Recklessly in love

𝟘𝟙|| 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐲

⫘⫘⫘⟢ 𝐀𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐤⟢⫘⫘⫘

In the dim alley, I shoved the bleeding man against the wet and cold brick wall.

The feeble streetlight made it hard to see his face, but fear and regret were written all over him.

"I don't have the money! I need more time!" His voice quivered punctuated by labored breaths.

It was a familiar refrain - First, they beg for a loan, Then they promise they'll pay back on time.

In the end, they run and hide, hoping we won't find them.

I pulled out my gun, aiming at his bleeding forehead.

"Please I'm begging you! I have a little daughter! Please!"

I delivered a powerful blow at the side of his head with the gun, feeling the satisfying crunch of bone beneath my fist as a new river of blood spurted from the wound, I savored each drop of blood.

Their belated recollections of "family" always intrigued me.

Where was this familial concern when they gambled away their borrowed fortunes? When they knowingly imperiled their lives for the sake of a loan?

My finger hovered on the trigger, about to end it, when a noise from the dark corner caught my attention.

Without lowering the gun, I shifted my focus and caught sight of a rain-soaked small woman.

Cloaked in a black bomber, black jeans, and matching boots, she stood as a stark silhouette against the dim backdrop.

 Her medium-length wavy brown hair clung to her face, accentuating the smudged makeup that couldn't obscure her underlying beauty.

 On this chilling night, she emanated an aura of both vulnerability and a mysterious winter elegance.

Her gaze locked with mine, and for a fleeting moment, I found myself captivated by the fear and confusion swirling within her hazel eyes.

"No! please I beg you!" The old man's voice snapped me back, and the woman vanished from my view.

I looked at him one last time before finally pulling the trigger without any hesitation.

                                                                     ⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘

Val raised an eyebrow in surprise as I swiftly entered the club, taking a seat at the bar beside her and pouring a shot of tequila.

This place disgusted me. The blaring music, the intoxicated patrons- each drowning in their own reasons for being here, mostly seeking an escape from the twisted reality we call life.

My eyes swept the room before downing another shot.

"Fast and clean" I replied, popping a lemon slice into my mouth.

"I always knew you were impressive, but you set a new record tonight Adrian." Val ran her fingers through my damp, tousled hair.
"Enough" I snapped, moving my head away. She knew how much I despised such familiarity.

Val, a capable boss, occasionally overstepped boundaries. In her 30's, unattached, and with complete freedom.

She maintained an enviable appearance. A well-built, athletic figure, complemented by long, straight black hair, and piercing green eyes. Dressed in a sleek, well-fitted black suit paired with black high heels.

As I lingered with my drink, a sudden flashback came to my thoughts- the eyes I encountered just before pulling the trigger.

"Any plans for tonight?" Val downed another shot.

"I begin my studies tomorrow, so I suppose my night ends here."

Finishing my last shot, I left the club hearing a "good-luck love" echoing in the background.

As I drove home, my mind buzzed with the usual chaos.

Another night unfolded, reminding me of the odd mix that is my life since my parents' death- trying to start fresh while stuck in a reality I'd rather shake off but can't.

My life is messy, and the fact that I've lost the ability to feel mercy scares me.

 It's a lesson from the Mafia- kill without feeling anything.

 No more emotions, not even satisfaction.

Returning to an empty apartment has its perks- personal space, freedom, and a quiet sanctuary after a challenging day.

 Yet, at times, it feels isolating.

 Shedding my clothes, I stepped into the shower, relishing the warmth that sent shivers across my skin.

Eyes closed, a sigh escaped. it was much needed.

Lying in bed, the woman's face from earlier crept back once again into my thoughts.

Curiosity nagged at me- who was she, and how much had she witnessed? Would she take any action?

Various scenarios played in my mind until exhaustion overcame me, and I surrendered to sleep.