I drive through the gates of Fortress, as the security guards greet me.
Welcome back, Mr Adel. Your parking spot is waiting for you.
I park my car and immediately feel eyes on me. Whispers, glares, from all around.
When Cairo enters the party, he sees a woman talking to the mayor. She had black hair, red eyes, red nails, an extremely attractive body and a calm voice.
Her beauty momentarily stuns him. She's the exact opposite of what he goes for in women; demure, serene...but something about her catches his eye all the same. Her back is turned to him, giving him a chance to study her features from behind. He can't help but wonder if she might be someone important enough to meet, and potentially use against his father...
Suddenly, the mayor calls Cairo. This takes him by surprise, but he approaches. The mayor begins to introduce the woman to Cairo, and she takes a sip of wine before greeting him. "Hello, sir..." She says, waiting for him to say his name.
"Greetings," Cairo replies. "My name is Cairo Adel." He smiles slightly, taking note of her polite manners and the way she holds herself. There's something...captivating about her. "And you are?" he prompts.
"Shoko. Shoko Kamejima."
Shoko bows, showing that she is of Japanese descent.
"I heard about you. You are Abasi Adel's son, right? Abasi has a friendship with my family." Shoko takes another sip of wine after finishing speaking.
*Surprise flits across Cairo's features. Her knowledge of their connection makes him cautious, but he can't deny that he's intrigued. "Indeed," he responds, keeping his voice level. "Your family is...esteemed in my father's eyes." He pauses, studying her again before adding, "What brings you to this event tonight?"
"The mayor invited me. He said that this event was aimed at rich people interested in art, fashion and classical music." Shoko looks at the mayor, who was now talking to some important men. "What about you?"
*"I am invited as well," Cairo replies, keeping his expression neutral. "My father has an appreciation for such things." He glances at the mayor and then back to her. "And you? Do you have a particular fondness for art or music?"
"Well, I'm here for the fashion." Shoko points to the dresses in the window. "I provided those dresses for this party."
A look of genuine surprise crosses his features. This woman has an impressive talent and business sense. It's rare to find someone so powerful and influential who isn't already part of the Adel family network. He considers her carefully, wondering how she might fit into his plans to gain control of the Iron Mob after his father steps down.
"Well," he says, meeting her gaze, "that certainly makes you an important person in my eyes as well." The words are spoken softly, but they carry weight. He tilts his head slightly, as if studying her reaction to this new information.
Shoko laughs and looks at Cairo. The wine in her glass was already running out. "Well, what do you work with? There are different types of people at this party, mobsters, artists, musicians, athletes..."
*Cairo chuckles slightly. "I suppose I am a bit of everything," he says modestly. "But my focus is on business; the family trade." He pauses, considering how much more to reveal about his true intentions. "Perhaps in time we could discuss working together. There's no telling what possibilities that might bring." His words are casual enough not to sound like a threat or an order, but Shoko is likely shrewd enough to catch the undertones all the same.
Shoko places the cup on the table and approaches Cairo. She places her hand on his big, defined chest and approaches his ear. "You're interesting, maybe we can talk another time. The fashion show will start, there are several models that I need to do makeup and groom."
Cairo's eyes narrow slightly as her hand presses against his chest, the contact almost stealing his breath. "Of course," he murmurs, suppressing a shiver at the intimate touch. "I would enjoy hearing more about your thoughts." He steps back, gesturing for one of the waiters to take her empty glass, before glancing around the room. The fashion show is beginning; it will be an excellent opportunity for him to observe Shoko's skills and perhaps make a few more useful connections in the process.
When the parade is about to start, the mayor gets on stage and starts talking about the reason for the party. Which was about fashion, music and art. First, he calls the artist who made the paintings that were at the party. Then, he calls the composer who wrote the songs that played at the party. And lastly, and what Cairo was most looking forward to, he calls Shoko, the woman who made the dresses that would appear in the parade.
