The morning sun did little to pierce the gloom of Jake's situation as he adjusted the cuffs of Renzo's tailored suit. His heart raced as the black car pulled up to the sprawling gates of the Marino estate. The grandeur was overwhelming: towering iron gates adorned with intricate patterns, flanked by stone statues of lions that seemed to watch him with disdain.
"You've got this," Jake muttered under his breath, trying to psych himself up. "Just... act confident."
The car slowed to a halt, and one of Renzo's men opened the door for him. Jake stepped out, squinting against the sunlight reflecting off the estate's pristine marble facade. His stomach churned as he caught sight of the small crowd gathered near the main entrance. Men in dark suits whispered among themselves, their sharp eyes fixed on him.
Jake straightened his posture, remembering Renzo's instructions from the previous night: "Walk like you own the place. Speak like you command it."
Hours earlier, in the abandoned warehouse...
"You'll need to attend my morning briefing," Renzo had said, pacing in Jake's scrawny body. The sight was almost comical, but Jake didn't dare laugh. Renzo's tone was all business.
"Briefing?"Jake asked, swallowing his nerves.
"Yes. My men need to see their leader. If you look weak, they'll smell blood in the water," Renzo explained. "Do as I say, and you might survive."
Jake had nodded, though his confidence was paper thin. "And what about you? What are you going to do... at my school? "
Renzo smirked. "Play the part, of course. How hard can being a teenager be?"
Back at the estate, Jake's confidence teetered as he approached the gathered men. A heavyset man with a bald head and a scar slicing across his cheek stepped forward.
"Boss," the man said with a curt nod. "Everything is prepared for the briefing."
"Good," Jake replied, his voice deeper and more commanding than he felt. He prayed he sounded convincing. "Let's get started."
As they moved inside, Jake marveled at the sheer opulence of the Marino estate. Chandeliers sparkled overhead, and the marble floors gleamed like mirrors. He was led to a spacious office dominated by a massive oak desk. A map of the city was spread across it, marked with red and blue pins. Jake's anxiety spiked. This was Renzo's world, a dangerous game he wasn't ready to play.
The men filed in, taking their seats around the desk. Jake cleared his throat, stalling for time as he scanned their faces. Each one exuded an air of danger. Darren and his bullies suddenly seemed like harmless schoolyard pests by comparison.
"What's the first order of business?"Jake asked, hoping the question sounded natural.
The bald man who Jake learned was named Franco leaned forward. "We've got intel that the Valentinos are moving products through our territory without permission. What's the plan, boss?"
Jake's mind raced. He had no idea who the Valentinos were or what "product" Franco referred to. He glanced at the map, stalling. "Double our surveillance," he said finally, trying to channel Renzo's commanding presence. "I want eyes on every corner. Report back with details before we make any moves."
Franco nodded, seemingly satisfied. Jake exhaled silently, relieved his bluff had worked.
Meanwhile, across town, Renzo found himself sitting at Jake's desk in a chaotic high school classroom. The noise was unbearable; students chattered, laughed, and passed notes, completely ignoring the harried teacher attempting to regain control.
Renzo's jaw tightened. He had faced armed enemies, betrayed allies, and countless life-or-death situations. Yet somehow, being surrounded by rowdy teenagers felt infinitely worse.
A girl with bright pink hair turned to him. "Hey, Jake. You finished the math homework? "
Renzo stared at her blankly. Homework? He hadn't touched a math problem in decades. "Uh, no," he muttered gruffly.
The girl frowned. "You okay? You seem... different."
Renzo forced a tight smile. "Just tired," he said, hoping she'd drop the subject. Luckily, the teacher's voice cut through the noise.
"Alright, everyone, settle down! Pop quiz time!"
Renzo groaned inwardly. What fresh hell was this?
Back at the estate, Jake's briefing concluded without incident. He let out a shaky breath as the men dispersed, leaving him alone in the office. His temporary relief was short-lived when Franco reappeared, holding a cell phone.
"Boss, there's a call for you," Franco said, handing over the phone. "It's Vito."
Jake's blood ran cold. He recognized the name from Renzo's hurried lesson the night before. Vito was a rival—a dangerous one.
He pressed the phone to his ear, praying he wouldn't say the wrong thing. "This is Renzo," he said, attempting to sound intimidating.
A raspy voice answered. "Renzo. I hear you've been sticking your nose where it doesn't belong."
Jake's palms grew sweaty. "I don't know what you're talking about," he replied cautiously.
Vito chuckled darkly. "Oh, I think you do. Watch your back, Marino. You've made enemies you can't afford."
The line went dead, leaving Jake trembling. What had he gotten himself into?
Renzo, meanwhile, stared down at the pop quiz in frustration. The math problems might as well have been written in another language. He scribbled random numbers, hoping to finish quickly and avoid further humiliation.
When the bell finally rang, he bolted from the classroom, only to be intercepted by a trio of boys. Renzo recognized them immediately as Darren, Mark, and Connor, Jake's tormentors.
"Hey, Turner," Darren sneered. "Where's our money?"
Renzo raised an eyebrow. "Money?"
"Don't play dumb," Darren snapped. "You owe us for last week. Hand it over, or we'll make you wish you had."
Renzo's lips curled into a dangerous smile. These kids had no idea who they were dealing with.
"Listen closely," he said, his tone low and menacing. "You don't want to pick a fight with me. Walk away while you still can."
Darren laughed, clearly unimpressed. "Or what? You going to cry? "
Renzo stepped forward, towering over the boy despite Jake's smaller frame. He leaned in close, his voice a deadly whisper. "Or you'll regret it."
Something in Renzo's eyes a cold, unflinching fury made Darren hesitate. He stepped back, muttering, "Whatever, freak." He motioned for his friends to follow, and they disappeared down the hall.
Renzo smirked. Even in this scrawny body, he wasn't to be underestimated.
That evening, Jake and Renzo reconvened in the warehouse. Both looked exhausted, though for very different reasons.
"How was school?"Jake asked, managing a weak smile.
Renzo groaned. "Your classmates are insufferable. How do you deal with them?"
Jake shrugged. "I try to keep my head down. What about you? How was being a mafia boss?"
Renzo's expression darkened. "Your body might not survive this."
Jake frowned. "What do you mean?"
Renzo began pacing. "Vito called. He knows something is off. And if I'm not careful, your body will end up in a river."
Jake paled. "So, what do we do?"
Renzo stopped and fixed him with a serious gaze. "We learn to live each other's lives. Fast."