8. ARRIVAL OF THE DON

The sound of approaching footsteps echoed through the building, Leila's heart raced even faster. The atmosphere in the room became electric with tension as everyone held their breath, awaiting the arrival of whoever was outside.

Suddenly, the heavy metal door swung open with a loud crash. Stefano, the tall blonde muscular don stepped into the room with all of his glory.

He possessed a striking presence that commanded the attention of everyone. His physical features exuded a potent combination of charm, power and allure.

Standing at a height that towered above most, he had a strong and commanding presence. Broad shoulders and a sculpted chest gave him an imposing frame that hinted at his capacity for both protection and dominance.

His chiseled face was a captivating blend of rugged masculinity and refined features. His dashing looks were enough to throw any woman on her knees.

Sharp cheekbones and a defined jawline accentuated his facial structure, giving him an air of sophistication and strength. His lips were full and alluring, hinting at a hint of danger beneath his seemingly controlled exterior. His ears glittered with diamond crusted earrings, dangling as he walked.

Eyes, deep and fierce, were his most captivating features. They held a mesmerizing quality, often described as windows to his soul. Intense and expressive, they seemed to hold a world of hidden emotions and secrets. The color could vary, ranging from piercing icy blue to dark and mysterious hazel, further adding to the enigma that surrounded him.

His hair was meticulously styled, reflecting his attention to detail. It was neatly slicked back. The color could vary, from dark, lustrous locks that exuded a sense of power to lighter shades that emphasized his more charismatic and approachable side.

Dressed in tailored suits made from the finest fabrics, he exuded an aura of luxury and wealth. Every detail, from the perfectly fitted jacket to the well-tailored trousers, accentuated his physique. The suits were often dark and elegant, further enhancing his air of mystery and sophistication. Adorned with exquisite accessories, such as a high-end watch or a tasteful piece of jewelry, he exuded a sense of opulence and refinement.

It was a combination of his striking features, magnetic charisma, and the enigmatic aura he projected that made him irresistibly attractive to those around him, leaving an indelible impression on anyone who crossed his path.

Behind him, a group of armed individuals dressed in the same black suits stormed into the room with their guns at arm's length.

"Who the fuck are you?" The gambler roared vehemently as confusion and anger masked his face.

He pointed his gun at Stefano angrily, ready to gun him down with every last muscle in him.

"Put down the gun, if I was here to kill you I would have let your blood spill on the floor the minute I came in " Stefano regurgitated.

"Then who the fuck are you and what do you want?" The gambler raised his voice at Stefano who wasn't bothered about the gun or the man that held it.

"How dare you raise your voice at me? If I hear one more word from you I'll make sure I put two bullets through your fucking skull" Stefano thundered like a raging bull.

His eyes seethed with anger.

"I'm not here for you, I'm here for her. Do not tempt my fury" He scowled and walked up to Leila who was utterly confused.

"Hey beautiful. Remember me?" He slowly brushed Leila's hair as he bore into her beautiful yet distorted eyes.

Leila shook her head from side to side indicating a no. She wore a bewildered expression, her forehead creased and her lips pursed, as if grappling with conflicting thoughts.

"Who is this? And what does he mean by he wants me? Have I met him before? Did I loose my memory or something?" Questions began purging Leila's mind.

"How can you forget the time we spent together, way too memorable for me to forget" a wry smile appeared on Stefano's lips as he continued to pace round the room.

"And you must be Maria, the mother of my principessa, my one true desire" Stefano praised Leila to her mother.

She was astonished and robbed off of speech. Every soul in the room kept mute as Stefano walked round confidently.

"I know you all are confused as to who I am but my identity is none of your business. All you need to know is that I am not a man to be messed with.

Lower your guns now, the easy way or my men will make you do it the hard way" Stefano threatened the gambler and his goons which they reluctantly obeyed.

"Now I'm aware that this lady here owes you some money, am I correct?" He picked up a small wooden chair by the corner and sat on it, crossing his leg to lie over the other.

"Yes" The gambler replied, watching Stefano closely.

"Good. Let them go" He commanded.

"Do you know how much this lady owes me? You can't just come in here and tell.me to free this debtor" the gambler wailed angrily.

"Who gave you the audacity to speak to me in that demeanor? May I remind you that you are at my mercy right now. The only reason why your head is still attached to your body is because I'm giving you an easy way out" Stefano's said, his frightening tone scared the wits out of everyone.

Silence eroded the atmosphere immediately.

"I want to make a smooth transaction for you, so for your own life, you better cooperate" Stefano emphasized, his voice laced with a hint of warning.

"I'm listening what's your deal?" the gambler inquired.

Stefano gave a hand gesture, signaling his men to bring a suitcase. A capo of his dropped the briefcase on the table and opened it.

"Now that's $2 million, you either take the money or die a meaningless death" He mocked distastefully.

"Okay" The gambler agreed instantly.

"Not just yet...."

With another signal from the Capei, his right hand man walked to the table and closed the briefcase.

Stefano's eyes narrowing back to Leila's mother.He stood to his feet and ambled towards her.

"You see my principessa over there? I want her and you'll help me get her. All thanks to your foolish addiction, I'll buy her as mine.

I'm sure you must be really proud of your self for putting your daughter in this mess.

Now let me help your miserable life by also offering you a deal, you can either sign your daughter off to me or die here with this lowlifes.

Trust me you don't have a choice, your poverty stricken life depends on my money, this is your only option" Stefano spat revoltingly at Maria.

She kept mute for a second, trying to weigh the options she had. Truly, this was her only best option.

"You are wasting my time woman!" Stefano grumbled furiously.

"Yes I agree" Maria responded sharply.

"Ofcourse you do, you poverty stricken gamblers would do anything just to pay off debts and be free" He continued to mock before the contract papers were brought.

Maria scowled, the insults ate her up but she had no choice but to accept and play along.

"Now sign" He commanded and Maria obeyed.

"Mom?! Are you serious right now?" Leila angrily protested.

"You don't have to worry babydoll, you'll enjoy me" Stefano assured before walking back to the gambler while his made man stood next to Maria as she signed the papers.

"Who do you think you are? How can you just walk in here and try to claim legal rights over me?" Leila shot at Stefano angrily.

"Look here baby, No one talks to me in that manner, you are now my property so you should show some respect" He added before taking his attention away from an engulfed Leila.

Stefano's eyes scanned the gamblers men and immediately, he noticed something.

"I thought I ordered you all to drop your guns?! Who does this mother fucker think he is to disobey me?" Stefano's wrath became apparent as he picked up his gun and shot the gambler's goon who he caught holding a gun.

In an instant, the man fell to the floor as blood began to gush out of him. Leila's heart sank, she suddenly came to a realization that her life was about to take a drastic turn.