Dangerous Game: The Devil's Secretary

~ William's POV ~

My eyes snapped open as cold sweat plastered my shirt to my chest. The loud ringing of my alarm clock was the only thing that had managed to drag me out of the suffocating darkness of my nightmare. I scrambled out of bed as the images from the dream replayed in my mind. The screams, the scratching and struggling.

I stumbled down the short hallway as I found the door to Stephanie's room was slightly open. I pushed it open just enough to see her. She was still asleep as her soft brown hair fanned out on the pillow.

She was safe. She was still here.

A shaky breath escaped me, and my legs gave out. I slid down the wall until I was sitting on the floor, burying my face in my hands.

It had been seven years since my sister was murdered and I still couldn't close my eyes without seeing her face. Seven good years, and there was still no justice. Just an open case file and a memory that haunted me like a ghost.

I clenched my fists in anger. The culprits were still out there running free but I couldn't do anything because the higher ups had considered her case an accident. The only thing I could do was mourn her and take care of her daughter Stephanie, who had become my only family left.

I got to my feet and made my way to the kitchen. Steph would be up soon for school and I needed to make breakfast. As I was about to get started, I got a call from my work phone. I frowned as I stared at it for a quick second before picking up.

"Hello."

"Agent," the voice came from the other end and it was obviously from the chief. "I need you back for a quick meeting." He said casually.

My frown deepened. "Sir, it's my day off. Can I come in tomorrow?"

"It's urgent. I expect to see you in the next hour." And he hung up.

"Fuck!" I muttered under my breath. They wouldn't just let me catch my breath. I sighed as I looked at the eggs on the counter.

I scrambled two eggs, made toast, and poured a glass of orange juice, setting the plate on the counter. Next to it, I scribbled a quick note on a sticky pad for Steph.

-Eat before you go. Don't forget your homework. I love you-

I grabbed my keys and my jacket and headed out.

As I pulled into the parking lot, my eyes fell on three men walking out of the front entrance, their postures arrogant, as they laughed crudely. They were rough, with tattoos peeking from under their clothes and it was clear they were from the mafia.

I slammed the car door and strode up to agent Davis, who was standing by the entrance.

"Who are those guys?" I asked.

Davis shrugged. "Tiger Fangs. They were picked up last night at a port for smuggling. They were already processed, but we got a call from the higher ups this morning telling us to release them. Said it was a jurisdictional error or some bullshit." He rolled his eyes, a clear sign he didn't buy it either.

My fists clenched at my sides. It was the same song every fucking time. Every time we got a lead, every time we got close, something like this happened. The higher ups, the system...they always protected these bastards. Things like these were the reason my sister's case was still unsolved.

I was still fuming when a hand landed on my shoulder. I turned to see Emily, looking at me with concern in her soft brown eyes.

"William, the chief is looking for you," she said softly.

"I'll be right there," I said, already starting to walk past her.

"Hold on." She pulled me back, her hand lingering on my arm. "You look like a mess. Your hair's all over the place." She reached up to smooth it down, but I recoiled, taking a step back.

"Don't," I said, my voice sharper than I intended. "We already broke up so don't do unnecessary things." The words came out harsher than I had intended.

She dropped her hand, a flicker of hurt crossing her face. "I'm just trying to look out for you William." She sighed. "Forget it."

I didn't look back as I walked away, because I didn't need to. She already made her choice to walk away from my life so she shouldn't act like we could still be friends. I couldn't do that, knowing she chose someone else because she couldn't deal with me obsessing over my sister's death.

I got to the office and knocked, then pushed the door open. The chief's office was even more crowded than usual. I stepped inside and saw two high ranking officials from headquarters sitting with him.

"Ah, William," Chief Robert said, gesturing to me. "Come in."

"You called for me sir?" I said with a serious tone.

"Ah yes," he smirked, it was that same damn expression he had on his face whenever he was going to send me on some devilish mission. "I was just telling these gentlemen that you're one of our best. One of the best we've got for a job like this."

I straightened my posture . "What job?"

Robert leaned forward, his expression grave. "We need an undercover operative. Someone with your skill set. Someone who can go in and retrieve a classified file for us."

One of the officials leaned in on the desk as he stared at me. "The target is the Tiger Fangs."

Tiger fangs again? I know they are currently the most dangerous gang and no one can dare touch them. They are involved in all kinds of things but no one dares say a thing to them. Not even the government.

"The head of the gang is a very dangerous man named Dante Giordano," chief continued. "We have sent previous agents but they got discovered and you can already tell the fate they suffered," his brows furrowed as he spoke. He looked at me again. "From our intel, he's starting a new front. A wine import business. And he needs a personal secretary, so this is where you come in." He gave that smile again.

