Page 7

Although Iris Saint believe Maximo Santino is on the high, rich category, she had never expected him to own a private jet and staffs that would be so willing to Please him. Iris stood still at the private airport, gazing with a jaw drop at the magnificent aircraft that stood just some steps away from her. The name, Maximo Santino was written boldly on it's Body, sending an unmistakably message to whoever that is present.

Swiftly, upon alighting, Two flights hostesses came down to attend to Maximo. He speaks to them for some minutes and then he motion for Iris who was lost in awe and thought to come forward.

They both get into the private jet and after some time, they settled down and the journey began to Italy.

Iris seated just besides Maximo who was beside himself with deep thoughts. He was unusually quiet and that only added to iris's amusement.

He isn't just wealthy. There is something great about him. She thought to herself inwardly.

After a while she leaned back and slept off. Enjoying the wealth and comfiness that Maximo had provided.

Maximo who was in deep thoughts look over at Iris after a while only to find her sleeping soundly. A smile curled up at the corner of his lips when he saw how beautiful and pretty she can be when asleep.

After couples of hours without a problem, The jet arrived at a private airport. Iris was awaken by the bustles and some voices she overheard. They were all speaking in Italian which she can't understand.

" We are here " Maximo announced to her and she quickly followed him. Straightening her dresses and moistening her pink lips, she tried to look better as she scold herself for not dressing too well. The simple dress she had wore earlier that day was what she put on. With a face devoid of make up and nothing, she followed the Italian mafia Boss out of the private jet but Iris had to stop abruptly when she saw the people awaiting them, no, awaiting Maximo Santino actually.

The men were about ten, dressed in tailored expensive suit that was pressed very neatly. Each has their conservative ties and polished shoes. They were all young and handsome, graceful and classical. One of them with short black hair grinned happily at Maximo when he saw him, he is a little shorter but built, very handsome and intensely manly. His name is Marco and he is the underboss of santinos family.

Maximo noticed iris's shyness and reluctancy so he pulled her gently into his arms and walk her out of the jet gently. Numerous cars were already awaiting their arrival.

" Boss " Marco mouthed in silence. Nothing makes him happier than to see Maximo healthy and breathing. His eyes caught Iris and he smiled. " No wonder he took her to his hospital in new York, a very beautiful lady is she " Marco commented silently to himself.

Maximo ignores the bows and greeting from everyone. He only focus in escorting Iris towards a limo which had two seaters. The chauffeur who dressed very professionally had already walk out to open the car door.

" Get in, I will visit you later in the day " Maximo declared to the reluctant Iris who gasped as soon as she heard him. Slowly she shook her head in the negative, not wanting to let him out of her sight for any Seconds. All the men seem unfriendly to her even though they are all handsome and classy.

" No, stay with me. Where will you go? "

Her eyes were pleading and her voice were tender and sad. Maximo's heart wanted to Burst from the love that he heard and feel from iris's gaze. Slowly he pulled her into his embrace for a tight hug, all the while inhaling the natural scent of her long hair.

" I will be back. I need to take care of somethings but I will come to you before the day runs out '' He replied into her hair softly. After a while, Maximo succeeded in pulling back from iris who definitely doesn't want to let him go. She was already crying and her pale, pitiful face was sad.

Her resistance was tempting enough for the Mafia Boss who wished to stay with her for a longer time but he can't. He needed to free his men from the clutch of death too so he smiles up at iris before placing a light kiss on her forehead. This little act sooth the lady somewhat, slightly relieved and grateful she allowed herself to be ease inside the limo where she sat gently.

Maximo turn to the chauffeur and the smile in his face were already wiped off. He is back in his normal mafia Boss's attitude.

" Drive her to my South Villa and inform my Nanny to look after her "

Without waiting for the chauffeur to reply, Maximo turn away and stride towards Marco who was awaiting him.

" Boss welcome back to... "

" Save it " Maximo cut in angrily after iris's limo zoom off. " Save the greeting, now tell me what had happened "

The men in suit all entered the cars after Maximo get in also with Marco beside him.

" I honestly do not know what had happened. Aldo and Allesio's wifes claimed the men had left together last two nights to have a drink and they just failed to come back "

The car was zooming off and Maximo was listening attentively even though he was staring out of the car window. The sight of the trees and houses flying before his eyes helps him in forgetting about iris's eyes a little bit.

" When did the ladies came to report their husband's absence? "

" Last night, I advised them to wait for a while so we shouldn't jump into conclusion but when they still fail to show up this morning, I reason it might be what I dread ''

" And what do you dread Marco? " Maximo retorted with his jaw clenching. Marco knew what would happen next so he look away and sighed.

" I'm sorry Boss, I know I did wrong. There is no excuse for it. I couldn't take care of the members without you. I guess I still have much to learn from you "

" Oh really? " Maximo asked again sarcastically. " Do you think I will live forever? "

" Boss "

" Do you think I am immortal? " Now he was raising his voice but the chauffeur only drive on without even sparing them a glance from the visor. They all know the temper of their boss and they always will themselves never to make him angry. Marco couldn't reply, he only hang his head and keeps mute.

" What if I collapse all of a sudden? You won't be able to lead my organization? Have you forgotten this santinos family's fate will be rested on your shoulder when I retired or meet my death? "

" I'm sorry Boss "

Maximo didn't reply. He only clenched his jaw and look away. After a long drive of silence, The chauffeur finally pulled the shiny limousine into the wide grandiose garage of Maximo Santino's Villa. He has many four certain villas which he names after the cardinal direction. West, east, north and South. That is his main villa where he use as homes, Although he own many other Houses that he had stop counting already years ago.

