After Hours [BxB]

Night of ceremony pt1

The weeks passed in a blur of manipulation, deception, and anticipation. Vittorio, the once-wealthy entrepreneur, was now thoroughly ensnared in Theron’s web. He had become obsessed, desperate to see Theron, to feel needed by him. It had taken little effort on Theron’s part—just a few well-timed sighs, a vulnerable look here and there. Now, Vittorio's obsession was complete, and he was exactly where Theron needed him: distracted.

Tonight, though, Vittorio was far from Theron’s mind. Tonight was about something far more dangerous—a new partnership with the mafia, one that would pull him even deeper into the dangerous game he was playing.

The initiation ceremony loomed like a dark cloud on the horizon, promising power, wealth, and risk beyond anything Theron had ever faced before. And yet, there was no turning back.

The night had arrived, and the air was thick with tension. Theron stood beside Giovanni, his act of blindness flawless as always. The dim lights of the grand hall cast shadows across the faces of the powerful men gathered for the ceremony. They had come to witness the initiation of the mafia's newest associates, and Theron was a guest of honor, escorted by Giovanni Bianchi, the ever-conniving old man who was just another pawn in Theron’s game.

Theron wore an impeccably tailored black suit, his blond hair carefully styled, while his sunglasses hid the calculating glint in his eyes. His white cane tapped lightly against the floor as Giovanni guided him into the heart of the gathering.

"Stick close to me," Giovanni murmured, his arm gently steering Theron through the sea of men. "These ceremonies are full of tradition. It’s best you don’t draw too much attention."

Theron gave a soft, trusting smile, masking the storm of thoughts brewing beneath the surface. "Of course, Mr. Bianchi. I wouldn’t want to make a fool of myself."

Giovanni chuckled, his grip tightening slightly on Theron’s arm as he led him toward a row of chairs near the front. "You’ve got nothing to worry about, my boy. Just keep being the charming little lamb you are."

Theron’s stomach twisted in disgust at the old man’s words, but his expression remained serene. He had learned long ago how to mask his true emotions. The men gathered tonight were dangerous, each one holding power that could easily crush him if his game were ever exposed. But they also held the keys to something much greater—wealth, influence, and a way out of the life of petty cons and dangerous obsessions.

As they took their seats, the room buzzed with low murmurs. The ceremony was about to begin. The heads of various families were gathered in the front row, their faces hard and unreadable. At the center of it all sat Alessandro 'The Wolf' Moretti, the leader of the most powerful mafia family in Italy. His sharp eyes scanned the crowd with quiet authority.

Theron had heard of Alessandro long before their paths had crossed, he had never expected him to look so young. Rumor had it that he was a man who saw everything and knew everything. If anyone could see through Theron’s act, it would be him. But tonight wasn’t about that. Tonight, Theron would slip further into the shadows, playing the blind man, the helpless companion of Giovanni.

As the room fell silent, the ceremony began. Theron remained still, every sense attuned to the slightest movement or sound. Giovanni leaned in close, his breath hot against Theron’s ear.

"This partnership is going to be very lucrative for us," Giovanni whispered. "Stick with me, and you’ll never want for anything again."

Theron smiled inwardly. Giovanni believed he was the one holding all the cards, but Theron knew better. As the ceremony unfolded, one thing became clear to Theron: no matter how deep he descended into the mafia’s world, he would remain in control of his fate.

Because in the shadows, the blind man saw everything.

To be continued.........

A/n: Sorry for not updating, I've been busy with school for a bit. This chapter is a bit short but there will be another update later today.