First task for Raven

Now who would want me dead?

I can't even hurt a fly, nor attempt to; I ask myself while Dimitri and the boss whisper some things to themselves.

“Raven We need to leave this area! Let's go upstairs so we can talk,” my boss says to me as if he is reading my thoughts like a fucking mind reader.

Before I can say anything, Dimitri gently holds my arm as we strut past the crowd while my boss takes the poisoned drink with him. I see my boss diverting towards the bar as he splashes the poisonous content on the barman behind the counter.

He stares at him and says something that sends shivers down the man’s body.

Fear was written all over his face, his teeth gnashing.

My boss catches up with us as we ascend the grand stairway.

I have tons to ask, but I can't since it seems like there's tension while the elegant crowd is all about their businesses.

When we are up, walking through the red carpeted hallway that has lots of lighting and pricey chandeliers, we make a left turn that gives us a view of the crowd downstairs, enjoying the moment.

And seriously, who the fuck is Don Vittorio?

I ask myself as we sit by the glassy table near the safe, golden railing while Dimitri stands over us like a tower.

I stare at my boss like I'm demanding answers, but all he does is rub his sharp jaw swiftly.

“Sir, I need to understand what is going on here.” I let out before I can change my mind. He lands a leg over the other, carrying about that authoritative demeanor like he always does.

One thing I won’t do is crawl back into my skin if that is what he wants.

“I have enemies,” was all he calmly said, looking unbothered. His gaze tears down my walls.

“And that's why someone tried to poison me?” I ask innocently. “Poison you?” he scoffed as if mocking me. “I am the… victim here. I already sound weak saying it,” he let out, streaks of frustration fluttering across his face.

Dimitri quickly whispers something to the boss and retracts. “Raven, there is one task for you. I need you to do something a little out of your league,” he says to me as I scoff a little. “What is it, sir?” I ask for more clarity. “It's Don Vittorio’s birthday! I want to talk to him, but he would not want that. Not only that, but I need you to convince him that you are here with me and we have got to talk,” he says.

This is not what I signed up for, I tell myself. I'm only a PA for crying out loud.

“I can't talk to him; I don't know him. I'm not the best for this job,” I said to him, almost leaning forward while my heart races like troubled horses.

“Raven,” he put down his leg and took my hands in his, leaning forward. He gives me a gentle squeeze as if reassuring me to shoot a gun at a villain. “There is a reason why I brought you to Rome—with me. Violence is not in you, and I love that about you. In this case, I need an opening, and that can only happen with you around… You can do this,” he says to me, and before I can say no, he places a kiss on my forehead that melts my insides, my brain automatically resetting.

I'm dumb, I know.

Dimitri shoots me a venomous gaze, and I ignore it, swallowing hard.

My boss helps me up as we stand by the railing.

He places my hands on the railing while he stands behind me. I feel his breath on my neck as he starts to whisper in my ear like a demon, almost feeling his bulge between my butt cheeks. “Look down, Raven. The man in a white suit, a hat, and dramatic shoes sitting there like a king—that's him. Vittorio. Go to him, tell him that Dom is here to strike a deal, or it will get bloody,” he says and pulls away gently. “Okay, but threatening him is not—” “Our lives are in your hands, Ms. Raven!” he says, and he stands away.

I swallow hard, my blood drying up as I take my purse with me.

He is a manipulative asshole, truth be told.

Just when I thought that I would go alone, Dimitri fell in step next to me.

A part of me screams in joy for once, at least Dimitri will not let me die—I convince myself. “You know, we would not let you walk down there without me, right?” Dimitri says, “Thank you.” I simply let out, straightening myself. “Not so fast, May. I know that you're doing all you can to enchant the boss with your… girl slutty charms. Friendly advice? Save yourself all those emotions; you'll drown, and by that time, not even I can save you,” he says, his tone silky and profound.

Dimitri has never spoken to me softly and deeply. What does he mean by ‘I’ll drown, and not even he can have me?’ Is he warning me about the boss? I ask myself.

Reaching the reserved area where Don Vittorio is occupying with a ton of women hovering over him like in a brothel, Dimitri whispers in my ear, “Act smart and calm—he hates rebels.”

This could have been the advice that the boss would have given me rather than telling me that their lives are in my hands.

I nodded as Dimitri disappeared before I could look back.

I walked towards the lounge, where it seemed like a whole new club and not an operatic aesthetic.

I took a deep breath as I approached the entrance, and the bodyguards stopped me. Of course, they would. “You can't go through; he doesn't need girls,” one said to me with a straight face as a sharp syringe flew past my face, buried in the man’s neck, falling to the ground..No one beats Dimitri in this game.

I gave a small smile and said to the other man, who was simply shocked, “I'm here on behalf of Dom; tell your boss!” I say to him about a chuckle. Chuckle.

“No… you're not,” he said. “Try me,” I said. Before he could say anything, he was shot with a syringe to probably with tranquilize him like it did the other.

He dropped on the floor effortlessly as I quickly looked around and caught Dimitri’s back leaving to God knows where. Funny how no one took notice because they were all about their drinking business.

I could literally hug Dimitri right now; what would I have done? Stab them with an eyeliner or knock them out with a cologne?

I ask myself as I walk in like I truly had a pass.

Walking straight ahead, I catch a glimpse of the man I'm here to see, relaxing in a hot sauna with women surrounding him.

An old man living his best life. That was all I could say.

When some guards stood in my way, I scoffed. Completely fucked.

“Who are you, lady? This isn't a place for you,” he scowled at me.

“I'm here to see your boss; let him know that I'm here on behalf of Dominique Clyde,” I confidently say to them.