"So you want me to take the job and steal the file?" I asked.

"Exactly."

My mind immediately flashed to Stephanie. "I appreciate the confidence you have in me sir, but this is a high risk assignment. I can't. I have a niece to take care of. Stephanie..."

"We've considered that and she would be under our protection," one of the men from headquarters said, "But think about it. This is the chance you've been waiting for. The file we need is rumored to contain everything from names, locations and the financial network that's been protecting them for years. It's the key to bringing down the entire organization and also other gangs alike. And it's our belief that this gang is tied to your sister's murder."

My brain short circuited at the mention of my sister. The idea of justice, of finally getting the closure I had been starving for... My hesitation vanished immediately, replaced by a hard resolve. This wasn't just a job. This has become personal.

"I'm in," I growled.

Chief Robert smiled with a satisfied look on his face. "Good. We knew you would be. This is his file." He pushed a folder across the desk. "Dante Giordano. He's like a ghost. Never photographed and always in the shadows. He's called the devil by those in their circle." He mused. "The eldest out of the three Giordano brothers and he's extremely ruthless."

I opened the folder, flipping through documents filled with red tape and classified warnings. "The devil huh?" I scoffed. I stopped at a blurry photograph of a man in a crowd at some event. It was nothing more than a silhouette. He sure had a reputation for avoiding cameras, since this was the only shot of him the federal agency was able to get.

I stared at the ghostly figure, my mind painting a portrait of the man who ran the gang that caused so much fear. He must be a monster. Ugly and scarred, with a soul to match his ugly appearance. He had to be.

I closed the file, "When should I start?" Roberts' smile widened. "Immediately."

Dante Giordano. This is the devil I'm going after, and I'll be the hunter who puts him in the ground.

There was a knock on the door and Emily walked in.

"Sir," she said with a formal tone.

Chief nodded before looking at me again. "Agent Emily here is going to be working with you on the case."

I frowned. "I tend to work alone sir. Besides, I don't think it's wise to send two agents on the field." I grumbled the words out.

He just chuckled. "She's not going with you, but she'll be the one passing vital information to you. Think of it as your outside field partner." He said.

"I'll do my best sir." She said confidently.

"I trust you would. I'll excuse you both now."

As we walked out of the office, Emily didn't say anything to me as I trailed behind her. I wasn't comfortable working with her but I had no choice, and I still had another thing to worry about.

"Emily," I called out and she turned to me. "I need to talk to you," I said, walking toward her.

"Stephanie," I began, my voice tight with concern. "I need someone to look after her while I'm doing this mission."

She smiled. "You know I'd never let anything happen to her. She's practically family. I'll make sure she's taken care of, and I'll keep an eye on her until you get back." She then gave me a pointed look. "Just because you decided to be an ass earlier doesn't mean I'm going to abandon you...or her. Besides, I love that kid too."

"Thank you." I said because I didn't have the energy to say more to her. "Just... don't tell her what I'm doing. Please. Tell her I'm on a special assignment or something that's less dangerous. It's better she doesn't know the details."

"My lips are sealed," she gestured as if zipping up her lips. She reached out and squeezed my arm. "Be careful William. That file...it's pretty dangerous going there alone."

I pulled my hand away. "I'll try my best to stay alive so I can take care of Steph." I said as I walked away.

For this mission, I had been given a new name, a new identity, and a detailed cover story. I was now a financial consultant named Liam Carter. Everything was in place. All I had to do was step into the fire.

The next day, I walked into the Giordano Wine Imports building. The place was all marble and polished wood, with everything looking so expensive or how do you say it...aesthetically pleasing. It felt less like the front for a brutal gang and more like a high end art gallery. The difference was startling, but it only confirmed my suspicions. This wasn't a business, it was a cover for something far more sinister.

I checked in with the receptionist and was directed to a waiting room with three other applicants. I sat down, feigning a relaxed posture, but my senses were on high alert. My eyes discreetly scanned the room, picking out the subtle details. The lack of visible cameras, the position of the guards in the lobby, and the sound proofing of the door to the inner offices. I was a detective, trained to spot the hidden, and this whole place felt like a meticulously crafted trap.

Finally, a woman with a hard expression called my name. "Liam Carter? Miss Rossi is ready for you now."

I followed her into the office. Miss Rossi herself was all business, but her questions were surprisingly simple for a high powered secretary position.

"Can you handle a busy schedule? Do you have experience with basic accounting software? Are you good with people?" I answered easily, my prepared cover story and research on the wine industry making my responses smooth and confident. The interview was over in under ten minutes.

"Please wait outside with the other candidates," Miss Rossi said, her tone a clear dismissal.

