The King

Prologue

The whiskey swirled silently in the glass. Her families very own bittersweet blend which makes the throat burn but the smoothness soothes it instantly. If there was anything she actually liked about her heritage was their skills in brewery, they knew what good liquor was. "You seem distracted. Anything brother dearest can do?" Lauren looked down at her laptop screen to see the familiar face of her younger brother, Carlos looking back at her. Carlos was the tallest of the siblings, towering at six foot three with his jet black hair and clean trimmed beard to match. He sported a glass of Jauregui whiskey with his charming smile which many women or men fawn over. He says he doesn't like to limit himself to just one flavour, when there's thousands before him.

"How is everyone?" Lauren asked with a bland tone. Carlos sighed in defeat, knowing that she'd never open up about her emotions to anyone let alone him. "Well, father is trying to figure out where you are with mother at his side to make sure he doesn't lose his shit. Jordyn's out somewhere with Wesley and Hope's in your room, painting." The green eyed woman firstly snorted at the thought of her parents in a fuss over her whereabouts knowing they'd never find her, simply because Lauren wasn't dumb enough to leave a paper trail. Then she felt a sense of calm cross over her at the knowledge of Hope painting; she knew it was one of the youngest Jauregui's favourite hobbies. One they in fact shared. "Did you tell Hope that I'd send for her?" Carlos hummed in response as he finished the remains of his glass. Lauren's attention was drawn from memories with her sister at the sound of muffled shouts, she rolled her eyes at the source. "You seem to be making friends okay." The Jauregui on the Skype call stated sarcastically. Lauren laughed at his remark and turned her attention towards her guest.

"We'll speak soon Carlos. Remember what I asked of you?"

"Keep Hope safe and away from our beastly parents. Remember what I asked?"

"Don't worry little brother, you'll be right beside Hope when I send for you both."

"See you soon, big sister."

Lauren stood from her chair and grabbed another glass from the desk in front of her office window, which looked out onto acres upon acres of land. "Do you drink?" She asked her guest without looking in their direction. To which she got a muffled agreement and wordlessly she poured an extra drink as well as a refill on her own. Lauren placed both glasses on her desk before using her strength to pull the man tied to the chair closer to her desk. With a snap of her fingers, one of her guards was untying the man and she was met with an angry glare. "Is all this really needed? I already gave you my answer." The Jauregui sat back in her chair and kissed her teeth as she watched the man with predatory eyes. "This time I'm not asking." The shorter man picks up his drink and takes a long sip before meeting Lauren's calculated gaze. "I worked my ass off to get that bar. You hear me? Blood, sweat and tears. I'm not throwing all that away for an easy paycheck." The Jauregui had to admire Rio's bravery.

No one tells Lauren Jauregui no. Nobody.

"I don't think you understand me. You've got two choices, would you like to hear the first one?" Rio nods as he necks the remains of his drink. With a cold tone and even colder eyes Lauren responded. "I could take you out by force. Shooting you right here and now, without a single moment of hesitation. Then I could send that sister of yours your body, maybe make her life a living hell if she even tries to fight back. That would be the easier option for me, Rio."

She took a moment to take out a cigarette and light it. "Or, you could become the manager and keep everything as it is. Whilst I run my operation behind the scenes, you'll be making legal sales." Lauren explained as she exhaled the smoke, enjoying the subtle burn in her throat. "Oh, and I'll pay extra than what you earn now. Your fathers medical bills won't pay themselves, especially with all the surgeries they need to attempt to revive the feeling in his torso." Rio instantly tenses up as Lauren speaks, in complete shock of the knowledge that was supposed to be private coming from her lips. "I'm offering you a lifeline here Rio. Take it." A couple minutes later, the Cabello gave in and asked for the contract which established everything in much more detail. By the time Lauren had finished her drink and cigarette, the paper work was done and Rio was on his way home.

Later on, as Lauren looked out on the city from her converted loft she couldn't help but wonder how long this peace really was going to last. How much longer could she go on without something going wrong? She knew it was only a matter of time.