The Mafiaso And The AD 1024

The Business Trip letters

I sat in my office, the steady rhythm of stamping names onto the business trip letters echoing in the quiet room.

Each stamp was a reminder of the meticulous control I maintained over my operations, but also of the subtle intrigue that Amara Petrova had introduced into my life.

I hadn't initially intended to bring her along on this trip, but if I was going to uncover the secrets she kept so well hidden, I needed her close.

Not close enough to see everything, of course-my Mafia dealings would remain far from her sight.

But close enough to observe her, to learn more about the mystery that surrounded her.

There was something almost amusing about the thought. Despite all my power, despite everything I controlled, Amara remained an enigma-one I was determined to unravel.

I finished stamping the last letter and stood up, pushing the leather chair back as I walked around my desk to the office door.

I opened it slightly and peered out into the office, spotting her at her desk.

She was typing away, completely unaware of the effect she had on the space around her.

"Petrova, can you come to my office for a few minutes?" I asked, my voice firm but neutral.

She looked up, her brow furrowing slightly in confusion, but she nodded and stood up.

I opened the door wider, stepping to the side to allow her in.

As she passed under my arm, I realized just how much taller I was compared to her.

Her presence was powerful in its own way, but physically, she seemed almost small next to me.

I closed the door behind her and gestured for her to follow me to my desk. She did so without hesitation, and I could feel the curiosity radiating off of her.

She was always so composed, so in control, but there was something about this situation that clearly made her wonder what I was up to.

I picked up the pile of business trip letters, leaning against my desk as I faced her.

"These are the business trip letters," I said, my tone casual but direct. "Each has the name of an employee who will be joining.

Look at the names and give them to the appropriate people, okay?"

She nodded, stepping closer to take the papers from my hands. As she did, her fingers grazed mine-an innocent enough touch, but one that sent a spark of awareness through me.

She felt it too, I could tell by the slight pause before she took the letters completely from my grasp.

"Is there anything else you need, sir?" she asked, her voice steady and professional, but there was an underlying curiosity there.

She wanted to know why I had called her in, why I was involving her in this, even if she wouldn't outright ask.

I leaned back slightly, considering my words carefully. "I've been thinking about what you said about having a witch in my Mafia.

I don't want to drag you into that world, but I do see the value in having someone with... certain abilities on my side.

Do you have any witch friends who wouldn't mind doing some criminal work on the side of their regular job?"

Her response was immediate, almost blunt. "I don't have friends. It's pointless."

She shrugged her shoulders slightly, as if the matter was of no concern to her.

There was something almost cold about the way she said it, as if she had long since made peace with that reality.

And with that, she turned and left my office, not waiting for any further instructions. I watched her go, the door closing softly behind her, leaving me alone once more.

There was something undeniably fascinating about Amara. Her confidence, her independence, and the way she seemed to carry an entire world of secrets just beneath the surface.

She wasn't like anyone I had ever encountered before, and that made her both a challenge and a potential ally.

I leaned against my desk, mulling over her words. No friends. It was a curious thing for someone to say, and it only deepened the mystery around her.

She was so self-assured, so self-reliant, but there was a loneliness there too, one that she kept well-hidden.

This business trip was going to be interesting. I had a feeling that whatever secrets Amara was hiding, they would begin to unravel sooner rather than later. And I intended to be there when they did.