An unexpected knock on her door jolted Verena from her book and snacks, since there was practically nothing to do, she had to keep herself busy. She got down from bed to open the door. One of Cassio's men stood before her.
"The Capo wants you to come to his office immediately" he said.
Her irritation mounted at the mere thought of facing Vincent after his ridiculous decree regarding the pool. She had avoided him since that day, fearing she would give in to her urge to castrate him if she saw him. She followed the guard's lead anyway, who is to say what other audacious rule the demon was about to give her again.
Upon reaching his office, Verena was met by his imposing presence behind the desk, his silver eyes assessing her with a boredom that only irked her. She hadn't bothered changing from her baggy shorts and green crop top that had princess written on its chest.
"We are moving tonight" he informed her, "There is a party at club Rico. There you will make your debut as my plaything in Mafia society."
Her eyes narrowed at the word plaything.
"I am not your play..."
"Thirty minutes, Verena," Cassio said, his voice a low, commanding growl. "That's all you have. I expect you to be ready."
Verena's jaw clenched at his rudeness, but she refused to let him see her frustration. With a curt nod, she turned on her heel and made her way to her room, determined to prove to Vincent and herself that she was more than capable of meeting his demands.
She rifled through her clothes, annoyed with herself for allowing Vincent to choose all her clothes that day. They all looked like something that would make a pole dancer blush. Finally, she spotted a dress that seemed modest and slipped it on. It was a sleek, black number that clung to her curves like a second skin. Verena couldn't help but admire her reflection in the mirror. The dress was simple yet elegant, it had just one lacy sleeve with a daring slit also covered with lace that revealed just enough leg to leave a lasting impression.
Grace had come in to do her makeup and hair, leaving the latter in side-swept waves. She wore her diamond earcuffs and its matching set of necklace and bracelet, refusing to feel guilty at wearing such expensive jewelry. She came down the stairs on her heels, staring at Vincent at the bottom of the stairs haughtily. He didn't show any emotion, but it didn't matter, she had proved to him that she could get dressed in thirty minutes.
She ignored his stretched out hand and walked to the car, smiling in appreciation at the guard that opened the door. The guard maintained his composure, knowing what might happen if he smiled back. Cassio entered and they drove off to the club.
It was a dazzling spectacle of wealth and extravagance. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a soft, ethereal glow over the dance floor below. The walls were adorned with intricate tapestries and works of art, while plush velvet couches beckoned guests to relax and indulge in the surrounding decadence. The air is thick with the heady scent of perfume and desire.
Verena's heels clicked against the polished marble floor as she followed Cassio through the throng of guests. Heads turned as they passed, and she could feel the weight of their stares like a physical caress. It was exhilarating, intoxicating.
As they settled into a secluded corner of the club, Cassio's gaze never leaving her, he wasted no time in asserting his dominance, pulling Verena onto his lap with a possessive grip. She bristled at the implication of his actions, but she knew better than to defy him in public. .
She suppressed a scowl of annoyance, her discomfort evident as she shifted uncomfortably in his embrace. With a resigned sigh, she settled into his embrace, plastering on a smile for the benefit of their audience.
Cassio's lips brushed against her ear, his voice a low, husky murmur that sent a shiver of anticipation coursing through her veins against her will "Remember, Verena," he whispered, his breath hot against her skin. "This is all business."
"Cassio, I don't like this," Verena murmured, her voice barely above a whisper as she leaned closer to him. "You can't just expect me to play along with your games."
Cassio's lips curved into a smirk as he tightened his grip on her waist. "Relax, Verena. It's just one night. Besides, you look stunning. No one will be able to resist you." He mocked.
Verena rolled her eyes, but she couldn't deny the flutter of excitement in her stomach at his words. She had always prided herself on her ability to charm and seduce, and tonight would be no exception.
But the gun in Cassio's trousers kept poking her butt and she shifted on his lap.
"Stop moving" he said through gritted teeth.