I returned to the waiting area, with my mind looking for loops in all my answers. The interview was way too easy. My gut told me something was definitely up, but I maintained my cool and sat still. If push comes to shove, I'll fight my way out of here.

About fifteen minutes later, another man came out from the office. He was dressed in a sharp suit and had a polite but firm smile on his face. "Thank you all for coming. We will be in touch with those who have been selected. You may all leave now."

Just as the others began to gather their belongings, he added, "Mr Carter? Please follow me."

I froze in place. Was I discovered? Or did I pass the interview? I couldn't be sure.

"You have passed the interview. Please come with me." He added and I sighed relieved.

I had been confident, but I hadn't expected to pass so easily, especially with the other applicants who looked far more qualified on paper than I was. The man led me down a hallway, speaking to me as he walked. "You'll be starting tomorrow. You'll also be moving into the Giordano mansion. Your salary and benefits will be communicated to you later. Your main duties will be to accompany the boss on his travels, maintain his schedule, and keep all records. Discretion and confidentiality is paramount in this business as our boss is not an ordinary man. You must have heard, but he doesn't tolerate traitors." He said that last bit as if to warm me.

"Well, I'll show you around the office." His smile returned as he continued yapping away.

I nodded, but my mind was miles away. I was mentally mapping the layout of the building, calculating the best spots for a camera, and devising an escape route in case things went south. The man's words were just white noise as I focused on the layout of the building itself.

Suddenly, in my moment of distraction, I bumped hard into someone. I hadn't been paying attention, and the impact sent me stumbling backward. My mind registered the force of the collision and the solidness of the person in front of me. I braced for the fall, but a hand shot out and gripped my waist, pulling me forward and steadying me. My body stiffened, as the alarm went off in my head.

I looked up, my breath catching in my throat. His eyes were the first thing I noticed. A mesmerizing, clear shade of hazel, flecked with gold, which were framed by thick, dark lashes. His blond hair was perfectly styled, and his jawline was a work of art, sharp and commanding. He was a vision of sculpted perfection. I couldn't help but stare as this was the most beautiful person I had ever seen.

I was frozen in place as my hands gripped his shoulders to keep my balance, with my body held secure by his hard grip on my waist.

I could feel the heat of his body, the tautness of his muscles, and my mind screamed at me to get a grip of myself.

"Are you not going to let go?" he asked, and damn, his voice sounded so seductive. A silken baritone that seemed to vibrate through my bones.

I blinked, pulling myself back to reality. I released his shoulders and took a step back, my face flushing with embarrassment.

The man who was leading me before hurried over, his face pale as he saw the scene. "I am so sorry boss." He whispered as he pulled me behind him." This is the new secretary, Mr Carter. He just got hired so he mistakenly offended you, boss Dante." He pinched me as he mouthed that I apologise.

Dante? As in Dante Giordano. I looked at him again, and at the two hulking guards behind him, all of them radiating an aura of power. He wasn't ugly. He wasn't scarred. He was fucking beautiful.

A slow, predatory smirk spread across Dante's face as his eyes scanned me, taking in every detail. He looked me up and down, his eyes lingering for a moment too long. "Welcome," he said, the word a purr. "We'll have to see if such a fragile looking person can survive here."

My breath hitched in my throat as Dante's hazel eyes pinned me to the spot. Wait? Did he just call me fragile?

That sounded like both an insult and a challenge all at once. Before I could respond, a muscular man from behind him cleared his throat.

"Boss, we have somewhere to be," he said, his voice flat and edged with impatience.

Dante's gaze didn't leave mine and he still had that damned smile as if he was choosing a menu, then he gave me a final, hard look before he and his men turned and walked away.

I let out the breath I hadn't realized I was holding.

The man who had been leading me let out a relieved sigh. "You're lucky the boss was in a good mood," he said, rubbing his temple. "He doesn't tolerate mistakes. You should watch where you're going next time." He warned.

But my eyes followed the retreating figures. "Who were those men?" I asked, my voice low.

"That's Antonio," he gestured to the one who looked like he was running out of time, "he's the boss second in command. Then the other is Marco," he pointed to the much larger, but silent man, "that's the boss personal bodyguard. Don't get on their bad side. For your own good I mean." He gave that look again like he spoke of some ghostly figures.

I nodded, though a shiver of unease ran down my spine. The way Antonio had looked at me... it was like he hated me. I felt it even without a word.

The man rattled on, as he finished the tour, pointing out the last few offices. "Be at the main gate first thing tomorrow morning. You'll be officially introduced to the boss and start work. Bring all your belongings too."

I spent the next morning driving to the Giordano mansion, with my small luggage in the trunk. The address led me to a large estate, the house looked like it belonged in a vampire movie. Dark stone, spires, and an air of sinister beauty. Guards were posted everywhere. It was the perfect fortress for a man like Dante.