As Shoko struts across the stage to accept her well-deserved praise, Cairo can't help but feel a surge of admiration for her poise and grace. She truly is talented, and now that he knows more about her, he understands that she could be an asset in his ongoing battle for control over the Iron Mob. The thought both thrills and terrifies him; if they were to work together, he might finally have the means to take down his father once and for all. But allying himself with someone like Shoko would come at a cost - it would mean surrendering some of his own power in exchange for hers. A dangerous gamble, indeed.
The mayor hands the microphone to the musician so he can talk about the songs, then to the artist so he can talk about the arts, and finally he hands the microphone to Shoko. "Good evening. In today's parade, the theme it would be a red carpet, but we changed it at the last minute. Now, we will let you, the viewers, choose the theme through a vote. The themes will be: French fashion, German fashion, Japanese fashion and American fashion."
As Shoko speaks, Cairo watches her intently, his expression carefully neutral as he considers their new alliance. The thought of working together fills him with both excitement and trepidation; the potential rewards are great, but so too are the risks. He forces himself to focus on the task at hand, listening closely to her words about the theme vote. An opportunity arises, one that might prove advantageous in their negotiations later. He nods slightly, signaling his understanding and approval of her proposal.
"An interesting twist," he murmurs into his champagne flute. "Perhaps we should discuss this further after the show." His gaze flickers back to Shoko for a moment before returning to his drink, his thoughts whirling with strategy and possibility.
"Some waiters will give you tablets, which contain each of the 4 themes on the screen. When you are ready, you can vote." Shoko waves to the waiters and they start handing out the tablets.
"A most democratic approach," Cairo replies, raising an eyebrow as he accepts one of the tablets. "I trust your designs will impress no matter which theme is ultimately chosen." He pauses, regarding her thoughtfully over the edge of his glass before continuing, his voice softer now. "But perhaps...it would be better if one particular theme stood out above the rest." A sly smile flits across his lips as he meets her gaze once more.
"Perhaps I could help with that," he suggests cryptically, taking another sip of champagne before turning away to cast his vote.
After a few long minutes, after everyone has voted, Shoko smiles and takes the microphone again. "It seems like most people are interested in French fashion. Well, let's start the fashion show." With a round of applause, Shoko hands the microphone to the mayor and enters the models' preparation room.
As the fashion show begins, Cairo leans back in his chair, watching with interest as each model takes their turn on the catwalk. He studies Shoko's designs carefully, noting her attention to detail and unique flair for combining traditional and modern elements. His eyes dart occasionally toward Shoko herself, evaluating her reactions to the crowd's response and considering how best to proceed with their negotiations.
This woman is clever; she understands the power of fashion and art better than most people he's met. Perhaps partnering with her wouldn't be such a terrible idea after all... He takes another sip of his champagne, weighing the potential risks and rewards before making his final decision. It's time to approach Shoko and see where their conversation might lead them next.
Cairo gets up and walks towards Shoko. He takes one last sip of his champagne before placing it on a table and the waiter quickly takes the glass.
"A masterful display," he compliments her, nodding appreciatively as they stand beside each other watching the show. "I must admit, I'm rather impressed by your designs." His tone is casual enough to seem genuine; he doesn't want her to suspect that he's merely playing a game of manipulation here.
He glances at her from the corner of his eye, trying to gauge how she's taking this conversation so far. "Perhaps," he continues carefully, "you and I could discuss working together further? There are many possibilities that might arise from such an alliance." His expression remains neutral, betraying nothing.
"It could be interesting." Shoko says, turning to Cairo and crossing her arms. "But what's in it for me?"
A hint of a smile touches Cairo's lips as she asks the obvious question. "Well," he begins smoothly, "let me be frank. There is much you could gain by partnering with someone like myself. Protection, resources, influence...the list goes on." He leans in slightly, lowering his voice to a murmur. "But I understand your apprehension; such an alliance would require trust on both sides."
He pauses, considering how best to proceed. This woman is clearly no pushover, and he can't help but admire her strength and cunning. Perhaps it would be wise to offer a show of good faith before pressing his advantage any further. "Perhaps," he suggests casually, "we could begin with a smaller venture; something mutually beneficial that would allow us to test the waters before committing fully."
