lia'

g to get a feel for the layout of the estate. I discovered a bea

ng that I was trapped. Marco's words kept echoing in

I felt like a pawn in a

the door. I opened it to find a woman stan

said, smiling. "Mr. De Luca

ng a pang of gratitude. "Thank

. "I'll be taking care o

Maybe having Maria around would mak

e rules of the game were. What did Marco expect from m

rmation about Marco's plans. I started by questioning Maria, try

ulge any secrets. I realized that I would h

teps outside my door. I looked up to see Marco stan

said, his eyes roving over th

own, trying to stay calm. "What do you wan

ith amusement. "I want to show yo

store for me. But my curiosity got the better of me,

arriving at a large wooden door. Marco produced a key and unlocked

for me to enter. "I spend a lot of time in

helves. There were books on every subject imag

chair for me to sit in. "I want to show you somet

to reveal a beautiful silver necklace. The pendant was

d, his voice low and smooth.

of what to say. "Thank you," I st

Emilia," he said. "I think you'll find that this necklace is more

locked onto mine. What did he mean by "arrangeme

ust smiled and leaned forward,

Emilia, he whispere

lia'

caressed my ear. His words sent a thrill of anticipation

like I was drowning in their depths. The necklace, still clu

I asked, my voice ba

chair. "The necklace, Emilia, is more than just a

a sense of unease.

nnocent. The arrangement, my dear, is between you and me. You see, this ne

, but Marco continued b

vice, of sorts. It allows me to keep t

ank in. The necklace was more than just a pretty tr

this?" I asked, trying

nd the rules of the game. You see, I'm not just a ruthless Mafia don. I'm also a man of my

t Marco's words were laced with

, Marco?" I asked, trying

Emilia. I want so many things from you. But for now, let's jus

e. What did Marco mean by "cooperate"

carefully. The necklace was just the beginning – I had a f

said finally, trying

nd he leaned forward, his e

his voice low and smooth. "Now, let's get down to

ds hung in the air. What did he want from me

that I was in for a wild ride. And I

to do?" I asked, tr

milia. I want you to attend a little party I'm hosting tonight. I

surprise. A party?

ty?" I asked, try

a. It's just a little gathering of some of my..

him, but I knew I had to p

rying to sound confident.

nd he leaned forward, his e

d, his voice low and smooth. "Now, let's get rea

pidation. What was I getting myself into