A man was waiting for me at the gate, his face emotionless. He led me through a big driveway to the front door, taking my luggage from me. The inside of the mansion was just as grand and intimidating as the outside. I mentally noted the layout, the grand staircase, the maze of hallways, the hidden doors that looked like part of the wall paneling. He pointed out the main rooms and a narrow set of stairs at the back.

"That leads to the boss's study," he said. "Do not go up there without permission." The study. That's definitely where the document would be. I made a mental note of its location, my mind already forming a plan for tonight.

My room was...more beautiful than I had expected. The dark and heavy furnitures with a king sized bed too. He handed me an access card with my fake name, Liam Carter, on it. "The boss has an outing this morning. You'll be accompanying him."

"Already?" I asked, the question escaping my lips before I could stop it.

I had expected a slow start, but Dante clearly didn't waste any time.

"Yes. Weren't you informed that you start work immediately?" He gave me a hard look. "Now, if you would follow me."

I quickly set my bag down and followed him out. We were on our way down the staircase when Dante appeared from a hallway, his presence filling the space with that dominant aura and power I felt yesterday when we met. He was in an impeccably tailored dark suit, the fabric stretched taut across his broad shoulders. He looked like a masterpiece, and for a moment, I could do nothing but stare. His ethereal beauty was so shocking that I wondered why a man could look like that. The soft light from the chandeliers caught his blond hair and made his hazel eyes gleam like gold. My throat went dry and I tried to swallow.

The man leading me started to speak, "Boss, this is the new..."

Dante held up a hand, silencing him. He glanced at me, his gaze sweeping over my face before he gestured toward the front door. "Get in the car," his first command came.

I blinked, my brain slowly processing his words. I walked out of the mansion and to a black SUV parked in the driveway. Marco was in the driver's seat already, with Antonio in the passenger seat, and I got in the back. Dante slid in next to me, and the space in the car suddenly felt impossibly small.

He glanced at me, a flicker of amusement in his eyes. "I don't like dull people Mr Carter. You'd better be sharp."

Antonio, without looking back, tossed a tablet into my lap. I fumbled for a second before catching it. "Don't make a mistake newbie," Antonio sneered. I shot him a look too. He must really think I'm some pushover. I knew he didn't like me. I guess the feeling was mutual.

I didn't know where we were going, and I couldn't bring myself to ask. I sat so still I was afraid to breathe, my eyes fixed on the tablet. I could feel Dante's gaze on me, a silent pressure that made the hairs on my arm stand on end. I couldn't resist so I risked a quick glance.

He was indeed staring at me, a lazy, calculating look in his eyes. A slow smirk played on his lips as our eyes met, then he moved his face even closer. "You have pretty eyes," he said, his voice a quiet rumble.

My breath hitched. I didn't know what to say or what to do. The silence stretched between us as we stared at each other, his beautiful face so close that I could feel his breath on my skin. I should look away. I really should...but I couldn't. I felt like he was playing with me.

The moment was broken when Antonio's voice cut through the tension.

"We've arrived."

I broke eye contact, shaking off the strange spell he had cast.

"Get a hold of yourself damnit!" I muttered under my breath. I wasn't into men and most importantly, I was here for a mission. I should keep my head straight and stop getting distracted by this handsome devil.

We pulled up to a large building. I got out of the car as I looked around.

Was this a factory or a hideout? What kind of criminal enterprise was he running here?

I followed Dante inside, my shoulders tense with anticipation, ready to find whatever illegal operation was happening. I was shocked to find it was exactly what it appeared to be. A legitimate wine factory. The air was filled with the sweet scent of fermenting grapes. Employees in uniforms moved about, labeling bottles, operating machinery, and checking gauges.

Dante turned to me, his smirk back in place. "Take it all in Mr Carter. You'll be coming here often, so get familiar."

I couldn't believe it. No illicit deals. No secret rooms. Just... wine. It was a disappointment, but it made me even more certain that his illegal activities were hidden in plain sight.

We returned later in the evening and I was exhausted and frustrated. They dropped me off and it turns out they had somewhere else to be. The day had been long and maddeningly normal. Dante had been nothing but a demanding boss, and the only crime I'd witnessed was a surprisingly passionate lecture on the best type of oak for aging Cabernet Sauvignon. He was either an evil genius with an elaborate cover story or the whole tale about him being a psycho killer was false.

I lay on my bed, staring at the ceiling, my mind replaying the path to his study. This whole day had been a bust, but that wouldn't stop me. The document had to be there and luckily Dante wasn't home tonight.

I sat up, my resolve hardening. The sooner I find it, the sooner I get out of here and stop getting distracted. The sooner I get justice for my sister.