《Daniel Nicholas Castello》

I lean against the pool table, with my finger on my lip to try and suppress my smile, and look at Marcellus Davis's bewildered expression.

"I... but ho-" He starts, but I raise an eyebrow, and he stops talking. Marcellus, apart from being a business associate, is a college friend.

"Point proved, Castello," he mutters glumly. "There's no need to look so fucking smug about it."

Oh, but there is. Marcellus and I are very competitive, so winning against him feels better than winning against anyone else- except my father or grandfather.

"Never underestimate me again, Davis," I warn him coolly, only half-joking. I despise when people underestimate me so much that I go out of my way to prove them wrong.

Marcellus and I were playing pool less than an hour ago when he told me I could not win against him at snooker. He was overconfident, which is never good, especially with me.

"I haven't seen you play before, so I assumed you didn't know how to. And I've been playing for almost 10 years now, so I thought that-"

"You could win against me? There was no chance because my father taught me how to play when I was really young," I tell him, and he raises an eyebrow.

"When you were young? Oh, I forgot that I graduated with an old man," he remarks, and I narrow my eyes at him.

That's not what I meant, and he knows it. I open my mouth to retort, but a knock on my door stops me.

"Come in!" I answer, knowing that it is my assistant who knocked.

"Mr Castello, your father has requested to see you in his office," Stacy informs me as she opens the door.

"I will be there in five minutes," I tell her, and she nods and leaves.

"We're playing tennis on Saturday," Marcellus reminds me as he prepares to leave.

I smile, knowing that he is only reminding me to satisfy his ego. He knows that his victory playing tennis is almost entirely assured because despite being good at tennis, I am nowhere near his level. I will still try my best to beat him, though.

"Fine," I say, dismissing him.

He grins at me. "Be prepared to lose, Castello."

I scowl at him, and he walks out the door laughing. He doesn't learn a lesson, does he? The only thing that his words do is make me want to win even more.

I run my fingers through my hair, wondering what the fuck my father is doing at the office. Papà's visits to the office have become rare since he handed over the company to me almost two years ago, on my twenty-second birthday.

I put on my coat and leave my office. He is probably just here because of Mamma.

"Mr Castello," Stacy starts as she starts following me. "You have a twelve o clock with Ricci Enterprises," she tells me, and I freeze mid-step.

What. The. Fuck.

"When did that happen?" I ask her, my voice dangerously quiet, and she backs away because of it.

Calm down, Castello. It probably wasn't her fault.

"I- That's what your father wants to talk to you about," she tells me quickly, and my jaw clenches.

I love my papà, but he makes life so complicated sometimes. But nothing compared to my grandfather. Thank fuck.

"Next time, do not confirm a meeting without telling me first." I don't add, 'or else you're fired' because it is implied. She nods, scared, then turns and walks back to her desk.

"What the fuck, Papà?" I say as I barge into his office. He looks up and raises his eyebrow.

"Yes, Daniel, please do come in. Thank you so much for knocking," he says sarcastically, and I look at him, unamused.

First of all, I am in no mood for sarcasm. And why the fuck would I knock anyway? He's the one who called me to his office.

"Papà," I warn seriously, and he puts up his hand in surrender.

"Okay, sorry. I'm assuming you found out about Ricci."

"Yes, I did. Why the fuck would you do that?"

He rolls his eyes. "You really need to wash your mouth with soap," he says, and I send him a look. "Ricci Enterprises is the best Architectural firm in the country, which is why we need them for the project in Sletho."

"I will find someone else," I suggest nonchalantly.

"Elias Ricci is also a good friend of mine," Papà reasons, narrowing his eyes.

"You can make new friends. And you always told me that friendship and business should not be mixed."

He looks at me impassively. "Why do you hate that family so much? You act like they did something to personally offend you," he says, choosing to ignore my previous statement.

I do not want to tell Papà that some family members did something worse than offend me. Elias Ricci was not at fault. I am sure that he did not even know, but hating some people of that family is enough to want to destroy them all. If Papà ever found out they were behind what happened five years ago, I am sure he would share the same sentiments. But he cannot know, and neither can Mamma. Not because they do not deserve the truth but because it would be too much for them to handle, and their safety would be jeopardised. Not to mention, I do not want to drag Mamma back into the world she tried so hard to escape from.

"They did not do anything to me," I manage, trying to keep my voice even so as not to raise suspicions.

