Today was one hell of a day. I can't deny it. One of those rare moments where everything seemed to align in my favor. The best day I've ever had, no doubt. Cruising through those streets, my heart pounding, right beside the woman who holds my fate in her hands: Camila. Yeah, she despises me. She's got this twisted plan to end my life if I can't make her fall for me in a measly few days. But you know what? That doesn't faze me. Not one bit.
From the very beginning, I've been captivated by her. I can't help it. She's got this allure, this undeniable beauty that reaches deep into my soul. She's flawless, perfect in every way. And you know what else? I love her. I want her to see that. Maybe she'll never return those feelings, and if that's the case, I'll accept my inevitable demise at her merciless hands. But not yet. Right now, I've still got a shot. Why do I believe I stand a chance with a woman like her? Because I made her smile.
Camila's truth is a harsh one: she's forgotten how to smile. It's been years since happiness graced her lips, ever since that tragic Halloween when her parents were ruthlessly ripped away from her. They were the only ones who truly understood her, the ones who made her feel cherished and welcomed. But that happiness was stolen, leaving her bereft and broken. Since that day, she's sworn to never gift anyone with her smile, believing they don't deserve it, that she doesn't deserve it.
But today, everything changed. Amidst the chaos of our escapade from the cops, I saw it. That elusive smile emerged from the shadows, radiant and untainted. Her cheeks flushed with red, her emerald eyes sparkling like precious gems in the sun. It was a sight I'd longed to witness for an eternity. The question, though, lingers like an ominous cloud: did she even notice? Has she gone so long without smiling that she's forgotten how it feels? If she didn't recognize that fleeting moment of joy, then what does it matter? What's the point of caring about something she's pushed so deep into the recesses of her heart?
No, I can't afford to entertain such thoughts. I forced myself to clear my mind, pushing aside any doubt that threatened to creep in. Sitting up in bed, legs crossed, I gazed out the window, fixating on the stars against the black canvas of the night sky. No room for weakness. No room for uncertainty.
It matters. Of course, it matters. That smile, after all this time of her living in numbness, it means something. It could be the beginning of something significant. Maybe, just maybe, I could be the one to ignite the spark that transforms her into a happy 18-year-old once again. The possibility grips my mind, and I can't let go.
The midnight hour passes, yet sleep eludes me. My mind is consumed by the potential future, the intricate dance of possibilities that lay before us. Will she end my life at the week's end? Or will fate be kinder, allowing us to find a way to make this work? But lurking in the shadows is my most dangerous adversary, my greatest enemy. He waits, biding his time for the perfect moment to strike.
Felix Reid, my most bitter rival, the brother of the man I mercilessly took from this world, Marco Reid. The day I ended Marco's life, my arrogance got the better of me, and I paid the price, getting caught by the police within minutes. Unlike now, there was no Camila to save me from the searing pain of a taser. No, that day, I felt the volts course through my body, leaving me writhing on the ground, helpless against the swarm of officers who had me pinned down.
Five officers, each holding a limb, while my wrists were cuffed together. They subdued me with ease, and I couldn't do a damn thing about it. That was the moment my feud with Felix ignited. Only an hour after my arrest, Felix learned of his older brother's brutal death, and his fury knew no bounds. He stormed into the police department, driven by rage, seeking vengeance against the one who took his flesh and blood away. I still remember the murder in his eyes as he forced his way into the interrogation room. Cuffed to the table, I was utterly defenseless before his wrath.
That day was the turning point. Felix, consumed by grief and anger, was dragged away from me, but his hate-filled eyes locked onto mine. With a trembling hand, he pointed at me, his voice seething with venom, and the words he spat still echo in my mind like a relentless curse: "I fucking hate you, Russo, and I'm going to kill you."
From that moment on, Felix became a shadow haunting my every step. Countless encounters followed, and each time, he held my life in his hands, a knife pressed against my throat, or a gun coldly pressed to my forehead. He never missed a chance to remind me of what I'd done to his brother, promising that revenge would be swift and brutal. He vowed to end me the same way I took Marco's life. A gruesome symphony of agony.
