DON JULIO It was a beautiful morning as the sun shone on everything. For once there were no meetings, no threats made in whispers and no plans involving blood. No sick and stupid attacks and for once, I forgot that the Blood Vultures actually existedI wanted everything to be perfect for once..Just her and me. I had to.temikd myself constantly that falling in love wasn't part of the plan. I still hadn't given up on my chase though. I looked at Sarian, I wanted her to trust me, to feel safe around me, I wanted to give her with a memory which was priceless and everlasting.With the convertible top down and her hair blown about like silk ribbons we drove out of the villa. I watched her take in the view without saying anything. There was a small smile on her lips as she enjoyed the view.We visited a small coastal town that only the locals were familiar with. The beach was concealed between cliffs and the ocean resembled a blank canvas. We
DON JULIO The villa's thick curtains let in the morning sun which created beautiful golden lines on the floor. It was quiet in the villa behind me. Almost cutting through the walls. And then I heard a small voice. “Don Julio.” It was Sarian. I chose not to turn to look at her. She didn't say anything again. She smelled of springtime jasmine. She always smells that way since we got back from Sicily. “I was wondering,” she said, taking a step closer and then stopped. “If you had wanted to play chess with me? I am a very good player. I'll beat you to it.” I grinned. “Piccola, it hardly counts.” She gave a faint laugh. “Do you fear that I will win you?. My phone buzzed twice using my men's code for visitors before I could respond. It was business time. “Sarian not now.” I said looking up from my phone.”Duty calls.” She managed a small smile. “All right, I'll go brew some coffee.” It took five minutes for three black cars to arrive. I was able to identify them witho
DON JULIO There was a little something that I loved now as our lips pressed together in a kiss.And that was peace.I felt it.But I knew it was just for now. Sarian sat on my lap, the soft glow from the bulb overhead illuminated the large office and the sound of music came from the club below.The guilt struck my chest like a bullet while her lips were still on mine. Soft. Sweet. Trusting. I was going to say something that she didn't know. I exhaled and grabbed the glass of whiskey and gulped it all down.“ Sarian.” I called slowly, watching her, the specter of our kiss still between us she blinked up at me panting. “There is something you must know.” A tentative smile crossed her lips. “Is this about us?”“No.” I swallowed. My throat was dry as I adjusted myself on the couch. “ It is about your father.” Like the sun disappearing behind a cloud that smile on her face vanished. “What about him?” I glanced around my club's private lounge to make sure nobody was nearby to listen.
SARIAN.”“Which looks good on me, the blue or pink one?” Silver asked as she stood before the mirror and giggled. “ I want to make as much money as possible tonight.”“Pink is better,” I said as I did a little touch-up and glanced at the mirror, my strapless bra was perfect and showing just enough cleavage.I was a stripper and it was the only way I could get enough money to pay my drunken father's debts including what he had stolen from a mysterious man, the mounting bills and taking care of my little sister.The room was crowded with so many girls and I had heard that one of us might go home with a customer tonight.I sighed and we stepped out just in time with the music. I was in a hurry to leave but I had to dance to get just enough money. The club smelt of cigarette smoke, sex and desires. I strut across the stage with my heels clicking against the sticky floor, every movement deliberate and in time with the rhythm, I know too well, that my face is partially covered with a smal
SARIAN For a moment my heart thuds against my ribs as I stood motionless. I was crushed by the weight of his words even though he had walked away like he never was there. Tell him that Don Julio was here.The words kept making my heart beat and I started sweating profusely.Don Julio Rossini, The Jaguar like he was called. My father had stolen from him and now I was in trouble and in danger.My chest tightened making it impossible for me to breathe and I felt tears rolling down my eyes.He had been the one watching me. For how long? Did he know where Father was? I must leave this place now.With my head spinning, I turned and went for the back door. For months I have been employed at this club, always keeping my head down and avoiding trouble. And now that man—the mafia boss—just drew me into his world and now I wasn't sure if I might live to the next day. I got home after a thirty-minute ride. I heard footsteps behind me as my hand was on the door handle. I froze and turned sl
SARIAN I should have known this, when I felt uneasy I should have known that this would happen but I trust easily.As soon as Marc moved aside and took his blood money, I realized that I was fucked. Not in the way I would have liked either.“Marc?’ I asked disbelief laced my voice as my eyes widened in surprise.He shrugged and pocketed the large envelope.“Business, Sarian. It's just business.” He said casually like we were talking about when we were little. “ Do take care.”And then he was gone. I felt like passing out. This was supposed to be the hotel where I and Marie would stay before we had to leave for the train station but something was off when we walked in and the receptionist looked grumpy. This wasn't a hotel, Marc had given me up to the enemy. Don Julio Rossini and I were alone when the heavy doors slammed behind Marc and I wanted to run after him and demand some explanation. The betrayal was hot and sharp and I wondered if Marie was safe too.I stared at Don Julio, th
