His grave tone awakens my apprehension, which grows as I sit up. His severe expression accentuates the beating of my heart, embodying the bad omens of my instincts. Like a mallet striking a gong, it sends waves of alarm ricocheting through my being. Fear at the edge of my lips, I articulate in a controlled voice:

"And then ?"

Letting silence settle, he stands and starts pacing.

"There's no way I'm letting you do this, it's far too dangerous. He can't ask you to do this." he opposes, his anger breaking the silence.

Hanging on his words, I realize I'm holding my breath, waiting for the ax to fall. His response, far from what I'd hoped, only heightens my fear but also sharpens my impatience. I hate beating around the bush, but I detest even more when someone makes me wait. Despite the impatience consuming me, I compose myself and approach him, taking his face in my hands.

"There's no other choice, Ezio. If I don't do this, I can't join the mafia and get my revenge, I try to reason with him."

"Then marry me."

Despite the tension in the air, his response makes me laugh. Briefly, it's a burst of relief that lets me release the army of emotions holding me captive. As quickly as it came, I calm down and reply:

"You're good ! For a second, I thought you were serious." I reply, my smile still tinged with my laughter.

"I am serious, May. We are much more than two strangers. You saved my life. I fell in love with you that night, and when we found each other six years later, I felt the same way. Nothing has changed; it might be early to say, but I am sure of myself and my feelings. I love you, May."

My smile fades as his words sink in. I understand his proposal isn't a joke and that he's sincere. His words materialize into a weapon with which he threatens me.

Stunned, I step back as my body turns into an aviary where feelings fly, take off, and collide in all directions. In this battle where attraction, heart, reason, fear, surprise, and more rage, all I can do is sit on the bed, mute and expressionless. After a few seconds, as my brain takes control again, I gather my thoughts and, seeing Ezio's face shadowed by uncertainty, reveal my true feelings.

"I... Whoa, I didn't expect this. Don't get me wrong, I like you a lot. I share your attraction and feel something for you, but I'm not at that stage. If we're to get married, it won't be under these circumstances or for these reasons. I like to believe we'll spend the rest of our lives together, but not like this. I know you're here for me, that you want to protect me, but this is a personal vendetta I must face, so I have to take responsibility. I'm sincerely grateful that you want to spare me your father's plans, but understand my refusal and my need to prove myself worthy of your family's expectations. Allow me to achieve this on my own terms. Marrying you would only delay the problem because I'd still have to face these kinds of situations as your wife. So let me fight for my revenge, stand by my side if you wish, but don't block my path because I will achieve my goal no matter the cost."

Saddened, I hold my breath, knowing Ezio's heart won't emerge unscathed from this conversation. Stoic, hands in his pockets, he sighs and lowers his head. In a clumsy attempt to comfort him, I approach and lift his face. I plant my gaze into his and kiss him tenderly, hoping this kiss will absorb the pain in his heart.

I then rest my forehead against his and whisper:

"Tell me what I have to do, please."

Hand in hand, he leads me to the edge of the bed where we sit.

"Do you remember the gang leader I mentioned ? The one who keeps slipping away from us ?"

"Yes."

"His name is Leone Razanno. His gang is involved in illegal and despicable activities. That's one reason we want to stop him."

"What do you mean by despicable activities ?"

I feel his body tense despite his effort to hide it. He clears his throat before continuing.

"He's a pimp."

"Um, okay, and where do I come in ?"

"My father's plan is this: you need to get close to him and extract the information about the mole before killing him."

"What ?" I respond, the words escaping my mouth on their own.

"I told you it's very dangerous, and that's partly why I don't want you to do it."

"Partly ? What's the rest ?"

"Leone is the kind of man who likes to test the merchandise before putting it on the market. That means he'll want to sleep with you before making a deal."

The words I dreaded are out. His words hit me with the force of a pack of rabid dogs finally freed from their cage. Silent, I fight an internal battle not to let panic overwhelm me. Though I'm filled with the urge to cry and run away, Ezio's words return to my mind.

"The mafia killed her... A life for a life... Your grandmother always stood firm, never gave in, she was strong and wise."

Galvanized by this memory, I deliver a fatal blow to my panic, reducing its raging fire to mere embers. Despite my partial acceptance of the mission, my reason urges me to consider another option before fully resigning myself.

