Chapter 4: Bloodlust

Nickolai’s Pov

Martini Cartel, Rome Italy.

The heavy aura of death filled the room, the wall painted with blood stains. The metallic scent of blood clung to the air like smoke. The atmosphere of the room perfectly suits my mood.

I reach into my suit pocket for my lighter. I lit the cigar and took a smoke, diving into the euphoric feeling as I watched the massacre before me. it’s been a while since I had so much excitement thanks to Dario Martini and his gang members, they dare to skim profit off my operations.

Even though Dario is known for his promiscuity and addiction to drugs, he always handles every operation well and leaves behind no trace. A few months ago, I got a report of imbalance sales and profits. I decided to put a kin eye on every gang handling my operation. And here we are, getting rid of the thief.

Everyone knows how well I despise betrayal and theft.

To think anyone would have the audacity to go behind me and dare to steal from me. They certainly wish for death and it will come running to them. Their unfortunate ending and demise will make a perfect example and warning for the rest.

So, they will never dare to steal from me. After the gang has been cleared out. The perpetrator is now in my presence squirming in his chair, across the table, hands and legs tightly bound to the chair. His body trembling like a leaf.

“Please spare my life, this is the first time… it won’t happen again I promise” he pleads.

I take another sip from the cigar before speaking to him “Dario, do you know why you are here?”

He swallowed hard “Mr. Lucado, I …..” I laughed at his formal approach. “Mr. Lucado? Although this might work well with my father, but not me. I’m Nickolai, remember. Everyone calls me Nickolai. Do I have to rip out a tooth to remind you of my name?

Tiny beads of sweat emerge from his forehead roll down his temple tracing the line of his mustache.

His lips trembles as he spoke “I apologize Don Nickolai. It’s a mistake. I didn’t mean….” I raise my hand to silence him. “I’ll just ask you one question. Who are your accomplices?”

His eyes widened in utter shock. I watch as he struggles to find words to say but he couldn’t. “What? You thought I won’t find out. Even if they did use you as their front cover, I know you didn’t carry out those thefts alone. I am aware of every subordinate’s capability.”

“I-I work alone, I did everything all by myself. I have no accomplice.” He stated. I scoff at his lies. I turn to Andre my confidant, “Bring me the box”. He nods setting the box in front of me. it contains many items. I reach for the hammer and a few pieces of nail.

I stood from my chair and headed towards the bald head thief. I tap the hammer on the table rhyming with every of my footsteps as I circled the table. I finally stand above the thief staring him down. I took a final sip from my cigar, then searched around for an ashtray. “Got an ashtray?” I asked. He shook his head frantically. I leaned down, my face close to his. “Too bad, you’ve got no ashtray”. Without warning, I stab the cigar butt on his bald head.

Dario screamed, his voice raw and rough. Unsatisfied, I set a piece of nail on his thigh and slammed it with the hammer. He screamed loudly, his face contorting in pain as he struggled against the restraints.

I pick up another piece of nail one again. “I will ask you again, who are your accomplices?” He shook his head frantically still whimpering in pain. I swing the hammer with gather strength and hit the second piece of nail. He screamed louder this time. Blood seeps from the bones streaming down his legs to the floor.

“Please, no more….. I beg you” He groaned. His voice has gone hoarse from screaming. He breathes shallow gasps as he stares at his nailed thigh.

“C’mon Dario, do you want me to move it to your hands?” I loosen my tie. “Tell me, is it really worth it…. Those you struggle so hard to protect aren’t even here to save you.

“I-I don-t-t”. he groaned. I pull out his left hand from the restraints, I place it on the table instead of nailing it, this time I swing the hammer and slam it on his fingers, a tiny splash of blood staining my face.. He screamed again in horror, a sound strong enough to make the guards flinch but it did nothing but excite me more.

I raise the hammer again but before I could land it. “Giorgio Ruzzo and Roberto Galli” He announced whimpering.

“Took you long enough, you should have said it sooner. That way, we won’t have to go through all the trouble.” I quirked tapping his face slowly before turning to Andre.

“Get rid of this shit and clean up the mess”. I took the towel Andre gave to me ignoring Dario’s screams and cures. I wipe the bloodstains from my face and my hand.

