AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“It’s Salvatore Bianchi,” I declared, the words carrying a sense of finality. They hung in the air, a revelation that brought with it a surge of determination and resolve.
Vlad’s gaze narrowed, his sharp eyes fixed on mine as he absorbed this information. Anton’s features remained impassive, though I could detect a glint of anticipation beneath his composed exterior. They awaited my lead, their trust unwavering as we navigated the treacherous waters ahead.
With a deliberate movement, I reached into my pocket and extracted a cigarette, its tip glowing as I brought it to life with a flame. The familiar ritual grounded me, offering a moment of clarity before the storm.
I took a long drag, the smoke curling around me like a shroud of secrecy. The knowledge of Salvatore’s involvement was a revelation that underscored the depth of our adversaries’ cunning. The Bianchis were divided in two, a family at odds with itself, yet united by a common goal—to undermine and overthrow our empire.
“Ivan, what’s our move?” Vlad’s voice cut through the silence, his words echoing the urgency that coursed through our veins.
I exhaled a plume of smoke, the tendrils dancing in the air before dissipating into nothingness. “We find Salvatore Bianchi,” I declared, my tone unwavering. “We bring him down, dismantle the faction that threatens us. Mario’s faction isn’t a threat. At least not for now. I know the guy. Met him once in New York. He wouldn’t just go looking for trouble. We have to focus our attention on Salvatore, he’s the wild card.”
Salvatore’s involvement was a catalyst, a spark that ignited the fire within me. Our objective was clear, our path illuminated by a singular goal.
Vlad and Anton exchanged glances and nodded. Plans were set in motion, strategies devised, alliances solidified. The room was charged with purpose, each member of our assembly a crucial piece in the intricate puzzle that was our fight against Salvatore. All of our resources and information networks were to devote themselves to finding the elusive figure.
Chapter 21 - Audrey
The sun bathed the city in a gentle embrace, casting its golden light across the bustling streets as I walked alongside Diego. Today’s destination was a familiar one—the bookstore that had become a haven of stories and possibilities. The very same place Ivan had taken me during our memorable outing.
But this time, I had a different purpose in mind.
As I entered the bookstore—Diego often preferred to watch me from outside, however that worked—the scent of well-worn pages and ink filled the air, instantly transporting me back to my college days. The shelves stretched out like pathways to different worlds, each book a door waiting to be opened.
I was on a mission—a mission to share my passion for reading with Ivan and keep him interested in it. Occasionally, Ivan would deliver beautifully wrapped gifts: the careful selection of novels, flowers, and even the order of a McDonald’s egg bacon biscuit sandwich. I wanted to pamper him too and buying books is my love language. Besides, ever since I gifted him one of the books I loved, I kept finding him in different nooks reading. It was quite a sight
Now that I was finally in the bookstore, the possibilities were endless and I realized the real challenge was actually picking the right book to keep him hooked. These things were important to me. My footsteps carried me deeper into the labyrinth of books, the anticipation building with each passing moment.
And then, there he was.
The enigmatic stranger I had encountered long ago, the one with whom I had bonded over books and shared a fleeting connection. It was the mystery man who had refused to reveal his name or share his contacts with me.
On seeing me, he approached me with a sly smile that hinted at a secret understanding. “Well, well, well, look who fate dragged to me,” he quipped, his tone playful. His eyes were animated.
I couldn’t help but chuckle at his words. “Ah, the mystery novel man. Nice to see you once again,” I replied, my voice laced with amusement.
His gaze held a mix of curiosity and genuine interest. “I was certain you were someone who frequented bookstores in order to satisfy that reading appetite of yours,” he began, a teasing glint in his eyes. “But when I went for weeks and I didn’t see you again, I was a little worried.”
I brushed a strand of hair behind my ear, the memory of our previous encounter mingling with the present. “Oh, no. Nothing like that. I just...traveled,” I offered as an explanation, the truth only a fraction of the story. To think that he had been going to bookstores all this time, just searching and waiting for me, warmed my heart.
A playful smile danced on his lips as he leaned against a bookshelf. “So, what’s your name this time?” he inquired, his tone light and inquisitive.
“Not going to leave it to chance again?” I giggled.
“Heavens no, not this time,” he replied immediately.
“Audrey. My name’s Audrey Sanders,” I responded, returning his smile.
“What about yours?”
“You can call me Salva,” he said, his voice lower and deeper, giving it more of a seductive quality. His gaze shifted to my hand, where the engagement ring glinted in the soft light. “Congratulations on the engagement,” he remarked, his voice sincere.
“Thank you,” I replied. “It’s—well, it’s been quite a journey.” I smiled and unconsciously hid the hand away.
We spoke of French novels and the nuances of Japanese films, our words weaving a tapestry of shared interests and unspoken understanding as we strolled around the store. Minutes turned into moments, and for a while it felt as though we were the only two people in the bookstore. We would pick up a random book, talk about it, try to infer from its book cover what it tried to represent, and then drop it to pick up another one.
For most of the time, I forgot about the real reason why I had gone to the bookstore. But then, Diego’s presence intruded upon our exchange, a reminder of my original mission to find a book for Ivan. He approached us, a solid presence at my side. “We have to move out soon,” he informed me, a hint of urgency in his voice.
Salva’s demeanor shifted subtly when he saw the tattoos on Diego’s arms, a flicker of something crossing his features. He must’ve found them unsettling and probably wondered why I was with someone who staying outside by the counter this whole time, not knowing that Diego was my personal guard. It was still weird for me too.