"Then you will have no problem meeting up with Elias."

"Fine, but this is the last time I listen to you."

He rolls his eyes and then smiles. "I am your father, Daniel, not the other way around."

"And I am the CEO, Papà, not the other way around," I retort arrogantly.

"Touché," he grins, and I shake my head, smiling faintly. It is good that my father is so easygoing; otherwise, we would never get along. A case in point: Nonno and me.

"Elena's coming over at two today." And finally, he has said what he came here to tell me.

I sigh in exasperation. Jesus, Mamma never gives up, does she? "Why?"

"Oh, I don't know, Daniel," he starts, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Maybe it is because she has not seen or talked to her son in almost two months."

"I need space," I tell him, and he frowns, disappointed by my explanation or lack of thereof.

"A phone call will still give you space."

"I need to figure some things out before I talk to her."

"Okay," he sighs, running his hands through his hair. In moments like this, I am astounded by how much I look like him; same black hair, same sad deep blue eyes, and of course, the same tired look- like he is done with everyone's shit. "I will make an excuse; just ensure you're not in the office at that time."

"Fine."

"We are having dinner with Vincente Calos and his family tomorrow," Papà informs me.

"I am not available if that's what you were implying."

"We are doing business with them. It will give a better impression if you are there," he explains slowly as if lecturing an eight-year-old. I do not appreciate his tone. I am neither eight nor do I like being told what to do.

"Papà," I say simply, and he backs off. Papà does not know that Vincente and I know each other quite well, so I'm sure he will understand if I'm not there.

"Okay, do what you want."

It's hard living a double life- especially when those closest to you do not know that you are. Sometimes I wish I could tell my parents why I act the way I do, but they cannot know about it. This is why I only say: "Ciao, Papà" and turn to leave.

"Daniel, if you need to talk to someone..." he trails off, knowing neither of us is very good at talking to people.

"I know, Papà. Thank you."

"Thank you for what?"

"Giving a fuck about me," I say, and he laughs.

"You do not need to thank me for that. Now go and attend that meeting and please, try not to be rude to Elias; he is an old friend, and I would not particularly like it if that friendship got ruined."

"We will see," I say and walk out of his office.

-

Just as the meeting ends, Papà comes into the room. Absolutely fucking great.

"Elias, how did the meeting go?" Dad asks Ricci, shaking his hand.

"It went well. Your son is as impressive as you," Ricci replies, smiling.

I stand and watch their exchange impassively. I am sure Elias would not say that if he knew about the feud between his family and mine.

"What have you been doing these days?"

"Nothing much. Davide is in the city, so I'm spending a lot of time with him," Ricci tells Dad, and I freeze.

Davide Ricci. I've been looking for that motherfucker for a year now. I'm surprised he had the nerve to return when he knows I am out for his blood.

"It's the first time he's been here since Sergio died in that unfortunate accident."

I resist the urge to roll my eyes. Sergio's death was not unfortunate, and it definitely was not caused by accident- I would know, I killed Sergio Ricci myself.

"It was a pleasure to meet you, Mr Castello. You really are your father," Hales tells me as he prepares to leave.

Being my father is a compliment because my father is one of the best men I know. I wish that I could be like him, but I cannot. I may look exactly like my father, but my temperament is my grandfather's. Like Nonno, I am a murderer and a cheat. Both are things Papà could never be; he proved it years ago when he rejected Nonno's offer of taking his place in the Cosa Nostra. And I proved it a few months ago when I accepted the same offer.

"Thank you. It was a pleasure to meet you too," I lie smoothly- smiling.

It was far from a pleasure, actually; it was torturous. Elias seems a good person, but some people in his family, like Sergio and Davide, are worse monsters than me. They do the one thing I would never do- hurt women and children.

The only good thing that came out of meeting him is now I know Davide is in the city. And so I can finally make him pay for what he did.

"What's wrong, Daniel?" Papà asks me, concerned when Elias leaves.

"Nothing, Papà," I lie again. "Excuse me, I have somewhere I need to be."

I walk out of the conference room and call Stefan, my right-hand man. I trust him more than Nonno or Lorenzo- my grandfather's brother and consigliere.

"Davide Ricci is in town. Tell Lorenzo to have him found," I order him when he picks up.

"Right away, Ace."