"Is there no other way to kill or approach him ?"

"Believe me, we've been trying for years. As I said, he always slips away. We couldn't attempt such approaches before because we don't have any woman crazy enough to accept."

"I prefer daring to crazy, I mention, trying to make him smile without success."

"I tell you this, and you laugh ! Do you realize what I'm saying ? The gravity and consequences it could have ?"

"Yes, Ezio, I realize. Laughing isn't going to kill me. Sorry, it was nervous; I don't know how to react to all this. It's like my body and mind aren't processing the information."

"That's what I thought; it's a very bad idea !"

"Give me time to digest all this, but I will do it. I'll manage."

"You don't have time for that. You need to act tonight. Leone is at his club making his selection, and you have to be there. And it's tonight that Leone must die."

His announcement reignites the flames of my panic, whose extinction was merely an illusion. Paralyzed by its grip, I inhale and exhale deeply, trying to calm the deafening beat of my heart, about to burst from my chest.

Gently, I feel Ezio approach me, caressing my face and then my hair. Surprisingly, his touch releases a calm that gradually smothers the flames consuming me.

"As I said, you don't have to do this. We can avoid it."

"I know, but that's not an option for me. I have to succeed and earn my place; otherwise, your father will never accept me, and I'll never be legitimate in your family's eyes."

He kisses me on the cheek, and the bed rises slightly.

"I'll leave you alone. I think you need some time to yourself. Come find me when you're ready, and we'll discuss the details."

I watch him leave and close the door, then release all my pent-up emotions. Tears flow uncontrollably. My pulse pounding, I feel a strange sensation growing in my gut—a premonition of a point of no return. After tonight, nothing will be the same. I will no longer be the same person. 

Like a torrent, questions and thoughts flood in all directions.

Will I be able to look at myself in the mirror again? Am I really ready to kill this man for mere vengeance? What if this is the moment to stop everything, to run away, never to return, and to start a new life elsewhere? They would track you again and again. The Condore wouldn't stop at a border, a sea, or an ocean, and you would be a fugitive all your life until they find you, and you would have to commit murder then too.

No matter how I turn the problem, I always come to the same conclusion: today or later, I will have to kill to get out of this.

Torn between my heart that desires to stay with Ezio and my reason that wants to flee from all this, I think back to the little knight who has never left my mind. Like an inner voice guiding me, he revives my determination and reminds me why I fight.

From the moment I helped Ezio that fateful night, my life changed. It took a turn I never could have suspected, and today, I must face the consequences and take responsibility for my actions. I wanted to play with fire; now it's up to me not to get burned.

Strengthened by my introspection, I accept the destiny that awaits me.

My head buzzing with thoughts, I head for a shower. The hot water, a remedy for all woes, washes away each of my dilemmas, leaving only serenity. Soothed, I find it hard to get out, knowing I must face the situation. Pushed by the cooling water, I end my moment of zen to get ready before heading downstairs to join Ezio.

Once downstairs, I don't see him anywhere—not in the kitchen, nor the living room, nor the gym. It's then that I think of his office. I knock on the door, and his voice responds with a firm and focused "yes."

"May I come in ?"

"Of course."

I find him sitting at his desk, facing his computer screen, his features tense.

"Is everything okay ?" I ask as I approach and take a seat in one of the chairs in front of his desk.

"Yes, and you ?"

"Still a bit dizzy, but I'll be fine. Please tell me the details."

"Okay, so the club you're going to tonight is the "Devil Eye." It's a very intimate club. Dim lighting, an atmosphere centered on lust and sin where all fantasies can be realized. All members and guests wear masks to respect each other's anonymity and allow depravity to reach its peak. So, a simple dress code for you: a black dress with a plunging neckline and a black mask that will cover your eyes and the top of your nose."

"How will I recognize him if we're all masked ?"

"It's simple. Leone is the only one who doesn't care about his anonymity, being the head of this club. He wants to be recognized because he likes his "merchandise" to come to him and not the other way around. He's the only one wearing a mask that covers his entire face. Paradoxical, isn't it ?" 

"Okay, so I need to be forward, but how can I be sure he'll choose me ?"