I couldn't deny it; I understood why he yearned for my blood. My actions that day were vicious, cruel even. Looking back, I can see the darkness that consumed me. I took Marco away from him violently, heartlessly, and now I was paying the price. But understanding his motives doesn't soften the reality of my situation. No, it only serves to amplify the fear the gnaws at me every time our paths cross. Felix's thirst for vengeance burns like a raging inferno, unquenchable and relentless. He's willing to go to the darkest depths to carry out his plan, to exact that brutal revenge he believes I deserve.
The night swallowed me as I sat there, still swaying, cocooned in my thoughts. I pulled my knees close to my chest, clasping them tight with my arms, resting my chin on my right knee. My gaze remained fixed on the sky, on the radiant lights illuminating the beautiful structures of New York City. But my mind was far from the splendor before me; it was consumed by one name: Felix.
He had promised to end me, to extinguish my life in retribution for what I'd done to his brother. Yet, for two long months, he remained an elusive specter, lurking in the shadows, absent from my life. I couldn't shake the unease that gnawed at me, wondering when his blade or bullet would pierce my flesh.
I tried to make sense of his absence, to rationalize the possibility that he might have changed his mind or met his own demise. But deep down, I knew that was wishful thinking. Felix was far too consumed by hatred and vengeance to let go so easily. No, he was out there, plotting and planning. Every night, my thoughts circled back to Felix. Where was he now? What was he up to? Was he crafting the perfect trap, devising a plan that would ensure my death and ensure that I suffer first? Maybe he would be more inventive this time, not just killing me, but also delivering me into the hands of the law.
With a deep breath, I summoned the strength to rise from the bed, but my body betrayed me with an involuntary tremble. I steadied myself, throwing a blanket over my shoulders, and left my bedroom, shirtless and clad in nothing but basketball shorts. The path to Camila's room felt long and daunting, my every step weighed down by a primal fear.
Fear. Yes, even I, despite my strength and the respect I commanded, couldn't escape its clutches when it came to Felix. The memory of that fateful day after I was handcuffed to the table for Marco's murder haunted me, a brutal reminder of Felix's rage. He descended upon me like a savage predator, tearing at my face, raining down blows with fury unmatched. The officers had to intervene to pry him off, leaving me battered and bloodied, my face a canvas of crimson, my own life force staining my skin. Despite my reputation and the power I wielded, Felix was the one thing that sent chills down my spine. I knew the extent of his capabilities, the savagery that lay within him, and I feared what he would do to me given the chance.
I knocked gently on Camila's door, not wanting to startle her. On the other side, I heard her grunt, and the sound of sheets rustling as she shifted in bed. I knocked once more, my grip on the blanket tight.
"What the hell do you want, Angelo? Can't you see I'm trying to sleep? If you've got something to say, save it for the morning."
"Camila, would it be alright if I come in? I'm having trouble sleeping, and I was hoping we could talk for a bit."
"Ugh, seriously? I really don't have time for your crap right now. I value my sleep, and you're wasting it with your nonsense. Fine, if it's absolutely urgent and can't wait until morning, get in here. The door's unlocked, so don't make me regret it."
With a trembling hand, I gripped the door handle and cautiously entered the room. The door closed behind me with a soft click, sealing us inside. Camila's weary eyes locked onto mine, confusion etched across her face as she tried to make sense of my unexpected presence. She groaned in annoyance, rubbing her eyes and adjusting her pillow, clearly irritated by my intrusion. Her expression seemed to silently question, "What's your deal?"
"What could possibly be so important that you couldn't wait until morning to bother me? You sleep issues aren't my concern. So, spit it out already. Is there something other than your pathetic inability to get some shut-eye that you need to talk about?"
"I understand that my sleep troubles may not seem like a big deal, but it's only part of the issue. Camila, please, I'm asking you not to push me away. I genuinely need someone to talk to, and I thought you might be able to lend an ear."