Ace is a nickname Nonno gave me after realising I had perfect aim at just fourteen, and it has stuck with me ever since.

"Keep an eye on Lorenzo and call Rafael- he can help."

Rafael Moretti is the eldest son and successor of Giovanni Moretti- the boss of the Moretti mafia. I should be contacting Giovanni for help, but Rafael is an old friend, so I prefer to ask him for help instead. And he is more bearable than Giovanni.

"Of course."

"Inform me when he is found," I say, then hang up.

"Mr Castello, t-" Stacy starts as I reach my office.

"I do not want to be disturbed right now," I interrupt- my voice cold and authoritative- entering my office.

I lock the door and sink to the floor, breathing heavily. I remember the day I killed Sergio Ricci so clearly that it feels like no time has passed since then.

-

One Year Ago

"Are they inside?" I asked Stefan as I got out of my car and stepped on the wet mud. It had been drizzling for a day, but the dark clouds suggested that a storm would be starting.

"We only got Sergio. His brother ran away before we could get to him. Rafael and Lorenzo and our men are looking for him," Stefan informed me as we walked inside the dimly lit warehouse.

The roof was not adequately built, so there was water falling from the cracks in the ceiling. Sergio Ricci was tied to a chair in the middle of the large room. I could not see the look on his face because of the light, or lack thereof, but I knew that he was terrified- as he should be.

I walked toward him as slowly as possible to terrify him even more.

"Ace," Sergio spit out, his voice shaky, but his hatred of me evident on his face. When I thought about all those years, when he had been pretending to be my friend, all the whilst having done something unforgivable, it made me see red. I wanted him to suffer, just like she had when he hurt her and killed her.

I grabbed a knife from the table beside me and impaled his leg with it. He started screaming, but that did not have any effect on me. He deserved the pain he was getting.

"This is how she felt when you did this to her. Did you really think that I would not find you?" I said as I bent down and looked him in the eyes. Fear, pain and regret were visible on his face, but it was too late for regret.

I could have easily taped his mouth shut, but I wanted him to scream, so he had hope, the hope of rescue- just like her.

I twisted the knife in his leg, making him scream louder.

"Please stop," he begged as tears flowed down his face. "Please. I'm sorry. Ple-"

I shot his arm to stop him from speaking.

"You are going to die, so there really is no point in screaming," I told him nonchalantly.

"You aren't going to get away with it. My family w-"

"They will just think of your death as an accident - a car accident, to be specific."

I smiled sinisterly, which had the intended effect- Sergio's colour drained from his face. "Here is what is going to happen: I will stab you, repeatedly, like you did to her, then when I get bored, I will put a bullet in your head and heart. After that, I will put your dead body in your car, but the car has some modifications now. I messed with the wiring and replaced the battery with a bad one. Oh, and there is the faulty engine too. You really should take care of your care," I added sardonically.

"Then I will rupture your gas tank just before I, or well you, drive your car off a cliff. There will be an explosion, and your body will burn..." I paused and then looked at his terrified face. "You know what, I changed my mind. I'm not going to shoot you. No, I will use atracurium to paralyse you, so you feel yourself burning, knowing there is nothing you can do about it."

"Now that you know how exactly you will die, shall we start?"

-

Present

He was not the first person I killed to avenge her, nor was he the last, but he was one of the few directly responsible for what happened to her.

The last two months have not been easy for me. Every time I close my eyes, I see her face. Her pale, lifeless face. I know I was responsible for her death. I should have done better to protect her.

Her death confirmed what I already knew; our family could not separate ourselves from the Cosa Nostra, no matter how much Mamma wanted that. If my parents had not decided they wanted nothing to do with the Cosa Nostra, she might still be alive. Amara would still be alive. My baby sister would still be alive. She would have always protected my nonna and his men- my men.

That is why I do not want to see my mother. Mamma's father is the boss of the most powerful organised crime organisation in Dianva- the Marchetti mafia. Since Nonno had no sons, my father was supposed to take over the mafia. Mamma wanted to raise her children away from all her family's evil, so Papà refused my Nonno's offer. Mamma's sister, Zia Sienna, wanted the same for her children, so her husband refused Nonno's offer too.

Mamma's wish was not fulfilled, though, because I changed for the worse after I was kidnapped as a child. Mamma did not know how to help me, so Nonno offered to do it. He ended up helping me, but he also made me his successor. My brother ended up joining the mafia when Amara died too. Mamma still does not know that both her sons are living the life she hated; if she finds out, she will hate us for the rest of our lives.

