SHADOW OF THE BOSS

Giulia was frightened at the sound of the door opening. Two men walked through, one with the size of mountains, the second with a large, deep cut across the left side of his cheek.

"She's awake."

"Boss wants her."

The big one walked across the room with strenuous steps before ripping the tape out of her mouth.

"Wait! Don't!" The woman jerked her back, and her face was aching because the tape pulled at her skin.

"Shut up, girl."

The scarred man grabbed her arm, pulling her close. His breath was a haze of smoke along with a sharp scent of cologne.

"I would have smacked you if the boss hadn't said no."

The golden tooth sparkled as the dentist smiled.

They led her down into a dark hallway, and the air was thick with smoke and darker. The space they entered was luxurious. Mahogany shelves lined the walls, highlighting the area with soft leather. The bar sparkled in the soft light. The table was unoccupied at the end of a corner.

Three guys sat in a circle as if they had their time. Then her eyes spotted the man.

Vincenzo.

He was sitting on a large leather sofa with a glass in his hands. He didn't even have to say a word to request his space. It was just.

His size wasn't as bad as those around him. The guy seemed... sturdy. He was effortlessly dominating. His dark shirt was up so that he could flash gold on his chest. He rolled up his sleeves to expose his tattooed arms, which were not worthy of public display. His dark eyes locked with hers, leaving her breathless.

Other men puffed cigarettes and watched her closely.

"Where's your man?"

His voice sounded like a low slap in the stillness.

"I... I don't know. Days have passed since his disappearance.

She fought not to look back at her, but something in his appearance made it impossible to keep her eyes off of him. Each sentence echoed the curling accent he used.

"Don't lose your head over a fool like Enzo. Tell me where he is; you walk out with your soul. Lie, and I'll send you where lovely angels go."

The threat was audible, yet her mind remained focused on a single word. Angel. He called her that.

"I don't even know who Enzo is."

He looked her over slowly before giving a slight smile.

The big man was holding an iPhone. An image.

Her heart dropped.

"Enzo..."

Her voice cracked. He was the one who sounded it. He maintained the same smile and rode the same motorbike. What was the purpose behind this?

"Tobias Shaw" was one of the other men who were mentioned casually to Enzo at the casino.

"He took a hundred grand from me," Vincenzo said sharply, emphasizing his accent.

Giulia looked at him with a blank stare. Her face had lost its color. Who could steal from someone as honorable as Vincenzo?

"I didn't know anything about that! I swear!"

The tears blurred her vision.

"Where is he?"

"I don't know!" she said.

He finished the drink and put the glass away.

"If he doesn't return what he took in twenty-four hours, you're dead. So you better hope he finds his courage and shows up. Got it, Bellissima?"

Bellissima? It was a word she didn't understand what did, but his tone speaking of it triggered something profound within her. She blinked fast, and her mind was a blur.

"Take her back."

Back? Should she go back to the dimly lit room?

"No, please--"

The impact was so quick that her cheeks tingled before she had time to respond. Her head turned in response to the force, and she caught her breath.

"Matteo!"

Vincenzo's voice was thunderous.

The woman whimpered when footsteps moved.

"Yes, boss."

"Come here."

He slowly walked across.

"Show me the hand."

Matteo was hesitant, and then he lifted his right hand.

"On the table. Now."

Giulia watched the scene, frozen in shock.

Vincenzo removed a knife from inside his belt. Swift. Sharp. The man brought it down.

Matteo shouted.

Blood splattered on the wood.

Giulia changed her position, and she vomited. The stomach of Giulia twisted.

"Next time you touch her, you lose the rest," Vincenzo stated coldly. Matteo, with a pale face, gripped his bloody and broken hand.

"Dario. Take her to Luciana."

The large man smiled.

Giulia, who was struggling and shaken, felt herself being lifted out. Her fear and illness soaked her clothes, glueing them to her body.

Is this what it was?

Was that how her tale came to an end?