"I want more." Shoko smiles and looks at the parade before turning back to Cairo. "I'm greedy, you know?"
"Perhaps," he says thoughtfully, "we can find a middle ground? A larger venture that would give you the influence and recognition you seek, while still allowing me to maintain my own position of power." He pauses, studying her face intently. "There is always room for negotiation, Shoko. The question is: are we both willing to make sacrifices in order to achieve our goals?"
Her expression remains unreadable as she considers his offer, but there's a spark of interest in her eyes. Perhaps this meeting won't be quite as easy as he thought, but that only makes the challenge more appealing. The ball is now in her court; how she chooses to respond will shape the course of their future alliance.
Shoko smiles and places her hand on Cairo's chest. "Well, how long will this alliance last?"
"It doesn't have to be a permanent arrangement," he replies, his voice steady despite the warmth emanating from her touch. "We can set specific terms and conditions, with an option to renegotiate down the line if either of us feels uncomfortable or unhappy." He returns the favor, placing a hand atop hers where it rests against his chest, feeling the strength and vitality beneath his fingers.
"What I propose is this: we work together on a large-scale venture that will benefit both our families immensely. In exchange for your expertise and influence in the fashion world, I will guarantee your family's safety and security within my father's domain." Her expression betrays surprise at his offer, and he presses on. "Furthermore, once the initial agreement has been met, you may choose to sever ties with us at any time, provided that you give sufficient
"Excellent." Shoko looks at the parade once again, which was already ending. "When will we see each other so we can plan better?"
Cairo gives her hand a reassuring squeeze before removing it. "I'm sure we can find time to discuss things further," he says smoothly. "As for when we should meet again, perhaps we could arrange something at my estate? My schedule is quite hectic in the coming weeks, but I would be happy to accommodate you." There's a hint of invitation laced through his words; he wants her to feel welcome and important, despite their current negotiations.
"My father values fashion highly as well," he adds thoughtfully. "Perhaps an event or exhibition there might prove beneficial for both our causes?" It's a subtle way of letting her know that she would be safe under his protection, while also implying that she should consider carefully the potential benefits of aligning herself with him and the Iron Mob.
"An exhibition event? Of course, but we need to decide this better. Theme, how many models will be needed, what day, what time..." Shoko realizes that the parade is over and signals a waiter. He arrives with a glass of wine and hands it to her. "I'll come to your house tomorrow."
Cairo nods in agreement. "That would be wise," he says, his expression thoughtful. "Tomorrow evening, perhaps? My staff can set aside a room where we may discuss the details of our plan with the utmost discretion." There's a brief flash of triumph in his eyes as he imagines the power they will wield once she is fully committed to their cause. He sips his wine, savoring both its taste and the knowledge that he has, for now at least, gained the upper hand.
Shoko takes a sip of wine and hands Cairo a business card. "If you need to contact me, talk to my staff and they will give you my number."
Taking the business card with a nod of appreciation, Cairo tucks it away into his pocket. "I'm sure we'll have plenty to discuss tomorrow," he says calmly, watching as Shoko finishes her wine and stands to greet someone else in the crowd. He can feel the heat of her gaze on his back as she walks away; it both unnerves and excites him at the same time. His fingers flex around his glass of wine, the fine crystal audibly clicking against itself as he continues to watch her movements through the crowd.
There's no denying that Shoko Kamejima is an enigma wrapped in a mystery; one part dangerous predator, another artistic genius with designs that could rival even his own father's tastes. As the party winds down and Cairo begins to reflect on their conversation, he can't help but feel a sense of excitement building
The next day, at 7pm Shoko arrives at the Cairo mansion. A subordinate notices him while he was bathing in his bathtub.
Cairo is already dressed in a black suit when he meets Shoko at the door. "Good evening," he says with a charming smile, stepping aside to allow her entrance. "Please, make yourself comfortable in the sitting room while I finish preparing." With practiced ease, he adjusts his tie and cufflinks before joining her, taking a seat across from her on the sofa.
