*** Staten Island, New York Draken Dawn was approaching, the rays of distant orange casting their light upon the tinted windows of my car. Never had I been one to experience any kind of anxiety before, during or after a job but this...well, this was different. This is unlike anything else I have ever done. This is both the beginning and end for me. After tonight, everything will have changed. My gaze settled on the brown computerized gates before me, ones I was expected to breach any moment now. All the surveillance had been done, everything that could possibly prepare for this moment. The crackling of an ear piece broke the silence within the car, signalling what I already knew was to come. I had been counting down the hours to this moment, after all. "It's been confirmed, pakhan. They have, indeed, broken the agreement brokered between our organizations. He has also been spotted making deals with the Albanians. They are in talks as we speak. We have gathered all the evidence o
*** Long Island, New York Draken "To what do I owe this visit? And if it is for business, then I must ask that we do this another time. As you must have observed, it is my daughter's wedding today and I plan to focus solely on that." Massimo Rinaldi stated once he walked into his grand office, gesturing past the floor to ceiling windows that overlooked a completely transformed backyard. The wedding planners were busy getting everything in place, last minute touches and all for what had been dubbed the 'wedding of the century'. I scoffed inwardly at that. "Well, we understand but our business here is related to the wedding and more." Ioann stated from beside me, his gaze shifting from Massimo who was now staring at me to Salvatore Rinaldi whose scowl was permanently etched on his face as he glared at my cousin. It was no secret that he was not a big fan of the peace brokered between our families. He hated not only Ioann's guts but seemed to be growing his dislike for me as well.
***Long Island, New York Draken "What the fuck have you done?" Salvatore breathed, disbelief clouding his words and his features as he slowly turned to us. Ioann and I said nothing, each of us revealing nothing as we gazed confusedly at the Italian. "Now who's throwing around unfounded accusations? We also received the news from our contacts in the police force before it broke. It seems he pissed off a hell of a lot of people and someone decided to get their revenge. He got his comeuppance for being a traitor. We simply brought the evidence we have been gathering to demand compensation now that the true culprit is dead. We can't have this being lost in the rubble." Ioann stated through a shrug, relaxing into his chair just as the reporter switched to business news. I marveled at my cousin's poker face. He was one of the most dangerous men I knew and I thanked my lucky stars that he was in my corner. He is a true Zolotov indeed. Salvatore scoffed, shaking his head in bemusement
***Long Island, New YorkAlessandraThe sound of commotion had us pausing at the door, each of us sharing a look of knowing and worry. The women in my world were conditioned to their lives and what it meant to be part of the criminal underground. We were prepared for any and every eventuality, knew exactly what to do when danger lurked and our enemies reared their head.We are, after all, usually the first targets in such a situation. We were expendable, collateral damage in the grand scheme of things so that the Made men can battle it out, oblivious to our own suffering. It was one among many things I detested about this world.We aren't human beings to them. Simply weak women who can be used, abused and thrown out, all for the sake of the end game. I refuse to be a statistic in someone's mind games.My sisters and I shared a look, each of our instincts on high alert as we prepared for whatever was to come. I may have clashed a lot with my Papa and disagreed with him on many matters
*** Long Island, New York Alessandra The bang of the door coincided with my little sister's attack as she instantly latched onto the figure who had forced his way in, subduing him without any thought of hesitation or otherwise. That usually meant death in our world. The man groaned, clearly struggling and failing to get out of her death grip as she placed the knife against his neck and the gun against the side of his forehead. "I suggest you stop struggling or I'll make you old news twice over." She muttered threateningly, pushing the man to instantly freeze as he, no doubt, recognized the precarious position he was in. "I told you you should have let me go in first." The sound of Zeno's exasperated voice calmed my fast beating heart somewhat as each of us watched our brother emerge through the throng of suit-clad men who all pointed their guns at us, none of them relenting even under my brother's glare. "Zeno?... What is the meaning of this?" Mama exclaimed, finally finding h
***Long Island, New YorkAlessandraIt was not that I loved Diego with all of my heart. That would be a foolish endeavor, certainly not wise in our world. Love wasn't something that we knew about. It was not encouraged, mainly because we didn't know when or how we would lose it. Despair would come and wipe it all away, break us and shove us out of the fantasy we made for ourselves.It's an unnecessary emotion, especially when you need to be on the top of your game at all times. Any sign of weakness is usually considered to be a way in and no one will show you mercy once you give them a glimpse of your jugular.Diego's death was both painful because he was not only a close friend that I cherished so much but also the man who was meant to free me from the prison of my world. He understood me, wanted to fight the system beside me. How could it all be taken from me in one blow? When I was so close to the finish line?I glanced down at my wedding dress that was wrinkled, certainly not hol
***Long Island, New YorkAlessandraI brushed a hand down the lace of my new wedding dress, admiring the lace and swarovski diamonds that embroidered the fabric. It was beautiful, just like I remembered it to be. It was one of the two dresses I was conflicted about when choosing. The mermaid, open back design was just as unique as the detachable ball gown bottom that gave it a gorgeous train.My cathedral veil was emroidered with pearls, both blue and white, melding perfectly with the dress and my baby blue Louboutin bridal heels. He had gotten me everything I wanted but was too afraid to purchase lest it made my marriage with Diego even more real. My make up was refreshed with light hues, winged eye liner and mascara, golden eye shadow and nude lipstick. My jewelry was replaced with baby blue diamonds and pearls, all of which were provided for by none other than my husband to be.None of my sisters, mama or my aunt commented on it all but I could see the question deep in their gazes
***Long Island, New YorkAlessandra"The union between our families has been completed with the joining of our children. Now, we are one. Join me in raising a toast to the new couple in town. Draken and Alessandra, congratulations once more. Cheers!"All of our wedding guests raised their glasses in response to my papa's words, his smile radiating a level of confidence. He was pleased with the finality of his plans. He's gotten what he wanted and nothing else matters.I could still hear the words he spoke to me at the altar before he gave me away.The shock value was yet to fade but I couldn't allow myself to believe him. Not when he has done nothing but be a man unworthy of my trust during my entire lifetime up till this moment.He wedded me to a man I barely know. A man who makes me feel things I shouldn't...I was fixating on my Papa and not on the kiss Draken and I shared in the Church or the way it made me feel. I couldn't allow my little crush to grow into something more. Not w