10 years ago.
"Mariana, where are you?" He called and I shifted my gaze to him, adjusting my dress.
"You look so beautiful." He places his hands on my shoulder from behind, tightening the laces on my dress.bhe adjusts my head. "Be on your best behavior, okay? Remember we're meeting people of high standards and reputation, don't let me down."He says and then walks away, leaving me staring at the mirror, my reflection.
***
As I step out of the sleek black limousine, the soft glow of torches lining the red carpet illuminates the path to the grand estate. The air is crisp with anticipation, and the scent of freshly cut flowers mingles with the subtle perfume of the night. My pulse quickens with excitement as I also became nervous. However ,as I ascend the steps to the imposing mansion, my hand resting lightly on the arm of the Baron, my esteemed father-like figure.
Inside, the grandeur of the foyer takes my breath away. Crystal chandeliers cast cascades of light over marble floors, and the walls are adorned with masterpieces that seem to come alive in the soft glow. The murmurs of conversation and the tinkling of glasses create a symphony of sophistication that envelops me as I move gracefully through the crowd.
Guests, dressed in their finest attire, turn to gaze at us as we enter, their eyes alight with curiosity and admiration. I return their smiles with a gentle nod, my demeanor poised and
elegant, betraying none of the nerves that flutter within me.
Tonight, I am not just the Baron's daughter-like figure; I am a symbol of grace and refinement in my own right. As the evening unfolds, I find myself surrounded by a whirlwind of conversation and laughter. Guests approach with deference, eager to engage me in conversation and bask in the aura of privilege that surrounds me. I speak with ease and confidence, my words chosen with care to reflect the intelligence and sophistication befitting my station. At my father's side, I am a vision of poise and elegance, my every movement imbued with a quiet strength that commands attention. Together, we move effortlessly through the crowd, our presence a testament to the power and prestige of our lineage. And then we meet this man.
As we approach the esteemed man of Honor as I was told, a sense of anticipation courses through me, mingling with a tinge of apprehension. His presence exudes power and authority, and I can't help but feel a surge of respect for the man who commands such influence in our world.
"Mr Cassius." My father says, extending his hands to shake our esteemed man of Honor. A man I have heard to have accomplished many things in a short period of time. And I wondered why those things were; things he did. He was well reserved, looking quite young, although I'm sure he's well into his 50's. Mr Cassius shakes his hands firmly and briefly and then with one hand in his pocket, the other occupies itself with a fine glass of wine.
"And you're...?" He asks confidently, oozing with Pride and Charisma. My father smiles. It wasn't just any smile. It was a smile he exhibits when he feels looked down on just as of now.
"Marcus. Marcus Don Thorne." He says with a hint of mock. It was a game of reputation.
"Oh, I see. You're the Infamous One; Baron Don." Mr Cassius smiles sheepishly and then his gaze shifts to me and my father turns his head to my direction also. "And who do we have here?"
"C'mon, run along, Anna. Go try out some of those muffins over there." My father says quickly and I did. And as I did, I turned back to see they were still talking. It did seem my Dad was pissed off and so, I needed to do what must be done. I took my shot.
And that's how I became Lady Diva; Queen of Red.
***
Presently...
"You know, she was a good woman though, Red's mother." Marcus says sipping the wine I poured in his glass. I look into mine and for a moment, I felt bad.
"I know. But I did it for you. She just got in the way. It should have been Cassius who should have died that night not Diana." I say defensively. "I hated the way he looked down on us, on you especially. He got what was coming. And more's coming."
"So what do you plan on doing now?" He asks. And then, I drop my glass on the table.
"My boys, they need-- I need them to be safe. And I know The Cross can do that. You can do that... father. Just as you did for Jackson. He looks at me and then sighs.
"Okay. Supposing I do that, what next?" He asks enthustically.
"Well...we do what we do best--We crucify all our enemies." I reply sheepishly.
"I'm sure your Husband, Allan doesn't know anything about this-- you and I, The Cross. Your involvement with a crime Warlord." He raises his eyebrows.
"Yeah. He doesn't. He need not know, Marcus. It's all in the past." I say gloomingly.
"That's what you think, Mariana. If he finds out that you killed his father's lover, he'd be pissed off with you. Hell! That's an understatement." His voice reverberates around the room.
"He won't. This is just a one off plan, okay? I'll be on and out, no one except you and I in this room, will know. Promise me that, Marcus Thorne. Swear on my life." I say confidently.
"I, Marcus Thorne, do swear on Mariana Don Thorne's life not to tell any bloody soul what was discussed here as of now." He finishes.
"You never seize to amaze me, Baron." I smile.
"So, when do I get to shoot some arses? He asks dramatically.
"When you get your lazy ass out of here..." We both laugh as we prepared for what was to come and what was to come was coming on an arse. A bloody one. An arse with a past of magazines and bullets.
YOU ARE READING
GUNS and GANGS
AcciónPeter and Paul struggle to fit into the life of gangster they were born into. As their father's dark past comes into light, they must decide whether they would give in to it or change it