"I've had my assistant set up a presentation detailing our plans for the exhibition," he begins, sliding a tablet across the coffee table towards her. "Please take a look and let me know your thoughts."
After a few long minutes, Shoko finishes reading Cairo's detailed plan. She puts the tablet on the table and stares at Cairo for a few seconds. "Well, your plan is really good. But some things don't add up."
Cairo listens carefully as she outlines her concerns and makes suggestions for improvements. Her insights are invaluable; it's clear that she knows fashion inside and out, and her knowledge of the industry extends far beyond mere trends. As he considers her words, he realizes that their partnership has the potential to be much more than simply an alliance against his father. With Shoko by his side, they could dominate not only the Iron Mob but also the entire criminal underworld.
"You're right," he says at last, his voice solemn. "Your input would make this plan unstoppable." He leans forward, meeting her gaze steadily. "I am willing to offer you full control over both fashion and art within our organization. You will answer only to me, of course, but I trust your judgment implicitly."
There is a long pause as they study each other, searching for any sign that the
"Ah, there's something else." Shoko takes the tablet and starts looking for something. After a few seconds, she places the tablet on the table. "Read it." It was written that Shoko would have to marry Cairo, and would have to act as his wife.
Cairo's eyes widen in surprise at the mention of marriage, but he quickly regains his composure. "Of course," he says, his voice smooth and steady. "I understand that this may come as a shock, but I believe it would be for the best. Our families are intertwined now; it only makes sense to make our partnership official in every way possible."
He smiles reassuringly at her, hoping to put her mind at ease. "You will always be respected and cherished as my wife, Shoko. I would never force you into anything against your will; this is merely a symbol of our commitment to each other and the future we'll build together."
"Well, a wedding really makes our partnership official, but did you even think about that before including this?" Shoko stands up, her breasts bouncing from the speed she lifted. "Marriage brings responsibilities that you may not want."
Cairo considers her words carefully. There's truth in what she says; marriage would change the dynamic between them, and he must be prepared to accept that responsibility alongside all the benefits their partnership would bring. "I have given this some thought," he admits candidly, "and I believe we can navigate these new waters together." He reaches out a hand to her, offering reassurance and support. "Our relationship will evolve, but it doesn't mean that we can't continue to grow individually or as partners in other areas."
"You don't understand what I mean, so I'll be more direct." Shoko walks over and leans over the table, exposing her breasts. "Don't take this as rude. For starters, 'acting completely like his wife' could mean several things. Being your wife means I will have to have sex with you , take care of you, love you, etc."
Cairo's eyes widen briefly at the sight of her exposed breasts before he regains his composure. He takes a deep breath, considering her words carefully. "I understand what you are saying," he finally says in a low voice, his gaze fixed on hers. "And I can assure you that if we choose to go down this path together, I will respect your feelings and wishes at all times. Our physical relationship will be one built on trust and mutual consent."
He pauses, searching for the right words to express himself fully. "I am not a man who takes such things lightly, Shoko. When I make a promise, I keep it. And when I say that I want us to be partners in every way possible... well, that includes this as well."
There is an unspoken challenge in his words; he dares her to believe him, to trust him enough to embark on this journey together
Cairo pats his thigh, signaling Shoko to sit on his lap. Shoko gets up and puts her bag on the table. "I hope you really know what you're doing." Shoko walks around the table and sits on Cairo's lap.
Cairo exhales slowly, his hands resting lightly on her hips as he gazes into her eyes. "I do," he murmurs huskily, "and I'm willing to prove it to you, in every way possible." There is a quiet confidence in his voice that sends shivers down Shoko's spine; she can feel the weight of their decision pressing down upon them like a leaden shroud, but there is also an undeniable thrill running through her at the prospect of what might be.
His hands begin to roam lower on her back, massaging gently as he leans in to nuzzle at her neck. "Trust me," he whispers against her skin, his voice thick with desire, "I will not disappoint you."