Chapter 4

Luke Zalchini

I had taken off for a few days, which was not setting the right example, but at this moment I couldn't care less. They think I bailed before the ship sank, but I have an excellent strategy in the making. I was going to be the most feared mafia boss. They will not see it coming until it’s too late. 

Most have doubts and they want to take the power away from me. I would love to see them try because they were going to fail. My father was a leader when he was thirty five. I thought being a thirty-two-year-old bachelor would buy me some more time, but my father insists on me finding a bride.

They think I’m a joke, but they are wrong because I’m going to prove that power will stay with the Zalchini. I will make every single one of those who second-guessed me pay with their deaths. The odds might not be in my favor because they have the manpower, but I have a few cards to play.

They think I don’t have the means because I don't have a wife. I do not need a leash or a brainless bride whose sole purpose is to breed children for me. I like my feisty women. A challenge.

I will not use marriage to my advantage so I can have more men to fight for me. I have the brains to outwit them. This war was already over before it began. One of my plans was already in motion and I was going to take pride in watching them beg and die by the hand of this untamed bachelor.

The Vega family was trying to be hostile and make me bow, but that word was never in my vocabulary. Their new accountant was currently occupying the shower space with me. She talked about numbers and gave me the details I needed as if it was foreign, but she didn’t know I’m very good with numbers. 

They should have never underestimated me, because the information I have was enough to cut their money supply and without money, there is no power.

“What’s the smile for?”

“This is a smile of someone who is enjoying the afternoon with a very gorgeous and very smart woman,” I grinned wider.

“I know what you are doing. We are here to save water by showering together. No funny business.” she pointed.

“Like I said. Very gorgeous and very-very, smart,” I moved closer to her, smirking.

“Very-very, huh?” She smirked back at me.

“Yes, very,” I responded before invading her mouth and she moaned, allowing me access.

This was the icing on the cake. Amanda was patter in my hands. She was eating up all the charm I was giving and not to mention the pleasure. This was a successful vacation. 

Who said business and pleasure can never mix?

I spoke too soon because someone interrupted the shower session. I ignored it because there is an obvious ‘do not disturb sign’ but no, there is another buzz.

Seriously, don’t people read?

I groaned, pushing myself back. “Stay here. I’ll get rid of whoever it is.”

“Hurry back, I need help to scrub my back,” she slyly smiled.

I heard a double ring that made me angry but I smirked at the accountant and raked her body. I had left a do not disturb sign for a purpose and if Milo was on the other end of the door; I swear I was going to kill him. He might be my right-hand man, but he knows how much I hate interruptions and nuisance.

I was ready to let him have it when I opened the door, looking at something that could only be trouble. She looked too perfect to have just accidentally ended here and the glasses drop was definitely an act. There was no way she was cold to be wearing a coat in summer.

I frowned at her, but she was still on the ground looking at me like someone she was ready to devour her prey. The Vegas really think so little of me if they assumed I was going to fall for this little trick. I give them credit because she was too damn perfect, especially in those heels. I give them another bonus because they obviously got my type right for once.

I watched her rise to her feet as she looked at me, still not saying anything, so I decided it would be best to interrogate her inside, so I let her walk in. Everything she was saying was confusing or a trick, but I was not falling for her theatrics. 

Amanda walking in on me, holding the girl by the throat, was not unexpected but was focused on the red haired. I wanted to know why this temptress would willingly walk into her death.

“You need to leave,” I directed my words at Amanda.

“I thought-“

“Be quiet.” I looked at the intruder before there was a shift in her. 

She wasn’t fighting but I saw a flash of fear in her eyes before she masked it quickly. Good to know. She must have been trained before coming here. I didn’t want her talking with Amanda still in the same room.

“You can’t hold her like that. You need to let her go.”

“Get out now,” I shouted, but Amanda stood there gawking. I really hated repeating my words, especially when I knew the person had heard me. "Why are you standing there staring? I told you to leave? Get a move on."

I saw Amanda jump at the corner of my eye but the intruder was not squirming or fighting back, but there was a certain look she gave me. I was strong, but I would not underestimate her. I knew Amanda wouldn’t dare do anything to defy me again and  she disappeared to gather her belongings.

“Walk,” I say.

