AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Marco'sfingersdrummedimpatientlyon the steering wheel, his dark eyes scanning the dimly lit street. His mind kept drifting back to Joey—those intoxicating green eyes and a body that could bring any man to his knees. Marco's heart clenched with an unfamiliar emotion as he thought about how much he needed more of Joey in his life.
He couldn't quite bring himself to use the word "love". That wasn't a luxury afforded to someone like him. But he knew he had to make Joey his, and soon.
"Dammit, Marco," he muttered under his breath as he realized the extent of his feelings. He was dangerously close to crossing a line, and it scared the hell out of him. But there was no turning back now; he couldn't imagine a future without Joey by his side.
With a renewed determination, Marco knew it was time to put his plan into action. It wasn't an honorable plan, but then again, honor didn't have a place in their world. Marco pulled out his phone and typed out a text to Gina, the sultry redhead who worked alongside Joey at the club.
"Operation Blue Moon is a go." Marco sent her the code they'd agreed upon, knowing full well what it entailed.
"Got it, boss. Good luck" came Gina's reply moments later. Her loyalty to Joey was unwavering, which made her involvement in this scheme all the more critical.
Marco closed his eyes for a second, taking a deep breath to calm the storm inside him. He knew he was walking a fine line between right and wrong, but he was willing to risk it all for a chance at happiness with Joey. As the night air filled his lungs, Marco felt the weight of his decision settle on his shoulders.
"God, I'm such an asshole," he whispered to himself, fully aware of the consequences of his actions. He glanced at the casino entrance one more time, steeling himself for what was to come.
"Here goes nothing," he sighed as he started the car and drove towards the casino. He couldn't shake the feeling that this was the beginning of something life-changing, but whether it would lead to a future with Joey or a fate worse than death, only time would tell.
As Marco entered the Mafia-run casino, he scowled. He scanned the room, his dark eyes taking in every detail.
At last, he spotted Frank.
Joey's dad was hunched over a blackjack table, his eyes glazed with greed as he recklessly gambled away his money. Marco felt a surge of disgust mixed with determination.
This man was the key to claiming Joey for himself, and he had no choice but to exploit that weakness.
"Hey, Frank," Marco called out as he approached. "Long time no see."
"Marco!" Frank exclaimed, a nervous grin spreading across his face. "Hey, there… Uh, what brings you here?"
"Ah, just thought I'd try my luck tonight. How about you?" Marco replied, casually draping an arm around Frank's shoulders. A whiff of cheap cologne and stale booze filled Marco's nostrils, adding to the growing knot of tension in his stomach.
"Same old, same old." Frank shrugged, downing the remains of his whiskey before signaling the bartender for another. "This damn game is killing me, though."
"Blackjack can be a cruel mistress, my friend," Marco said, nodding sympathetically as he took a seat next to him. "But sometimes, she rewards those who are persistent."
"Damn straight," Frank agreed, clapping Marco on the back as he eagerly placed another bet. Nothing bad had happened to him in the last few moments, so, like always, he assumed everything was fine. "So, tell me, how's life been treating you these days? Still working your magic with the ladies?"
"Ha! You know me too well," Marco lied. "But enough about me—how's that boy of yours? Joey, right?"
"Joey." Frank's face darkened at the mention of his son, and Marco could practically see the gears turning in his head. "He's fine. Still working at the club."
Still working off your debt, you mean.
"Ah, yeah, the club," Marco mused, remembering the night he first laid eyes on Joey, the fire in his eyes as they locked gazes. He had known then that he needed to have Joey, but he had no idea just how far he'd be willing to go.
He looked pointedly down at Frank's hand of cards. Frank had the self-respect to look guilty. "Look, fifty thou is a lot… If I throw a few more grand onto the debt, what's the harm? Hey, maybe I'll win big, and then I can buy him back!"
Yeah, and pigs would fly. Marco knew exactly where Frank's winnings went—straight back into the casino, while Joey kept working to clear a debt that was getting bigger and bigger.
"Maybe one day he'll learn to play the game like us old-timers, huh?" Marco joked, clinking glasses with Frank before taking a sip of his own drink. As the warmth of the liquor spread through him, Marco steeled himself for the next phase of their conversation. It was time to put his plan into action.
"Speaking of the game, Frank, what do you say we up the stakes a little?" Marco suggested with a sly grin, the corners of his eyes crinkling seductively. "I've always admired how fearless you are when it comes to taking risks."
"Is that so?" Frank replied, his ego stroked by Marco's flattery. The older man straightened his silk tie and puffed out his chest, trying to appear more powerful than he truly was. "Well, I've never been one to back down from a challenge."
"Of course not," Marco agreed smoothly, his voice like honey dripping off his tongue. He leaned in closer to Frank as he whispered conspiratorially, "Tell me, how much are you willing to risk for a chance at real wealth? Enough to change your life for good?"
Frank hesitated for just a moment, but greed quickly clouded his judgment. He licked his lips, eyeing the stack of chips on the table hungrily. "What's the bet?"
