"You were always one step ahead of me. Now I know why"
Cheryl Blossom (pov)
Night has fallen but I was wide awake, perched at my desk in my office, the room lit only by a single desk lamp. The soft glow cast long shadows across the room as I spoke in hushed tone into the phone.
CHERYL
Yes I'll handle it
I force a lightness into my tone the belied the seriousness of the conversation
CHERYL
We'll catch up soon, okay. Kiss, Kiss
On the other line, my boss a cold man who knew how to command a room. Gave me details in a no nonsense voice.
BOSS
Cheryl this one is high stake. The target is a mafia boss, a dangerous man with a lot of power. I sent you the details make this one clean and quick.
I supposed a shiver as I listened. This was no ordinary assignment. The risked were enormous, but so was the reward.
CHERYL
Understood.... Leave it to me
After the call ended, I took a deep breath, allowing the calm, collected mask to slip just for a moment. I straightened up, smoothing down the front of my blouse, and pushed away from the desk. It was time to get ready.
I moved quickly, leaving the office and heading upstairs to our bedroom. Toni was stilled downstairs, probably nursing a drink or watching the game. I needed to be out before he started asking questions.
Once in my room, I opened my wardrobe and pulled out an outfit I had prepared - a set of luxurious lingerie, all red lace and silk, along with fishnets and my favorite heels.
But before stepping into them , I grabbed a long, satin robe to cover myself. The last thing I needed was Toni asking questions about where I was going dressed like that.
As I fasten the robe and began to twist my hair into a tight bun, I head the creak of a drawer opening behind me. My heart skipped a beat, but I didn't let it show. Instead, I plastered on a bright smile and turned around.
Toni was standing there, peering into one of the nightstand drawers. His eyes flicked up to meet mine.
CHERYL
Honey, you scared me
TONI
Sorry about that, hon
His tone was casual
TONI
I was looking for my glasses
My pulse quicken, but I kept my expression light
CHERYL
Did you find them
He nodded and held up the glasses as if to prove a point
TONI
Yep
Then, his glazed slid down to the robe tied snugly around my waist
TONI
are you heading out
I hesitated for a quick second, quickly crafting a response that would ride any suspicion
CHERYL
yeah, some clown crashed a serve at the law from downtown. It's causing a bit of a mess, and they need me to go smooth things over
Toni watched me, his expression unreadable
TONI
You know we promised the Mantles
I forced another smile as I reached for a scarf to drape around my neck
CHERYL
I know, darling. I'll be back soon, I promise. This won't take long
Toni's eyes lingered on me for a moment longer before he nodded
TONI
Alright. just be quick
I gave him a quick kiss on the cheek before grabbing my purse and heading out the door. The rain had let up slightly, but the streets were still slick as I hailed a cab and instructed the driver to take me to the address the boss had provided.
The mafia boss's hotel.
When we finally arrived at the hotel, I stepped out and paused for a moment, steeling myself and making sure my wedding ring was off. This was just another job. I could do this.
Inside the hotel, everything was lush and opulent, the kind of place where men like my target conducted their sordid business under the cover of luxury. I made my way to the elevator, my heels clicking against the marble floors, each step echoing my resolve.
On the target's floor, a burly guard stood outside the door, eyeing me suspiciously as I approached. He motioned for me to hand over my bag. I did so without hesitation.
GUARD
Make it quick
He said handing the bag back to me.
I gave him a sultry smile and nodded
CHERYL
Alright
The guard opened the door, and I stepped inside, as I walked into the dimly lit room. The mafia boss was already there, lounging in an armchair with a drink in hand, his eyes raking over me as I entered.
I let the robe slide off my shoulders, revealing the lingerie beneath. Then, with a practiced flick of my wrist, I undid my bun, letting my hair cascade down my back in waves.
I knew how to play the part—how to be exactly what he expected, what he wanted.
CHERYL
Do you like what you see
I stepped closer to him
His gaze darkened with desire as he nodded, setting his drink aside.
MAFIA BOSS
Very much
I smiled, leaning in close, running my fingers lightly over the back of his neck
CHERYL
Have you been a bad boy, selling drugs to bad men
Before he could react, I moved swiftly, wrapping one arm around his neck and tightening my grip with expert precision.
His eyes bulged in surprise, but he was too stunned to fight back effectively. Within moments, it was over.
The life drained from his eyes as he slumped forward, and I carefully lowered him to the floor, making sure not to disturb anything in the room.
I quickly gathered my things, slipping the robe back on and making sure there was no trace of me left behind. I had to get out fast—before anyone realized what had happened.
The cab ride back to the house was a blur, my mind focused on getting home, getting changed, and playing my role once again.
As soon as I arrived, I went straight to the bathroom, shedding the outfit for something more appropriate to wear to the Mantles' house.
Just as I was slipping into a new dress, the bathroom door creaked open. My heart jumped into my throat, and I instinctively moved behind the closet door, my mind racing.
But it was just Toni.
He stepped inside, his eyes scanning the room.
TONI
Hey, beautiful
He said leaning against the sink.
I replied
CHERYL
Hey, honey. I didn't hear you home
TONI
I went to the sports bar
Toni explained, his tone easy.
TONI
Put some money on the game
I reached for the dress I had hanging up, pressing it against myself as a shield.
CHERYL
How'd you do
TONI
Got lucky
As he tossed me the robe I'd left on the floor, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of nerves. He was observant, more so than most people realized. He moved back to the sink, washing his hands as if nothing was amiss.
I quickly finished getting dressed, slipping on my ring and the final touches as Toni waited. We exchanged a few more words, we made our way downstairs, ready to head over to Reggie and Veronica Mantle's house.
