Vendetta

Chapter Four: I am Mad as a Hatter

'You know what we came for?' I throw a halfhearted glance at the four men.

Zach produces a cigarette from nowhere and takes a long puff, before opening his mouth and spewing toxic gas right onto my face.

I scowl, and wave a perfectly manicured hand in front of my face.

'Mind it, Zachary,' I growl, before proceeding swiftly to pull the cigarette off his lips and throw it to the ground.

'Hey,' Zach protests and looks remorsefully at the lone stick that is now being crushed underneath my stilettos.

I stamp on it twice for good measure, and look up at Jay. He is frowning.

'What?' I snap.

He shrugs. 'I was just wondering what made you rave like a teenager.'

Sean cocks an eyebrow. 'You are not PMSing, are you?'

I lift my hand and smack him across the head.

'I think that would be a sufficient explanation.'

I knew I was raving. I was losing it. Just one look at the illuminated mansion had me thinking of Daniele.

Normally, I was clear headed. When I had a plan, I stuck to it. I knew when to negotiate, when to compromise and when to kill. I knew what to do, and when – I am a Mafia Boss, for God's sake. But one thought about Daniele and I am reduced to a blithering idiot, a good for nothing stupido. One thought about Daniele, and I become who I really am – a adrenaline propelled twenty two year old, with no idea of what I am dealing with.

I close my eyes and my mother's words ring in my ear.

Vivere per Vendetta.

Jay extends a mask to me, which I raise to my face, tying it safely around my face. The red and gold mask goes perfectly with my dress, and by the time I get my bearings, all four of them are ready, masked.

I wrap myself around Jay, trying to give off the girlfriend vibe.

'Don't. You are choking him.' Sean grabs my hand, entwining them with Jay's. 'Much better.'

'Tone down your glare.'

'Stop looking at Jay like you are about to skewer him for BBQ.'

'Just act like a girl, would you?'

With a nod, we move in. The masquerade is in full swing, and the mansion is brimming with masked people.

At the main ballroom, we part ways, with me and Jay going off in one direction and the other three in three other directions.

I am aware of the lust filled looks I receive, and I walk with a sway, my arm fastened on Jay, like the siren I'm supposed to be tonight. Antonio had a thing for sirens, and I had to lure him to me.

Music streamed into the halls as people danced the night away with masked strangers, most of them drunk. I think of the many people who will never see the day light of tomorrow, after this party is done with. The mafia world had its perks.

Jay pulls me around so that I face him. He extends a hand and asks in a gentlemanly gesture, 'May I have this dance, pretty lady?'

Chuckling darkly, I accept his hand and do a little courtesy. 'Yes, of course, kind sir.'

Jay pulls me to him and twirls me around in time to the music. We glide to the beat in synchronicity, our steps never faltering. He spins me around, and dips me in a wide arc, before pulling me close and whispering in my ear, 'Time for your magic.'