Chapter 5

Stefano

It's no wonder that I can't sleep. How could I? I had everything planned out. Get into the club, get a hold of Massimo and finish him off. But what happened? Salvatore went off the grid. I should have known that going with him would end in disaster.

If not for Vittorio's timely intervention, I would have died because I was out of bullets. The anger I felt was out of scale but as always, I had to calm down. I couldn't stay angry at him for too long. I promised mom that I'd cater for my brothers on her deathbed. I guess that's why he became this spoiled. He knew he'd go scot free.

Let's not even talk about the fifty million euros he spent on the auction. Only God knows what the bastard bought with that huge amount. The last time he did something like this, it was on a vintage car that hasn't seen the lights of the day since the last time he bought it

I stood up from the comfort of my fluffy bed. I was feeling parched and hungry. I haven't had a decent meal since last night. The plan was to get rid of Massimo and celebrate at the family's restaurant but that didn't happen. Infact, I was too angry to even look at him, not to talk of eating.

The entire house was silent as I walked steadily, careful not to wake anyone. Only the cracking sound of the ancient fireplace and the tick tock sounds of the clock in the house could be heard.

Just a glass of water and maybe something to snack on, because my stomach hurts,I thought. It was as easy to find the kitchen even in the dark, so I didn't bother to switch on the lights. I was about walking towards the fridge when the hairs on my back stood up. Something was up.

Danger.

I had a company, I thought, possibly Massimo's men or even one out of the millions of enemies we had all over the state.

I took backwards steps towards the entrance again. My hands found the switch box and pressed it slowly. The room became illuminated and I balled my fist, ready to swing my fist at the first thing I see but I froze instead.

A half naked girl in my kitchen.

She looked quite young and I almost thought she lost her way. I was about to ask her how she got in when something crossed my mind.

What if she's one of those kids trained in martial arts to hunt and kill? It's no news that some gangsters use teenagers to carry out their operations because they knew they'd have lesser years as a juvenile. My expressions which had softened earlier deepened. She must have been shocked to see me too because she dropped the glass of water in her hand. Sensing that my appearance meant she had been caught, she turned around, ready to run.

Uh..uh

In three long strides, my hands reached the neck of the oversized shirt she had on. I pulled her back with force, making her lose her balance. She slipped on the water from the glass cup she held earlier. The turn of events made things easier for me. I pounced on her and pinned her to the floor flawlessly.

"Who sent you here and how did you get in? I screamed at her. She fought with her nails, trying to make me ease the pressure I had on her neck but I wasn't ready to let go. I was already exhausted and frustrated from the events of the previous night. My blood was boiling hot and I wouldn't mind taking it out on any intruder, even if she's a teenager.

"Don't fucking choke me to death," she said with a tight voice. She hasn't stopped hitting and kicking me.

Stubborn and energetic, I thought. I applied more pressure on her neck again. It was important to make her realise that she was in my territory and that I do the talking and fighting.

"Answer my question first," I said.

"I only wanted to get water, you psychotic bastard!' I smirked, refusing to believe her bullshit. Get water in a stranger's house? One might think that the whole house belonged to her.

It wasn't long before the sounds of Vittorio's and Salvatore's footsteps descended down the stairs. I glanced at them, seeing them armed and ready to help me nip the red haired. To my surprise they let down their guards as they saw me.

"What the hell, brother?" Vittorio said.

"Brother?" The red hair said. "Do you guys have madness in your bloodline? Tell him to get his hands off me," she said, looking towards Salvatore to my surprise. I followed her gaze, requesting an explanation too.

"I didn't tell you about her yesterday. She's my new favourite," Salvatore replied.

"Are you fucking kidding me. Tell me this isn't what you bought at the auction yesterday." I said as I released her. She stood up and adjusted her clothes.

"Yes, she is." He replied. I pinched the bridge of my nose in frustration. He bought her for that ridiculous price?

"This thing here for fifty million euros?" I inquired again.

"Hello? I'm right here and I'm not a THING!" She spat angrily.

"No one is asking for your opinion, Red," Salvatore said.

"Stop being arrogant. Plus, I'm Ziyana, not some colour red."

"She's got fire, this one." Vittorio said as he took a seat in one of the chairs in the kitchen.

