Chapter 3 Waiting For The Stardom

I glance at my watch, feeling a mix of anticipation and frustration. It's been nearly thirty minutes since I arrived at the club, eagerly awaiting Richard Maranzano's arrival. Yet, as I look around the room, my hopes begin to fade. The pulsating music and energetic dance floor only amplify my growing disappointment. It seems like this night might turn out to be just like the other times - a complete waste of time.

I let out a frustrated sigh, resting my hand on the counter as I watched Rebecca ordering shots from the bartender. I can't help but turn my gaze towards the door once again, hoping to catch a glimpse of Richard Maranzano.

Why isn't he here already? I thought his number one rule was to always be on time.

Rebecca notices my impatience and asks, "Still waiting for him?" She's referring to Richard Maranzano, of course.

I look at her and give a nod, responding with a simple "Yeah."

"Maybe it's just a rumor," she suggests, trying to ease my worries.

I shake my head, feeling a mix of frustration and concern. "Oh no... I really hope it's not just a rumor. I spent $500 on each ticket, and I can't afford to lose that kind of money on a stupid rumor."

"You what!" Rebecca's eyebrows shoot up in surprise as she exclaims, "How could you spend that much on a ticket? Girl, you don't even have a job!"

"Not until tomorrow," I reply, reaching out to grab a shot from the tray the bartender just served Rebecca.

"It's an interview, you can't be certain about getting the job," she cautions.

"I will, I just have this strong feeling," I say confidently.

"But still, spending $500 on each ticket is quite a sum of money."

"I thought we agreed to seize any opportunity we have to meet Richard Maranzano," I remind her.

"I did but $500? No way, I didn't even spend that much money on Justin Bieber's concert."

"Yeah, I get it but this is totally different. We're talking about Richard Maranzano here, not just some regular musician." I say, quickly downing the shot.

"I don't even know what to tell you at this point but you know what just chill, if Richard Maranzano doesn't come, just relax and have some shot, enjoy your night." She suggests

"The only way I will be enjoying my night is when I see Richard Maranzano."

"You are so obsessed with this man."

I roll my eyes ignoring her comment. I don't know what's with her and everyone else telling me that I am obsessed with Richard Maranzano, I mean isn't it clear? I hate that man and would forever will. Richard Maranzano is the worst person on earth and the only thing I feel about him is hatred.

I give my hair a sassy flip over my shoulder and quickly check my phone for any updates on Richard Maranzano's arrival. But just as I'm scrolling, Rebecca snatches my phone away in an instant.

"No phones tonight, girl. Just enjoy the moment," she says with a mischievous grin.

"Come on, Rebecca, give me my phone back," I demand, feeling a bit annoyed.

She playfully shakes her head. "No, not happening."

"Rebecca!" I exclaim, trying to sound a little more persuasive.

She finally relents and hands me back my phone. "Fine, but only if you promise not to go all crazy about Richard Maranzano," she says, raising an eyebrow.

I let out a sigh, realizing she might have a point. "Alright, fine. But what else do you want me to do?"

She smirks and leans in, whispering, "It's a club, Rachel. Time to let loose, have some fun, and down some shots!"

"I didn't come here for shots, I came here for-" I start to say, but Rebecca cuts me off, snapping, "Oh, will you stop with this man already? I get it, you want information about him, but you seriously need a break. You had a life before you knew him, Rachel, so just relax."

I let out a sigh, giving her words a slight thought. "I guess you're right," I finally give in.

She smirks, putting my phone back inside my purse. "Yeah, I'm always right. Now, why don't we treat you to some shots?" she suggests, turning to the bartender. "Ten shots, please."

But just as the bartender starts pouring, a deep voice from behind me interrupts, "Make it twenty."

I turn to look at him, and just as I expected, it's some random leather jacket dude with a star tattoo on his wrist. The scent coming from him screams "badass." Definitely not my type of person.

"Sorry about that, ladies. I hope you don't mind me changing your orders," he says.

"No worries, we're cool with it," Rebecca says, flashing a flirty smile and twirling her hair.

"I'm Blake, and this is my cousin Brook," he introduces.

I give them a friendly smile while Rebecca chimes in, "I'm Rebecca, and this is Rachel," she says, pointing to me.

"You mind if we join you guys Rebecca?" Blake asks

"Not a problem, take a seat," Rebecca gestures towards the empty barstool next to her. Blake settles in next to Rebecca, while Brook takes the seat next to me.

"So, Rachel, tell me something interesting about yourself," Brook says.

"Well, I grew up in New York City, but I'm actually half Russian. My dad is Russian, and my mom is American," I share.

"That's pretty cool," he responds.

I roll my eyes internally. It seems like every guy says that when a girl shares something about herself.

"Thanks," I reply, quickly scanning my surroundings to make sure I don't miss Richard Maranzano passing by.

"You're welcome," Brook says, bringing my attention back to him.

With a smile, I playfully say, "Brook, that's a strange name for a guy, isn't it?" I blurt out. I honestly didn't mean it that way but again, I couldn't help it, I'm socially awkward when it comes to men.

He chuckles and replies, "Actually, it's not that strange."

"If you say so," I respond, quickly realizing my slip-up. I turn my attention away from him and squint my eyes, scanning the area in hopes of spotting Richard Maranzano.

