No Strings Attached

CHAPTER 3

Ari Stewart. Leader of Le Aquile Rosse. The single most feared gang in the underworld. Known for their brutality and cruelty to their victims.

"Why the fuck was he in on it? They're mostly neutral towards Mafias," I ask, infuriated that Le Aquile Rosse would be targeting my Mafia.

They're neutral with all Mafias, helping out here and there, but mostly keeping to themselves.

They've made a reputation for themselves, their connections making them almost unstoppable.

"He's obviously working with The Fiore Mortale," Alessio says, "But how do they have that connection? The Fiore Mortale works alone,"

"Maybe it was just this hit Ari Stewart was there for?" Azalea asks, making me groan inwardly as everyone knows how much she idolises the Fiore Mortale, despite the bitch targeting my Mafia.

Aunt Val shakes her head, "I looked back at all the footage from when she's killed one of our men. He's been there for almost all of the hits," she says, swiping through images of Ari Stewart sitting on his bike at every location one of our men was killed.

"We need to get him to talk, we need to know who he's working with," I state, knowing that getting one of the members from Le Aquile Rosse is almost impossible. They have no cracks and are fiercely loyal to each other.

"Is that really a good idea son?" Dad asks, narrowing his eyes at me. "We have no other leads to who's targeting us," I reply, noticing how uncomfortable Mom looks right now.

"He's not going to tell you," Mom says softly, her eyes sympathetic as she looks at me. "When have we ever not gotten someone to talk to us?" I scoff, clearing my throat when Mom's gaze hardens. "You don't know these people Enzo, they're not comfortable Mafia men. They're not going to back down, they scorn how soft the Mafias have become," she says, not backing down from her stance.

"Do you know them?" I ask, wanting to know why Mom seems to be defending these people. She shakes her head, "I had a friend who did, and I can tell you that they would sooner die at your hands than reveal the identity of whoever this is,"

"Who was your friend? Will they know who's doing this?" I ask, not missing the glare Dad gives me for pushing. Mom shakes her head again, "I haven't heard from her in years, I think she and her husband went off the grid," she explains.

"Is it possible that Le Aquile Rosse will be at the auction? With whoever they're working with?" Azalea asks, and I smile at how she's finally gone into business mode. "If they are, then we'll know that they are working together and targeting us."

I've been waiting for an opportunity like this, for The Fiore Mortale to make an appearance, and this auction is the perfect opportunity.

"Bold assumption that whoever this is, is trying to take you down," Auntie Lia says, her eyes boring into. "Considering they've been targeting our most important allies I wouldn't be surprised if they were," I say dryly.

"We need to be getting ready for the auction now," Mom suddenly says, standing up and pushing her chair in. Dad nods, signalling that this meeting is over and everyone slowly gets up and exits the room.

I go to leave but am gently pulled back by Mom.

"Vincenzo I know you want to protect your Mafia, but you don't know these people. They are ruthless and they could easily get you first," she says, her tone even as she stares up at me.

"Well it's nice to know I have your support in this," I say sarcastically, slightly offended at why Mom's doubting me.

"Enzo don't let your pride get in the way of our safety," she warns, her tone sharper as if scolding me. "These fuckers are making a mockery of me, I'm not letting an old motorbike gang beat me," I reply, trying not to snap at my Mother.

She laughs sadly and shakes her head, "You're underestimating them chéri," she says gently.

"Who was your friend?" I ask, "Could she lead us to them?"

She pauses momentarily before slowly shaking her head, "No, I don't know where she is anymore," she whispers, and I can sense I've hit a nerve.

"I'm sorry Mom," I murmur, feeling even worse when she reaches up to kiss my cheek, "It's not your fault," is all she says before walking away.

I run my hands through my hair before walking down the hall to my room. I go to my wardrobe and change into a black suit, sliding my rings on as I stare at my reflection.

I'm Vincenzo fucking De Santis, the most ruthless Don of this Mafia the underworld has ever seen. I'm not going to let this bitch and her motorbike gang make a fool of me.

Especially a gang who thinks I've become soft, the reputation Dad made that I thought I had destroyed.

Look out Fiore Mortale, Vincenzo De Santis is on your tail.

//

Sorry this chapter was so short, I decided to make a small introduction for Vincenzo,

Next chapter will be out tomorrow, so until then have a good day/night and don't forget to vote!!

Abi <3