Camila let out an exasperated sigh, her weariness evident as she yawned. With a gesture of acceptance, she scooted over, making room for me. She pulled down the covers, an unspoken invitation for me to join her. Silently, she patted the space on the bed, urging me to sit down beside her.
My steps were deliberate as I approached the bed, my movements calculated. Carefully, I crawled in next to her, assuming a protective posture with my knees pulled close to my chest, clutching the comforting blanket to my body. Unexpectedly, Camila's demeanor took on an unusual sweetness. She covered my knees with the covers and adjusted the pillow behind me. As I leaned back, settling into the bed, I noticed something in Camila's gaze that caught me off guard. Sympathy.
"Hurry up before I drift back to sleep. You look like a scared kid asking for their mommy to protect them from the dark. So stop wasting time and spill it. What's gnawing at that little brain of yours?"
"I know we don't really know each other well, but there's something I need to tell you. It's been keeping me up at night, and I feel like you might be the only one who'll listen. Have you ever heard of Felix Reid? I mean, you seem pretty independent, so maybe you haven't, but I just needed to make sure you don't know him or anything."
"You're shaking like a scared little puppy. If you're about to wet your pants, do me a favor and go to the damn bathroom. Now, what's with this Felix Reid? Never heard of him, or at least I don't give a damn about him."
"I won't wet my pants, Camila. Quit being so damn strange about it. It's just that I shake when this topic comes up, okay? Don't mock me for it. As for Felix, he's been my worst enemy for six long years. I killed his brother, Marco, and he's been after me ever since. Six years ago, when I was arrested and cuffed to that damn interrogation table, he burst in and attacked me. That scar under my left eye, yeah, that's his handy work. Every time we cross paths, he threatens me with a knife or a gun, vowing to kill me when he gets the chance. Since that day he attacked me, I've been terrified of him, Camila. Scared shitless."
"Hold on a damn minute," Camila's hand shot up, blocking my words even though I was already keeping quiet. Her eyes widened with a mix of shock and curiosity, fixated on something specific. I could practically sense the question hanging in the air, and I had a strong inkling of what it was. "You're telling me you got tased before, and now you're dropping this bombshell about being arrested? Well, color me intrigued. I guess I have to hear the story now, don't I?"
"Oh, so you just couldn't resist bringing that up, could you? Fine, whatever. Here's the story. Six years ago, I killed Marco Reid, who happened to be the older brother of my charming rival, Felix. At the ripe old age of 22, I was still figuring out the whole assassin and mafia boss thing, and let's just say, I wasn't the smoothest operator. Not even a few minutes after the hit, the damn police were swarming me like hungry vultures. I tried to make a run for it, but of course, they caught up and gave me a nice taser jolt. It took five officers to pin me down and slap the cuffs on me," I paused, taking a deep breath, and casually stretched out my legs, making myself more comfortable. "That's pretty much the gist of it, except for the delightful part where I was handcuffed to the interrogation table, and Felix decided to crash the party. He broke in like a raging bull and had his way with me. Now you know, and I hope you're happy."
Camila's silence hung in the air, the weight of her thoughts palpable. She seemed to wrestle with her words, her fingers fidgeting. After a few tense seconds, she turned her gaze back to me, her eyes meeting mine once more.
"Well, I'll be damned. I had no idea you had that little tidbit of information tucked away."
"Well, congratulations, Camila. You're in the know now. I've taken lives before, multiple lives. I used to be an assassin, and don't let my current position as a mafia boss fool you. I'm still very much in the business. Not that I go around broadcasting it to everyone. But enough about that. Let's get back to the matter at hand: Felix."
"Regarding Felix, what other useless details do you have to share about him? And make it quick, because I couldn't care less, and I'd rather be in the bliss of sleep."
