Page 74 of Beautiful Desire

“Affrettarsi!” a loud voice shouts from the other side of the bathroom door.Hurry up!

Quickly lathering up some shower gel, I try washing away the tired and aching feeling coursing through me right now. Stepping out, I give myself a quick towel dry, before getting dressed.

All black, as usual. Never any other color in this world. Always dark, dull, and lifeless. Everything I hate. As soon as I exit, Federico walks past, indicating for me to follow behind. We make our way down the hallway before descending the stairs, headed forhisoffice.

Stopping outside, Federico knocks on the door three times.

“Accedere,” a voice says from within.Enter.

He pushes it open, standing aside, allowing me through. Nero sits on a large, dark green leather chair behind his mahogany desk as cigar smoke billows up into the air from his mouth.

“Puoi andare,” he says without even looking up at Federico.You may go.

“Sedersi,” Nero says, raising his hand and pointing toward one of the chairs in front of his desk.Sit.

Forcing myself to move, I take a seat and wait to hear what today’s hellish activities will involve.

We sit in silence for a couple of minutes, and I swear he’s doing it to piss me off. I need to find a way out of here, a way to get back to the States and out from under his control. It’s been two months already, and every second I spend here is one too long.

“Verrai per gli affari di oggi,” Nero says, finally breaking the deafeningly loud silence.You’re coming along for today’s business.

Clearing my throat, I move in my chair. This bastard knows just how to push my buttons. Of all things I’ve had to do, the days where he makes me follow him like a puppy are the worst.

“É or ache tu entri nel tuo ruolo, di cuginetta,” he says with a slimy, smug grin across his face.It’s time you stepped into your role, little cousin.

My palms turn clammy, and my heart rate picks up as I register his words. My role? What role? I don’t have a role here! I’m not supposed to be here! Anger flares in my chest and it takes every ounce of self-control not to lash out at him.

Through clenched teeth, I ask him, “Che é?”Which is?

Standing from his chair with an almost proud look on his face, he replies, “La mia cagna.”My bitch.

And without saying another word, he signals for the door.

I hesitate for a brief moment before remembering my first week here – I know better – and follow him out.

Sliding into the blacked-out car behind him, I buckle my seatbelt before we pull out of the long driveway. The house isn’t a mansion, but it’s bigger than the average. It’s old, and a good distance from the nearest town.

Sitting in silence, I stare out the window, trying to come up with ways to get myself out of this whole situation. It’s not going to be quick, and I know it’s not going to be easy. Especially not in this country.

The car comes to a stop at an old containers yard. I look around and realize it’s one I’ve been to before. The last time I was here with Nero, he had a man tied up inside one of them. His men tortured the man for a few days before he finally came down here and beat him within an inch of his life. Instead of putting the guy out of his misery, he just left him there teetering on the edge. Bastard.

Opening the car door, I walk around to the same side as Nero, waiting to find out why we’re back here. A loud, creaking sound comes from our left and we watch as a few of his men walk toward us, dragging someone with their hands tied behind their back and a bag over their head.

Stopping ten feet in front of us, Nero makes his way over before ripping the cloth off the captive’s head, revealing a man who looks to be in his early twenties. Getting right up in his face, he begins talking quietly, so only the young man can hear.

Turning, Nero stretches his hand out in my direction. “Dominic, vieni.”Dominic, come.

I stand rooted to the spot, unable to move as uncertainty swirls in my gut about what might happen next. He doesn’t repeat himself, but instead, I feel the heavy weight of a gun against my spine, and I take two steps closer toward him.

Reaching behind his back, Nero holds a Glock G18C. My eyes dart back and forth between him and the gun in his hand. My stomach swirls, and I feel the bile begin to rise. I swallow the feeling, knowing I can’t. Not here. Not now.

A sinister smile plays on his lips, and I know exactly what he’s doing. Turning to the young man, Nero speaks loud enough for us all to hear.

“Prima rubi, poi menti. Non faccio terze possibilità, ma mi vendico.”First you steal, then you lie. I don’t do third chances, but I do get revenge.

Gritting my teeth at his words, understanding their meaning, I try my best to maintain my composure. Nero raises his arm while the young man who is being forced down to his knees begins screaming and crying, the sounds muffled by the gag in his mouth. Without any hesitation, he takes aim and squeezes the trigger, and a loud pop sound echoes off the surrounding containers.

The young man falls onto the hard concrete as blood pools around his cold, lifeless body. The distinct smell fills my nostrils, bringing back memories I’d much rather forget. Unfortunately, this time I can’t hold it back anymore. Bending over, I retch and expel the contents in my stomach.

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