I take a deep breath and dig out my phone from my pocket to call a friend.

"Is everything alright, Ace?" Stella asks, worried when she answers my call. I cannot blame her for being worried- I rarely call her at the office unless something is wrong.

"Meet me at my apartment in fifteen minutes," I tell her, and she sighs.

"But I-"

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing," she replies after a slight pause. "I'll be there."

I end the call and run my fingers through my hair. Is everything alright with Stella? Her voice did not seem right. She appeared sad- lost even... or maybe she was just high.

"Cancel the rest of my meetings for the day," I instruct Stacy when I exit my office.

"Of course, sir," she replies. "Is there anything else I can do you?"

I notice that she seems to be over what happened almost two hours ago- which is why I like her. Any of my previous assistants would still be crying over it. And I would have fired them for it. I do not tolerate overly emotional and sensitive people.

"Yes, if anyone asks about me, tell them not to bother me today."

I step out of the building and breathe a sigh of relief. I felt so suffocated inside, which is strange because I usually feel very comfortable in my office- more relaxed than I feel at home anyway.

I look around until I spot Leonardo standing by my car. I start walking towards it when a girl trips in front of me out of nowhere.

"Cazzo," I mutter as I grab her arm and pull her up. I know she held her arms in front of her, so her face would not hit the floor, but that was not a smart move- she could have dislocated her shoulder because of it.

I close my eyes for a second in annoyance. I do not have time for this bullshit.

I am ready to admonish her for being so clumsy, but that is before I see her face. When I do, I have to catch my breath. I have met her before. I am sure it is her, even though she is much older now. She has the same face structure and brown hair with different shades that look especially beautiful under the sunlight. She opens her eyes, and I suppress a smile- if I had any doubts before, I do not anymore because I could never forget those gorgeous hazel eyes.

I met her once, about ten years ago. Our five-minute meeting made a lasting impression on me- she was the first person to make me laugh in months, which is why I could never forget her. I am sure she does not remember me- not only because she seemed to have a lot going on that day but also because my appearance has changed a lot since then.

"Are you okay?" I ask her, a hint of irritation still noticeable in my voice, even though I tried to tone it down when I recognised her. Even so, I still want to scold her for being so careless and tripping on the pavement.

She stares at me, disoriented, for a couple of seconds before blushing. "I- um, yes. I'm fine. Thank you so much."

"Are you sure?" I ask her when she smiles at me. I have a feeling she is lying because her disoriented state does not imply that she is fine. And I do not like people lying to me.

"Yes, I'm fine. Don't worry; this is an everyday occurrence."

Her words bring a brief smile to my face, but then I look at her feet and grin. I thought she tripped because she was wearing heels- which was one of the reasons for my anger.

"How is it possible to trip to trainers?" I tilt my head in confusion, trying to stifle my laughter.

Her eyes shine, and I resist the urge to touch her face when she smiles again. Jesus, she is easily the most beautiful person I have ever seen.

"I have an exceptional talent for tripping even when I am simply standing," she admits, and I shake my head in amusement.

I have never met someone who seems so proud of such a 'talent'. But then, most people that I associate with are criminals, and I doubt they would be happy with such a 'talent'.

"That is a very unique talent. You should be proud of yourself."

"Oh, I am."

I open my mouth to retort, but Stefan interrupts me.

"Ace," he says, and I turn around and flash him a glare. Can he not see that I am in the middle of a conversation?

"I will be with you in a second," I snap at him, then look at the girl again. "Be careful. I will not be there to catch you again."

If she were my girlfriend, I would not let her walk alone because of her apparent clumsiness. But she is not, and I barely know her, so the most I can do is caution her to be safe and hope that she listens.

"I'll try to be. Thanks again." She looks up at me again and smiles. This is the first time that I realise how short she is- which makes her look even more endearing in my eyes.

"This was such a cliché meeting," I comment. If this were anyone else, I would not still be here talking to them- I would have snapped at them to be careful and left. But with her, all I want to do is stand her, hoping to prolong our conversation for as long as I can.

She bites her lip, and my eyes involuntarily flicker to them. Her full lips are slightly bleeding- perhaps because she may have the tendency to bite her lip a lot. But the bleeding does nothing but make her lips look more kissable. Not just kissable but f-

No! Don't fucking go there, Castello.