"Your natural charms would be more than enough, but to make sure it's you and no one else, you'll need to make yourself desirable. You'll order his favorite drink, a Spritz, and bring it to him from behind. You must give it to him without him seeing your face. Lean over him and tell him what you want in a suave and sensual manner to pique his desire and curiosity. Once you've given it to him, he'll probably try to turn around and follow you, but you'll disappear into the club's shadows. Wait a few minutes, then position yourself somewhere he can see you. He'll come to you, and before he can speak, invite him to dance. It must be a sexy dance where you forbid him from touching you."

I interrupt.

"Always to stoke desire, or because I'm your property ?" I ask with a teasing smile.

At my words, he stands, walks over to my chair, and places his hands on the armrests. Hovering over me, he raises an eyebrow and, with a smirk, says:

"My property ? I like hearing that from your mouth."

I bite my lip and lean forward, just a few millimeters from his.

"Kiss me." I command him, wanting to lose myself in him for a moment to forget what awaits me.

Without hesitation, he presses his lips against mine. Savagely, he bites my lower lip, then our tongues intertwine, letting the kiss intensify and become so passionate that my mouth aches.

The tension consumes us. He lifts me by the hips and sets me on his desk. He kisses my neck and then my cleavage, his hands roaming all over my body. I moan with pleasure when he cups my breast and pinches my nipple between his thumb and forefinger.

"Take me on your desk, Ezio."

He looks at me and flashes a big smile.

"At your command, madam." he whispers.

While kissing him, his hands slip under my dress, and I shiver at the touch of his skin against mine. He moves up until he reaches my panties, which he rips off with a swift motion.

I look at him in a mix of surprise and lust.

"You won't be needing those anymore." he mutters between kisses.

Hastily, I undo his pants and let them fall to his knees. He caresses me with his fingers and begins to penetrate me.

"Always so wet, my beauty."

He kisses my neck, pulls me towards him, and thrusts into me with a swift move.

I moan with pleasure at his touch and lie back on the desk. He places one hand on my chest and continues his thrusts. I wrap my legs around his waist and grip the edge of the desk. We both moan in rhythm with his precise and vigorous movements.

"You belong to me, May, never forget that."

In response, I offer him a moan followed by a muffled "Ezio."

"I love it when you say my name."

He speeds up, and I feel myself nearing the edge.

"Ezio." I implore, breathless.

The orgasm takes over my body, and the wave of pleasure quickly overwhelms me. In perfect synchrony, we climax. We remain entwined for a few seconds, recovering from our emotions.

Gently, Ezio pulls out of me, and I sit up.

"Do you have a tissue ? It's dripping. " I say with a smile.

He hands me one, and I wipe myself. He gets dressed while I adjust my clothes. He then approaches me to take me in his arms.

"Be careful tonight. If you follow my advice, everything will go smoothly. I'll be in the club watching over you; I'll protect you."

"Thank you, it reassures me to know you'll be nearby. But you didn't tell me the rest of the plan,I interrupted you."

"I didn't mind at all." he replies with a charming smile.

He steps back and leans against his desk, his hands gripping the edge.

"Your dance will make him want to choose you and take things further. He'll take you to his private room, where two of his bodyguards will be posted outside the door. They will search you to ensure you're not carrying anything, then let you in. Once inside, only you will know what happens next. Be very careful; he reportedly has perverse fantasies. It's best if he doesn't touch you, but we can't be sure that will work. You need to leave that room with the information and leave him for dead."

"But how will I do that with his two guards outside the door and no weapon ?" 

"Because of his peculiar fantasies, the room is soundproofed. You should know that his intimate meetings never exceed 30 minutes. Beyond that, the guards will barge into the room. So everything you need to do must be done within that timeframe."

"And if I can't do it ?"

"I'll be there to help you."

I take a deep breath and then exhale. Ezio takes me in his arms again and whispers a tender "I believe in you" in my ear. I return his embrace and kiss him.

"It's time to get ready; we need to be there in 20 minutes."

Once dressed in my gown, I join Ezio, and we take the elevator.

"You look stunning, my sweetie."

"Thank you, Ezio." I reply, my voice echoing his somber tone, both of us knowing why I'm dressed like this.

Trapped in our thoughts, we let a heavy silence settle during the drive to the site of the impending crime.