"Yes, a fire that none of you can quench. Now, Mr. Macho," she said, facing me and standing akimbo. Taking in her sight, I realised that she was in one of Salvatore's oversized shirts.

"I assume that you are the eldest here. It seems like we both agree on the same thing, which is that he squandered such a huge amount on a minor like me. Could you tell him to return me and I promise I'll be more than glad to be out of your hair."

"Could you get something to shut her mouth. She's too chirpy for my liking," I said with irritation.

"Get your ass upstairs, Red." Sal instructed. She remained unfazed by Sal's voice and stood on the same spot.

"Don't make me repeat myself, girl," he added. She took one last look at us all and gave her opinion.

"I hate you lots!"

"Are you fucking out of your mind, because we let you do whatever you want, you think you can bring home whatever you want?" I asked Sal as soon as the girl was out of ear reach

"You don't need to get too worked up. She's a kid" he replied.

"A kid like that means trouble. Have you thought about what could happen if it gets out that you bought home a minor? My hands are full. I don't want to have to deal with some cops because of your choice of women." I fire back.

"I think I have to disagree with you there. That one isn't a minor. She is a full grown woman. Did you see her tits while she was gesticulating earlier?" Vittorio said.

Shit. I had noticed also. They were full and round and must be soft too. Especially if they are pushed to my chest.

Fuck it Stefano!

How could I be thinking about something like that in this kind of situation?

"Think about how much fun she'd give us. Salvatore here is willing to share with us. Right brother?" He asked and Sal nodded.

"It's high time we replaced Viola," Sal added, making me clench my teeth. Viola is one devilish thing I don't want to think about.

"Not only that, nothing can make me let go of Red. I don't care what you say, she stays with me bro."

My two brothers folded their arms across their chest waiting for me to make my decision. Usually, once two of us agree on something, we go with it, even if the outcome is disastrous.

I ran my hands through my hair in frustration. My hands were tied already.

"Fine, she stays. But, you'll have to provide me with everything I need to know about her. Her name, her family and how she came to be an object that had to be sold off. If you don't provide me with those things before sunsets, she leaves." I said.

"Either way, she's mine and that's all that matters." He said and shrugged as I marched out. As I left, I got the feeling that Ziyana or whatever she says her name was would be staying for a long time at that.

Chapter 6

Salvatore

I touched the side of the bed only to realise that it was cold. My eyes fluttered open with shock. Knowing her, she might be thinking of running away. I shot out of bed in an instance, ready to race downstairs when I hear

The sound of water in the bathroom.

I sighed and rested back on the bed. Last night was dramatic enough. I don't want any more of it this morning. The shower went off after a while. I knew she'd be out in a matter of time, so I pretended to be asleep. Minutes later she came out and shut the door after her and tiptoed towards the walk in closet.

She looked back again, probably to check and made sure I was still sleeping. She was about to remove her towel when she stopped and turned her back to me. I wanted to keep mute and watch as she got dressed but I blurted out what was in my mind before I could stop myself

"Why did you stop?" She jerked backwards in surprise

"I knew it. You are a pervert!" She said and tightened the towel at the front. I chuckled with amusement as I sat upright. It wasn't even up to twenty four hours that I met her, yet she wouldn't stop taking me by surprise. After what happened in the early hours of this morning, I thought she'd be afraid of the house and my brothers, especially me. However, she was still acting mighty and unperturbed by anything.

She rolled her eyes and hissed, making me standing from my position. It was still early and I don't mind starting the day with something refreshing like her. I bought her , so I might as well use her for the sole purpose of what I bought her for.

Pleasure.

"Don't move any closer to me," she warned. She folded her hand across her chest. This made the plump bossom pushed up a bit. It was a ravishing sight and I wanted nothing but to lick that part with my tongue.

Even as I got closer, she didn't flinch a bit at the proximity between us. She remained still and steady but I knew better. Her breathings were uneven. I could feel her nervousness betraying the sturdy expression she wore.

Oh, Red. I'm going to enjoy all of your body. I'll make you beg. Just you wait.

I finally got to her and tucked her damp hair behind her ears. I made sure to graze my fingers on her skin as I did this. It was my signature move.

"There's no need to act up, Red". I said and began to play with her hair. Still, she resisted the tension and held her head high. I released her hair and swept my fingers across the top of her breast which was exposed a bit.

"Don't touch me," she seethed.