"It's not my fault that your gun keeps poking my butt, it's uncomfortable. Why would you decide to put a gun in your pocket? What if it set off and blew my butt off".
"You are really not kidding" he said, looking at her seriously.
"Of course I am not kidding, who jokes about a gun blowing off their butt. It would not help our mission if I leave here with half a bu.."
Cassio leaned in to capture her lips in a searing kiss. Verena's mind went blank. She could hear the murmurs of the crowd around them, could feel the weight of their scrutiny, but all she could focus on was the taste of Cassio on her tongue, the press of his body against hers.
She poured every ounce of her charm and allure into the kiss, channeling the sultry seductresses she had seen in Antonio's club. Cassio's hands roamed under her clothes, growling as his hands met the knife she had out there. His mouth found the pulsing junction between her neck and bit it. Once again, Verena couldn't stop the sounds that came out of her mouth. Her body kept reacting to Vincent against her wishes. She looked up to see their target, Leonardo, staring at them intently. She had recognized him the moment they walked into the club from the pictures Cassio had shown her in the car. That's why they chose a seat near him. She saw the hunger in his eyes, the desire that mirrored her own.
As the kiss finally ended, Verena felt a sense of satisfaction wash over her. Maybe she could just enjoy herself while carrying out Cassio's mission. His plan wasn't so ridiculous after all. She couldn't help but feel excited at the thought that tonight was only the beginning of something electrifying and dangerous. Her eyes watched as Leonardo stalked towards them, his cup of whiskey in his hands.
He settled opposite them as she was still on Cassio's lap.
"How much is she?" He asked Cassio, looking at me with lust in his eyes.
"She is not up for sale"
"Come on, Cassio. Everything has a price. Just name yours"
Cassio's grip tightened on Verena's waist, "Fuck off!"
Leonardo DiCaprio grinned at her, "You are only making me want her more. You can't keep her all to yourself, Cassio. You have no power compared to me."
He leaned closer to them and Verena could smell his alcoholic breath, "I am going to make her mine because you are too weak to protect what's yours."
Verena could see a vein tick in Cassio's head as he said nothing.
"Have you later, Red" and Leonardo walked away.
Cassio pushed her off his lap, standing up to leave the club. Was he serious? He wanted to leave her with these wolves? Her hands inched closer to her knife as she followed him out of the club. He pushed her roughly into the car, barking out a command to the driver to take her home.
Verena could only stare at him, he was like a woman with her period, unpredictable. Men! She scoffed, screwing her face in disgust.
As the car drove away from the club, Verena's anger and frustration boiled over. "What is wrong with you?" she demanded, turning to Cassio. "You just let him insult me like that? You're supposed to be protecting me, not throwing me to the wolves!"
Cassio's face was set in a cold, hard mask. "I never said I was going to protect you, Verena," he said, his voice low and even. "Besides I knew you were safe in there."
Verena scoffed. "Safe? You call that safe? You practically handed me over to that creep on a silver platter!".
"You knew what you were getting into Verena, I said you were going to be a honey trap and you did perfectly well".
She laughed mirthlessly, "I suppose I deserve an award then, Best acting whore in town".
Cassio's eyes flashed with anger, but he remained silent. Verena could see the tension in his body, the muscles rigid with restraint. She knew that she was pushing him, but she couldn't help it. She was angry and scared, and she needed someone to lash out at. What she said before about enjoying the game was a bluff. Thinking of that Leonardo's hands on her made her feel sick.
The car pulled up to the house, and Verena got out, stomping up the stairs to her room. She slammed the door shut behind her, locking it with a satisfying click. She leaned against the door, her heart pounding with anger and fear.
What was she doing? She was playing a dangerous game, and she knew it. But she couldn't seem to stop herself. She was drawn to Cassio, despite his cold exterior and his controlling behavior. She was drawn to the danger and excitement that surrounded him, like a moth to a flame.
But she would make sure she would never get burnt. She was basically fireproof.