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“I’m sorry, did–”
“I will be dropping by.” He asks no questions.
“Make it quick," I respond, ending the call and leaving him to carry out the task. As I wait for Francesco and the information from him, my mind races through the options I have. She wasn’t the wildcard I had expected to encounter. Ever. I can’t execute her. And she certainly won’t have a table-talk with a Mafia Don. I swiftly change into a tailored suit and tuck the gun in the back.
My men wait in stoic readiness at the entrance. I draw in a measured breath, filling my lungs with the intoxicating blend of morning air and anticipation. I look at Francesco and nod.
Seated in the back of the Audi, the sun's rays filter through tinted windows, casting a warm glow on the leather. My fingers trace idle patterns on the arm rest, a feeble attempt to quell the disquiet within me. Los Angeles pulses around us, alive with the promise of a new day, with the exception of some. I wanted to cross paths with her again.
But never like this.
Chapter Ten
ELLA
As the taxi inches closer to the office, I feel the lump in my throat getting bigger. What will I say when they ask why I chose to make a video instead of merely reviewing the food? Why was I snooping around, capturing a scene not meant for my lens?
I knew that this exposé would be completely out of my professional range if compared to my usual restaurant reviews, and I’d get caught up in something real bad. And now I am. The thought of the potential consequences ties a knot that tightens in my stomach. The taxi halts in front of Bel-Air Magazine. As I step out onto the pavement, I brace myself for the scrutiny that awaits me.
The intimidating glass doors swing open, and I step into the bustling reception area filled with the sound of ringing telephones. My footsteps echo against the marble floors as I make my way to the elevators. As I step into my office and an unexpected chill sweeps through the air. I switch the lights on.
A gasp escapes my lips and I stop mid-way as I stare at the face in front of me. Tommaso. Again.
No.
God.
Not him.
I don’t even dare to look him in the eye and immediately turn back, only to face three brooding men blocking the door. The audible click of the lock intensifies my sense of being in danger. He, apparently indifferent, leans casually against my desk. His demeanor contrasts sharply with my escalating fear. I try to avoid his dark eyes.
"Well, well," he begins to tap the desk, his tone dripping with taunting amusement. "I must say, I had a feeling when I first laid eyes on you that you were trouble." I feel the sweat trickling down my back, my hands, and my forehead. Hold your ground, Ella. Don’t panic.
I meet his gaze briefly. He looks different. Calm. I had expected a sinister monster but he knows how to cover up, I guess.
"Trouble is subjective. I call it journalism. It’s my job." I can feel the hitch in my own voice.
He chuckles, the sound sending a shiver down my spine. "Job, you say? It looks like you’re digging your own grave to me, bella." My phone.
“Take her phone’’ He orders his men.
No.
I try to resist but they grab me by the waist and start to search for my phone. A guy brings his hands to my back pockets and Tommaso snickers.
‘You’re a pervert!’ I scream. Panic starts to take over me. His gaze darkens, a storm brewing in those penetrating eyes.
"This is a dangerous game, Ella. Especially in my world. You should be careful where you tread." Who does he think he is?
"I'm not afraid of the truth… unlike everyone else on your payroll." The jittering of my teeth is too loud.
He smirks, pushing the chair back, and paces the room. "Bold words from someone who doesn't fully comprehend the consequences of her actions. You're playing with fire, and you might burn yourself. Consider this a favor. I am saving you. "
He starts to walk towards me. I immediately take a few steps back.
"Threats won't stop me from exposing the truth. If you consider yourself innocent, what's there to be afraid of?"
Tommaso's laughter echoes, filling the room. "Innocence and guilt are often a matter of perspective. What you see might not be the whole picture." He lifts his hand to touch me but I instantly back off.
