Page 47 of The Don's Soulmate

"Ah, there you are," a gravelly voice greets me, causing me to turn towards the source. The three assassins, clad in black, materialize from the shadows like wraiths. Their faces are obscured by masks, to protect against any unwanted footage being taken of them at this meeting point from government or private CCTV’s, adding an extra layer of cold detachment to their demeanor.

"Let's get straight to business," I say, my voice firm with authority. "I have reason to believe that Ettore Mancini is havingan affair with my fiancé, Carlotta. This cannot stand. I want him eliminated."

"Understood," the tallest assassin Gianlo replies, his voice devoid of emotion. "We will take care of him for you."

I look at the three brothers. Vittorio, Leandro and Gianlo can be trusted to take any life. I know this, given our years of acquaintance.

After all, they’re the ones who took out my ex after she went blabbering to the paparazzi about all the torture she faced at my hands. Now, the world thinks the bitch is hiding out somewhere. I, on the other hand, know she’s rotting at the bottom of the Adriatic.

Pity. She was such a beauty.

"Ettore dies before he can disrupt my plans to wed her. I want his body in the river by week's end."

They murmur assent, accustomed to my demands. I know they will not fail me. Cold, precise, and loyal - I value these qualities in my employees.

"Tell me everything about the girl," the eldest assassin, Vittorio, says, his voice low and gravelly. "Her habits, friends, family - any details that may prove useful."

Of course. There are still missing pieces in this deadly puzzle. Information that only I can provide.

I nod, steepling my fingers in thought. "Carlotta is naive, far too trusting. Sheltered by her father, she knows little of the outside world."

My mind turns to her flawless mocha skin, full lips and damnable green eyes that see too much. Such exotic beauty, soon to be mine. The thought elicits a spark of possessive desire.

"She spends most days at home, or with some friends, or in galleries," I continue. "Her pursuit for a career in the art world gives her strength, misplaced as it is. She has few good friends beyond her friend Sofia. At the present, she’s under lock and key at her father’s mansion, given how she’s been running off with Ettore Mancini while she’s to wed me.”

The assassins listen intently, committing each detail to memory. The wheels are already turning, planning ways to exploit any vulnerability.

“Locked up, you said?” Leandro asks.

I nod.

“We need to be smart about this,” Gianlo adds. “We need to catch him off guard, perhaps use Carlotta as bait."

The assassins exchange glances, and Vittorio speaks up, reading his brothers minds. "We suggest allowing Carlotta to leave your house occasionally. It will make her an easy target for us to follow and gather intel on Ettore to make the hit. If there is something between them, they shall seek each other out."

"Now," Vittorio adds, his voice laced with experience and cunning. "To get closer to Carlotta, we could use her friend Sofia. I could gain her trust, learn more. She seems to be very close to her, and manipulating her may give us even more control over Carlotta."

My eyes narrow as I consider his proposal. It's true - Sofia is Carlotta's closest confidante, and gaining her loyalty would add another layer of security around my precious possession. "That could work," I muse aloud. "But you must be careful. Sofia is a smart woman, and she comes from a powerful business family. As white-collar as they get. Do not underestimate her."

"Understood," the old assassin nods, a sinister smile playing on his lips.

"Very well," I agree, already envisioning the moment when Ettore realizes he's walked right into my trap. "Just remember, be discreet and cautious. If any of you fail or get discovered, the consequences will be severe. I need the alliance for my empire to grow.”

“Here's what you need to know about Carlotta's circle," I add, pulling out a small notebook filled with detailed information about her family, friends, and cousins. I hand it over to theassassins, watching as they eagerly pore over its contents. "Use this to exploit any potential weaknesses. Remember, our ultimate goal is to eliminate Ettore Mancini and secure my control over Carlotta."

"Understood, Caputo," Vittorio replies.

As the assassins slip away into the night, I stand alone in the darkness, my mind filled with deliciously wicked thoughts. The game is on, and I hold all the cards. In the end, I will have everything I desire - power, control, and Carlotta as my possession to do with what I want, whether she likes it or not.

"Carlotta," I whisper, the words echoing through the empty warehouse like the distant howl of a wolf. "Your fate is sealed. You are mine, and soon, even Ettore Mancini won't be able to save you."

Chapter 21

Carlotta

The maid enters my room with a tray of food. “Buongiorno, signorina,” She murmurs. Her movements are mechanical, her face full of pity. This is my only human interaction, yet it offers no solace. They bring my meals on schedule and clean my room daily but withhold the one thing I crave most: news from the outside world.

She gives me a small, sad smile. “Would that be all?” she asks.

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