I almost groan. Fuck me and my inappropriate thoughts. The girl does not even know me, and I am thinking about her in ways that I should not be.

I reluctantly force myself to look into her eyes again to ensure that I don't give into my less-than-appropriate urges.

"I guess it was."

"And cliché meetings guarantee another run-in, so I guess I will see you around," I say, then wink at her.

I want to see her again, and I can if I want to. But I do not think stalking is the best start to getting to know someone.

"We'll see about that. Thanks again, and goodbye." She smiles at me, then turns around and starts walking away.

"Ace," Stefan says again, and I look at him, signalling for him to continue. "I've confirmed that Davide Ricci is in town. Moretti is helping us look for him- he told me he might be close to finding him."

I look away from Stefan towards the retreating figure of the girl. "Giovanni or Rafael?"

"Rafael was busy. So Giovanni is helping us."

I sigh in exasperation. Giovanni may get work done on time, but he expects things to be done his way, which is not something I particularly like. Rafael, on the other hand, knows that I like things to be done my way, and he makes sure not to get in my way when I need to do something.

"Tell him to call me if he does and make sure that motherfucker is not dead before I get to him."

"Yes, but I'm afraid we have an issue. We disposed of the main warehouse last month. Where should we take him now?"

I shrug. "I am sure Lorenzo or Giovanni will find a place."

I look at my watch and curse. Stella is going to be furious at me for being so late.

-

"You told me to come here half an hour ago," Stella whines when I enter my apartment. She's lying on the sofa, looking beautiful as always, her blonde hair tumbling down the side.

I look at her and smile apologetically. "I know I did. I bumped into someone and then had to discuss something with Stefan."

"Was the someone you bumped into a girl?" She asks me excitedly, and I nod, a bit confused as to why she is so excited about that. She jumps up from the sofa and runs to me. Her topaz eyes shining.

Oh, fuck me. Is she high again?

"What did you take this time, Ella?" I ask her in exasperation, genuinely concerned about her. She rolls her eyes and punches my arm.

I blink. I was serious. There can't possibly be another reason she is acting like a lunatic. There is her personality, but she is usually only this excited when she is on crack.

"Shut up, asshole..." she starts but then pauses and takes a deep breath. "Did you guys talk to each other? Please don't tell me you were an asshole towards her too."

I narrow my eyes at her. She is right to be concerned about me acting rudely towards that girl because that is my default personality setting, but that does not mean I have to like her saying it.

"Yes, I did talk to her, and no, I was not an asshole towards her. Stop being so excited for no reason."

She puts her hands on my shoulders and shakes me. It is official- Stella Russo has gone insane, or she's taken a new drug that has brought out the worst in her. I'm still not sure which one it is.

Or maybe something happened with her father too to make her act this way. Yes, perhaps it is that.

"Don't you see? You bumped into her and weren't a rude bitch to her, which means that you're going to meet again and end up falling in love and living happily ever after."

I glare at her. "Did you just-"

"Call you a rude bitch? Yes, I did," she replies. "But stop focusing on that, stronzo. Focus on the fairytale part."

I groan. "I was trying to give you the benefit of the doubt, but I'm certain now- you're high."

She narrows her eyes at me. "You're trying to deflect."

I glare at her. "Am not."

"Yes, you are."

"Fine. Tell me what happened to you, and maybe I will not deflect anymore."

"Nothing," she replies, and I raise my eyebrow, knowing she is lying. She knows I do not appreciate being lied to. I do not give a fuck if that makes me a hypocrite. "It's just petty things, don't worry."

"If those things affect you like this, they are not petty, Stella."

The corners of her lips rise, and I know she will make a stupid joke, so I interrupt her. "If you're going to make a stupid joke, do not bother- I will not let this go."

She pouts. "I hate you."

"Stella," I warn, and she sighs. Good, I am not in the mood to argue.

"Papà wants me to do a job for him," she admits.

I was right.

"Who?" I ask her, and she closes her eyes.

"He hasn't told me yet, but I'm sure it's going to be the same as before- someone innocent who is getting in the way of his business. I can't kill someone innocent again just because my Papà wants me to."

She opens her eyes, filled with tears now, and I pull her into a hug.

