Chapter 5

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The dimly lit lounge wrapped Marco in an intoxicating mix of luxury and allure. His crew stood by, solid as the stone walls around them. Women paraded all around him.

In the midst of the wild party, his thoughts kept drifting to Elena. Seventy-two hours. A ticking clock to her surrender. He could almost taste the victory of breaking her spirit.

Suddenly, Vinny, his right-hand man, rushed over looking all serious. "Marco, you gotta know this. The Vittorio, they're up to something suspicious."

"The Vittorio, huh?" Marco mused. The name carried weight in their world. "Keep an eye on them, Santiago. This might get interesting."

As Vinny hurried off, Marco let himself be swept back into the rhythm of the lounge.

"Hello mister," one of the strippers purred, a naughty gleam in her eye.

Marco gave her a sly grin. "Spicing up the night, aren't you?"

She leaned closer, her voice a sultry secret. "Names don't matter, as long as you remember the moment."

Elena

As the day came to a close, Marco's confrontation still played in my mind, a haunting memory. I sat on a barstool in the diner, the cool surface supporting my leaning head, trapped in my own labyrinth of thoughts.

"Elena! Elena!!..."

Daren's voice called out, breaking through the quiet. It was time to shut down the diner after a bustling day.

"Elena? Are you good?" Daren's touch on my shoulder brought me back to reality. I sprang off the stool, disoriented, my movements aimless, like a leaf caught in a whirlwind.

Daren's firm grip on my arm halted my aimless trajectory, granting me a precious pause, a chance to reorient myself.

"Elena?" He spoke, concern etched in his features. "Are you okay? I've noticed your peculiar reactions, the unnecessary clumsiness. You need to know, I can help. Just trust me and tell me what's going on."

Daren's words were delivered with a soothing smile and a voice that promised solace. I knew he wanted to help, but how could I reveal that my father was entangled in debt with one of New York's most malevolent men, Marco De Luca? I couldn't bear to put his life or anyone else's in jeopardy.

Still lost in my thoughts, Daren called out again. This time, his hands cradled my jaw, and we settled back onto the barstools. I found solace in the warm embrace of his touch. For the first time in a while, a sense of calm settled over me.

"Yes, perhaps I should confide in him. Daren might be my lifeline out of this maelstrom of madness, a way to keep my father and brother safe," I mused inwardly, oblivious to the fact that Marco's true concern wasn't my father's debt.

"Elena, from the moment I first saw you, I've been a changed man. It took me time to examine myself and realize the blazing fire of affection I hold for you." Daren's words caught me off guard. Holding both my hands, he continued, "I'd give up the world to the aliens above if it meant finding peace for your soul."

His gaze bore into mine, I could feel the chemistry and tension crackling in the air. I remembered a time when I harbored feelings for Daren. Could this ever work, or would it jeopardize our professional dynamic?

"Alright, it's a family matter," I began. Daren's focused expression revealed his heightened attentiveness. "My father is in debt, and his creditor is a ruthless man. Faced with dire financial straits and my father's inability to repay, this man demands that my father surrender me to him, a pawn to satiate his inhumane desires." I continued, Daren's head drawing nearer, his grip on my hands unwavering.

"Why on earth would he desire such a thing? And why would your father even consider it?" Daren's tone resonated with disappointment.

"My father's back is against the wall," I defended. "He's only concerned about our safety; mine and my brother's."

"Believe me, Daren, it feels like I've exhausted every option. Each time a glimmer of hope surfaces, it vanishes into thin air," I tried to hold back, but tears welled up in my eyes. Daren's touch grew firmer, offering a comforting anchor.

"Every time I push against him, this man pushes back with even greater force. I'm afraid I'm backed into a corner now, with no way out. I refuse to be a pawn in his game, but I also can't bear to disappoint my dear father or jeopardize my innocent brother's life. That's my story," I concluded.

"You'll be alright, Elena. Everything will be fine," Daren reassured, his gaze locked with mine as he wiped away my tears.

"I have a considerable inheritance from my late father, lying dormant for years without a purpose. I hadn't been able to pinpoint the right cause for it until now," Daren shared, his smile waning into uncertainty.

"No, you shouldn't, truly," I protested, foreseeing the words about to tumble from his lips.

"I'm going to help you raise the amount you need. You and your family can keep whatever money remains after your father's debt is settled," Daren concluded, his reassuring smile returning, now even brighter.

