Mafia's Coded Heart
img img Mafia's Coded Heart img Chapter 1 One
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Chapter 6 Six img
Chapter 7 Seven img
Chapter 8 Eight img
Chapter 9 Nine img
Chapter 10 Ten img
Chapter 11 Eleven img
Chapter 12 Twelve img
Chapter 13 Thirteen img
Chapter 14 Fourteen img
Chapter 15 Fifteen img
Chapter 16 Sixteen img
Chapter 17 Seventeen img
Chapter 18 Eighteen img
Chapter 19 Nineteen img
Chapter 20 Twenty img
Chapter 21 Twenty one img
Chapter 22 Twenty two img
Chapter 23 Twenty three img
Chapter 24 Twenty four img
Chapter 25 Twenty-five img
Chapter 26 Twenty six img
Chapter 27 Twenty seven img
Chapter 28 Twenty eight img
Chapter 29 Twenty nine img
Chapter 30 Thirty img
Chapter 31 Thirty one img
Chapter 32 Thirty two img
Chapter 33 Thirty three img
Chapter 34 Thirty four img
Chapter 35 Thirty five img
Chapter 36 Thirty six img
Chapter 37 Thirty seven img
Chapter 38 Thirty eight img
Chapter 39 Thirty nine img
Chapter 40 Forty img
Chapter 41 Forty one img
Chapter 42 Forty two img
Chapter 43 Forty three img
Chapter 44 Forty four img
Chapter 45 Forty five img
Chapter 46 Forty six img
Chapter 47 Forty seven img
Chapter 48 Forty eight img
Chapter 49 Forty nine img
Chapter 50 Fifty img
Chapter 51 Fifty one img
Chapter 52 Fifty two img
Chapter 53 Fifty three img
Chapter 54 Fifty four img
Chapter 55 Fifty five img
Chapter 56 Fifty six img
Chapter 57 Fifty seven img
Chapter 58 Fifty eight img
Chapter 59 Fifty nine img
Chapter 60 Sixty img
Chapter 61 Sixty one img
Chapter 62 Sixty two img
Chapter 63 Sisty the three img
Chapter 64 Sixty four img
Chapter 65 Sixty five img
Chapter 66 Sixty six img
Chapter 67 Sixty seven img
Chapter 68 Sixty eight img
Chapter 69 Sixty nine img
Chapter 70 Seventy img
Chapter 71 Seventy one img
Chapter 72 Seventy two img
Chapter 73 Seventy three img
Chapter 74 Seventy four img
Chapter 75 Seventy five img
Chapter 76 Seventy six img
Chapter 77 Seventy seven img
Chapter 78 Seventy eight img
Chapter 79 Seventy nine img
Chapter 80 Eighty img
Chapter 81 Eighty one img
Chapter 82 Eighty two img
Chapter 83 Eighty three img
Chapter 84 Eighty four img
Chapter 85 Eighty five img
Chapter 86 Eighty six img
Chapter 87 Eighty seven img
Chapter 88 Eighty eight img
Chapter 89 Eighty nine img
Chapter 90 Ninety img
Chapter 91 Ninety one img
Chapter 92 ninety two img
Chapter 93 Ninety three img
Chapter 94 Ninety four img
Chapter 95 Ninety five img
Chapter 96 Ninety six img
Chapter 97 Ninety seven img
Chapter 98 Ninety eight img
Chapter 99 Ninety nine img
Chapter 100 One hundred img
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Mafia's Coded Heart

Lord Comfort
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Chapter 1 One

Chapter One

Astrid's POV

The music boomed, electrifying the room, and THE NEXUS pulsed with an extra layer of energy tonight. Neon lights danced across the walls, casting a kaleidoscope of colors, as laughter, clinking glasses, and the acrid smell of smoke filled the air, crafting an illusion of safety. But we all knew better - safety was just an illusion here.

I navigated through the crowd, balancing a tray with one hand and flashing flirtatious smiles at the suited businessmen, they were my best targets, and the young entrepreneurs, who had eyes for good stuffs like me. There were also the regulars: Jack, the charming but ruthless real estate mogul, and Marcus, the soft-spoken tech investor with a penchant for secrecy. My beauty and charm were undeniable assets, drawing attention and tips from these men who were accustomed to getting what they wanted.

The tight black dress hugged my curves, and I moved with practiced ease, my heels clicking on the polished floor. This place was a cesspool of shady deals and dangerous people, yet it was also my sanctuary. Some might say it was an odd place to hide, considering the danger that lurked here, but for me, it was perfect. As a hostess focused on getting her tips, I blended into the background, invisible to prying eyes.

