Chapter 5 The Dance

The stars were obscure by the clouds. Micaela closed her eyes and memories of Germano flooded her mind, Micaela and Germano have been seeing each other secretly for weeks now.

Germano brought out Viktor's wristwatch Germano knew he had a lot to deal with but the mere thought of Micaela seemed to lighten his burdens and offer a glimmer of hope. The scent of hair intertwined perfectly with the color of her eyes....He has been with so many ladies and never has any of them made him feel this way.....Micaela's innocence captivated Germano's heart and her beauty trapped him like an insect in a spiderweb. Germano couldn't still get over the fact Micaela was still a virgin.

Flashback of the night at Micaela's house slowly crept into Germano's mind.....He played back how he reached for Micaela's hand in the dime light, Germano had felt the shiver that went through her spine as his thumb grazed her wrist, Micaela's eyes pleaded, her heart pounded and her lips begged to be kissed just as the world outside faded, Germano leaned in with a delicate but passionate kiss that spoke volumes, his hands navigated her body thoughtfully mapping out the curves....his experience augmented her innocence and in that moment nothing else mattered to either of them as they were lost in the throngs of sweetness and seduction....Germano felt a connection one deeper than any crime he has ever committed and Micaela forgot all her worries as she willingly gave herself to Germano.

Germano's birthday was the next weekend and he couldn't see any specific reason why he should be celebrating- He hasn't gotten any closer to achieving his goals....he sat on the chair at the balcony his cigar in his right hand and a glass of scotch in the other....an idea struck him....he was going to celebrate his birthday and would use that to know more about Viktor's betrayal, how many others are disloyal, their true intentions and how deep it all goes.

The days that preceded the birthday came fast...

The grand ballroom echoed with the sound of clinking crystal glass. The walls were beautifully adorned in crimson and draped in gilded colors that silently echoed blood and power.

As the guests trooped in with opulent masks that were intricately designed to hide both intentions and identities. The men in their tuxedos and the ladies flooded the hall with their flowing gowns.

Germano stood wearing a deep blue suit and his mask having feathers and pearls. The air around him intoxicated with the aroma of an expensive cigar. Germano's ever commanding presence stood out amongst the guests and though it was his birthday, he had little to celebrate as his eyes glowed of shrewdness.

Germano knew every guest here was a potential betrayal as the clock struck twelve, and glasses were raised "To family, to loyalty" Germano declared with his gaze piercing through the guest....he could perceive the stench of betrayal and the weight of impending shifting loyalties....Germano spotted Viktor trying to woo a pretty petite lady in a red gown but the lady simply walk past him and instinctively Germano cornered her with charisma and gently spoke a few words into her ears and she nodded... with a playful smile and enchanting gaze she whispered something to Viktor which sent shivers down his spine and made his eyes widen and shortly after they were going upstairs, Germano cunningly followed them trying his best not to attraction too much attention to himself, Viktor was led into a room which had two glasses on the table....he was given the one laced with sedatives and within minutes Viktor felt uneasy, his head swirling, his vision became blurry....just then Germano walked in and whispered to the lady and she hurriedly left.

Germano stood over the body of Viktor, he swiftly tied him up and carried him out unseen through the back....

The sun was slowly rising its glowing head. Viktor woke up to being tied shirtless to a chair wearing only his trousers as his eyes adjusted to the lightbulb shining over his head and the image of Germano standing opposite him....

"It's not what you think boss, I can explain please" Viktor said those words knowing that his life depended on it.

"Why?!" Germano asked, his voice fraught with a mix of danger and pain.

"They paid me boss....they said if I don't do it they would kill my family....I'm sorry please don't kill me"

Germano put one cartridge inside the cylinder of his revolver, rolled it and aimed it at Viktor.....

"Who paid you?!" Germano's voice echoed through the room

"Boss, it goes deeper than you think...." Viktor words hit Germano hard

"What do you mean?" Germano inquired

"They conspired to kill Lorenzo and sabotaged Padrino's helicopter which caused the flight to crash......" and before Viktor could say any more word a bullet caught him by the side of the neck...it wasn't Germano's bullet....

Germano looked around both in desperation and frustration. His only solid lead to finding out everything just got shot in front of him....

Germano now truly believes that the betrayal and conspiracy runs very deep into the organization but who could be behind this and what does this person truly stands to gain from all these.

Viktor's phone vibrated in his pocket...Germano brought it out but didn't answer the call. Instead he put the phone on silent and slid it into his own pocket.

The drive back to the Manor house gave Germano moments of respite to think and reminisce. Germano's phone chimed, he looked at it, it was a private number calling...

"Hello Mr Mancini, you don't know who we are but we know everything about you" the voice on the phone was male.

"Who are you and what do you want?" Germano's voice was firm

"We want it all.....our best wishes to Micaela" and with that, the man on the phone ended the call.

Germano turned the car around and headed straight for Hotel Orient hoping to see Micaela at work.

Micaela called in sick because she had the flu. She wanted to call Germano but decided against it. She doesn't want to be seen as desperate but she really needs to speak to him. The difference in their social status and daily routine made communication slightly difficult.

"Knock knock...Micaela!!" Germano yelled

Micaela opened the door.

Germano's eyes searched her body for any visible sign that she was hurt but found none

"What are you doing here?, it's still morning" Micaela asked, her voice sounded unwell and faint.

"I came to see you, I went by the Hotel and they said you called in sick this morning ....How are you feeling? Germano tried to hide the uneasiness he felt knowing that Micaela could be in potential danger because of him. Just as she opened her mouth to speak...

"knock knock"

"Were you expecting someone?" Germano's eyes were filled with apprehension but the thought of something bad happening to Micaela because of him would crush his spirit

"No I'm not expecting anyone"

"knock knock" the sound came harder and louder.

"Micaela slowly open the door" Germano whispered

"And why would I do that...this is my house" Micaela quizzed

As she walked towards the door, Germano instinctively placed his hands on his pistol with eyes firmly fixed on the door.......