A Night with the Devil

Like a predator on the hunt, the Maserati sliced through the night as the city passed in a blur of neon and shadows. As I drove, I felt the weight of Dante's eyes on me and kept my hands steady on the wheel.

His voice was smooth and tinged with curiosity as he said, "You are quiet."

I grinned while continuing to focus on the road. "Just concentrated. Did not you say you wanted to put me to the test?

Dark and amused, Dante gave a low laugh. "All right. You pick things up quickly.

There was something unsaid in the thick air of the car. I sensed a quiet game, a controlled exchange of power between us. I had to keep up with him.

We arrived at an unmarked warehouse on the outskirts of the city, with two men wearing fitted suits with covert holsters under their jackets watching over the entrance. Beyond those doors was a secret world, a world for the untouchables, the elite, and the corrupt.

Dante approached me as I got out of the car, fiddling with the cuff of his black dress shirt. The dark ink curling along his skin, a silent reminder of who he was, was visible through the fabric that stretched over his forearm.

A monarch in a blood-and-power-based kingdom.

He whispered, "Stay close," so that only I could hear. "We get to see your true self tonight."

With an unreadable expression, I bowed my head. "There is no other way I would have it."

The doors were opened. I entered the underworld.

The Casino: A Power Game

The atmosphere changed as soon as we entered.

The polished marble floors are illuminated with golden light from chandeliers. The air was heavy with the smell of whiskey, pricey cigars, and cash. The room was lined with high-stakes poker tables, and between the clinking of glasses, there was whispered business and laughter.

We walked in, watched by women draped in diamonds and men in fitted suits. They were all aware of Dante's identity. While some gave him cautious looks, others nodded courteously. He was the type of man whose reputation spoke for him without his having to make an announcement.

A private VIP area was roped off at the far end of the casino. The actual business took place there.

As we moved through the main floor, Dante remained silent, but I could sense that he was aware of me, the room, and every potential danger that might be hiding in the shadows.

We came to a group of men seated around a roulette table. As we got there, one of them, a tall, broad-shouldered man with blond hair slicked back, turned.

"Valenci," he said with a sharp Eastern European accent. "A long time has passed."

Dante grinned slowly and effortlessly. "Levin. Are you still using dishonesty to get through the tables?

Levin put a hand to his chest and laughed. "Come on, Dante. Since I am always lucky, I do not need to cheat. His eyes strayed to me. "And who is this?"

Dante looked from Levin to me and back again. "Luca. He is with me.

Although the words were straightforward, their meaning was complex.

I have him with me.

Not a coworker. Not a subordinate. Simply "with him."

Levin arched an eyebrow without challenging it. Instead, pointing to the roulette wheel, he reached for the chips in front of him. "Want to play a game with me?"

"Let us see how well you play under pressure," Dante whispered close to my ear as he leaned in a little.

One more test.

I let out a slow breath, moved forward, and sat down. I ignored the whiskey that a waitress in a short black dress placed in front of me, choosing instead to concentrate on the table.

The wheel was spun by the dealer. The ivory ball bounced erratically against the numbered pockets before settling into place.

Red.

My face remained expressionless. "One more round."

Levin grinned and continued to add chips to the pile. To Dante, he said, "I like him." "You have always had a talent sense."

Dante remained silent. However, I sensed his steady, observing gaze.

I won more than I lost as the game went on. Not enough to raise suspicions, but enough to demonstrate my intelligence.

When I pulled in a particularly big win, Levin's face darkened a little.

"You are lucky tonight," he said.

I smiled casually at him. "Or perhaps I simply understand how to play the game."

At that, Dante made a soft, approving laugh. "Be careful, Levin. Luca is rarely defeated.

After examining me for a while, Levin leaned back and gave in. "All right. I am paying attention to you. Beyond the main floor, he indicated a private room. “Let’s talk business.”

Dante gave me a quick glance, his eyes flickering between amusement and darkness. "Are you coming?"

An order. A problem.

I pushed away from the table and adjusted my suit jacket's cuff. "Obviously."

I did not come to have fun. My goal was to win.

Tension Increases in the Private Room

The air was heavy with smoke, and the private room was poorly lit. In the middle were comfortable leather chairs and a large oak table.

Levin and his men were seated across from Dante and me. A bottle of aged whiskey was set between us, along with four crystal glasses.

With his hands clasped together, Levin leaned forward. "Let us discuss growing our collaboration."

Dante took his time pouring himself a drink. "And what precisely are you providing?"

I kept a close eye on the conversation. This was powerplay, not just business. Dante had been testing me all night, and Levin was testing Dante.

As the right-hand man, I remained silent and took in every detail.

After that, something changed.

Levin's smirk reappeared as his eyes shifted to me. “Your new recruit—he’s interesting. To what extent do you believe him?

Dante's face remained unchanged. “Why?”

Levin's head cocked. It is not easy for a man like you to bring in fresh blood. Unless he has some unique qualities. His curious gaze darted from one of us to the other. "Are you certain he is only on business?"

The room's atmosphere shifted.

Dangerous, but subtle.

With his fingers tapping the armrest, Dante reclined in his chair. Then he reached out without averting his gaze from Levin.

and wrapped my wrist with his fingers.

A soft, purposeful touch. A statement.

The space seemed more intimate. warmer.

I remained motionless. did not respond. However, the warmth of Dante's hand and his firm yet relaxed grip made every nerve in my body suddenly hyperaware. calculated.

After observing us, Levin chuckled softly. "Oh. I understand.

For a split second, Dante's hold became more firm before he released it. "Shall we keep to our business?"

Levin's smile was now accompanied by a sharper edge. "Obviously."

The topic of deals and shipments came up again. However, something had changed.

Dante had made a statement.

Furthermore, I was not certain if it was for my benefit or Levin's.