Athena
I sat up from the bed, still a bit groggy, but quite certain I heard him properly.
“My new associates?” I asked, surely he wasn’t serious right?
I followed him into the living room of the suite, dimly lit room, decorated with ornate furniture and dimly lit candles. Luciano sat on a velvet armchair, while I stared at him, unsure if he was serious or not. nervously paces the room.
Luciano leaned back, observing me, “Raven, my dear,” he started, “I don’t see any reason why we don’t go check it out today, okay? It’s time for you to understand who we are and what we do.
“I appreciate your interest in making me feel at home,” I couldn’t help but lace my voice with some sarcasm, it was getting ridiculous, “But getting involved with your Mafia is not something I was comfortable with, I only just agreed with it, cam you let me digest it at the very least before plunging me head deep and showing me off like a trophy.”
He looked up at me, raising an eyebrow, “Do you think that is what I am doing?” He asked, “Showing you off?”
“That’s what it feels like.”
“Raven, can you just stop with the drama for a second please? And listen.”
I placed my arms on my hips glaring at him,”Drama? Luciano you are the one trying to force me into your organization before I am completely ready, the drama isn’t from me, I promise you.”
“Force you? That’s not what is-”
“Oh come on,” I said, rolling my eyes, “A few hours ago, as late as yesterday, I didn’t want any part of this remember? I just wanted a quiet life, boring yes, but quiet and peaceful, studying some boring major in some boring school. You brought up the idea of me working with you and you didn’t even wait a full twenty four hours after I said yes to start showing me the ropes?”” I ended my rant, breathing heavily as I glared at him. He on the other hand, looked as calm as ever, staring at me.
“Are you done?” He finally asked.
“Na,” I said, my voice angry and somehow at the same time dismissive, “Let me catch my breath, I have a fee more things to get off my chest.”
“Like what?”
“Your suit, I hate it, it’s stupid and the tie is annoying as fuck.”
That caught him off guard, he looked confused for a while before realizing I was joking and just trying to break the tension, then he began to chuckle.
Luciano, rising from the armchair, crossed the room walking towards me, “My dear Cara,” He said, his voice low and steady, “You need to understand that we are not the monsters you think we are.”
“I don’t think you are monsters Luciano,” I sighed, tired, “I wouldn’t be with you if I did, but I am not entirely sure what you are either.”
“We are a family, a tightly-knit community protecting our own in a world full of betrayal.”
I took a step back, hugging my arms closer to myself and looking away from him,” I understand that, Luciano, but I am not quite ready yet, this introduction thing, it scares me.” I looked up, “I can’t be a part of that, not now, not yet.”
“You are ready Raven.” He said, as though it was the surest thing in the world.”
“How are you so sure?”
“Because I know.”
I scoffed, “Yeah, you will have to do better than that buddy, that isn’t enough for me that you just know.”
“Do you really need a definite answer or are you just making things difficult for me, as usual?” He stepped closer, so close now I could smell his cologne. I struggled to stay focused, he knew exactly what he was doing, I could tell. His lips were pulled into the most charming smile ever, his face bearing an expression that promised me safety, and peace, if only I could just let him have his way.
And the worst part was, I found myself believing him. I wanted nothing more than to throw myself in his hands and pledge my fate, my allegiance, my loyalty to him and his cause.
“Focus, Athena.” I thought to myself, “Be strong.”
But it was a moot effort, I could already feel my defenses crumbling.
God he was good, he was very good.
“Luciano, can you please answer my question?” I repeated, my voice quivering.
Luciano leaned in closer, gazing into my eyes, “Well Raven, you possess a strength and intuition that would be an asset to our family. Your potential, if channeled correctly, could help shape our future. Think of the impact you could have.”
I was never one for flattery, but I felt butterflies flutter in my belly as he said those words. They were true of course, I knew exactly what I was capable of, but hearing him say them, well that was on a different level of mind blowing.
Raven: (softening her stance) Impact aside, Luciano, I still have my own principles to uphold. I cannot simply overlook the illegal activities conducted by your organization.
He smirked, “Morality? Really Cara?”
“Yes!”
“Oh please, you are just stalling, you haven’t been Mother Theresa of Calcutta since you dressed like her for Halloween okay, cut the crap.”
“I mean it!”
He placed both hands on either side of my cheek, “My dear Raven, we are not here to discuss morality. We live in a world where power is essential, where survival is dependent on how willing one is to bend the rules.”
“That’s just a weird way of putting it moron.”
At this point, my defenses were already gone, I was merely hanging on for dear life.
“The Mafia is merely a reflection of the society we live in, albeit a, unusual one.”
I leaned against a nearby table, considering his words, “I understand your point, Luciano,”
He called his hands, walking away, “Good, you do, it’s settled then.”
“Not so fast”
He groaned, throwing his head back, “What is the problem now?”
“How can you assure me that your Mafia is striving for something greater?”
He sighed, before turning and walking towards me, his eyes pleading, “That is precisely why I want you to meet the members of our organization, to witness firsthand the unity, loyalty, and determination that exist within our ranks.”
“That isn’t enough though”
He smiled, “In our world, it is.”
I hesitated, “I don’t know, Luciano. It feels like a huge risk.”
He looked at me holding out his hand, the look on his face reassuring, ” Raven, I promise you that you will be safe. Allow me to show you a world beyond what you know.”
I took a deep breath, my gaze fixed on his hand.
“Come on baby girl.”
Ah well, I was in too deep already. I took it.
* * *
By two pm, that same day, I was in his Bentley, him at the driver’s seat, in black sunglasses and a leather jacket, feeling like Bonnie as he raced down the streets of New York, nothing on my mind but how I would rule the world with him.
As we pulled into the huge driveway in Westchester, he gestured towards the headquarters, “Welcome to our new reality, Raven. This is the heart of the mafia operations.”
The building was massive, flanked by huge gates. Already intimidating.
I took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves ” It’s… bigger than I expected. Intimidating.”
Luciano smiled reassuringly, “I understand, Raven. But remember, we’re here to forge alliances, not succumb to fear.” He looked at me, mischief on his face, “And I my dear, am the Boss.”
Without another word, we walked towards the entrance, Luciano confidently leading the way, me following closely behind, unsure of what the hell I had gotten myself into.