"It's going to be okay, Ella," I say soothingly in her ear. "Just tell me who it is, and I will get it done."

"No. He has ordered me to do it. I am not allowed to let anyone else do it."

"Did he give you a choice?"

"Yes."

I break the hug and look at her.

"What is the other option?"

"I have to go back to Vai," she says unhappily. "I don't know what to do, Ace. I can't go back there, but at the same time, I don't want to kill anyone."

I look at the floor, trying to think what to say to her, but I come up with nothing. I know she fears returning to Vai because of everything that happened there with her, but I cannot tell her to stay if that means killing someone. I know she wants me to make her decision for her, and usually, I would, but not this. I want to tell her what to do and decide for her, but she needs to make this decision herself. She will never find happiness if she does not.

"He also told me that Davide Ricci is in Kilanea today," she continues, and I can feel her looking at me to try to see my reaction. "Did you know?"

I look at her with a blank look. "Yes, I found out earlier today. I have instructed Lorenzo to look for him. Moretti and his people are helping too."

She raises her eyebrow, suddenly much more interested. "Rafael?"

I almost smile at her excitement. Stella and Rafael had feelings for each other. But they never acted on them, especially after Rafael's daughter was born.

"No, I wish, but it is his father," I reply, making a face, and she laughs. I do not add how I know she wishes that it was Rafael, too, because I know she will hit me again.

"He's not that bad, you know? Especially since he knows that if he messes with you, he will pay the consequences."

I roll my eyes. "I know, but I still find him irritating."

"I'm assuming that's why you called me because you knew Ricci was in the city, and you wanted to distract yourself until he was found," she speculates, and I nod. "And instead of distracting you, I told you about my problems. I-"

"You're my friend, Ella; I always want to know if something is bothering you, no matter what's going on in my life."

She smiles and shakes her head. "I can't believe that you don't think of yourself as a prince because from where I am standing, you're everything any girl can ever want."

I try to argue, knowing that I am far from anyone's first choice, but before I can start, Stella's lips are on mine, distracting me from my thoughts.

-

"That was not fair," I tell Stella, drying my hair with the towel.

She stares at me for a second, her eyes darkening as she continues checking out my almost naked self; I only have a towel wrapped low around my waist.

"Stella," I snap.

She blinks as her eyes finally focus on my face, and she chuckles. "I used your tactics on you. It's your fault that I know that the best way to shut someone up is by fucking them."

I narrow my eyes at her. "Try that stunt against me again, and you will pay for it."

She knows that what I'm saying is not bullshit but a warning. Yet, she has the audacity to smile at my threat. "You know I like paying for-"

I sigh when my phone rings. Why am I getting interrupted so much today?

I grab my phone from the side table when I see that it's Lorenzo calling.

"Did you find him?" I brusquely ask when I answer the call.

"Yes, we did. He's in Cayto," he replies curtly.

"Is he alive?"

"Yes. Moretti's men just roughed him up a bit."

"When I arrive, I want all Moretti's people out of there."

"Fine," he replies, and I end the call.

Stella sits up in bed, knowing that I have to leave. "Don't do anything dumb," she warns me, and I raise my eyebrow at her.

"Me? I have never done dumb things," I reply deadpan as I start to get dressed, and she narrows her eyes.

"You know what I meant. I want you back in one piece. I don't want to explain to your future wife how you lost your mind doing something stupid and reckless."

"I will be fine," I reassure her, ignoring her last statement. She looks at me like she does not believe me.

"Did you tell your brother about Davide?" She asks me, and I shake my head.

"No, I do not think he can take it. He is finally moving on with his life. This is just going to drag him back to hell."

She looks at me disapprovingly. "You can't do this alone."

I look at her sharply. She knows better than to tell me what to do.

Calm down, Ace. She is just fucking worried about you. Stop being an asshole.

"I will not be alone; Stefan and Lorenzo will be with me. And I will come back to you as soon as it is over."

I marvel at my ability to make an execution sound like a movie.

"I'll come with you."

"No, you could get hurt," I say, and she rolls her eyes.

"This isn't the first time I'd be doing something like this, you know."

"This is not up for discussion, Stella," I snap angrily, and her eyes widen. She is afraid. Good, she should be. She should know better than to argue with me. "I want you here, where I know that you are safe."

She looks like she wants to argue, but I give her a look that promises retribution if she does. She keeps quiet, knowing that I will make sure she does not like the consequences if she does not.