"Or what?" I asked as I looked deeply in her eyes. They were red, matching the fiery red colour of her hair. Her eyes were scornful and full of hatred but I didn't mind. The only thing on my mind was to see what lies behind the towel.

"Drop your hands," I commanded, but she shook her head, refusing to follow my command.

"Don't make me force you, Red," I warned.

"I won't do anything I don't want to do. Stop treating me like you own me," she said,

"But I do own you. You cost a lot more than any merchandise I've ever bought. You have to make it worthwhile."

"What sort of man buys a human and refers to her as a merchandise? A weakling," she said, replying to herself. "That's what you are, you pride yourself with taunting the powerless. You are nothing but a funk, a big fucking baby!"

Her words stung me deeply but I quickly masked my emotions. She was merely trying to play with me and get me angry. But I won't let her spoil the fun, at least till she realises that I'm no joke.

"I love your guts and You should be glad that I don't like meek women. I want them spirited, just like you." Before she could process what I wanted to do, I grabbed her hands and wrenched the sides of the towel from her palms.

I clipped her hands in mine and held it in place on the door of the closet. I brought my other hand up and played with her cheeks. At this point, she was getting squeaky and trying to wriggle out her hand.

"You can't go unless I let you go, so calm down," I said huskily. My hands found the edge of the side of the towel which was tucked underneath her armpit. I was about to tug at it when she spoke.

"Salvatore," she said, calling me my name as opposed to the insulting words she's been throwing around.

"Please, don't do it," she pleaded but I was already anticipating too much to accept. Since I saw what was underneath under that light, and when she grinded her butt against my cock, I've wanted nothing but to see her without clothes. Now that I am seconds away from getting what I want, nothing can stop me.

"It's already late", I said as I finally removed the towel from her body.

Fuck.

Her tits were bigger than I had thought and her nipples were big and taut. The cool breeze coming from the window hit her skin. Goosebumps showed on her skin immediately and made her nipples tightened more. With care, my index and middle finger held her left nipples and caressed them.

"Stop touching me," she said, biting her lips with force. I saw traces of blood on her lips as she finally released them.

"Don't tell me what to do." I said, growling like a beast with want. My cock was already hard and throbbing. I pressed my lower part against her, grinding into her. Unable to stop myself, I squeezed her left breast and kissed the sides of her cheeks.

"Why?" I asked.

"Why what?" She queried.

"Why were you at Arena Glitz last night? Who traded you up like a piece of shit? Was it your parents?" I asked. The last question triggered some sort of energy from her, catching me unaware. She pushed me away and grabbed the towel laying on the floor. She rushed towards the entrance of the bathroom and shut the door with a bang.

"I won't tell you anything. Do your worst!" she screamed. She got inside and shut the door with a bang.

Crap! I had been too carried away by her presence and tits. I cleared my voice and walked to the table beside my phone. I had to get the info on her like Stefano requested or I'll have to say goodbye to Red. Even though I acted all pompous, I knew I'd have to dump her if Stefano insisted but I don't want that. She seems like an interesting girl. Plus, it's been long since I found someone who ticked all I had on my list.

I picked my phone from the drawers,ready to find the answers that I needed. If she wouldn't give them to me, then I'll find them out.

"Amir," I said immediately as he picked the call. "I have a job for you. I want you to get me the info before the sun sets and you have to be as discreet as possible."

"Aye, Captain."

Chapter 7

Stefano

"Logan, could you try that frequency again? " I said to the man turning the transmitting radio. The lines were unstable as he turned it. I waited with hope as he did it again. He stopped at a frequency but I shook my head. It wasn't the one I wanted, the voice didn't sound like what I wanted to hear. He tuned it again for a while but to no avail. The network jammed into several radio stations and he stopped.

"What exactly are you hoping to hear?" He asked but I said nothing. He could sense my apprehension and so he began searching again. It was better for him to not question my instructions.

"Ready in 0300 hours...will take about an hour" came in a voice. Logan raised up his hands to make another round of turning but I stopped him. It was the voice of Arseni. The very one I've been waiting for.

For a while, he's been trying to stretch his wings in the water of Italy but I've tried to prevent him. Although he's young, he's a veteran in all that has to do with drugs and arm dealing. After trying to stop him from expanding his territory, I decided to let him be. If he wasn't going to accept that the Niccolians don't beg fro their cuts, we'll make sure to show him how things were done.