I released my hand on her neck before grabbing her by the bicep. She was quiet as I moved her to a chair and she just sat without saying a word. I quickly grabbed the zip ties Milo had left earlier. She was now looking angry, but she held her tongue. I fastened her hands on each side of the armrest. I left her without saying a word as I went to make sure Amanda leaves quickly.

“You know what? Lose my number,” she spoke as I walked in before she grabbed her purse.

“Amanda,” I called her name gently.

“What?!” she snapped, looking at me.

She really confused my tone as gentle. I was far from being gentle. I stretched my hand, handing her the thong I had picked from the floor. She yanked it off my hand and shoved it in her purse before turning on her heel with a huff. I watched her storm off and heard the slamming of the door. I quickly put on some pants and walked back to the girl, who interrupted me.

I had enough information on the Vega numbers, but I needed to know the date she was going to make a certain transaction. I had taken extra precautions to get cozy with Amanda. If the temptress goes back to report and describe Amanda. Everything I worked for would be all for nothing. I wasn't letting the temptress leave here alive. Amanda too.

I walked back and spoke, "How about we try this again-"

“I take it you are not who you claim to be,” she interpreted before I finished my question.

There was something about the way she talked that made me pause and watch her movement. She shifted on the chair as she crossed her legs, which I should have tied because they revealed her thigh-high lace stockings.

I watched her smile. She was playing with me. The silly girl. I smiled too, looking at her. Two can play this game.

“How about you tell me who sent you here?”

“You did,” she deadpanned.

I laughed, looking at her. “The sooner you tell what I want to know, the better. I don’t have the whole day.”

“Ok, I’m going to put a pause on the whole character playing because we clearly need some rules.” She paused before she genuinely looked at me. “Why am I in ties and talking?”

There was a buzz that interrupted us, and I moved on without answering her unusual question. I opened the door, and a gun greeted me, pointed at my torso. I was expecting this, but I didn’t expect it to be so soon. I could knock him out, but I needed answers. 

“Move,” he said to me as I held my hand up, playing along. “Where is she?” he asked.

“Who?” I frowned.

“Where is she?" he asked again, pressing the gun close to my bare chest. His form was weak and pathetic. It was insulting to have such a person in my sight trying to threaten me.

“I’m guessing you are the manpower sent to take me out?” I looked at him as he cocked the gun at me. “I’ll take you to her. She is still alive.” I turned and walked.

“Benny?”

“Red, you hurt? Did he do anything?” Benny asked, and I crossed my arms.

“What the hell are you doing here?” she asked with a frown.

“Blade called,” Benny began, but I spoke over them.

“Enough!” I growled. “State your business before it gets messy here.”

“Shut up,” Benny cocked his gun.

“Who the hell are you guys? Is it money you want because I will not give you any? I don’t enjoy being threatened.” I stated.

“Why don’t you untie her, and we walk?” This Benny guy chided, and I shook my head.

“Not going to happen,” I replied. I was a stubborn man but before I could continue, I looked over Benny's shoulder, “Took you long enough,” I smirked.

“Sorry boss,” Milo answered. “Why don’t you put the gun down?” Milo pressed the gun at Benny’s head.

I moved to grab his gun before Milo hit him hard as he fell to the ground. I liked Milo because he knew how to move with utter silence. His skill was why he was on my team.

“Can someone please tell me what the hell is going on now?” I looked at the girl.

“I don’t know who you guys are, but Red came to the wrong room,” Benny groaned and hissed, holding his head.

“What do you mean, I came to the wrong room? The note you gave me said 89.”

“It’s 68,” he answered, sitting down.

“Stop talking to each other.” I sighed, “You talk,” I said, looking at Benny.

“Red has a client waiting for her in room 68. I should have explained because she saw the number the other way around. I’m in charge of making sure nothing happens to her.”

“Well, this is interesting,” I smirked before looking at Red. “Guess that explains a couple of things. Unless this is a trick.”

“Don’t touch me,” she glared at me.

“I’m not touching you.” I smiled, moving Benny’s gun on her shoulder to pry inside her big coat.

“This is all a big misunderstanding. Let us go.” Benny tried to get up but Milo stopped him.

“I will see if I will let you go, Red.” I whispered.

I bent over to her level, still deciding on what to do next. I would still enjoy assessing this situation further either way. It’s not every day that a misunderstanding like this lands on my lap and I don’t seize it and take advantage.