AthenaAs I stepped out of the car, the first thing I thought was why on earth people wasted so much on parties like this. It wasn't like they needed to do charity. If it was a charity ball then it was too damn extravagant. Why the fuck was there a car filled with roses by the entrance, that just defeated the whole purpose of a fucking charity ball. My gaze shifted to Luciano as he stepped out of the car and walked towards me. He looked good. Very good. His hair was swiped back, classic Italian style with gel. I guess as an afterthought and probably due to my yammering, he left a free strand that brushed over his dark eyes rather sexily. It made my hand itch to brush it over. The dress I wore was a floor-length, midnight blue dress that clung to my curves before falling freely from my hips downward. A silver lace lined the dress in a crystal kind of pattern and there was my favorite part of the dress. A slit on the thigh that revealed my legs with every step I took. I looked sexy.
I came out of the room and saw my two men lying on the floor, unconscious. I saw Raven standing over them, her fists clenched, her eyes teary, and she looked really frightened. "What happened?" I asked. "I don't know," she said. "What are you doing here? What do you mean you don't know?" I pressed, stepping over the bodies, and walking towards her. "A man had been trying harassing me, trying to get me to give him my number. I came up here to escape but he followed me. When they saw him they asked him to leave, and he attacked them." She sniffled a bit, continuing, "He had tried to grab me before you came out." She started sobbing, "I was so scared sir." "What did he look like?" She ran her hand over her hair. "kinda tall, bald, and he reeked of beer." That's half the men here, I thought. Her description wasn't very helpful, but whoever it was had taken out two of my best men alone. I looked at the men and then back at Raven. I could tell that she was shaken, but she was als
AthenaMy alarm clock shrilled through the air. With a groan, I slammed my hand on it and stumbled out of bed, wanting nothing more than to sleep just a bit more. Staggering my way into the bathroom, I stood before the sink and splashed some water on my face. Memories of last night plagued me and I shuddered. Last night had been close, too close. I had to be careful. As I splashed more cold water on my face, whatever sleep that was left slowly faded away. It was a work day and while I hoped I would get a day off, I didn't think Luciano would be keen about it. Whatever kindness he had yesterday had obviously expired. I couldn't count on that. I dragged myself into the shower, did my hair, and grabbed myself a sweet black dress. It hugged my waist rather firmly and draped in layers against my backside. The neckline was my favorite- and Luciano's favorite if we were being frank- a sweetheart neckline. Propped up my breasts like a gift to humanity. I dashed out of my room through the
Athena I sat behind my desk, rubbing my thumbs together as I considered what to do concerning Giorgia. I had made a damned mistake. How the hell hadn't I noticed that she was tailing me? How had Cole not noticed it either? That sucked really. What the hell had I been focused on that I hadn't seen Luciano's bitch sniff around me? Who else aside from Luciano, my mind countered and I sighed. What the hell do I do now? Whether she succeeded or not, the doubt had already been planted in Luciano's mind. He hadn't said a word afterward, but whatever naughtiness had remained before Giorgia burst into the office was gone when she left. I had to give it to her, the bitch was persistent. Damn, I had never met anyone so damn irritating as she was! Who the hell did she think she was? Fucking Cleopatra?! Whatever the hell she was, I had to find a way to mislead her. Chances are she would still have me followed. The best thing I could do to catch her in her own game was to make her believe sh
Athena The next day, Luciano dropped me off at the office, his words lingering in the air as he mentioned meeting someone. Reluctantly, I stepped into the elevator, feeling a mix of anticipation and apprehension. As the doors closed, I contemplated the events of the previous day and the consequences of my actions. So many people to worry about. Giorgia, Luca, Marcus …Ah shit Marcus. My mind wandered to Marcus, who had suffered at Luciano's hands. A pang of guilt flickered within me, but it quickly faded as I reminded myself of the bigger picture. Marcus was merely collateral in this dangerous game, and my focus had to remain on fulfilling my mission and protecting myself. Hell, he was part of the mafia too so if anything, he may have deserved what was coming. Right? Okay, perhaps he did not. Ah shit, I was being such a weakling. I'd drop by on the fifth floor, check him out, see if he was fine like Luciano claimed, and get the hell out of there. When the elevator doors open
Luciano Sitting at the top of the luxurious resort, whiskey in hand, I found myself lost in the vast expanse of the midday sky. Thoughts whirled within me, a storm brewing in my mind. Betrayal—a poison that could taint even the strongest bonds. If my suspicions were correct, then I was bound to face it soon within my own family. There was a nasty fucker selling me out to the Castello. That could be the only explanation. I took another swig of my drink, looking for the familiar whiskey burn to help me keep my senses. Luca must have noticed how sour my mood was. He sat across me on a recliner, his eyes wide with curiosity as he took in the expression on my face. "Is there trouble?" Luca inquired, curiosity tinged with concern evident in his voice. I almost laughed at the use of words. Is there trouble? It had been a childish thing Giorgia used to say when we were younger. The streets of downtown Italy were never friendly. Not even to children. I couldn't count how many times I
