Page 53 of The Don's Deadly Assassin

“Oh, I just told the staff to charge me for the same. It’s quite alright, and besides, we asked for it.”

“You truly are generous,” I say sweetly, taking another bite of the ice cream.

“When we go on vacation,” Vincenzo begins. “I’m going to make sure I find you the best gelato in the world.”

“Oh, but the best gelato in the world is right here,” I sing. “In Italia…”

“You’d be surprised, sweetheart,” and he begins to tell me about a time when he found a small little gelato parlor in the Isle of Man.

While he talks, I’m strategizing. The Ghost’s attempt to poison Vincenzo and me might have been thwarted, but that only means he’s going to return.

He won’t kill Vincenzo openly in a crowded restaurant. Perhaps I have a chance of luring the Ghost to me. He will follow, wanting to eliminate any obstruction in taking Vincenzo alone and outside. Or at his home.

I swallow hard at a lump of cold ice cream, still I laugh and add comments into our conversation, waiting at the table for exactly one minute after finishing our ice cream.

"Excuse me for a moment," I tell Vincenzo, pushing back my chair and standing up. "I just need to use the restroom."

"Of course, take your time," he replies, still enjoying the last few sips of his wine.

I walk away slowly, humming a romantic melody, making sure no one, including the Ghost, suspects a thing. Still humming, I check that all the cubicles are empty. I take off my bolero and fold it neatly next to one of the sinks.

Then, I search for something that might help me create a distraction. Spotting a bottle of soap, I smile and slowly pour a generous amount onto the floor right by the entrance, making sure to spread it around evenly.

With the stage set, I stand back behind the door and wait. This isn't my first encounter with another assassin, but This time, the stakes are more personal.

Vincenzo. My Vincenzo.

All I can do is hope that Vincenzo remains safe and unsuspecting, enjoying the wine without a care in the world.

Hidden behind the door, I close my eyes and steady my breathing, calming my senses and listening for the Ghost's approach. My muscles flood with adrenaline, preparing me for the fight that we both know is coming.

The restroom door creaks open, and I tense up, ready to strike. I hear footsteps - confident, calculated, slow but not overly cautious. Definitely not a civilian. This has to be him.

"Quite a mess you've made in here," a raspy voice remarks, followed by a sinister chuckle. "You really should watch where you're pouring that soap."

Thanks for the advice," I retort sharply, springing from my hiding spot, catching him off guard. In one swift motion, I raise my leg high in an outside arch and bring the heel down in a chopping motion, striking the Ghost on his neck with all the force in my hip.

A perfect Kakato Otoshi Geri. I can’t help giving myself a mental high-five. I live for the hunt, after all.

"Wha–" he stammers and tries to dodge my kick just before I slam into him. The soap-slicked floor works to my advantage, causing him to lose his footing and crash to the ground. His eyes widen in surprise and pain as he realizes he's been outmaneuvered.

"Didn't expect that, did you?" I taunt, trying to keep my voice steady despite the pounding in my chest. As much as I want to savor this small victory, I can't afford to let my guard down - not even for a second.

"Huntress…" The Ghost wheezes, struggling to regain his composure. "You’ve got some pretty tricks up your sleeve."

"They’re prettier when you look deeper," I reply, forcing a smile.

"Pretty won’t get you far," he snarls, and in a single second, he’s extending his hands above his head, bringing his knees up to his chest for momentum and kicks up. Now, he stands right before me.

I watch without moving, prepared to move before his next action. I know I don’t have time to attack.

For now, I must defend.

The glint of silver catches my eye as The Ghost hurls a fork in my direction. He must have reached into his boot and retrieved it while kicking back onto his feet.

I instinctively dodge sideways while the tines graze my arm and lunge for the weapon, which embeds itself into the rattan door of the supply cabinet behind me.

"Is that all you've got?" I taunt, gripping the fork tightly in my hand. The Ghost's eyes widen in surprise as I leap towards him. My blood is pumping steadily, my heart pounding in my chest, and I refuse to let him escape.

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