Viola felt like her tongue was super glued to her mouth. Standing before her was all lean, muscled, built, a 6ft4 frame, and a face that could be likened to a god of Dmitri Igor, the son of her father's mortal enemy, and his target.

Justin was shaking so badly his teeth were chattering, “Just let me go, I don’t want any trouble.” He tried to say in a forced, brave voice.

Dmitri smirked darkly, “But I want trouble, so what are you going to do about that?” Justin’s eyes darted to Viola in panic, pleading with her to do something.

All the while, Dmitri struggled to remove where he had seen this lovely woman from. She was like a painting from a fantasy novel. Curvy petite, dark curly hair that went past her waist, creamy skin, beautiful, banish features, and her thick cherry red, plump lips.

“Please, let him go.” Dmitri searched her deep, chocolate eyes, and dropped Justin, who crawled his way out of the elevator quickly.

The air was so tense, a knife could cut through it. Viola searched for words to explain her erratic behavior. Of all the men in the world for her to have kissed spontaneously, it had to be Dmitri Igor.

Dmitri composed himself and checked his watch. He set the elevator to go down and didn’t even spare Viola a look, as though pretending nothing had happened between them.

“Erm sorry, please. I should apologize for what I did in the elevator. It was uncalled-for,” Viola said the following, as he struggled to catch up with his long strides.

Dmitri turned to her; the depth of his gaze intimidated her. He looked her over from her legs to her face, causing her to blush at his brazen stare.

“You know if you wanted to get with me, you won’t have to do all that drama. You desperate groupies and your endless antics.”

Viola’s mouth fell open at his insult, “Excuse me, I didn’t even know who the hell you were at first. You have no right to insult me,” Viola said.

Dmitri scoffed, “Actually I do, considering you threw yourself at me. I could have you sued for assault, you know,” he said arrogantly.

He was used to this type of behavior by women trying to get with him, because he is the star quarterback of the hottest football team.

“You kissed back. I didn’t assault you, you know what, you’re just an arrogant oaf who thinks too highly of himself.” Viola hissed in anger and walked away to her car.

Dmitri watched her zoom away, his arms crossed in amusement. Naturally, he wouldn’t let anyone get away with insulting him; no woman had ever even had the guts to speak to his face like that till now.

It excited him and turned him on.

“What an interesting woman.” He muttered under his breath as he went to the car, checking the time. He swore under his breath that he was late for the drug shipment.

He entered his car and drove to the drop-off location, making sure at every turn he wasn’t followed. Not that it would be much of a problem, the Bratva literally had them in their palms.

He rounded the corner and parked behind the large carts near the port. He saw the fleet of black Mercedes-Benz vehicles, letting him know his men had arrived and had scouted the place.

Pulling his black hoodie up over his head, he got down and walked briskly but steadily to the warehouse. The guards bowed their heads as they saw him approach.

“Welcome, boss.” He jerked his head in greeting as they entered.

All the men stood up from the round table, “Welcome boss.” They said in unison.

“Let’s get to it. I need to be at practice in an hour,” Dmitri said in a stern voice.

Delgado, an older man and the head of the underground operations, nodded, “We’re all ready, boss, all that’s left is your stamp approval. The goods will be shipped, and we already have our men positioned at strategic points in the sea to ensure everything runs smoothly.”

Dmitri nodded, he hated this particular operation, but the rich aristocrats were the ones pushing the supply with their consistent demand.

And his father, Igor, was ever willing to do anything that kept the Bratva’s pockets heavy.

This was one thing he would put an end to as soon as he was named Capo.

“Okay, now where’s that rat? The one who couldn’t stop his mouth from running to the opposition.” Dmitri said in a lethal, calm voice that sent chills down the spines of the men.

Delgado snapped his fingers and the guards brought a man tied up his mouth sealed with duct tape, his black suit rumpled and dirty. The man’s eyes were as wide as saucers from fear.

The men dumped him on the ground in front of Dmitri. Dmitri smirked darkly, breaking his fingers at him, making him almost piss himself.

Dmitri squatted and peeled the duct tape from the man’s mouth sharply, making him wince in pain.

“I’m…so sorry boss... Please,” he said frantically.

Dmitri laughed, “Shhh, don’t be scared.” He said sarcastically.

“I swear I told them nothing. They asked if I could be their informant and I told them I’ll think about it. That’s all,” the man said, his voice shaking with tears.

Dmitri stood up suddenly, “That alone is betrayal, and you know the punishment for it. Why was it you the Italians chose? It’s because they know you’re the weak link,” Dmitri said coldly.

Tears ran down the man’s cheeks, his nose running, face red and sweaty, his sandy blonde hair sticking to his face. “I’m loyal boss. Give me the chance to prove it, and I can act as a double agent. I’ll do the opposite of what they want.”

Dmitri furrowed his eyebrows at the idea. It did make sense, especially since those Italians were as slippery as catfish in muddy waters.

“And how do I know I can trust you?” Dmitri asked, running his hand through his thick dark tendrils in frustration.

“Boss, my family lives within the city of New York here, and there’s no way I can move them in time if I betray you. I also know you’ll go to any lengths and kill me if I’m disloyal,” he said desperately, pleading.

Dmitri looked at Delgado, who nodded in approval.

“Okay, I’ll give you the chance to be an out spy.” The man let out a breath in relief.

“Thank you, boss, I won’t let you down.”

Dmitri didn’t answer and started walking away but stopped at the exit, turning sharply.

“Make sure you give him a mark to remember his promise. My mercy is that I won’t do it myself. You all know I always go overboard.”

He said dangerously.

“Yes, boss,” Delgado said with a grin. Dmitri walked out of the man’s screams behind him.

As soon as he entered the car, his alarm went off.

“Great, I’m late again,” he said, stepping on the gas, driving to the official Lakers gym.

This is the double life of Dmitri Igor, the country’s leading NFL quarterback heartthrob, but the secret mafia boss of the Bravta.