Could it be that the heavens had decided to shine upon me? Daren's offer could seal the abyss threatening to consume my family. Yet, was it right to accept from this young man? A battle of thoughts raged within me.

"Daren, you don't have to. I mean, why would you go to such lengths for me?" I questioned, still trying to convince myself that this was not some dream.

Daren beamed, "Remember what I said earlier? The world to the aliens is a small trade for your enduring happiness. I'd traverse endless lengths to keep that smile on your face. I love you, Elena," he declared, his actions and words seamlessly intertwined. In that moment, I realized I couldn't halt this man; he had become utterly resolute.

As I grappled with the moment, Daren resumed, "Promise me you'll love me, Elena. You're my world."

I grasped in that instant that my destiny wasn't entirely within my grasp; there was a catch. I'd grown weary of Marco's dominance over my family. Though I didn't desire to be Daren's lover, I needed to secure my family's safety. They were all I had left. Becoming Daren's girlfriend seemed a small price to pay. Fate had placed me in the role of a sacrificial lamb, and there was no escaping it.

"You have my love and affection, Daren. Please, just help me," I implored, gazing into his eyes, concealing the weight of my decision.

Daren seemed oblivious, which eased my burden. I wouldn't have to confront the disappointment that was etched on my face. Indeed, nothing in life came free, at least not in my world.

"Who is this 'vicious' man, anyway?" Daren asked with a chuckle, clearly unaware of the gravity of the situation.

"Well, his name is Marco De Luca," I whispered, as if the very walls were eavesdropping. Speaking that man's name carelessly in the open was a dangerous game.

Daren's expression shifted slightly.

"He's not as tough as he thinks. I'd take him down for you, even if I'd just woken from a nap," Daren said with a chuckle, now on his feet, playfully adopting the stance of a champion boxer.

"It's going to be fine," Daren assured, and I summoned a smile.

Finally, we locked up the diner, and it was time for me to retreat to my bed, even though I knew a peaceful sleep would elude me.

**************

The grueling day concluded, and Daren and Elena parted ways. Elena hailed a cab, while Daren embarked on a different journey, destined for the supermarket. He intended to restock essential groceries that had been missing from his pantry for nearly a week.

"What’s my total, madam?" Daren queried upon reaching the supermarket counter.

"It's a total of seven dollars, sir," the cashier responded, packing Daren's groceries as he prepared to depart.

As Daren left the supermarket, an unnoticed shadow began trailing him. It wasn't until he was halfway home that he realized two unknown men were tailing him. Attempting to evade them, Daren navigated through narrow streets and passages, unaware that more than just two men were on his trail. Marco, a figure feared by city for his uncanny intel, had somehow uncovered Daren's plan step on his toes and assist Elena and her family.

"What's happening?” Daren whispered to himself, realizing the men might be goon with intent to rob.

These were no ordinary thieves but Marco's goons, and Daren's anxiety heightened. His heart raced as he quickened his pace, yet the men closed in, subjected him to a beating, and forcibly loaded him into their truck. The group comprised five individuals: Daren was confined to the back seat, guarded by an armed man, ensuring compliance. Another drove the truck, while a third occupied the front passenger seat. The remaining two escorted the vehicle on sports bikes, resembling a sinister convoy.

Once again, Marco De Luca had identified a prey for his henchmen to prey upon, and Daren found himself unfortunate to be in such a perilous position. In New York, no one would willingly step into Daren's shoes.

**************

Marco still entertaining the stripper who leads him into a more private area of the club.

Guided by her, Marco ends up in a room separated by a see-through curtain. With her right hand over his heart, she reads his pulse, giving him a gentle push onto a chair. Taking her place on his lap, she grinds her thighs on his hard on groin.

While Marco wraps his hands around her well-shaped waist, guiding her thrusts They both begin to share a wild kiss before Vinny returns back with the intel of Daren's abduction.

He whispers in Marco's ears for sometime and Marco knows it's time to handle business.

"I have to leave now, this is done," Marco says to the stripper and he drops a bundle of money on the chair.

-

"That diner manager, Daren or whatever he is called, would regret interfering with my business. I am Marco De Luca! No one, I mean nobody, dares interferes in my matters!" Marco makes this statement to one in particular but to everyone at large, he gets into his car and is driven off.