Page 14 of Dark Mafia Bride

I square my shoulders and try to look unfazed as I hand him my pass. He spends a few seconds looking at it, but it feels like hours. Finally, he grunts something into his earpiece then steps aside, pulling the door open for me.

The first thing that hits me is the loud music. It floods my senses—thumping bass, pulsing beats, and the low murmur of voices. I walk in, trying to ignore the butterflies doing somersaults in my stomach.

The atmosphere inside is exactly what I expected when I applied for a job here months ago—the dimly lit room with streaks of red and gold casting shadows across the polished floors, poker tables scattered throughout the space, and men in expensive suits surrounded by women adorned with lavish pearls. The air is thick with the smell of cigarette smoke and cologne that costs enough to pay my mother’s entire medical bill.

Glasses clink at the bar, and the soft chatter and laughter blend into the music, making it hard to focus on anything in particular. I take a deep breath and glance around, trying to soak it all in. It’s both overwhelming and exhilarating, and I exhale deeply before straightening my shoulders.

I’ve been trying for months to get into this place. At first, I applied for a job, but they don’t hire girls without a diploma or any real benefit to them. The best I could do was convince Giovanni, Alessia’s boyfriend, to pull a few strings and get me an invitation for the night. He works here, so that wasn’t too difficult for him. And here I am, in a rented gown that hugs my curves in all the right places.

It’s ridiculous and not what I’d usually wear, but apparently, there’s a dress code to which I have to adhere. It’s also why I’m currently wearing high-heeled shoes I can barely walk in and a dress that shows a little too much skin for my liking.

I don’t have a plan, just a vague hope that I can charm a wealthy man with my wit and intelligence—they like stuff like that, don’t they?—into lending me some money or giving me a job or something.

It’s worked for me before—under very different circumstances, I know—but who knows? Maybe my second chance could be the charm.

As I move through the crowd, I can feel eyes on me, appraising and measuring. I feel completely out of place. Everything reeks of power and money, neither of which I have. But it’s easy to pretend, and for one night, that’s what I’ll do. I focus on my newfound confidence. I’m experienced now, no longer the naïve virgin I used to be. I can do this.

I reach the luxurious bar and order a drink from the dark-skinned bartender, who greets me with a flirty smile.

“Vodka tonic,” I say casually, trying to play it cool, even though the words taste sour on my tongue. He raises aneyebrow, like I’ve just made a bold choice in spirits. That can only mean one thing—either I have excellent taste in alcohol, or the drink I just ordered is ridiculously expensive.

My broke ass is betting on the latter. Well, there goes this month’s electric bill. Guess I’ll be picking up more shifts to pay for this tiny act of financial self-sabotage.

The vodka hits hard and fast, calming my nerves just enough to stop my hands from shaking, and I order a second. Just then, I spot Giovanni moving through the crowd, approaching me. The tension in my stomach eases a little at the sight of a familiar face.

“Mirabella!” He beams, pulling me into a brief hug. “You look stunning.”

“Thanks,” I mutter.

As he leans back, his grin is a mix of amusement and curiosity. “And...you also look nervous. You okay, Mira?”

I roll my eyes, though the nickname softens me a bit. “Ugh! Why do you know me so well?”

“Because we used to be best friends, duh!”

He chuckles. Before Gio and Alessia started dating, the three of us went way back to high school.

That is, until he and Alessia started their secret friends-with-benefits thing behind my back, which eventually blossomed into love. Honestly, I wasn’t mad they hid it—I knew they did it to spare my feelings. And when it all came to light, I was genuinely happy for them. Still, I was a little sad that my two favorite people found the kind of love I’ve always wanted but have never let myself believe I can have.

He pulls up a stool beside me. “You still haven’t told me why you needed an invitation to this place.”

My friends know I’m having money problems, so I’m sure he realizes I’m not here for a casual Friday night out like everyone else.

My drink arrives just then, and I take a slow sip, letting the chill drink settle my nerves before replying. “I need money, Gio. Big money. Plus I could really use your advice.”

His eyebrows shoot up, surprised but not completely shocked. “You mean Abruzzi? I thought you had that handled.”

I shake my head, avoiding his gaze as I trace the rim of my glass with my finger. “I thought I did, as well. He promised to be patient with me, but he seems to have run out of patience.”

I lower my voice as I say, “He sent his thugs after me sometime last week.”

“What?!” Gio hisses, his jaw tightening.

“Shh, relax,” I say, glancing around to make sure no one’s eavesdropping. “Nothing happened. It got handled. I mean, I’m standing here, aren’t I?”

“Fuck, Mira. Why didn’t I hear about this? Why didn’t you tell me?”

I sigh, shaking my head. “What could you have done?” Before he could argue, I cut him off. “This debt...it’s suffocating me, Gio. I don’t need advice. I need a way out.”

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