If she is there with me, there is no way that I can keep her safe. And she wants to get away from this life, and I cannot be the one who unnecessarily drags her into it.

"I will see you later," I tell her as I turn to leave.

-

I lean against the wall in front of the door that leads to the basement and sigh. "Is the perimeter secure?"

Stefan nods. "Yes." He then gives me a look I have not seen in a while, and I know he wants to say something that I may not particularly like.

"What do you want to say?" I ask him, raising an eyebrow, and he shakes his head.

"Nothing, Ace," he replies, then changes his mind and continues, "You should have let me deal with Davide. Why are you involving yourself so much when you said you wouldn't?"

I look away from him. If this were anyone else, I would not bother replying, but I feel that maybe Stefan deserves an explanation after everything he has done for me.

"He is the one who took Amara in the first place, and he has evaded his death far too long, which is why I... I want to be the one that destroys him and every bit of hope he has left before I kill him. I want to see any hope of rescue disappear from his eyes before I eventually pull the trigger that takes his life. He deserves it more than anyone ever did."

"I'll go make sure Ricci can't escape."

I nod as I open the door to the basement and start walking down the stairs.

The basement is brighter than I thought it would be. Every bulb that hangs from the ceiling emits dim, warm light that makes the basement looks warm, cosy and safe, and I cannot help but smile at the irony. I stop to scan the room until my eyes focus on the object of my fury. He is cowering pathetically in the corner of the room, furthest from the stairs, like the coward he is. I slowly continue down the stairs, knowing that waiting for his imminent doom will only cause his fear to worsen.

"Hello, Davide," I start, leaning against the wall beside him. He still does not look up. "It is rude not to look at someone when talking to you. Did your p-"

Before I can finish, he pushes me and runs toward the stairs.

Well, that was unexpected. I expected him to try something like this, considering he was not tied up, but I did not expect him to push me. I thought he would hit me to temporarily incapacitate me, but he just pushed me. He is even more pathetic than I gave him credit to be. He deserves everything that is coming to him.

I watch as the colour drains from his face when he tries to open the door. He looks back at me, and I raise my eyebrow, dangling the keys to the door in my hand.

"Did you honestly think that I would leave the door unlocked?" I ask him, but he does not answer. He looks back at the door, probably debating whether he should try to break down the door or not. "Yes, I guess you could try to break the door, but there are two problems with that: one, there is a silent alarm that will go off, which will inform my men that you are trying to escape, and they will catch you. The second problem is very obvious: that is a steel door with an incredibly strong latch, and you, in your current state, cannot even damage it, much less break it. But sure, go ahead, try your luck."

He looks around the room in desperation, and I almost roll my eyes. What is he hoping for, divine intervention? After everything he has done, I doubt any divine being would help him.

"You do have one other choice," I say, and his eyes snap to me. I internally smile. If I had any doubts that I was a sadist, this definitely takes them away.

"You can get the keys from me. If you are successful, you can leave. I will not stop you. And if you are not, then I think you and I know what happens."

"Why should I believe you, Marchetti?" He manages to say after a few seconds. I use my grandfather's surname in the Cosa Nostra instead of my father's. 'Castello' is the surname of people too pure to associate with my activities.

"Do you have another choice?"

-

A/N

I kept on getting so distracted when I was writing this chapter honestly I don't even remember half of what happened. 

You might be wondering, why 'Ace'? Well, I think I did write a line or two explaining it in the context of the story but the personal choice to have that as a nickname was because the name 'Daniel' doesn't really have any cool nicknames. They all sound like little childrens' nicknames and that was something I obviously didn't want. So I did what any normal human would do- I went on google and searched for nicknames for boys/men or whatever and the most mafia like nickname was Ace. 

Lord, I'm tired. 

Also, you might be a little confused in places because sometimes I use American English and sometimes I use British English. That's just because I spent half my life in one place and half of it in another. Y'all should have seen my English exams- they were a nightmare. Not the writing style or anything but the spellings and words I used. My teachers always used to get so confused because if the spellings. Thank the Lord I'm in university now and have access to Grammarly which makes sure that I use only one dialect. I haven't like run this story through Grammarly yet, so I'm sorry if I changed dialects along the way.

What did y'all think about this chapter (please remember to vote if you find it even mildly good or even tolerable)?

Bye-bye.