The Gun and the Rose

8 | Chrysanthemum

Ales' POV

Salvatore strolled into my office, his hands buried deep in his slacks. I lifted my eyes from the bill I was signing for a second before continuing my work. He took a seat in the chair in front of my desk, taking a cigarette out. As he lifted the lighter up to the object between his lips, I put my pen down.

"Don't smoke here, Sal," was all I said. I slid the papers to the side, taking a sip of my club soda. He sighed, silently putting them away.

"Do you have anything to drink? A nice glass of scotch perhaps?" I held back the urge to throw him out of my home. Salvatore was a thorn in my side, always saying just the thing to tick me off. But I had to remain civil with him as he was one of my more influential capos.

"Why are you here?"

"Someone is investigating you," he said.

"Oh really? Who?" I stood, brushing invisible crumbs off my suit pants. I checked my watch. Only an hour until my date with Rosaline.

"Two detectives. One is Aerion Walker and the other one," he paused, grinning, "Era una donna bellissima, Rosaline." My head snapped in his direction, eyes narrowing. "She has an amazing body." I knew she did, but it wasn't Sal's to think about. (Translation: She is a beautiful woman)

"Get out," I growled, pointing at the door. He sat up in his chair.

"Wait, why? I haven't done anything!" he exclaimed.

"Do you have anything else of importance to say?" I asked. He shook his head. "Then get out of here. I'll handle the detectives." Sal stuttered but didn't say another word as he left. I drained the rest of my soda before heading to my room to change. I flicked through my clothes, searching for a casual outfit. I needed to seem more normal and relatable. I pulled off my suit and slid on a baby blue button-down, rolling up the sleeves and keeping the top two buttons open.

As I got ready, I let my thoughts wander to my date. I knew what I had to do, but I found it extremely difficult to hold my true desire back. Rosa was a beautiful woman, full hips, luscious lips. Her eyes that were slightly too wide were like open books. Emotion radiated out of them. I wondered what it felt like to have my face between her thick thighs or pull her hair as I fucked her from behind. I took a minute to collect myself before heading downstairs. I walked through the empty hallways, the lack of guards throwing me slightly off track.

I had dismissed them all tonight, in the small chance we would come back here after the date. I headed to my garage walking past the luxurious cars until I reached the same car I had driven Rose last night, a detail I was sure not to miss. I drove in silence to a local floral shop and walked in.

An older lady stood behind the counter, smiling as I entered. "Good evening sir, how may I help you?"

"My girlfriend loves chrysanthemums, do you have any?" I had found out Rosa's favourite flowers weren't roses but instead chrysanthemums. She had been spotted purchasing them multiple times and they just happened to be in season. The lady nodded and disappeared into the garden. I tapped the counter while I waited, inspecting the store.

The lady returned a minute later, two bouquets of flowers in her hands. "I have some more, but do you like these?" One had a mix of a few different flowers and the other just had the one flower. I pointed to the former, liking the assortment of roses, lilies, and chrysanthemums. I paid her and walked back to my car. I drove to Rosa's apartment, keeping a close eye on the watch. By the time I pulled into her building's parking lot, I was ten minutes early.

I texted her. Hey, I'm downstairs.

I'm running a little late! Do you want to come upstairs?