“We got a call from the Asian.” Andre continues. “And it’s from Vince.”

“What is it about?” I ask. dropping the bloodstained towel on the tray.

“He asked for the delivery date for the underground auction. He recently stocked up on a series of new paintings and sculptures. He asked if they were to be added to the auction paintings.” He explained.

“Stick to the previous delivery, no new paintings. When I need them, I will let him know. Get me a new set of cloth. And send a message to Giorgio. Let him know that Don is coming. As for Roberto, I'll get rid of him when he becomes useless”. I ordered.

A few minutes later, I am now in a black SUV driving to the airport for a business deal in Germany. This trip to Germany is to seal the unfinished deal my father made with a German Congressman called Dieter Schmidt who is currently a running candidate for the chancellor of Germany. He reached out to my father asking for his protection from the assassins’ plot by his political opponent Volker Krause Zerger.

* * *

Munich, Germany

On arriving in Germany, escorts are at the entrance of the airport waiting to guide me to the location of our meeting. Moving quickly, my men and I entered the prepared cars for the journey to Dieter’s mansion which happens to be forty minutes away from the airport.

Soon, I arrive at the location, stepping out of the car, I am welcomed by a young man who introduced himself as Dieter’s secretary. He led the way through the mansion to the garden where my client is seated for his evening teatime.

“Mr. Lucado, welcome to my abode, I trust you had a splendid journey. Pleased to meet you.” Dieter says rising to extend his hand for a handshake. I reciprocate the greetings, shaking his hand firmly. “The pleasure is mine and the view of your abode isn’t disappointing for a Congressman” I tease looking around for hidden cameras and snipers before continuing. “Spare me the formalities and address me as Nickolai” I corrected.

“Oh, pardon me, formality is a culture we practice in the political world, although this does not apply to you. Not that you will know of it, perhaps my ignorance gets the best of me.” He replied quirking his lips upward. I sense a hint of mockery behind is smug smile. “Please have a seat". He offered. I sit calmly ignoring his taunt. “Care for a cup of tea?” Dieter asked taking a sip of his.

“No” I firmly reject. “I have somewhere to be, so let’s finish this as fast as possible” I stated. He steadily set the cup on the table, before maintaining eye contact with me.

“Your father and I had a deal in the past, of which he agreed to offer me protection, and in return he will get the full ownership of Kruhaus Casinos and….”

“What a cheap ass deal” I scoffed at his words. My actions seem to spark his anger. I continued anyway.

“My father must have bent the rules for you while making the deal, because the Lucado’s don’t engage in petty deals, C’mon, I know you can do better” I said resting back on the chair.

“But Mr. Lucado was fine with the deal” He countered. “Well, guess who is in control now” I smirk at his angry face. “Mr. Schmidt, you know what I want, let’s not waste time, don’t you need my protection?” He remains silent and unwilling.

His mismanaged poker face barely covered his arrogance. After watching him for a while, I stand up preparing to leave.

“I can see that you are yet to come to a decision, let’s meet another time. Though I hope it won’t be too late by then.” I proceed to leave the garden.

Just before I took the last step leading to the mansion, his voice called out. “Full ownership of Kruhaus Casinos and unlimited access to the southern seaport, there you have it” he says anger and irritation clear in his voice.

I turn to reply to him “We got ourselves a deal, I knew having you as a client will be the best. It was nice meeting you; my secretary will oversee every process and the paperwork with you. Ciao”.

With that I left the mansion, taking the flight back to Milan. On getting home, I check the time, it’s 10: 53pm. Jace should be asleep. I opened the monitor screen to watch my love; asleep just as I predicted. A sense of ease came over me as I watched his sleeping face.

I haven't seen him for a while. Just watching him from the screen pleases me. He turns over in his sleep, a little part of his pyjamas lift slightly revealing his slender waist. I stare in interest at the pleasant view. I swallowed the hard lump developing in my throat from salivating.

Suddenly I feel a part of me rising. A strong heat overwhelms me. Then, it came to me, I haven’t released in a while and the bloodbath this morning has ignited my suppressed desires. it's hard to control myself as I imagine Jace moaning beneath me. Fucking Jinx!!! Ugh! So Horny!!. Let's not rush things, we still have a lot of time.