6. Nicola
Before the game started I took every chance I could to ask questions that might help my search for the truth regarding my father's death. I am right here in the middle of all of these mafia bosses, and I know I am putting myself in a lot of danger just by mentioning his name, or even asking about it. But I have to do this. I have to take that risk.
Leading up to the start of the game, tensions were growing rapidly, but now I can practically feel the static in the air as I sit with the players at the table. I am being as diplomatic as I can while maintaining my cover. I am encouraging each player and pretending to be upset when they are knocked out of the game.
Some of them leave the table with dignity and others toss their cards across the room in anger, swearing and muttering under their breath.
While I move around the room, I notice that Vitorio is keeping a very close watch on me.
I stand up, smiling sweetly. "That was an unlucky hand. You played so well. I am sure next year you are going to win." I say, as the man sneers and steps away from the table in a huff. He glances me up and down and then walks away to get a drink.
My eyes move across the table, locking with Vitorio's. He throws me a grin, looking proud of himself as he gathers his winnings.
I try to hide the smile on my face. The way his eyes speak to me is dangerous. I want to know everything about him.
I want to know what it feels like to lay naked on his chest.
I swallow hard; this is not a good direction for my thoughts. It is so difficult though, with the way he looks at me, to keep my own body under control.
Each time a player leaves the game, Vitorio has this same calmly confident smile on his face. He is so sure of himself, that it is bringing me relief from the intense fear I have been drowning in since the players sat down. He has to win. I need him to win. I don't want to end up being tied to anyone else as their prize. Also, I have come to realize, that I really want to spend more time with Vitorio. I am so curious about him. He seems so different from his brother. My mind keeps screaming at me to maintain self-control, but the fact that he is so wrong for me makes it that much more alluring. A mafia boss. A drop dead sexy, intensely hot, forbidden attraction that I should not give in to.
There are only three players left, and around me, I can hear people placing bets as to who is going to win tonight.
This is a casino after all, so gambling in all mannerisms comes naturally.
Luca is still at the table, to my disappointment, along with Dominic and Vitorio. They all seem like really good players, and nervously I have to admit that it seems like an equal chance for all of them.
I walk around the table, and when I move past Vitorio, he reaches out and lets his hand brush across my waist. Instantly my entire body is overwhelmed by electricity. The shiver that runs down my spine at his simple touch is mind-blowing.
What would it feel like to be taken by this man?
"Are you enjoying the game, Nicki?" He asks, pulling me towards him, and pushing me into the empty chair next to him where a player has already left the game.
"Very much so." I grin, glancing around the table. It is amazing how quickly people were knocked out. A definite display of who was here to take a chance and who has actual skill in the game.
Beneath the table, Vitorio's hand runs up my thigh. Shockwaves shiver up my legs.
"Are you feeling confident about who will win?" he raises his brows as he watches me, while my breathing increases with his touch, as I try to fight against the pleasure of it.
He looks satisfied and grins.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we have only three players left. Vitorio, Luca, and Dominic. The tension is rising, and I know we are all excited to find out who is going to walk away with the title of being tonight's winner - and this gorgeous woman as their date for the evening - but for now, it is time to take a short break. Get yourself a drink, and have something to eat, and we will restart the game soon."
Luca stands up and walks over to Vitorio. I stand up as well, not wanting to be near him. I move quickly away from the table.
I glance behind me as Luca shares some heated words with Vitorio. I can see the anger traced across his face. He is fuming. The tension of the game is getting to him, and he is not able to deal with it as well as Vitorio is.
I see Dominic walking towards me, but I pretend I didn't notice, and I quickly slip away from the crowd. I need a moment to myself.
Everything has been happening so quickly, that I feel overwhelmed and I have lost focus on what I'm trying to do here.
Behind the upstairs bar, I find a little secluded balcony and as I stand outside in the cool evening air, I take a slow, deep breath.
It is a beautiful night. The stars are shining bright in the clear, black sky.
I tilt my head up and try to push all thoughts of Vitorio from my mind.
I can't let him distract me like this.
My family comes first. That is why I am here.
The gentle breeze lifts my dress and sways it causing the soft silk to brush against my legs.
