Ezekiel Moretti checked his watch, feeling impatient. He had been waiting for over an hour in the lobby of the Russo mansion, surrounded by armed guards and hostile glares. He had come to meet his future bride, Lena Russo, for the first time. He had agreed to this marriage, not out of love, but out of necessity. He had a secret, a secret that could ruin him and his family. He needed the Russo's protection and influence, and he was willing to pay any price for it.
He looked around the lavish hall, admiring the paintings, sculptures, and antiques that adorned the walls. He knew that everything in this mansion was bought with blood money, money that came from drugs, weapons, and human trafficking. He felt a pang of disgust, but also a hint of envy. He had grown up in a poor and violent neighborhood, where he had learned to survive by any means necessary. He had worked his way up the ranks of the Moretti family, earning the respect and trust of his father, who was the boss of the clan. He had become his father's right hand, his most loyal and capable son. He had everything he wanted, except for one thing. Freedom.
He heard footsteps, and turned his head. He saw a man walking towards him, followed by a woman. He recognized the man as Antonio Russo, Lena's father. He was a tall, imposing man, with dark hair and cold eyes. He was the boss of the Russo family, the most powerful and feared mafia clan in the city. He had built his empire on violence, corruption, and intimidation. He had no mercy for his enemies, and no love for his daughter.
He looked at the woman, and felt his breath catch in his throat. She was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. She had long, black hair, and olive skin. She had a slender figure, and curves in all the right places. She had a pair of green eyes, that sparkled like emeralds. She had a full, red lips, that curved into a slight smile. She was wearing a white dress, that hugged her body and showed off her legs. She looked like an angel, or a goddess. She was Lena Russo, his future wife.
He felt a surge of attraction, and a hint of curiosity. He wondered what she was like, what she thought, what she felt. He wondered if she hated him, or if she was indifferent. He wondered if she had a secret, like he did. He wondered if he could ever love her, or if he would ever hurt her.
He stood up, and greeted them with a polite smile. He extended his hand to Antonio Russo, who shook it firmly.
"Mr. Russo, thank you for inviting me to your home. It's an honor to meet you," he said, in a voice that sounded calm and confident.
"Ezekiel Moretti, the pleasure is mine. I'm glad you could make it. This is a historic moment for our families, and for the city. You are the key to peace and prosperity," Antonio Russo said, in a voice that sounded cold and calculating.
He turned to Lena, and gestured to her.
"This is my daughter, Lena. She is the most precious thing in my life. She is your future wife," he said, in a voice that sounded proud and possessive.
He looked at Lena, and smiled.
"Lena, this is Ezekiel Moretti. He is the son of my old friend, Giovanni Moretti. He is your future husband," he said, in a voice that sounded gentle and loving.
He pushed Lena towards Ezekiel, who took her hand in his. He felt a jolt of electricity, as their skin touched. He looked into her eyes, and saw a mix of emotions. He saw fear, anger, sadness, and defiance. He saw a spark of intelligence, and a hint of curiosity. He saw a fire, that burned brightly. He saw a soul, that matched his own.
He smiled, and spoke to her for the first time.
"Hello, Lena. It's nice to meet you. I'm Ezekiel," he said, in a voice that sounded sincere and charming.
He saw her lips move, and heard her reply.
"Hello, Ezekiel. It's nice to meet you. I'm Lena," she said, in a voice that sounded sweet and bitter.
He felt a connection, and a challenge. He felt a desire, and a danger. He felt a beginning, and an end.
He felt alive.