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⊰ 7 ⊱ An Impossible Request
Last Updated:
2024-02-21 21:46:49
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The Mafia's Mercy ⊰ 8 ⊱ The Illusion of Choice
I stand at the window, my arms crossed tightly, as if holding myself together, while my gaze drifts across the vast, open fields that stretch for acres around the estate.I’ve been counting down the minutes until Levi’s time is up, and without having heard from Marcel since the last time he was here—almost a week ago—I’m left to assume that Levi, with only a few hours left until his deadline, will probably show up short-handed—just as Marcel insinuated.I kept hoping that Levi would come to my rescue, the way that he somehow always did when we were growing up—with and without parents.But he never did. Each minute of silence chips away at the little hope that I have left in me, and as guilty as it makes me feel, I mentally prepare myself for the moment that Marcel decides to walk in here to give me the inevitable news.It’s not that I don’t have faith in Levi. It’s that I know my brother, and if he did have the money to buy my freedom back, he would’ve done it the very day I was taken
Last Updated : 2024-02-24The Mafia's Mercy ⊰ 9 ⊱ Tempting Fate: Part 1
As of late, it seems that I often find myself thinking about the past. Even as I sit here, in the elegant dining room, staring at the computer screen in deafening silence, I’m drawn back to the haunting memories of the choices that I made that contributed to this. It’d been a week since learning about Marcel’s identity and I was home alone, yet again, like every Saturday evening for the last two years. Levi didn’t waste his breath on telling me to stay home—he didn’t have to. I’d felt so ashamed of the vulnerability and stupidity that led to me making desperate choices that I only left my room to go to school whenever he was home. In fact, I avoided him when I could. I couldn’t bring myself to look him in the eye. The humiliation was too much. It was the middle of December, and being in South Texas, it was just a little below 60 degrees. I’d curled up on the corner of the couch, wrapped in a blanket as I leaned into my side, my elbow resting on the armrest and my head propped up as
Last Updated : 2024-02-24The Mafia's Mercy ⊰ 10 ⊱ Dancing with Fate: Part 2
As I stand before Marcel, behind the closed doors of the room I’ll be calling home for the next month, the tension between us weighs heavy, suffocating like that night, 6 years ago.He had scooted closer to me after I’d wiped the tears from my face, and despite knowing that it was evident—with or without crying—that something was eating away at me inside, I wouldn’t look at him.I wouldn’t dare to.I was afraid that if I did, he’d see right through and break me in half, giving himself free reign into every thought and feeling that I had.However, when the knuckle of his index finger found my chin, bringing my eyes to look into his, I didn’t feel like the world around me was collapsing or as if I was collapsing with it. Instead, I found comfort—a sense of safety.“I want a girl like you,” he said softly. I furrowed my eyebrows, confused, but before I could mutter a sound, he explained, “Quiet, smart, cute enough to be pretty but not pretty enough to be sexy. Keeps to herself, stays out
Last Updated : 2024-02-24The Mafia's Mercy ⊰ 11 ⊱ Risks Worth Taking
A billion wires, a million tubes, a thousand switches…I sigh in exasperation as I gently bang my fist against my chin. In my swivel chair, I tuck my foot beneath my weight, my leg bent beneath me as I lean into my elbow, resting it on top of the table of my lab.For the past hour, I’ve been reading over not-so classified, stolen military files on the electronic tablet that’d been placed in one of the drawers in the desk positioned behind me. While I know that I shouldn’t be surprised, it’s amazing just how much information the government has on explosives. From devices as small as the palm of my hand to metal cylinders twice the size of a refrigerator, it’s all in one large file that, again, unsurprisingly, Marcel somehow has access to.He didn’t even tell me what kind of bomb he wants.…Unprofessional.…Nothing about this is professional, and you know it.It all goes back to that day: the day that Marcel returned for my answer.It was just half an hour before midnight and I was an
Last Updated : 2024-02-24The Mafia's Mercy ⊰ 12 ⊱ Under His Gaze