DON JULIO My head was pounding as I tried to push the thought out of my mind.I sighed and tried to think of something else but her face kept popping into my memory no matter how hard I tried to push it out of my mind.The whiskey in my glass swirled in the amber light as I sat in my dark office. I took a slow sip of the ice which clinked softly but it didn't stop the thoughts from gnawing at my brain. Sarian. That girl.I tried to stop thinking about her but it was impossible. I sent my men to take her away because she reminded me of her, not because she had fought so hard when they did or because she had quickly agreed to my terms.Sophia. My chest ached dullly at the name alone. I lost her when I was just thirteen years old. She was my world even though she wasn't my biological sister. She was the only person who had created warmth in the shadowy areas of my life. I felt human because of her, the only person I could go to when my father thrashed me and yelled at me because I
SARIANThat man had touched me in ways no one had and the annoying thing was that my body had responded to him. I still felt wet down there and stupidly arched for his touch and just when I was hoping he had claimed my lips in a hot, ferocious kiss or pressed himself against me, he had turned to the door and called out.“Take her away.”Wickedness, just plain rude and wicked, leaving me wet and needy. I stumbled forward as the door slammed behind me. As my eyes darted around the darkened room I breathed in short terrified gasps. Then I caught sight of her. Marie!!I didn't know what to feel, fear, confusion, relief. My eyes moved to where Marie sat, shivering from the cold and wincing from the pain the tight ropes had on her arms and feet. Her eyes were big and red from crying and she was equally surprised to see me.“Sarian.” She muttered and sniffed and tried to get to her feet but the guard gave her a dirty look.But she gasped softly as soon as she saw me and I noticed a flicker
DON JULIO There was a little something that I loved now as our lips pressed together in a kiss.And that was peace.I felt it.But I knew it was just for now. Sarian sat on my lap, the soft glow from the bulb overhead illuminated the large office and the sound of music came from the club below.The guilt struck my chest like a bullet while her lips were still on mine. Soft. Sweet. Trusting. I was going to say something that she didn't know. I exhaled and grabbed the glass of whiskey and gulped it all down.“ Sarian.” I called slowly, watching her, the specter of our kiss still between us she blinked up at me panting. “There is something you must know.” A tentative smile crossed her lips. “Is this about us?”“No.” I swallowed. My throat was dry as I adjusted myself on the couch. “ It is about your father.” Like the sun disappearing behind a cloud that smile on her face vanished. “What about him?” I glanced around my club's private lounge to make sure nobody was nearby to listen.
DON JULIO The villa's thick curtains let in the morning sun which created beautiful golden lines on the floor. It was quiet in the villa behind me. Almost cutting through the walls. And then I heard a small voice. “Don Julio.” It was Sarian. I chose not to turn to look at her. She didn't say anything again. She smelled of springtime jasmine. She always smells that way since we got back from Sicily. “I was wondering,” she said, taking a step closer and then stopped. “If you had wanted to play chess with me? I am a very good player. I'll beat you to it.” I grinned. “Piccola, it hardly counts.” She gave a faint laugh. “Do you fear that I will win you?. My phone buzzed twice using my men's code for visitors before I could respond. It was business time. “Sarian not now.” I said looking up from my phone.”Duty calls.” She managed a small smile. “All right, I'll go brew some coffee.” It took five minutes for three black cars to arrive. I was able to identify them witho
DON JULIO It was a beautiful morning as the sun shone on everything. For once there were no meetings, no threats made in whispers and no plans involving blood. No sick and stupid attacks and for once, I forgot that the Blood Vultures actually existedI wanted everything to be perfect for once..Just her and me. I had to.temikd myself constantly that falling in love wasn't part of the plan. I still hadn't given up on my chase though. I looked at Sarian, I wanted her to trust me, to feel safe around me, I wanted to give her with a memory which was priceless and everlasting.With the convertible top down and her hair blown about like silk ribbons we drove out of the villa. I watched her take in the view without saying anything. There was a small smile on her lips as she enjoyed the view.We visited a small coastal town that only the locals were familiar with. The beach was concealed between cliffs and the ocean resembled a blank canvas. We