Athena I reached for my phone and dialed Frederick's number, my fingers trembling with a mix of excitement and anxiety. The images of the men I had seen with Luciano at the gala a few days ago were fresh in my mind, and I knew Frederick was the key to unlocking their identities. As the call connected, I quickly sent him the pictures, my voice filled with urgency. "Frederick, I need you to look into these men. Find out who they are and if they have any connections to the mafia. It could be crucial in unraveling the truth about Luciano." There was a brief pause on the other end before Frederick responded, concern lacing his words. "Athena, how are you holding up? This investigation is dangerous, and I worry about your safety." I took a deep breath, gathering my thoughts before replying. "I'm fine, Frederick. I've been cautious and discreet. Luciano has no reason to suspect me. I've managed to keep up the façade and gain his trust. For now, he's completely fooled." There was a hint
Athena I placed the file on Luciano's desk, satisfied with completing the task at hand. As I turned to leave, a sudden warmth enveloped my waist, pulling me back into his embrace. Well, that was new. Surprised by his touch in the professional setting, my body tensed for a moment before I relaxed into the sensation of his hands gently caressing me. I looked down at his face and was even more surprised. A playful smirk tugged at the corners of his lips as our eyes met, exchanging a silent invitation for teasing banter. "Looks like someone's in the mood," I chuckled, reaching for his hair so I could run my hands through it. He closed his eyes and hummed softly. I had found out how much he loved it the day before. My face reddened as an image of his face buried between my thighs. He had such a wicked, cruel tongue. I loved it. We always danced on the edge of boundaries though. It was a delicate balance, a secret language shared between us. As if neither of us wanted to take thi
LucianoThe police man standing guard at the gate didn't even bother to check my face, I took it that the warden had done his job and informed them I was on my way, I drove quietly into the compound, packing in front of the administrative building and walking in slowly."Good Evening Signori Luciano" The officer standing at the table greeted as soon as he saw me, tipping his hat. His English was broken and heavily accented, but I could understand him enough."Good evening," I reached into my coat, fishing out my cigarette and lighting it. "How is it going?"He smiled appreciatively, apparently pleased I took any interest in his day to day activities. "It haz been quiet Signore." He smiled, revealing a row of tobacco stained brown teeth.I nodded, "Good, I am here for inmate 474.""Oh," he opened up the computer in front of him, "Would you be going out with him?" He asked, peeking at me from over the desktop, "Do you need an escort?"The look on his face told me he thought I was going
AthenaWe were on a plane back to Sicily the next morning. No need for disguises, we took of from a private airfield in New Jersey.As soon as we touched down, ten hours later, I saw a black limo by the tarmac. Luciano smiled as he saw it, "Our welcoming party is here."I raised an eyebrow, "What do you mean welcoming party?""Don't get your hopes up," he said, "It's just Giuseppe."The old man was standing by the car, smiling widely as we walked towards him. He first greeted Luciano, pulling him into a giant hug, like he was his father, patting his back, pride in his eyes.He then turned to me, "Welcome back to Sicily, Raven," he said, extending his hand. "How was your flight? Was it good? Are you too tired?""I am good." I said as I shook his hand, feeling a surge of pride at the way he addressed me. It was clear that Luciano had already told him about me, and that I was already considered a member of the mafia."Thank you, Giuseppe," I said. "It's good to be back."Giuseppe smiled,
AthenaI was confused, totally. And for the second time that night, I had no idea how to react, "Luca? What? How?"Luciano hobbled over to the table at a dark corner in the room, pulling out a knuckle ring and putting it on his left hand. "I figured he would need a little bit more time." He said casually, like the man he was trying to beat up wasn't an assassin sent by his worst enemy and had damn near succeeded too.I turned to look at him, understanding dawning on me, why he wasn't panicked at all, why he was so calm. There was only one reasonable explanation. "You knew this was going to happen." I said quietly.He stopped his rummaging, turning to look at me, "Raven-""Did you?"He let out a deep breath, "Yeah, well, kinda. I only sus-""You did!" I said, my voice getting louder. The man had shot from my back, he had to be facing Luciano, and given how close the two buildings were, it was impossible Luciano hadn't seen him walk in and set up his little nest. "That's why you aren't
