Page 11 of The Bonventi Hitman
Her words stir something within me, a desire to protect her, but I don't understand it, so I shrug it off.
"Well, you're safe for now," I say, releasing her.
I stand and walk over to the bar and pour myself some whiskey. I take a sip and observe Sofia sitting as still as a statue, looking into the fire. Just as I'm about to speak, there's a knock at the door.
I pull out my gun and walk over to the small camera screen by the door - it's Luca with Sammy and Vincent.
I tuck my gun behind my back and scan the keycard, unlocking the door.
"I thought you'd just come in," I say to Luca as he enters.
"Eh, this idiot forgot the card in the car," he says, pointing to Sammy.
The three of them walk past me and into the main room.
"Wow, aren't you just a fucking vision," Luca says to Sofia, "What's your name, darling?"
Sofia doesn't respond.
"Come on now, honey," Luca says and sits down beside her. "I won't bite," he says and rubs her leg.
A twinge of anger rises in me, and I grip my drink tightly, the glass nearly breaking under the pressure.
"Sofia."
"Ah, Sofia," Luca says and takes her hand and kisses it, "what a beautiful name. I'm Luca."
Luca turns to look at me, "I can see now why you took her," he says with a sly grin.
"Don't worry, honey, you'll be taken care of," Luca says, patting her leg. He stands and looks back at me.
"Kitchen."
Luca puts his arm on my shoulder, the same one that was just holding Sofia's hand, as we walk into the kitchen.
"You really did pick a beautiful one this time," Luca says, admiring Sofia over my shoulder. "And her breasts, shit, I don't think I've seen a finer pair."
I take a drink of my whiskey, welcoming the burn, "and what would your current mistress think?" I say.
Luca laughs.
"Look, we're going to be going after the Russians, so you're going to be busy, so why don't you let me take care of Sofia? You've got work to do."
I tense up and don't know how to respond. I need to tread lightly, as this is my boss.
"I took her, I'll deal with it," I say.
Luca looks at me, and his face becomes stern, "I'm claiming her," he says matter-of-factly. "The family will need you focused, and there's a lot to be done. Don't worry about this one anymore."
"What about your other mistress?" I ask.
"Veronica? She's gone. It's done," he says, waving a dismissive hand.
I stand in the kitchen and clench my jaw, trying to hide my inner turmoil. I can't defy Luca openly, but the thought of himclaiming Sofia fills me with rage. I take a deep breath, trying to calm myself down.
"I can see the tension in your face, Gabe. Don't worry, I'll take good care of her. I'll make sure she's got everything she needs. You know I'm good to my mistresses," he says, patting me on the shoulder, a gesture that seems almost condescending. "Now, finish your drink. We've got other issues that need addressing, and the don wants to see us."
Reluctantly, I nod and raise my glass to my lips, draining the amber liquid in one gulp. As the warmth spreads through my chest, I try to push aside my concern for Sofia and focus on the tasks ahead, because there was a war coming, and I need to be ready.