"Astrid, VIP table next," my supervisor's voice crackled through the earbuds and I hummed in response, already moving toward the VIP section. Tonight felt off, though. I knew the regulars, but one man stood out. The air around him seemed to vibrate, drawing subtle glances and hushed murmurs as he navigated the crowd. His sleek, dangerous aura was unmistakable. Even without knowing his name, I sensed the power radiating from him - power that inspired fear.

Luca Santoro.

The name whispered in the city's darkest corners, spoken with equal fear and respect. Mothers warned their daughters about men like him - men who spelled instant death if crossed. His reputation preceded him, a trail of rumors and half-truths that only added to his mystique. And he was at Nexus, a club that catered to the city's elite and shady underworld.

A shiver ran down my spine. Men like Luca didn't frequent clubs like this without a reason, and I had an unsettling feeling he was searching for something valuable.

My curiosity piqued, despite knowing better. It never led me anywhere good. I'd learned to suppress it, to focus on my job and blend into the background. But there was something about Luca Santoro that drew me in, a morbid fascination with the danger that surrounded him.

"Astrid, VIP table F," my supervisor repeated, her voice firm. I hesitated, my feet rooted to the spot. Luca Santoro sat at table F, his piercing gaze locking onto mine. Did I really have to serve him?

He spotted me even before I could reach the table, his dark eyes locking into mine with precision. Like a hunter locking on its prey. My pulse quickened but I kept my expression neutral, forcing a smile as I approached the table he was seated, flanked by two of his men. They were as imposing as he was and weren't even trying to soften their menace.

"Good evening." I said, my voice light and smooth. "Can I get you three anything?"

He didn't answer right away. He just let his gaze travel slowly up and down my body, assessing me like I was some merchandise he was considering buying. I fought the urge to shiver under his gaze, trying to keep my hostess facade.

"What's your name?" He finally asked, his voice low and smooth and I could almost not hear it.

I hesitated just for a fraction a second, before answering. "Astrid."

His lips slowly curved up into a dangerous smile that didn't reach his eyes. "Astrid. A pretty name for a pretty face." He leaned back in his seat, his gaze not leaving mine. "I've heard you're good with computers, Ash Vega."

My heart skipped a beat but I kept my expression neutral. "I think you've got the wrong person, sir. I'm Astrid and I'm just a hostess here."

His smile widened but I could feel the lack of warmth in it. It was more of a deadly smile than a soothing one. "You see, I've been looking for someone with a particular set of skills and that led me to Ash Vega. Unfortunately, no one has heard from her over the past year and then my lead pointed me here. To you."

I swallowed hard, trying to keep my smile on.

This is bad, very bad.

I thought I've been able to keep a low profile all this while but they could still find me if they wanted to? "I think you've been misinformed. I know nothing about computers."

"Is that so?" He tilted his head, as if considering my words but the glint of the predator in his eyes remained which told me he didn't believe a word I was saying.

If Luca Santoro was looking for me of all people, it meant he knew a lot about me. And for someone who was on top of the food chain to come down here looking for me, I knew I couldn't escape whatever it was he came here for but I had to try my luck.

"You're the one I'm looking for and you are going to work for me." He finally said after leaning forward, his elbow on the table.

"I'm sorry. I'm not interested." I replied and at that instant, his smile vanished, replaced with a cold determination and I knew deep down that I've done it.

"You don't have a choice, sweetheart."

"You're mistaken. Now if you'll excuse me, I have other customers to attend to." I turned to leave, but one of his men stood in my way, his expression blank but threatening. I swallowed hard, looking back at Luca who was still staring at me with the same gaze.

"I'm not in the habit of repeating myself." He said softly. "You are coming with me, Ash. One way or another."

Panic surged through me but I was trying my best to keep calm. "I'm not going anywhere with you."

He was quiet for a few seconds before letting out a sigh as if disappointed. "I was hoping you'd see the reason but I guess I was wrong." He reached into his jacket and pulled out a small vial. I've seen the vial quite a few times to not recognise it. "But I guess we'll have to do it the hard way."

Before I could react, he was on me in a swift second. I took a step back, but it was too late. His hand clamped down on my arm as he pressed the vial against my lips. The liquid was bitter, sliding my throat before I could spit it out.

"What did you–" My voice slurred, the room spinning as the liquid started to take effect.

I was right, he had drugged me.

            
            

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