I am so drawn to Vitorio, and for some reason he makes me feel so safe. But that is a mistake on my part. I can't be tricked into feeling that way. It really is silly of me to think of such a dangerous man as a safe space.
"Did I tell you how beautiful that dress looks on you?"
Vitorio's voice drifts through the night air towards me.
I glance over my shoulder as he walks across the balcony towards me.
"You found the one quiet space in the entire casino this evening." He says, standing next to me, leaning against the railing. His back is turned away from the beautiful view though, and his attention is on me.
"I needed to get out of there for a while. There are far too many egos clashing in there." I smile gently.
He folds his arms across his broad chest. His sleeves are rolled up over his forearms and I can't help but notice the way his muscles ripple when he moves. "I guess I am used to it. I hardly notice it. I also have to admit though that these events are not as fun as they used to be."
"Why not?" I ask, curious about what might have changed.
"When my father was still alive he used to play as well. It was such a laugh. He had the funniest tells, but no one could work out if he was bluffing or really giving away secrets. Honestly, he was an incredible man."
"It sounds like you miss him a lot. Were you two close?"
"Very. He taught me everything I know, including how to be the man I am today. I am grateful for the way he raised me."
"What happened to him? Sorry, that might be too personal. I didn't mean…"
"No, it's fine. Ask anything you want."
I turn my body towards him, leaning my hip against the edge of the balcony.
"My father died in a questionable incident involving one of our rival families. We used to be allied with them and did a lot of business together, but tensions grew as our business flourished in other directions, and theirs couldn't keep up. I don't know - I can't say for sure - but the way he died just left me with a lot of suspicion. More questions than I could find answers to."
"I'm sorry to hear that. It is really difficult losing someone you love. What about your mom?"
He pulls his mouth to the side as though it is difficult to talk about, but he still answers me. "My mother died when I was pretty young. Fifteen. Luca was twelve. My father changed a lot after that. He never remarried, and the way I saw it - he lost the love of his life that day. It was like half his heart was missing. He was a good father, but I could see his pain. It was difficult to see him have to go through that every day. I don't wish it on anyone. Honestly, though, Luca was the most affected by my mother's death. It was as though he believed she had died just to spite him. He started hating women. His behavior changed, and he became a darker, colder person. My brother and I were always estranged and competitive, but after my mother passed away it turned nasty."
I glance at the night sky again, at the millions of stars shining above us. I know what it is like to lose a father. I can't imagine losing my mother as well, especially not as young as he did. It seems that his father and my father were lost in similar ways. Under suspicious circumstances. It makes me feel a connection to him that deepens my curiosity about him.
I don't know how it happens, or what makes me do it, but I take a step closer to him and gently place my hand on his chest. "I'm sorry you had to go through that," I say softly, as I look up at him and our eyes lock in a deep gaze. His aren’t just blue as I first thought. They are blue, flaked with turquoise and grey streaks. I feel mesmerized staring into them now.
He lifts his hand, and his fingers wrap around the back of my neck, gently caressing my skin.
I sigh and lean into his touch. He bends closer to me until his face is inches from mine, and I feel my lips parting in anticipation of feeling his mouth press against mine.
When our lips touch it feels like fireworks exploding in my body.
He gently pulls me closer to him, and the heat from his body seeps into mine. Everything around us disappears and all there is him and me.
I feel like I have known him forever. Perhaps we were lovers in a past life, perhaps in every life we have ever lived.
My heart stops for a moment as reality sinks in.
I can't let myself slip away in the heat of this connection I feel.
I need to be aware of what is really going on.
Why I am really here?
I pull away slightly, and the tenderness in his eyes catches me off guard.
I can't help the way I feel, and I feel safe. Right now, that is what I need.
But I also need to accept that the circumstance I am currently in requires my full attention.
But - I have decided to trust him.
He is nothing like his brother. And I need someone on my side.
"I guess we had better get back to the game." He says with regret. I can see he doesn't want to step away from me.
"I suppose we should." I agree reluctantly. I would prefer to stay out here on the balcony with Vitorio and get to know more about him.
His hand slides down my back, resting for a moment just above my ass, and it sends shivers through me. Then he steps away, and gestures for me to walk ahead of him, back into the event, and the noise, and the tension, and the suspense of finding out what is going to happen next in this intense game.