This. Is. Raw. I have to fight to refrain from scrunching my nose as I cut into the 6oz steak sitting on the plate in front of me. My gaze briefly flickers to glance at Marcel’s plate only to find that he’s halfway done with what I could tell was a 14oz cut. This is one of the things that Levi and I never could agree on: steak should not be bleeding after it’s cooked. “BuT iT’s NoT eVeN bLoOd.” I can hear Levi’s voice ringing in my ears like it was just yesterday that we were arguing over rare and medium well. With the smallest bite-size piece that I can stab my fork into, I reluctantly draw it into my mouth. I’m hesitant, chewing at three bites per minute until I decide to stop trying to convince myself that it’s not utterly gross and I swallow it down with a generous sip of water. Oh, no. No, no, no, no, no. I turn the plate counter-clockwise, choosing to make the mashed potatoes and asparagus the only thing on this plate that I’ll be eating this evening. As I dig into the pe
Last Updated : 2024-02-24The Mafia's Mercy ⊰ 13 ⊱ Shadows of My Doubts: Part 1
From the bathtub, with my knees against my chest and my hands locked over my breasts, I eye Marcel as he picks up the towel, t-shirt, and pair of shorts from the bathroom floor, setting them down on the counter next to my underwear. The tension and anticipation makes the hair in the back of my neck stand and goosebumps coat my still-wet arms.“What are you doing here, Marcel?” I ask with a shaky breath, swallowing hard as he averts his gaze to meet my own.A humorless chuckle emits from the back of his throat, and he moves to grab the glass of scotch that I hadn’t noticed sitting on the counter, musing, “Well, this is my house.” He holds it steady at his fingertips, beside him, as he begins his eerie, anticipatory steps toward me.My eyes widen, falling to the transparent, bubble-less spots beneath me.These bubbles aren’t very bubblicious.I panic as I blame the bubbly soap I used that distinctly read ’Bubblicious’ above the warning label behind the bottle. I tuck my feet further in,
Last Updated : 2024-02-24The Mafia's Mercy ⊰ 14 ⊱ Weight of My Regret: Part 2
It’s always easier to be angry and blame my shortcomings on others than to accept that maybe I’m the problem too. I watch Marcel pull the armchair from across the room, moving it to position it just a few feet from my bedside, where I sit. He lowers himself to it, leaning back into the backrest as he brings his hand to the underside of his jaw, holding his chin between his thumb and index finger. His intense gaze holds me, a stoic look playing on his face. What the hell is he doing..? I arch a brow, slightly shaking my head as I say, “You can leave now.” “No, I can’t.” He’s quick and without hesitation as he explains, “Before it gets better, it’s going to get worse. In a couple of hours, the pain in your shoulder is going to spike.” He pauses for a moment, studying the dejected look on my face before adding, “So I put a sedative in your drink.” Wait. What? I furrow my eyebrows as it dawns on me, thinking back to him u
Last Updated : 2024-02-24The Mafia's Mercy ⊰ 15 ⊱ Glimpse of His Black Soul
Growing up, I always imagined that my life would be different. I’d look at my parents and think, “Someday, I’m gonna get married and have my own little family.” I never imagined that I’d be standing in a lab, trying to put together a bomb for a man that I invited into my life, while also trying to distract myself from the fact that my frustrations aren’t all to be blamed on my bomb-making inadequacy.I guess that’s the thing about being a child: it comes with childish dreams.I can say one thing: the fact that I can move my arm loosely as though there aren’t stitches and a bullet hole in my shoulder does help…a lot. However, the reason behind why I can is the root of my frustration.Should I be thankful that not only did Marcel administer the medication that’s miraculously healing me but that he also sedated me so that I’d get a good night’s rest? Should I believe
Last Updated : 2024-02-25
Latest chapter
The Mafia's Mercy Epilogue
