Me and Ricardo exchanged a glance before standing up at the same time. "What?!"
"We have no idea what kind of rampage you two can cause after our deaths. To prove you're worthiness, you'll need to get the Brazilians alliance in order to make us stronger than ever." My uncle raised his finger in the air.
"I'll die before I work with him." I spat.
"You will be attending meetings together to form a plan to take our friendship with the Brazilians one step further." Gianni spoke. "You're both wanted dead by someone possibly more powerful than us. We need this alliance for your protection."
I exhaled and sat back in defeat, knowing this was what responsible leaders would do for their mafias.
But that man had already gotten too deep in my bad books for me to work with him.
I would have to break him one way or another.
*************************************************
A few days later...
I claimed my usual seat at my Uncles office, which held seven others; Ricardo, Rocco and Gianni Romano, Jett, my uncle, and some of his associates.
I placed my pen on my lower lip in thought, only a while left of these gathering and then I'll be free.
Ricardo stood a distance from me. Dry expression, white dress shirt.
My eyes drifted over his bodice. Broad shoulders, and there are those tattoos again. I was never a fan of tattooed men, but this one had me completely intrigued-
"Ariel?" Uncle said, and as I moved my attention to him the tapping of my pen got worse. I hoped Ricardo didn't notice my ogling.
"Anyway, in order to get the alliance from the Brazilians, I suggest we offer to help them destroy their enemies. As long as we aren't starting a mafia world war, this will ensure that we gain their trust and they can see how powerful we are together."
"We should attend the yearly gala before somebody else gets their alliance."
I cleared my throat. "There's a different matter to discuss - about me and the don being targeted."
Ricardo lifted his eyes onto me, a sudden squeeze in my lungs making me inhale deeply. My gaze met with his. "Any suggestions, Mr Romano?"
He slid his hands into his pockets. "This will be discussed later, without your presence."
There was that stone cold gaze I wanted to break so badly. I couldn't do with violence at the moment, so I had to improvise another way.
My uncle neatened a pile of papers. "The next meeting will be in a weeks time. You are all dismissed."
I stood up from my seat, Ricardo's eyes falling onto my body. God, I was wearing black pants and a cami.
We were both left in the room alone as it emptied out. He leaned against the wall and just when I was about to walk out, I stopped.
"What brought you here? To my city?"
He laughed a little. "Funny of you to assume something brought me here."
My arms held my clipboard tighter. The longer I remained here, locked under his gaze, the more my body flamed.
I was surprised at this reaction from my body, clearly it wasn't matching my mindset. Gulping, I hurried from the room.
********************************************
For the next month, Ricardo and Rocco went on missions with me, Irina and Jett. Family bonding - just perfect.
"Has everyone arrived at their location?" Riccardo asked through the earpiece. Me and Irina had arrived at the location of our mission- a warehouse of a small gang that has been stealing our shipments unsuccessfully. Our goal was to kill everyone, including the leader.
Around 6 members of both of our mafias were connected to the earpiece and confirmed their location.
"I want a hamburger." Rocco complained through the headpiece and I could already see all of us roll our eyes.
"Idiot." Jett replied.
"Irina will hack into the security systems and open the locks to every door inside. After we all infiltrate the warehouse, Rocco will look for the gangs underboss and kill him. Remember to keep an eye out for the leader. Then we'll bomb this shithole. Got it?" I said, and everyone agreed.
Our men infiltrated the warehouse and I dashed inside, looking for any side doors I could sneak through. I found one.
When I entered, I pointed my gun ahead as I peacefully walked up the stairs. I had just gotten to the first floor, controlling my breathing so nobody hears a sound.
A gasp escapes my mouth as someone grabs me by the waist and pulls me towards a wall.
"What the-"
He placed his finger on his lips telling me to quieten down.
He reached his arm out and shot a guard in the head, walking out and scanning the area. Goddamn it, I should have noticed.
Another man crept up behind him but I quickly threw a knife as his throat.
Ricardo raised an eyebrow, and I rolled my eyes at him. But then more attackers started to flood in and we had no choice but to work together.
I killed one and gave him a cocky, condescending look before he killed another. The adrenaline rushed through my veins as I showing off my killing techniques- taking part in a silent game before the silence surrounded us and the gunshots came to a halt.
"We've killed the leader-Rocco put that bottle down!" Jett spoke through the earpiece. I could tell Ricardo fought an eyeroll at his brothers antics.
**********************************************
Me and my family made our way into the hall which held the "charity" gala intended to help the pool in Brazil, but instead it was filled with criminals. It's completely pointless, but in order to wiggle our way towards the Brazilians, we all had to go.
I placed my gun in the holster around my thigh, which was hidden by my black dress. The dress was tight at the waist and hips, but slightly loose around the thighs. It was made of the finest silk and had no sleeves.
Me and my family got out of the limo, seeing paparazzi outside of the hall entrance. To the outside world, this gala was seen as one for wealthy business men and women.
Every crime lord has a cover up so ours is a hotel chain we own across the country, "Black Hotels." The Romano's own a corporation of different things, such as restaurants and hotels in Italy and America.
The hall was grand and my ears filled with the sweet melody of classical music, played by a band in the corner.
In the center was a brightly lit stage and a grand chandelier hung over the room. Despite its beautiful appearance, the hall was filled infamous notorious criminals. These people were the bitter truth to this get together, and everyone in here had a dangerous and powerful aura. This is where I belonged.
My family started to spread out and my aunt and uncle were talking to Gianni Romano while Irina, Jett and Rocco messed with the waiters.
"Ariel! Its been so long!" Alessandro Silva, The leader of the Brazilian mafia walked towards me as he kissed the knuckles of my hand. "I remember holding you when you were a baby, and look at you now!" Alessandro spoke with me for a while before I met up with Irina.
"I already want to go home." I complained, sipping my drink before an overly enthusiastic woman came up to me.
"Miss Black, you're requested in the hallway by someone who goes by Ro." She took my arm and lead me through the crowd as I raised my eyebrows, exchanging glances with Irina.
Once in the hallway I didn't even take a second to breathe a pair of arms pulled me back, but I kicked whoever it was before i was slammed against the wall.
"Do I have to slam you against a wall every time I need your attention?" Ricardo asked.
I remained still when he released me. I guess he was right.
"There's an attack planned on you."
"And you?"
"I can protect myself."
I let out a scoff. Did he think I couldn't? And why did he care?
"Thank you, Ricardo for your life saving advice." I said sarcastically. "I'll keep an eye out for danger." Though I was standing right in front of it. "Is that all?"
He slid his hands into his pockets. "This alliance. I'm enjoying it." His voice deepened. "Watching you squirm knowing we have to work together. But just because its an alliance..." his eyes darkened as he stepped forward and grabbed my jaw, lowering his voice. "Doesn't mean I can't rip your throat out when you try me again."
"Come closer, I dare you." I said while slowly reaching for my blade. His lips almost turned up into a smirk but it died down quickly. He stepped closer, and I held my breath. My heart was starting to race so fast I couldn't recognise it anymore.
His jacket almost touched my body, and when he moved his hand behind me I thought he'd grab my waist, but he didn't. Was he tricking me?