"Are you waiting for someone?" Brook asks, noticing my searching gaze.

"No, not really. Why do you ask?" I inquire.

He shrugs and says, "Just curious. You seem to be looking around as if you're expecting someone."

I smile and reply, "Oh, no, just being observant. You never know who you might run into."

Brook starts to speak but my attention quickly diverts from him when the atmosphere suddenly changes, the air goes still and the room abruptly goes quiet. My gaze then shifted to the door when it opened and a bunch of muscular men starts to walk into the club.

I couldn't help but catch my breath as I take in the looks of each one of them. They all had a straight face but regardless, they looked no less than handsome. My gaze moves as their legs do the same, shifting my gaze to the man in the middle; Richard Maranzano. I find myself taking every inch of him, from his hair to his eyes, to his muscles, and back to his entire face. Richard Maranzano is all that the internet describes him as; a miracle from the heavens.

As I found my eyes locked in his, I felt an instant eerie sensation in the pit of my stomach. It felt like dark butterflies were fluttering around, making me uneasy. I couldn't shake the feeling that Richard Maranzano is not the miracle of goodness everyone says he is but rather a force of destruction.

Watching him stroll past me and head into what I assume is a VIP lounge, a wave of anger washed over me. It was like my veins were pulsing with frustration. But then, I heard Blake's voice in the background, repeatedly calling my name.

I turned to him and snapped, "What?!" What's going on, Blake?"

"Nothing, I just noticed that you are one of those girls, who dwelled in Richard Maranzano." He says

"Actually, no. You are wrong, I am not one of those girls, as a matter of fact, I am not even a fan." I say

"Really, I saw how you were looking at him and I get it, girls love him, he is famous, rich and is the youngest billionaire in town." he say

"I know but I'm not into him. And besides, there is more than just him being a billionaire."

Curious, he asks, "What do you mean by that?"

I wave it off and say, "Never mind." One thing about being a part of a Mafia is that it should always remain a secret from the world. That's why I never told anyone about my past life as a mafia princess.

"Ohh, well anyways, you wanna dance?" he ask

"No, I have better things to take care of," I say standing up from the stool. I grabbed my bag and walked away from him, I could feel his gaze on me but I refused to turn back and acknowledge him.

As I exited the club, I made the decision to walk to the back of the building. I plan to never meet Richard Maranzano face to face; I can't stand him but I can spy on him. I am damn sure that since he is planning on buying this club he would do it his way; illegally. Which is why I will have to spy on him and hear what he is up to.

I made my way to the back of the club and I meticulously analyzed each window until I found the right one. Standing by the window, I positioned my phone to record, fully aware that I might not be able to capture every word, but at least I would have some evidence.

While I strained to listen intently to their conversation, a robust figure approached me, his voice resonating with depth and authority. "What are you doing there?" he demanded.

Although his presence initially startled me, I maintained my composure and responded with a calm demeanor. "I could ask you the same question," I replied, subtly implying that his inquiry was unwarranted.

He gives a dismissive scoff and steps in front of me, his eyes fixed on my phone. "What do you have on your phone?" he asks, sounding curious.

I stand my ground and reply firmly, "That's none of your business."

But he doesn't back down. "Give it to me!" he demands, his tone becoming more forceful.

I challenge him, asking, "And what if I refuse?"

He warns me, "Don't test my patience, young lady."

"The only patience being tested here is mine," I state. I would be lying if I said he doesn't freak me out, but I would rather stand my ground than let him think that I'm scared of him

In a fit of anger, he shakes his head and snatches my phone from my hand without saying a word. He looks at the screen and then looks at me "Were you fucking spying on them?"

My heart races as I quickly snatch it back, "That's none of your business." I remark.

My heart feels like it's about to explode and my mind is repeatedly telling me the obvious. This is it, I'm gonna be dead, I know exactly what happens when someone is caught spying on a mafia king; especially if that mafia king is Richard Maranzano.

"Who are you and what the fuck did you hear!" He growls

"I... umm... I," I stammer, feeling flustered and unsure of what to say.

He glares at me, his voice filled with menace. "Do you have any idea who you're messing with?"

My words were held onto my chest but the moment I opened my mouth to speak, I clasped it shut when I noticed a man standing nearby. I quickly recognized the man, it was Brad. Richard Maranzano's personal bodyguard, he goes nowhere without him.

Brad's towering presence sends chills down my spine and my body freezes momentarily. My heart begins to ache in my chest when I realize that Richard Maranzano's bodyguard is going to kill me.

The muscular man standing in front of me notices Brad and takes a step backward, his eyes widening in surprise. I quickly assess the situation, realizing that they are not allies. He must be an enemy of Richard Maranzano.

Without wasting a second, Brad takes a step towards us, his expression determined. The man in front of me panics and hastily retreats, making a run for it. I felt like I was caught up between two life-threatening men and I felt my heart racing as I watched Brad sprint after him but suddenly halt in the process and look at my face, with no further action, he disappears into the pursuit.

Feeling the rush of adrenaline, I quickly trail the path Brad took, making sure to leave before anyone else arrives.

But just as I'm about to make a turn, I glance back and find Richard Maranzano. He's standing a few feet away, flanked by his imposing bodyguards. Our eyes meet, and I feel a lump form in my throat.

Why do I feel like I had just entered his bad list?