6. Step two

She stared at him, gulping as she took in his features again. He was standing very close to her, she could feel the heat radiating from him.

“Or maybe I was looking for you,” she replied flirtatiously. She had to put her plan in motion. He stared at her with interest. What did she mean by she was looking for him? Did she know who he was? Of Course, she knew. Everyone in the city knew.

“Do I need to make an introduction?” he questioned.

“Yes. Not everybody crawls on your feet.” She replied, her tone challenging. He gave a small laugh at her audacious tone before walking closer to her, placing his head near her ears.

“I am Giovanni Cherisi, you don't want to mess with me,” he said icily and chills ran down her spine. This was the first time she was standing very close to a very handsome man like him. Her targets were always older men. He looked dangerously at her, his features hard, yet soft. She Shook slightly as she stared at him before clearing her throat to clear the awkward silence she felt.

“I guess I can now take the seat beside you.” He said, pulling out the chair. He placed an order for a glass of mixed rum. The waiter bowed at him twice before bringing his order, his hands shaking slightly. Standing very close to Giovanni was enough to send a simple man like him to panic.

He collected his drink, taking a sip before dropping it on the marble top. She focused on her drink, suddenly feeling small beside him. She got up from the seat with her purse and was almost leaving when Giovanni's voice stopped her.

“Don't I get to know your name?” He questioned.

“No. We'll surely meet again. Then you'll know my name.” She answered, walking away. Step one of her plan was completed. Make him look for her.

She had decided against telling him her name. She knew he was curious about her and it was better that day. They would surely meet again, very soon.

Alessio sat comfortably in his comfortable swivel chair in his office. Many guards were positioned at different areas in the building and at his door. His security level had been increased to level yellow meaning he had to move with many guards. After his meeting with the Rossis, things had continued to go downhill. The issue of the anonymous man was still on the table, but they had to get the family back on track first.

His son was supposed to be on his way to his office very soon. He had gone on a field inspection of their goods that were coming in through the sea. His son was next in line to be the mafia lord but had on multiple opportunities, rejected the offer. He claimed to be comfortable with his minor role now, but everyone knew he was afraid. Afraid of being a failure just like his dad.

“The Godfather and his men seized our goods at the border. They said we have only fourteen days to pay off at least half of our debt or else they'll sell it off and take the proceeds.” His son stated as he walked in followed by two guards.

“Shit!” He cursed, getting up from his seat. Their relationship with the families and godfather was now getting hostile. Things were slowly getting out of hand.

“Did you meet the godfather?” he asked, hoping his son had at least seen his face. It had been five years since they were last allowed access to him. Every report they sent and received from his office was sent through mail or letters.

“No. He sent his most trusted man. What do we do now?” he questioned.

“One hundred and ten million debt to the godfather, broken ties with the Russians. No access to the dock, rocky relationship with the city mob boss.” The anonymous man quoted as he went through the details of the Verrilli family he had obtained from the dark web. The different families were yet to uncover his identity and with each passing day, it became more difficult for them. He had come very prepared.

It's been over two weeks since the charity ball. The anonymous man was yet to make another appearance and the families had slowed down their search for him. They were literally running around in circles.

Today was the official opening of Giovanni's clubhouse. Every preparation was made and security was tightened. He had invited some of the other families and his other allies like the Russians, the Venice mafia, and the Italian dynasty. The godfather had sent a representative as a sign of goodwill.

Giovanni sat in the inner VIP chamber of the club, a glass of wine in his hand. He was dressed in his signature grey suit and black shirt. He watched the activities that went on downstairs in the club. The population in the club was high and it could lead to a security breach and that informed the extra security measures. Angelo was seated by the bar, his eyes trained on everybody there. A pistol and dagger were hidden by the waist of his suit. He drank from his glass. The night was almost coming to an end. Most of the important men had already left, leaving a few who were having little discussions.

He walked up to a blonde lady seated by the other end of the bar. Her face was hidden by her hair as she sat operating her phone.

“Hello,” he said, standing in front of her with a charming smile. He had a thing for blondes and this one looked quite beautiful.

“hi” her voice was soft and calm. Her face matched her voice, she was very beautiful, not older than twenty three with dimples on the left side of her cheeks as she smiled. Her beauty knocked him off as he continued staring at her, his mouth opened slightly.

“You are very beautiful. I'm speechless,” he confessed, making her blush.

“Mr. Cherisi, I'm inviting you to my home anytime you are chanced, there are many issues we have to talk about.” The Venice mafia boss said as he stood with him at the edge of the bar.

“I would,” Giovanni replied, his hands tucked in his pocket.

“There are many things that are more than what meets the eye. Something is brewing underground and it needs to be addressed,” he added, heightening Giovanni's curiosity.

“What are you talking about?” he asked, his eyes twitching with curiosity.

“We will discuss it later,” he replied, patting him on the shoulder before walking out. Giovanni stared at his retreating figure as the older man walked out, leaving his mind unsettled. What was he talking about? What was brewing underground? He needed answers to all these questions.

He hastened his steps as he walked up to his brother who was seated with a blonde. His eyes squinted his eyes as he stared at the girl. Something felt off about her. He stared at her for a few seconds before clearing his throat, making his presence known.

“We should get going?” He stated, his voice demanding.

“Oh, boss. Meet my friend, Gia.” Angelo introduced and he stared at the girl for a few seconds before returning his eyes to his brother.

“Your friend? How long have you known her?” he questioned.

Angelo looked at his watch before saying “Less than an hour.

Giovanni scoffed as he stared at him in surprise. “You” he called the girl and she raised her head to look at him.

“Get out,” he ordered and his brother's eyes widened in surprise. She stared at him with wide eyes before staring at Angelo. She was already hating Giovanni. Her eyes blazed with fury as she picked up her purse and walked out.

“I'll call you,” Angelo shouted after her and she turned to flash him a smile.

“Why did you scare her away?” Angelo asked in anger.

“She looks dangerous,” Giovanni replied, making him break into a laugh.

“Seriously?” he asked in surprise. “How is she dangerous? She looks very innocent,” he added.

“There is more to what meets the eye,” he replied, remembering what the Venice mob boss had told him. Angelo shrugged, feeling unconvinced by what his brother said. He still didn't see how she was dangerous but he refused to argue.

“Let's get out of here,” Giovanni added.

Gia walked out of the shadows she was hiding as she stared at the back of Giovanni and Angelo as they walked out of the clubhouse. She had hidden and listened to their entire conversation. She smiled evilly as she watched them get into their different cars and drove off, followed by their men. She took out her phone and placed a call.

“Contact made with targets one and two,” she said into the phone, the evil smile still tugging by the side of her lips.

“Good. Time for step two.” the voice replied and she dropped the call.