⊰ Marcel ⊱The steady beep of the vital signs monitor echoes through the sterile hospital room, a constant reminder of the fragile life hanging in the balance. I sit by Mercy’s bedside, my hand clasped tightly around hers, my eyes fixed on her pale, still face.It’s been a month. A month of watching her chest rise and fall with the help of machines, a month of praying for a miracle that never came. The doctors say there’s little to no brain activity, that the chances of her waking up are next to none.I can’t let her go.Everyone has already come to say their goodbyes. Levi, his eyes red-rimmed and his voice hoarse. Alessandra, her sobs echoing through the hallways. Even Santiago, clinging to Alessandra as she fell apart in his arms.And now, it’s my turn.With a heavy heart, I sign the papers to withdraw medical care, my hand shaking so badly I can barely hold the pen. The doctor gives me a sympathetic look, his hand resting briefly on my shoulder before he moves to remove the tube f
The Mafia's Mercy ⊰ 29 ⊱ In His Arms: Part 3
The cold metal of Luciano’s gun presses against the back of my head as I lead him, Fabio, and two of his other men to the parlor. My heart hammers in my chest, each step feeling like a mile, my legs threatening to give out beneath me.I can’t believe this is happening…But it is. It’s real, and it’s terrifying.In what feels like only a matter of seconds, we reach the safe, installed into the wall at the far end of the room, right behind one of Marcel’s antique paintings. With shaking fingers, I input the code, the buttons blurring through my tears.01-29-93Marcel’s birthday.As the lock clicks open, my mind drifts back to the day he told me about this safe, just a few days after our first ultrasound.I had gone to his office, wanting to see him, to be near him. The memory of our baby’s strong and steady heartbeat was still fresh in my mind, filling me with a joy I couldn’t contain.When I walked in, he looked up from his desk, concern etched on his handsome face. “Is everything okay
The Mafia's Mercy ⊰ 28.5 ⊱ House of Cards
⊰ Marcel ⊱We take out Catalina’s men swiftly and efficiently, our synchronized movements honed by years of working together. In mere minutes, the only sound is our own controlled breathing and the distant crackle of flames where Rick set the charges.I stride into the house, my footsteps echoing on the polished hardwood, the metallic scent of blood hanging heavy in the air. Slumped bodies lay strewn in our wake, crimson pooling beneath their still forms.Catalina sits on a chair in the center of the room, flanked by Santiago and Levi, their guns trained on her. Even disheveled and terrified, her beauty is coldly arresting—high cheekbones, full lips, the slash of dark brows over glittering eyes.And still…she resembles my Mercy.I lower myself into the chair across from her, gun in hand, and studying her face. “Your face healed up nicely,” I remark casually, as if we’re old friends catching up. “Considering our last encounter, I mean.”She glares at me with pure loathing, her red lips
The Mafia's Mercy ⊰ 28 ⊱ The Devil's Game: Part 2
I sit at the dining table, my hands flat on the polished wood, just as Luciano ordered. The surface is cool beneath my palms, but I can feel the sleek layer of cold sweat beneath them, a result from the fear that burns hot in my veins. Around me, Eboni, Alessandra, Juanita, Salma, and Maria are in the same position, their faces pale, their eyes wide and glassy with unshed tears.We’re surrounded by five of Luciano’s men, their guns trained on us, the metal glinting coldly in the light. The rest of them are still searching the house, their footsteps echoing like a drum of doom.We’re going to die…Luciano stands at the foot of the table, across from me, his dark eyes glittering with malice and triumph. He looks like a king presiding over his court, but there’s something twisted and wrong about him, something that makes my skin crawl and my stomach churn.“Marcello thinks he’s a king, bombing my merchandise, vandalizing my homes,” he scoffs, his voice dripping with venom and contempt. “
The Mafia's Mercy ⊰ 27 ⊱ A Day Like Any Other: Part 1
As I stand in the foyer, watching Marcel command his men with a sense of effortless authority, I can’t help but feel a mix of pride and apprehension. There’s an intensity in his eyes, a focus determination that I’ve never seen before. His voice is low and authoritative, each word carefully chosen, each instruction precise and unyielding. He’s in his element here, every inch the powerful mafia boss.This is what he was born to do.The thought hits me suddenly, unexpectedly. For as long as I’ve known him, Marcel has been a leader, a protector, a man who commands respect and loyalty from those around him. But seeing him like this, effortlessly taking control, the way every man in the room hangs on his every word, I can’t help but wonder…What will life be like when this is all over?Will he be able to leave this world behind, to adapt to a life of boardrooms and business deals? I can picture it so clearly in my mind—Marcel in a tailored suit, sitting at the head of a conference table, hi
