Dangerous Games

Delicious Temptation

Today was the fourth annual remembrance of Loris Santoro. Viola, his younger sister, dressed up in a black knee-length gown, black suede hat, and shoes, was walking with her father to the grave of her one and only brother, the intended Don of Ndrangheta, killed by the Russian mafia.

Viola’s heels clicked on the pavement as she held the tears at bay; her brother would hate to see her cry, and she would not shame him this year.

Carefully, she replaced the black, wilted roses in the vase with fresh red ones. Her father stood quietly, reading the grave marker over and over again. His fists clenched in anger, till they were white.

Viola stood up straight, holding her father by his arm, “Another year, my dear boy, I promise you, by this time next year, I’ll have the ashes of that bastard to bring to you as a gift. Igor will pay a son for a son.”

Viola wiped the one line of tears on her father's cheek as they bowed in respect to Loris and turned to leave.

Another battle was brewing. Viola could feel it in her bones and it worried her. Daily her father’s obsession with the Russian mafia increased.

Later that day, Viola knew it was time for her to return to New York. Since her brother had died, she couldn’t stay in Italy past a day. The bittersweet memories of her brother were too much for her to bear.

Knocking on her father's study, she opened the door to see her father with a few men dressed in black suits.

They turned for a fraction of a second and bowed in greeting and quickly averted their eyes away from her, very uncomfortable at her presence.

Everyone knew better than to show open admiration for Santoros’ precious Princess; It had cost a few foolish men their lives.

“My Princess, don’t tell me you’re leaving already? Stay with your old man a little.” He smiled, lighting his cigar.

Villa chuckled, “I’ve told you to come over to New York and leave this dreadful mansion. I don’t know how you do it, Dad.”

Santoro waved his hand, dismissing the men, who quickly bowed in respect, chorusing, “Si boss.” as they scurried away.

Santoro smiled, even at his old age of sixty. He still had an intimidating physique and aura. “Sit, my princess, have you given thought to our conversation last night? Not that you have much of a choice.”

Viola sat on the chair opposite her father, feeling weighed down. “Papa, I’d rather not be involved in this, you know …”

Her father banged his hand on the table, “No excuses, you’re taking that job. It’s the least you owe, as all, I’ve been very lenient with you and allowed you to live as you please, but understand you’re the new heir and there are expectations of you.” His eyes flashed hurt.

Viola winced at his anger. “I know but…” she stuttered.

“But nothing, you’re taking the job I got you as the PRO to the Lakers so you can be near Igor’s bastard. I need intel on him every day, and if need be, I’ll require you to kill him!”

Her father's eyes bulged as he spoke.

Viola’s heartbeat sporadically, and she blinked away the tears. This wasn’t just about her proving her worth as his next heir, her father blamed her for her brother’s death.

“Okay, Papa. I’ll do as you ask, but I won’t kill him myself.” She said with resignation.

Santoro calmed down, his breathing even more and he took a long drag of the fat cigar, filling the room with the heavy smell of burnt tobacco and herbs.

“Good. Stay alert and do not let yourself get killed.”

Viola nodded, blinking back the tears in her eyes. “Yes, papa.”

—————————

Having taken her father's private plane, she arrived in New York in no time. Although it was the early hours of the morning, she decided to surprise her boyfriend, Justin.

Navigating her way to his new apartment, she had helped him relocate. She took the elevator, a feeling of excitement and longing in her belly.

He always knew what to say and do to make her feel better. Although her father didn’t approve of the relationship because of Justin’s ties with the Irish mob and Yakuza due to his parents being members.

Viola couldn’t help herself when it came to him. Skipping down the hall, she could hear the loud moans of a woman.

She stopped cold in her tracks, quickly grabbing her cellphone to confirm the apartment number in case she had made a mistake, but it was correct.

Maybe it’s from a movie he's watching, she said to herself, forcing her legs to move to his door.

With shaky hands, she tried the door to find it open, her heart dropping to the pit of her stomach as she saw red lingerie on the living room floor. Following up the trail of underwear littered on the ground to the bedroom, she screamed in horror.

Loud deafening music played.

Justin had a woman bent over his bed as he vigorously pumped in and out of her. They both had their eyes closed in ecstasy, moaning at the top of their lungs.

The woman saw Viola and screamed in panic, trying to run, but Justin had his eyes too tight; he held her even tighter, letting go of his release.

Viola stood watching in horror, her heart ripped to a million shreds.

“Babe! What are you doing here?” Justin’s eyes widened in fear and panic. He pushed the woman away and quickly covered himself.

Viola finally snapped out of it, wiping the tears from her cheeks. “It’s over bastard.” She turned and walked away. Justin threw on some pants quickly, rushing after her.

“Wait please, I can explain. I don’t love her, it’s because you’re a virgin.”

Viola laughed bitterly, quickening her pace to the elevator, every fiber of her being shaking in hurt and anger.

Justin didn’t stop following her. Irrationally, Viola entered the elevator blinded by her feelings. She just wanted to hurt Justin as much as he hurt her.

She saw a man with his back turned taking a private call, knowing Justin was just a few steps away from her.

She tapped the tall stranger, “Hello.” As soon as he turned, she threw her hands around his neck without stopping and brought her lips up to his, kissing him.

At first, the man stiffened, but Viola was insistent, kissing him with passionate fervor, till he moaned softly and kissed her back, pulling her into his large arms.

The feeling was surreal; it was the sweetest, headiest sensation she had ever experienced.

“What the! Get your dirty hands off my woman.” She heard Justin scream in rage from behind her. She tried to pull away, but the stranger wasn’t done yet.

“We...have to stop.” She said in panic, but that did nothing to stop him.

She heard Justin charge into the elevator at full speed. In a split second, the stranger turned Viola around him, so his body was protecting her and let her go.

It all happened so fast, but the next thing Viola knew, Justin hit the ground with a loud thud.

He picked Justin up and held him up against the walls of the elevator.

“And just who do you think you are?” The deepest, sweetest yet lethal-sounding baritone voice Viola had ever heard asked.

Justin’s eyes widened in fear, “It’s you!”

The fear and dread in Justin’s voice made Viola steady her vision and look at the powerfully built stranger properly, and her legs almost gave way.

“Dmitri Igor.” She whispered her voice shakily, and he turned to her and gave her an amused look.