SARIAN From the airport, the drive had been peaceful and no one said anything. And then the car took a sharp bend and we arrived at a wrought-iron gate defended by stone lions, the road meandering through undulating hills and tranquil Italian countryside. Beyond it was a villa that looked like it was from a painting tucked away among vineyards and cypress trees. The sight was stunning and the only time I had seen houses like this were only in movies. For a man like Don Julio—I knew he was filthy rich —but the house I was staring at was worth millions if not billions of money. There were two older maids who spoke only in Italian. They unpacked and swept the villa to remove any indication that we had just arrived. Everything ran smoothly effectively and without noise. Like they'd done it a hundred times. A second-floor room with long white curtains that billowed in the wind and an endless view of the vineyards was assigned to me. It was so breathtaking, and I loved it more than the
SARIAN It had been a blur at the hotel. We all moved when Don Julio gave the order. There were no inquiries from his men. They had been trained that they just followed orders. No suggestions, no complaints whatsoever.They packed as fast and accurately as if it were normal. As though disappearing in the middle of the night was completely normal. Anyways that was what they had signed up for and they were very good at it. I knew I was going to miss this place and everything. I had hardly had time to pack my belongings into my bag before we could get into the car and drive through the silent dark streets of Palermo, but I had carried a little bag and Don Julio had instructed that no one should leave anything behind. I didn't know why he said that but I was also scared of leaving nothing behind. We had arrived at the airport. The scent of perfume, burnt coffee and metal filled the air. People were dragging suitcases behind them as they hurried past with heavy steps. Everything
DON JULIO “Oh, my God.” Her palm flew to her mouth.“Tell me you are lying?”“This is not the time to argue back and forth, Sarian.” I said, grabbing her arm and pushing her forward. “They are lots of unsettling things you wouldn't want to know.”“Oh, yeah.” She sneered.The fire in her eyes was back and I frowned slightly. “We found a chip at the side of your face, how about that for a start?”She gasped, her mouth forming a small ‘O’. I opened the door and pushed her towards Luca, who gave a small nod, understanding what I meant. I stood by the glass window as I watched Sarian get into the black SUV outside the doctor's office.She moved gradually as if she were adjusting to a new body. With guns concealed under coats and vigilant eyes my men hovered protectively around her. She didn't turn around. Okay. That was good and I liked that and at least no more questions from her.I wanted her to forget about this place, forget about everything that had happened. I knew what I was avo
DON JULIO As soon as I entered the hospital the antiseptic stench pricked my nostrils. Chill. Sanitized. Dead. As if they were making an excessive effort to remove the blood that frequently discolored them the walls were too white and spotless. I was in a hurry to get Sarian out of Sicily, I knew that whoever was tracking us would know instantly when the chip got burned that something was wrong and they might be making a surprise attack at us but I had to be ten steps ahead of them.I don't know which of the gangs.The Blood Vultures?The Vipers?The Crows?Or even some freaking gang that didn't want to mind their damn business but revenge would be a topic for another day. I was a hospital hater. The doctor was waiting for me in the elevator wringing his hands as if he wanted to express regret for his birth. He looked like he had been patiently waiting for something that he dreaded so much. His voice was nervous as he spoke to me and then he ran his hands through his face.“She’s aw
DON JULIO I turned around and left before I could think of destroying something in the hospital, before anyone would come asking silly questions.Behind me, the hospital's lights dimmed, vanishing like they never existed to me in the first place.I kept my eyes forward. Every part of me felt like I was seeing things as I was blinded by anger but I moved deliberately and calmly and kept my face expressionless. The doctor had told me that the police would soon be here and I had felt it as soon as I stepped out of the double glass doors. However I had always trusted my instincts and something wasn't quite right. Two blocks away I slid into the parked car, dark windows, plate that cannot be traced. I learned from Matteo to always have one escape route close by. I was grateful that I paid attention tonight. My mind was on the nurse that had brushed past me when I walked into the hospital when sirens sounded as soon as my fingers touched the ignition, rising and falling, destroying the
DON JULIO What the fuck! I had gone back to my room. I wanted the information she had told me to be for my ears only but as I returned the phone to the table, my head pounded and her last words kept echoing in the back of my mind I tried telling myself several times that maybe Valentina was mistaken, that something wasn't right but a part of me, a bigger part had felt this was freaking true but I didn't want to believe it. The white T-shirt wasn't giving me what I wanted, the aura and vibe that I wanted to possess. I quickly dressed in a dark suit, not bothering to care about the details. It was a typical outfit, sharp but practical, ready for whatever I had to face. The urgency in my chest wouldn’t let me think about my clothing. There wasn’t time for perfection, She didn't say anything further. The line went dead and I shut my eyes momentarily wondering if I was now a detective in a case I fucking knew nothing about. What the hell did Valentina just tell me? Did she know