AllFreeNovel
Share Us
"Il Paradiso, yes, this is my world that I want to share with you, but only if you're ready for it," I reply. I don't want to scare her away, but I also need her to recognize the risks involved.
"Show me," she says, steeling herself with a determined nod. "I want to see it all, Philippe."
"Prepare for the unexpected, then," I warn her, feeling a thrill of excitement course through me as we venture deeper into this hidden realm together. I hand her my arm, and she takes it. We walk across the parking lot until we reach a concrete wall that looks pretty ordinary.
"Are you sure this leads to someplace?" she asks. "This seems like a dead end."
"Patience," I tell her. Suddenly, the wall opens up like a sliding door, revealing an elevator. I take her hand to lead her in and hit the second floor. The look of anticipation on her face is like a kid getting ready to open a Christmas gift. Soon, the hum of people can be heard as the elevator comes to a stop, and we step off.
Tatiana's eyes widen as she takes in the scene of a huge casino with machines of every kind. On either side are specialized rooms for poker, blackjack, and baccarat.
In the middle of it all is a large three-sixty bar serving customers every kind of drink imaginable. A huge champagne tower with golden liquid spills over glasses into a pool.
As Tatiana and I wander through the casino, the hum of activity surrounds us, encapsulating the energy that pulses through this world. The clink of chips, the murmur of conversation, and the occasional burst of laughter create a symphony of life that never fails to captivate me.
"Amazing, isn't it?" I say, gesturing around us. "All these people, each with their own stories, dreams, and desires, looking for an escape. Here, we provide that escape, but we don't just want them to play. We want them to have an experience, to enjoy it here, instead of detesting the place. This is why, before players enter, they have to register how much they're willing to lose tonight. Once that cap is reached, we cut them off."
Tatiana nods, her eyes wide as she takes in the poker rooms and opulent halls that stretch out before us. "That's the sweetest thing I've heard. Good of you to do that. But Philippe, this truly is like stepping into another universe," she replies, awestruck. "I mean, I've been to casinos before, but this..."
I say nothing, humbled by her words.
A small group of people suddenly catches sight of us. Their eyes light up with recognition, and they excitedly approach Tatiana and me. I can sense Tatiana's growing fame, a star on the rise.
"Miss Amante," one woman exclaims, her voice trembling with excitement. "We were just there at the Opera house! Phenomenal, you hear me. You were phenomenal! Darling, come here," she draws her husband closer with her diamond-encrusted wrist. "Can we have a picture with you and Mr. Accardo?"
"Of course," Tatiana replies graciously, her smile warm and genuine. She turns to me, her eyes seeking my approval. I nod and wrap an arm around her waist, feeling a surge of pride as the cameras start clicking.
"Thank you both so much!" another fan gushes, handing Tatiana a pen. "Would you mind signing this for me?"
"Sure, not a problem," she says, taking the pen and scribbling her signature with ease. My autograph is requested next, and I oblige without hesitation. As the crowd grows larger, I find myself stepping back slightly, allowing Tatiana to take center stage.
It's a rare moment for me – the mafia leader, the man who always commands attention – but there's something gratifying about watching her bask in the adoration of her fans.
"Philippe," I hear her say softly, her voice barely audible above the clamor. "I can't believe this," she clutches her fingers together, eyes drifting off to every corner of the room. "All these people, they wanted to speak with me."
"And why wouldn't they, Tatiana?" I ask, leaning closer to her ear and whispering ever so slightly. "Have you met yourself?"
Chapter 4
Tatiana
I lean into Philippe as he whispers praise into my ear. I blush and take a step back, humbled beyond belief. To imagine a man of this caliber seeing something in me is overwhelming.
This underground casino is a secret world, a place I never imagined could exist, and he built it. My talent, if one can even call it that, cowers in comparison to this visionary.
"I still can't believe this place is real," I murmur to Philippe, who smirks at my attempt to change the topic.
His piercing blue eyes seem to glow even brighter in the casino's sultry lighting. He's now pulled up his sleeve, and I occasionally steal glances at his tattoo, wondering what a man like him would choose to adorn his body with permanently.
The enchanting atmosphere of the casino washes over me as I take in the beautiful décor and bustling activity. Crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow across the room, their glittering light dancing on the intricately carved walls.
The air is filled with the seductive sounds of laughter and clinking glasses, mingling with the hypnotic melody of spinning roulette wheels and shuffling cards.
"Come on, let's get a drink before we hit the tables," Philippe suggests, guiding me through the lively crowd.
"Hit the tables?" I gasp excitedly. Just witnessing this wonder is enough. Playing didn't even cross my mind. As we walk, I marvel at the rich tapestries and ornate artwork decorating the walls.
"Have you ever seen anything like this?" I ask Philippe, trying to put my wonderment into words.
