The air was electric with tension as I gathered my men in the back room of the warehouse. Dimly lit and cloaked in shadows, it was a fitting place for the discussions we were about to have. The walls, lined with old crates and the faint scent of oil and dust, bore witness to countless deals and decisions. Tonight, we would solidify our power and send a message to the DeLucas.
Vinny stood at the head of the table, his posture confident as he addressed the group. "Listen up, everyone. We’ve got a situation brewing. The DeLucas are making a move into our territory, and we can’t let that slide."
Murmurs of discontent rippled through the crowd. These were loyal men—some from the neighborhood, others from the streets—but all understood the price of inaction. I leaned back in my chair, arms crossed, watching their reactions closely.
"They think they can waltz in here and take what’s ours," Vinny continued, his voice rising. "We show them that the Moretti name means something in this city."
One of the younger guys, Tony, leaned forward, his brow furrowed. "What’s the plan, boss?"
I took a moment, letting the silence stretch, before I interjected. "We hit them first. A show of strength. They’re planning to meet with their new partners tonight at that club on the east side—La Dolce Vita. We’ll pay them a visit."
A chorus of approving nods met my statement, the excitement palpable. The club was a known hotspot, filled with the city’s elite and underworld figures alike. It would be the perfect place to make a statement.
Vinny stepped forward, his eyes gleaming with enthusiasm. "How do you want to do this, Eddie?"
"Subtlety isn’t our style," I replied, a smirk playing on my lips. "We go in loud. We send a message that the Moretti family does not take lightly to encroachment. It’s time to remind the DeLucas who they’re dealing with."
The room buzzed with energy, my men eager for action. I could see the fire in their eyes, a mix of loyalty and bloodlust that fueled our operations.
"Gather the weapons, and let’s gear up," I commanded, rising from my chair. "We’ll meet back here in thirty minutes. No one gets left behind. We go in, create chaos, and then we leave. We want them to remember this night."
As the men dispersed, I felt a surge of adrenaline coursing through me. The thrill of the impending confrontation ignited my senses, and I was ready to embrace the darkness that lay ahead.
---
The drive to La Dolce Vita was a blur of city lights and the low hum of the engine. My mind raced with the possibilities of what awaited us. I glanced at Marco, who sat beside me, his jaw clenched in anticipation.
"Are you ready for this?" I asked, my gaze fixed on the road ahead.
He nodded, eyes focused. "Always, boss."
As we arrived, the club pulsated with life, music thumping from within. I could see the silhouettes of patrons through the tinted windows, unaware of the storm that was about to descend upon them.
I signaled for the men to gather around me. "Remember, we’re not just sending a message to the DeLucas. We’re reminding everyone in this city that we are the kings of our domain. No one crosses Eddie Moretti without consequences."
With a shared nod, we moved toward the entrance, a sea of black suits and steely expressions. The bouncer, a large man with arms like tree trunks, stepped in front of us. "You can’t go in without a reservation."
I stepped forward, my voice steady and commanding. "You tell your boss that Eddie Moretti is here. He’ll want to know."
The bouncer’s eyes widened slightly, and I could see the recognition flicker across his face. “Wait a sec.” He radioed someone inside, and after a brief pause, he stepped aside, allowing us entry.
As we entered, the atmosphere shifted. The music faded into background noise as heads turned to look at the newcomers. The opulent decor, flashing lights, and laughter filled the air, but tension hung like a storm cloud.
I spotted the DeLucas' table across the room, a group of men huddled together, deep in conversation. They hadn’t noticed us yet, but it was only a matter of time.
"Time to make our presence known," I said, striding forward with purpose. My men followed, a pack of wolves ready to pounce.
As we approached, the laughter died down, replaced by a palpable sense of unease. I leaned against their table, a smirk plastered on my face. "Gentlemen, I believe you’ve been looking for a way into my territory."
The DeLucas looked up, surprise and irritation flickering across their faces. The leader, a slick-haired man named Dominic, shot me a cold glare. "Moretti, this is a private meeting."
I leaned closer, lowering my voice. "Not anymore. You think you can just step into my game? I suggest you pack up and leave before things get messy."
Dominic’s eyes narrowed, and he opened his mouth to respond, but I was already moving. I gestured to Marco, who reached for the weapon concealed at his side.
The club erupted in chaos as the sound of gunfire shattered the night, glass shattering and bodies hitting the floor.
I watched as panic spread, the DeLucas scrambling to react. My men were relentless, moving like shadows through the chaos. I felt the rush of adrenaline, the thrill of battle coursing through me.
This was what I lived for—a world where power was claimed through blood and fear. As I ducked behind a table, I knew this was just the beginning. The DeLucas would remember tonight, and the city would know that Eddie Moretti was a force to be reckoned with.
The storm had arrived, and I was ready to unleash it.