"Felix has vanished from my life for a whole two months, and that alone sends shivers down my spine. I'm not just worried; I'm downright terrified because I know he's plotting something. Something aimed directly at me. As I've warned you before, he's after me, thirsting for revenge, and he won't rest until I'm six feet under. His disappearance is a clear sign that he's up to something sinister, and I have this gut feeling that he's concocted a plan that's beyond my knowledge. Camila, I'm scared."
"Angelo Russo, the renowned mafia boss of New York, trembling in fear? How utterly pathetic. You're actually scared of a lowly assassin, or whatever he fancies himself to be. But then again, you conveniently failed to provide any substantial details. Is he some kind of leader? A petty thief? Perhaps just a random, insignificant boy nursing a grudge against you?"
"Camila, you were on the right track from the start. He is indeed an assassin, a formidable one at that. But here's the real kicker: his lethal skills are just a fraction of the problem. Allow me to introduce you to a name that should send chills down your spine: the Inferno Syndicate. Have you ever heard of them?"
Camila's hand slowly found its way to her chin as she furrowed her brow, deep in thought. The name echoed in her mind like a haunting melody, and for a moment, she seemed lost in her memories, searching for any trace of familiarity. But then, as if a spark ignited within her, a flicker of recognition glinted in her eyes. She knew it, that much was evident by the way her expression shifted.
"The Inferno Syndicate, you say? Oh, yes, I've come across that name before. In fact, I've had the displeasure of encountering a few of their members in the past. They're quite the formidable bunch, I must admit."
"Damn it, Camila! Don't you get it? Felix is the leader of the Inferno Syndicate! You just said it yourself that you've faced some of them, acknowledging their strength. And trust me, I'm well aware of their power, I just didn't expect you to admit it too. This is the crux of the matter, can't you see? Felix wields unimaginable strength and influence, and that's precisely why I'm terrified of him."
"Oh, spare me the melodrama, Angelo. I get it, alright? No need to lose your cool over this. Sure, I admitted they're powerful, but I couldn't wrap my head around Felix's significance until now. So, take a chill pill, lower your voice, and relax. Felix runs one of the strongest gangs in the state, and if that's the case, I won't fault you for feeling scared of him."
The atmosphere in the room turned stiflingly tense as we locked eyes in an unspoken exchange of emotions. Despite the intensity of the situation, her gaze remained calm, gentle, and surprisingly understanding. There was an unmistakable flicker of sympathy in her eyes, the kind that caught me off guard. I half-expected her to show indifference or dismiss my fears, but she surprised me. It seemed that, for the moment at least, she genuinely emphasized with me.
In that quiet, awkward silence, it felt like a tiny spark of connection had been kindled between us; a glimpse of understanding and acceptance. She comprehended the depth of my apprehension regarding Felix, and she acknowledged the necessity of sharing my burden with her. It was an unexpected turn of events, and if you ask me, it signified a small yet significant step forward in our relationship.
"Considering the circumstances with Felix, it's safe to say that getting a peaceful night's sleep in your own room is completely out of the question, isn't it?"
"Well, you're not wrong about that. So, would you mind if I join you for the night?"
"Sure, whatever. You can crash with me, but here's the deal: keep your trap shut and don't bother me every half hour. And let me make this crystal clear, it's a one time thing, got it?"
With a heavy sigh, she conveyed her unspoken invitation, gently patting her stomach as if to say, "Come here, rest your head on me." Responding to the unspoken gesture, I cautiously adjusted my position, placing my head on Camila's stomach. She proceeded to tuck me in, pulling the covers over my body and adding an extra blanket for warmth. After readjusting her own pillow, she hesitated for a moment, contemplating her actions.
Then, with a hint of uncertainty, her hand extended towards me, finally reaching my head. Without any further hesitation, she delicately ran her fingers through my hair, tucking it behind my ears and tenderly massaging my head. The gesture was surprisingly comforting, and almost instantly, I felt a wave of peace wash over me. In that moment, I closed my eyes and surrendered to the soothing rhythm of her touch, drifting off into a peaceful slumber.