The North villa was just like the south, west and East Villa. It has the same elegance, the same grandiose atmosphere and appearance. Maximo alighted from the limo and suddenly his four maids troop out. They were dressed in a smart suit skirt and white t-shirts. Their hairs were packed up and styled in a perfect bun , giving them the look of a professional workers. They are young and beautiful. More courteous and respectful. Maximo Santino ignores all their greeting as he make his way into the large spacious living room. Artificial lights boom from every corners, the air conditioner soothing and cooling his body endlessly. They had said there isn't a place like home. Whoever that had said that is perfectly right. For Maximo Santino, there isn't a place like home.

" Boss " Marco's voice cam behind him. Maximo turn to stare at him with an unread expression laced on his face. He was angry at his underboss for not taking action immediately after the ladies had come to him for help. " The wife of Aldo and Allesio are in the other living room waiting for you "

Maximo only nodded numbly and then turn to walk away but Marco stop him with his words abruptly.

" Boss I'm sorry "

" Do better Marco " He turn again, to look at Marco in the eyes. Maximo sighed roughly when he saw how apologetic the underboss in his organization is. " Whenever the ladies comes to our doorstep for help,we have to act fast, we have to come to their rescue. If only you have organized some men and chase after Aldo and Allesio. They wouldn't have made it to Russia by now. Without a doubt, I know Konstantin is behind their absence. The main rule in the Santinos family is to wipe off the tears of the Mafia member's wife... You got that ? "

" Yes Boss "

" I hope you do " Maximo walk away from Marco and he, himself entered the other living room which also was breathtaking. There, Aldo's wife and Allesio's wife were sitting on the ever expensive sofa. The two women were pretty slender, almost alike in stature and height. Each possessed a beauty that no one would ever look away from.

They were crying gently, almost secretly as they sat still without speaking , awaiting the only man who seem to be capable of getting the job done. Maximo Santino.

Maximo stood still in the middle of his living room as he takes in the posture of the two unhappy women. He lowered his head slowly as he walk up to them. Camilla, Aldo's wife was the First to noticed the presence of the Mafia boss. She quickly called the attention of Emma, the wife of Allesio and they both stood up from the sofa to pay Maximo their respect.

The Mafia Boss who was famous in handling females with best treatment walk Slowly towards them and lowered them gently unto the sofa. His expression were soothing and tender, melting the hearts of the two women.

" I heard about your husbands " He began as he goes on one knee so he could meet their height as they were already seated. " Aldo is a good man, and I'm so ready to shield away any bullets that was shot at him with my body " He said to Camila and then he turn slowly to Emma who sniffed gently " Allesio is just like Aldo to me. Courageous and hardworking. Those two men would be saved by me even if it means me betting with my precious life. I would urge you two to keep calm. If you feel uncomfortable and unsafe at home then tell me. I would arrange a safe place for you to live in for the time being or forever if you desire. I promise you that I will save your husbands... Alright? "

The two women eyes were filled with tears of joy and gratitude. Without warning,they close in on the Mafia boss and hugged him warmly. Maximo Santino smile softly , he allowed them to linger in his arms for some minutes then he pulled back to smile encouragingly at their face. Just then Marco walk into the living room in a rush.

" Boss ? " He called gently but that doesn't hide the urgency in his tone. He bit his lower lips for a while as Maximo stood up and turn to him.

" What is it ? "

" There's a call from Russia. You need to take it "

What ? Russia? Swiftly Maximo left the living room and follow Marco who lead the way to the coolly room.

Coolly room is the room where one can find technologies of any kind. Professional hackers and high techs intelligences. It was a very large room with fine numerous desks and computers. Men and women were seated before their computers, busy with their stuffs but when Maximo Santino enters, they all abandoned their tasks and stood up abruptly to acknowledge the presence of their Boss.

" Give it to me " Maximo demanded curtly. He stood before a large computer as a man,one of the computer intelligent passed him a headphone. It was a video call which shows konstantin in a dimly lighted room. He was frowning angrily and seem very unhappy.

" Where is my woman ? " That was his first question. Maximo only clenched his jaw tightly.

" Where is my men ? " He answered with his own question.

Slowly Konstantin move his own camera towards two men who were tied up in a chair. The ropes around their wrist and legs seem so painful. Peering closely, Maximo saw the cigarettes burns in their hands and bare chest.

Fury wash over him like never before and he tightened his grip on the headphone he held unto. Konstantin has been torturing his men, with a deep frown Maximo cursed under his breathe.

" Let's trade Maximo. Give me my woman in exchange of your men " konstantin offered with a grin. He didn't wait for Maximo to reply before he continues smoothly " I will be waiting for you at the place your miserable friend, Francesco met his end. There, bring me my woman and you can have your men "

With that konstantin disconnected the video call. Now Maximo was left with much fury and anger that no one could ever bear.

The fact that Maximo just mentioned the name of his best friend ' Franseco ' only infuriated Maximo the more. Konstantin had been torturing his men and now he wants to trade them with Iris. Slowly, the Italian Mafia Boss realized he is in a tight corner. He surely can't let go of Iris Saint whom he had promised to protect forever and at the same time couldn't leave his men for death when they can still be save. Maximo Santino himself made the rules to never leave any members for dead and he surely won't be the one to break it.