The Mafia's Mercy ⊰ 26.5 ⊱ The Hunt Begins
⊰ Marcel ⊱The first rays of morning light filter through the curtains, casting a soft glow over Mercy’s sleeping form. I stand by the bed, buttoning my shirt, my gaze lingering on her peaceful face. She looks so innocent, so pure, her dark lashes fanning out against her cheeks, her lips slightly parted in slumber.Why is she so fucking beautiful?It’s no wonder Ben fell for her. Hell, I can’t blame him. From the moment I met her, I knew she was special, a bright little light in the darkness of my world. But that doesn’t excuse what he did. The thought of his lips on hers, his hands touching her…it makes my blood boil, the anger I’ve been trying to suppress for Mercy’s sake simmering beneath my skin.I knew it. All along, I fucking knew it.…I should’ve confronted him a long time ago…before he tried anything.I played it off last night, tried to reassure her that everything would be okay. But the truth is, I wanted to kill him. I wanted to wrap my hands around his throat and squeeze
The Mafia's Mercy ⊰ 26 ⊱ Love's Fragile Thread
As I sit in my study, I can’t help but feel a sense of déjà vu. It’s Tuesday evening, and once again, I find myself across from Katherine, our usual therapy session underway.“I don’t know what to do,” I confess, my voice barely above a whisper. “Ben…” he kissed me last night. And I’m terrified that if Marcel finds out, it’ll ruin everything we’ve been working towards.”Katherine leans back in her seat, her legs crossed in front of her, her gaze steady and free of judgment. “Mercy,” she says softly, her voice filled with gentle understanding. “We’ve talked about this before. Secrets and lies, they’ve only ever harmed your mental health in the past. They create barriers, breed mistrust. If you want to build a strong, healthy relationship with Marcel, honesty is key.”I nod, swallowing past the lump in my throat. I know she’s right. I know that keeping this from Marcel will only eat away at me and create more distance between us. But the thought of telling him, of seeing the hurt and an
The Mafia's Mercy ⊰ 25 ⊱ A Stolen Moment
As I step into the lab, a sense of finality settles over me. This is it, the last time I’ll be working with Ben and Pablo on the drone project. A part of me feels a twinge of sadness at the thought of saying goodbye to this little haven of science and innovation, but I know it’s for the best. Marcel and I are finally in a good place, and I don’t want anything to jeopardize that.Just one more month. One more month and this will all be over…right?While I’m now more hopeful of where Marcel and I stand, there’s the lingering thought, the creeping fear of time running out. I have no idea how close they are to finding Luciano, let alone what the plan is to get rid of him.Trust him. Trust Marcel. He said he’ll get it done. It’ll get done.“Hey guys,” I greet Ben and Pablo, forcing a cheerful note into my voice as I make my way to the lab table. “I just wanted to stop by and check on the calculations for the new drone model…for old time’s sake.”Ben glances up from his computer, his green
The Mafia's Mercy ⊰ 24.5 | 2 ⊱ Shelter
⊰ Marcel ⊱The silence of Mercy’s study envelops me as I step inside, the soft click of the door closing behind me barely registering over the tumultuous thoughts swirling in my mind. My eyes sweep over the familiar surroundings, taking in every detail as if for the first time.The plush couch and chaise beckon invitingly. Towering bookshelves line one of the walls, their shelves laden with countless books, the titles a mix of familiar classics and obscure texts that only Mercy could appreciate. The soft glow of the lamp on her desk casts a warm light, the delicate glass shade casting intricate patterns on the polished wood surface.It’s a sanctuary, a place where Mercy can lose herself in her studies, in the world of knowledge and discovery she loves so much. But as I lower myself onto the sofa, I can’t shake the feeling of unease, of the distance that’s been growing between us, threatening to destroy us.Where did I go wrong?The thought echoes in my mind, a taunting refrain that re
