go back to your offence that landed you the second strike that I am about to punish you for....You questioned me and demanded me to let you off the hook when I clearly asked you to go to my office. That was the second offence. Here you repeated that offence when you asked me to forgive you when I had asked you to pick a punishment. You did not answer the question and demanded something you shouldn't have....Don't you think?"

Vienna's heart beat faster and faster. She was done for. He could give her a third strike.

Tristan noticed the look of horror in her eyes and the worsening of the trembling of her hands. He looked at her with raised eyebrows "Lesson number two is to never make the same mistake twice especially in our world. Civilians out there can repeat mistakes but we can't afford it. We are in this survival camp now but our whole lives will be spent in plotting our ways of survival... Now, Private Rosario... why don't you convince me of forgiving you. By just stating I should forgive your offences, you wont be succeeding in getting yourself out of this situation... Have you ever heard of negotiations? The businessmen in your family are well known for being the best negotiators in our world. I expected you to be familiar with how to make deals... But make no mistake... You can't always negotiate... When you are given the chance to do so, you must... I asked you to pick a punishment. You had the chance to negotiate with me a fitting punishment that was painless and practical for you to dig your way out of trouble. You failed to do so... Failure is not an option. Mistakes are unforgivable. So tell me now do you regret not taking your chance when you could?"

Vienna breathed "Yes. I do Sergeant."

Tristan gave her a smirk "Good. You are not defiant at least. Private Marciano is defiant and her attitude will get her in hot water. You see when you don't defy those you are dealing with they would give you second chances. So shouldn't cross people you can't take on. Don't defy those who are out of your league. Private Marciano does and she will pay for that at some point....  Actions have consequences. That means even you must be punished. Your honesty, loyalty and lack of defiance in your conduct does not save you from punishment. Only if you make an offer that is too good to be refused, only then you can dig your way out.... My old man says, no one likes to suck a lemon dry. Its better to make lemonade with a hint of sugar to make the most out of sour, bitter lemons. That's tastier. What do you say Private Rosario? Do you like lemonade?"

Vienna nodded " I do."

Tristan stated "Then next time I give you a chance, don't waste it. if I give you lemons, make lemonade because that tastes heavenly compared to the dried up lemons once you let them go to waste. Don't let your chances waste away again because that's like drying up lemons that could turn into lemonade. Because that's what you did. Forgiveness and pleading are not options. Only negotiation matters. The next time I give you lemons, make lemonade.... Now, what shall I do with you?...."