Prisoner to Mr. Mafia (Book 1 In PTMM Series)

Chapter: 3

Adriano Pov

As I finally found a moment to sit down and catch my breath, I couldn't help but reflect on my earlier choices. Initially, my mission had been straightforward: arrive at the Russian estate and launch the assault, igniting the inevitable war. But then, I saw her.

She was breathtakingly beautiful. I had seen her once before in an outdated photograph, but this was different. She seemed taller now, her curves had matured, and her long brown hair appeared more vibrant and full. Her face radiated pure happiness as she absorbed the world around her.

I had halted my men and briefed them on the new plan, and they complied without daring to ask any questions.

When my men systematically neutralized their guards, I descended upon the two trembling girls, a sinister smile creeping across my face as I loomed above them. I hadn't thought through my actions when I decided to take them.

My mind was a whirlwind of uncertainty. I hadn't contemplated the consequences of my choices, what I would require of them, or how I would explain this to my most trusted men. At that moment, I was adrift without a clear plan. It was the first time in my life that I faced such uncertainty.

Giovanni, who was at the wheel of the SUV, waited until the girls were sound asleep before he broached the subject.

"Boss, what's the plan?" Giovanni inquired, his gaze fixed on the road.

I sighed, my uncertainty weighing heavily on me. "I'm... I'm not too sure," I admitted, my own words grating on me.

"What about your father?" Gio asked, stealing a quick glance my way.

"I am the Capo Di Capi, not him," I replied in a firm, unyielding tone.

And just like that, the conversation came to an abrupt end.

I leaned back in my seat and ran a hand over my face, my mind plagued by uncertainty.

A knock resounded on my door, and Matteo poked his head in, asking, "Good time?"

"No," I replied curtly.

"Good," he quipped, seemingly ignoring my answer as he entered the room. "The girls are showering. Where do you want them to work?" he inquired, taking a seat in one of the chairs across from my desk.

Matteo was my brother, a year younger than me, and my second-in-command. I had five men whom I trusted implicitly, individuals I'd known since we were practically in diapers. They were instrumental in running our operations. As the Capo di Capi, I couldn't afford to show fear, weakness, or hesitation; I had to be ruthless.

That was how I'd lived every day of my life, cultivating toughness and embracing manhood. My father had insisted I become a man by the age of thirteen, but that was a tale for another time.

"Let them work in the garden. Kate is always complaining about not having enough help. Just ensure they don't get a scratch," I directed with a steely tone.

He nodded, but I noticed he wasn't making any move to leave, and I shot him a withering glare.

"Anything else?" I snapped, irritation bubbling up as my mind raced with a million things to sort out.

A wide grin broke across his face, and he started laughing.

"What the fuck is wrong with you?" I demanded, my gaze locked onto him.

"Come on," he chuckled. "Which one is it? The quiet one or the feisty one?"

I was thoroughly perplexed. "What are you talking about?"