Athena"Raven!"Somewhere, far away, someone was calling my name."Raven!!!"The room blurred into a burst of moving colors around me, a ringing in my ear as in the distance, I could only barely hear the sounds around the room, the people screaming, glasses shattering, tables and chairs toppling."RAVEN! GET DOWN!"A second loud bang, hitting the table and shattering it jerked me out of my trance, sending splinters of wood flying across my face, narrowly missing it.I threw myself to the ground immediately, taking cover and toppling the table to provide extra cover for me and Luciano.The shooter was obviously targeting us, for some reason I was not entirely sure of, and he had shit from behind me, hitting Luciano.I crawled over him, not caring about the broken glass tearing at my clothes or the floor, wet with wine and soggy pasta. He lay they, clutching his bleeding shoulder and grimacing."Luciano! Are you okay?"He nodded, "Yeah, I am fine," but as soon as I reached out to touch
AthenaThe meeting went without much of a hitch. I sat at one end, quietly watching the proceedings as they argued over everything. It was mind of amusing, seeing these grown, powerful men squabble like children.Curses flew across the table like missiles, mothers were cursed, fathers were cursed, wives were cursed, calling it a mad house would be a massive understatement. Luciano for the most part, looked like he was tired of their shit, as at some point he just leaned back on his chair and let them threaten all they wanted without trying to interfere or even mediate."Everything in Queens and the North of Brooklyn is mine, don't be a fool." Antonio spat, crossing his arms like a child who had just been refused candy and was planning to throw the biggest fit anyone had ever seen."Damn right it is," Francesco countered, slamming his fat, heavily ringed fingers on the table, "All of the best markets for our good stuff all go to you yeah? And what is there for the rest of us yeah? What
LucianoI didn't want to admit it to her, mostly because making her even more nervous than she was already was, wasn't exactly in my best interest, like throwing a gasoline soaked rag into an inferno.But I was a but nervous too.The Italian Mafia, wasn't very used to having a woman in it's ranks, no matter the level. There was this, almost patriarchal approach to treating our women. Usually seen, not heard, taking care of the kids at home while the husband did the dirty business and fucked his pretty mistresses. Nobody thought of it too much, it was just the way things were done.But not with Raven, never with Raven.I almost laughed out loud, thinking about her being a nice, quiet housewife who just kept my clothes clean and my belly full while I went after young girls half her age. It was so ridiculous, it didn't even come close to making sense to me, which of course meant the idea was going nowhere.The only other option was of course to try to convince them that she was worth it,
AthenaI sat up from the bed, still a bit groggy, but quite certain I heard him properly."My new associates?" I asked, surely he wasn't serious right?I followed him into the living room of the suite, dimly lit room, decorated with ornate furniture and dimly lit candles. Luciano sat on a velvet armchair, while I stared at him, unsure if he was serious or not. nervously paces the room.Luciano leaned back, observing me, "Raven, my dear," he started, "I don't see any reason why we don't go check it out today, okay? It's time for you to understand who we are and what we do."I appreciate your interest in making me feel at home," I couldn't help but lace my voice with some sarcasm, it was getting ridiculous, "But getting involved with your Mafia is not something I was comfortable with, I only just agreed with it, cam you let me digest it at the very least before plunging me head deep and showing me off like a trophy."He looked up at me, raising an eyebrow, "Do you think that is what I a
LucianoFunnily enough, I had never thought about that question until I heard it from her mouth. You'd think a mafia boss would be a little bit more suspicious of an undercover FBI agent who was sent to specifically bring him down and who had up till very recently, bad a specific agenda against him and was determined to destroy him by any means necessary.But I didn't. I consider myself a logical man, and logically I should be moving as far away from this wam as I possibly could, if not immediately killing her. But whenever I was around Raven Gonzalez, all logic flew out the window, and I wanted nothing more than to have her around me, to keep her by my side, to keep her happy so she would never leave me, matter how illogical that sounded."Oh, Luciano." She said quietly, tears brimming in her eyes. "You don't mean that, do you?""Every single word of it." I said calmly. It was true, there was no point hiding from it anymore."That's not enough Luciano, and you know it.""Raven, I jus
AthenaYou had to give it to Luciano, he had the entire "shock value" thing down well enough.To say I felt like I had been hit by a bus moving a thousand miles per hour would have been a massive understatement. I had spent all day thinking about escaping the world he offered, the world I had been forced to grow in, the world I had forcibly participated in for all my life, that had nearly killed me multiple times and had scarred me so much it was probably best not to even think about it.I had confided in him, hoping he would help me find a solution to my problem, to have something akin to normalcy in my life, even if it was for a little while.And instead, he had completely blindsided me with the offer to accept it all as my new reality.Like I said, he really knew what got a woman going."What?" I managed to drop, my only intelligible word yet.His lips twitched as he fought to not smile, "You look pretty surprised Raven.""I wonder fucking why Luciano," I spat, frustration rising in