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I feel like I just got punched in the gut. This taunting is so typical of my father. "Who do you mean?"
"Are you not curious how I know about the girl, son?"
I swallow the bile rising in my throat.
"Sì, lo faccio." – Yes, I do – I beg, through gritted teeth.
"Ah, gossiping guards let me in on the secret life of my son, saving another driver at great risk to his own life. A hero, they called you. Apparently the other driver was very beautiful. You should invite her. I’m sure she’s quite eager to express her gratitude to our family."
I pause, weighing my father's request. He wants me to invite Jasmine to the ball, to parade her on my arm like a reward I've claimed. The thought leaves a bitter taste in my mouth.
I school my expression into cool indifference. "About inviting Jasmine to the ball…I'm afraid I don't have a way to contact her. We only met briefly, and I didn't get her number."
The Don frowns, eyes narrowing. I meet his gaze evenly, waiting. He is no fool; he knows I am lying. But he also knows I will not change my mind.
Finally, he sighs, waving a hand. "No matter. Find another girl; any will do for appearance's sake." His lip curls. "In cerca di uno di idonea riproduzione questa volta." – Though try to find one of suitable breeding this time.
His words confirm that I made the right choice. I won't be parading Jasmine in front of him like livestock. Jasmine, with her fiery spirit—she deserves to be treated with more respect than most men present here tonight.
She certainly does not deserve to be drawn into the belly of mafia life and be put on display for the pleasure of our enemies.
I bite my tongue to avoid arguing further. Instead, I bow. "Of course, Padre. Perhaps I'll come alone and simply find someone at the ball."
"Very well." He dismisses me with a motion of his hand, already shuffling through the paperwork on his desk.
I stride from the study, my mind whirling with thoughts of Jasmine.
The hallways of the mansion seem to close in around me as I walk, the wood-paneled walls bearing down with the weight of family history. So many secrets are hidden in this place, and so many lives ruined or ended behind closed doors.
Jasmine doesn't belong here. The thought brings both regret and determination. I will keep her out of this world—and make sure she stays off my father's radar—for as long as I can.
Fortunately, I don't have a way to contact her. Truth is, if I did, and with the Don's encouragement tonight, I know I would have been tempted to invite her.
I pause outside my room, lost in thought. If she came to the ball, I wouldn’t be able to focus on anyone or anything else but her. The way she turned around and just whispered her name, the sway of her hips as she walked away, disappearing into the night makes me want to hunt her down and demand more.
It's good she'll be out of sight. Out of sight, out of mind. That will allow me to focus on the Don’s orders. A slow smile spreads across my face. The traitor will not know what hit them. Despite the Don’s warnings, I’m excited by the thrill of the hunt.
I will use the cover of the masquerade ball to learn as much as I can. Masks will hide faces, but secrets can still be uncovered. The game is afoot, and I always play to win.
And if I also happen to catch a glimpse of green flamed eyes behind a jeweled mask, well…that will simply be a bonus. But, I need to stop daydreaming. There’s no way she’d find her way to this ball.
Chapter 5
Masks and Shadows
Jasmine
My breath catches the minute my taxi enters through the towering, wrought iron gates. The Marchetti compound sprawls out before me like a scene from a movie, grander than anything I've ever seen in real life. Each twist and turn of the driveway revealing more, and I can't help but press my face closer to the window, eyes wide with awe.
"Quite a sight, eh?" the taxi driver remarks. His eyes meet mine in the rearview mirror with a knowing smile playing on his lips.
"It's like stepping into another world." I gape.
He chuckles, "Welcome to the Marchetti's playground. I've only heard the rumors, but now, thanks to you, I get to tell my buddies all ‘bout it when I get outta here."
I crack a smile, just to be polite, too taken in to talk further.
Large lanterns, hanging from meticulously trimmed trees, bathe the pathways in a warm, golden glow. Their light dances across the cobblestones, as if guiding us deeper into this enchanted domain.