Intels had shown that he communicates over radio frequency as opposed to phone call. Therefore, I got ready for him. For months, I've made sure Logan listens to information being transmitted all across the world. The technology which made this easier was one that was quite difficult to get but I got it anyways. That's one of the benefits of being a Niccolo.

"Dock 13" the voice cackled over the radio again. "Merchandise includes dynamite, Aks and RPGs. Also, a box of multi-purpose containers."

Bingo! Arseni, that bastard. Didn't they say the food of revenge is best served cold? If he won't listen to me, then I'd deal with him. Since he has denied us our respect, now it's time to deny him his entire ship.

I rang Vittorio on the land phone in my desk. At the send ring , he picked. From the noises at the background I could tell he was at work. Only God knows the reason why he does the boring job. The meager amount he earns is nothing compared to his spendings in a week. But I can't prevent him anyways. So far he's efficient in both his cover up and the mafia business, I have no problem with it.

"I got Arseni on the radio. He couldn't have pulled this alone without Massimo's input. They have a deal coming over tonight and we have to be ready. Tell Salvatore to get ready to do his thing.

"Should I wear my favourite shirt?" He said playfully.

"No please, I can't guarantee this won't end in a bloodbath."

*************

The air around the dock was thick with stench, oil and water. Not only was the night dark but the air surrounding us also. Arseni's men had changed plans at the last minute but we were able to get the info on time. Salvatore had hacked into Arseni's satellite.

Yeah, I know it's difficult to believe that he could do something like that but he can. Getting into people's deepest secrets has always been his thing. So, when he showed interest in hacking, we all supported him. I'm glad we did because those skills come in handy on several occasions.

One of my men looked into the telescope in his hand from afar. We waited for him to do the ground checking and get back to us.

"There are more than a dozen of them," he reported. Vittorio had made sure to show up with two dozen men in the SUVs. It was going to be nothing to handle them all.

"By my count, each of you can take down one of them and we'll be good. Do not forget how important this is. These men want to take over our territory. We have to show them that we are no piece of shit. We won't allow anyone to encroach onto our land. The mission his simple. We take them down and take whatever we see there because they belong to us." Vittorio finished. By the grunts from the men . I could tell that their morales were up in the sky. Vittorio has always been the one with many words, so we left things like that to him.

Quietly and with precision, my men surrounded the dick heads from all sides. As I thought , I could see a couple of Massimo's men too. Arseni's men weren't expecting any surprises, so our appearance took them unaware. By the time they realized what had hit them, the odds were already against them. My men not only had guns, they were equipped with sharp blades of different sizes. Blades so sharp that I'd cut through any skin, no matter how thick.

The atmosphere became filled with gunshots and shouts from every corner of the dock. After a while, the shouting died down.

"That was easy," Sal said and I smirked. The three of us got out of the car. Salvatore led the way and we trudged to the scene. While Vittorio and I checked out the surrounding to be sure that we were safe, Salvatore and the rest of the men checked the boxes in the containers.

The men screamed with excitement as they saw the boxes and what it contained. One of them signalled to the driver in a container that has the Niccolo logo on it to drive over. The driver got to us and they began work in earnest.

The last of the box had gotten stacked when Vittorio took a walk beyond the dock.

"Time to go, Sal. We don't want to get caught," I said but I saw him standing transfixed on the spot. He took terrifying steps backwards, causing me and Vittorio to gaze at each other. We ran towards him and stopped on our tracks too when we saw what had him petrified.

This was the box of multi-purpose he was referring to earlier? Who in their right senses calls humans that? It had sounded unimportant but it was a way of coding it.

In dock 99 sat hundreds of children. Their mouth were sealed and they looked malnourished and tired. My heart lurched with emotions as I saw them. Human trafficking was something I had vowed to never do. Before us, our ancestors did it but we had promised one another to remove it from our mode of operation.It felt wrong to deny young children the joy of growing up with their family members and love ones.

Wait until I get hold of Arseni!

Salvatore and the rest of the men began to help the kids down and remove the tape on their mouth. Vittorio on the other hand made call to a NGO from where he worked. Apparently, he feared that calling the government ministry might pose bigger problem because some of them work cordially with Arseni.

"Are you going to sell us too?" One of the children said as I walked past him

"No, kiddo. I'm going to get you back home."