Mafia's Coded Heart

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.

Chapter Two

Astrid's POV

I finally opened my eyes, groggily emerging from a haze that had consumed me for hours. My mind was foggy, and my thoughts swirled in disjointed fragments. A chill seeped into my bones, despite the room's neutral temperature. The sensation was eerily familiar, echoing the cold dread that had become all too familiar in moments of fear.

I blinked rapidly, struggling to clear the haze from my mind. As my surroundings came into focus, a jolt of adrenaline coursed through my veins. Memories flooded back: the club, Luca Santoro's arrival, and the unmistakable sensation of being drugged. My heart racing, I shot up from the unfamiliar surface, wincing as soreness radiated through my body.

Panic set in as I realized I was no longer at Nexus. The club's seedy underbelly made it the perfect place for a kidnapping, and I had no doubt that Luca Santoro's influence would have ensured a smooth, unnoticed exit. The room I now found myself in was a stark contrast to the club's dark, throbbing atmosphere. The walls were painted with a deep, muted gray, adorned with artwork that likely cost more than I earned in a year.

The bed was massive and very comfortable. It's plush mattress and soft linen beckoning on me to linger even more. In a normal circumstance, I wouldn't want to leave this kind of bed without first enjoying its warmth, but where on earth did Luca bring me to? I scrambled out of bed, my legs shaky as I tried to regain my balance. My head still felt fuzzy from the drug Luca gave me and to make things worse, I ached all over, especially down there.

"Wait, what?" I screamed, my eyes frantically scanning my body as if the answer lay in my reflection. Why the hell was I not wearing the outfit I had put on yesterday? I was now in a comfortable black t-shirt that was much bigger than my stature, its loose folds swallowing me whole. I was baffled, unable to recall changing out of the dress I had worn the night before.

The memories of the previous evening were hazy, fragmented, and refused to coalesce into a coherent narrative. I remembered passing out, or at least, I thought I did. The breach in my memory was a gaping chasm, leaving me disoriented and frightened.

With a growing sense of unease, I approached the door, my hands reaching for the doorknob with fear running through my skin. I half-expected it to be locked, trapping me in this luxurious prison. But to my surprise, the door swung open easily, revealing a long, dimly lit hallway that stretched out before me like a dark, serpentine tunnel.

The air in the hallway was heavy with silence, its stillness oppressive and unsettling. The only sound was a faint, distant humming, its source unknown and its presence unnerving. I stood frozen, my heart pounding in my chest, as I strained to listen and make sense of my surroundings.

I cautiously stepped into the hallway with my mind racing. Where was I? Why didn't Luca lock me up? Was this some sort of sick game? I didn't even want to continue questioning myself and just wanted to come face to face with him.

My bare feet made no sound on the cold hardwood floor as I crept down the hallway, my eyes darting around. The hallway branched off into different rooms, but each door I tried was locked, but I moved on forward.

I reached the end of the hallway and stood in front of the last door. I turned the knob and the door creaked open. My heart skipped a beat as I stepped inside.

The room was big and elegantly decorated. The colors were the same muted tones as the bedroom. The furniture was modern and sleek, but the atmosphere felt ominous. Shadows fell across the room, making it feel darker than it actually was.

And there, sitting on one of the comfortable couches, was Luca.

He glanced up as I entered, his expression inscrutable. He wore a crisp white shirt with rolled-up sleeves, similar to what he'd worn the night before. Yet, today he seemed almost casual, as if this was just another ordinary day. But his gaze told a different story: it was piercing, predatory, as if he saw me as his next prey.

"Ash," he said, in his calm and controlled voice. "You're awake."

I remained silent, locking eyes with him before scanning the room for an escape route. "Looking for something?" Luca asked, his tone casual.

"Let me go, Luca," I demanded, my fists clenched at my sides. Our gazes met again, and I sensed a subtle shift in his posture, though he didn't move.

"Does your body hurt?" he asked, catching me off guard. How did he know I was hurting? Did he order them to beat me while I was drugged, or did he...?

My thoughts came to a halt as I stared back at his face, memories of after I was drugged flooding to me. "Y-you drugged me. A-and I-I was acting weird."

"Seems like you remember how you were throwing yourself at me. I have to admit, you're better than other women I have had." He said and I could feel my entire face burn, not in embarrassment but in anger.

"Are you crazy? You didn't only kidnap me but you drugged me with some aphrodisiac and slept with me..."

"Correction, you wouldn't let me go." He cut me off, still keeping his cold and unfazed look which made me even more angry. Even if he was Luca Santoro, if he owned this entire part of the city, he didn't have a single right to treat me in that manner.

"Put this act aside for now," Luca said, his eyes narrowing slightly. "I know who you are, Ash. And I know what you're capable of."

"I am Astrid," I yelled in anger, my body trembling slightly. "Whoever Ash is, I am not her. What on earth do you want from me?"

He finally leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "I need your skills, Ash...Astrid. You're one of the best hackers out there, and I have a job that only someone with your talents can pull off. And your cooperation will be highly appreciated.

A bitter laughter escaped my lips before I could stop it. "You drugged me and dragged me here for a job offer? Who do you people even think you are?"

His expression remained calm, but there was an edge to his voice when he spoke again. "I don't think you understand the situation you're in. I'm not asking. You're going to do this job, and in return I'll give you what you want."

I clenched my jaw, hating how easily he seemed to read me. "And what do you think I want?"

Luca stood up, moving toward a small table in the corner of the room. He picked a folder and tossed it onto the coffee table in front of me. The content spilled out, and my breath caught in my throat when I saw the photos inside.

My mother. My sister. They looked... "Where are they? Where did you find this?"

Chapter Three

Luca's POV

My plan had taken an unexpected turn. Bringing her here was supposed to be a calculated move, but instead, I found myself desiring her. The last thing I anticipated was succumbing to my attraction and crossing the line with her.

At first, I couldn't grasp why someone with her exceptional hacking skills would abandon a life of luxury and protection under a powerful patron. She could have had everything she wanted, shielded from harm. Yet, she chose a different path.

But there was something about her that awakened a spark within me, a spark I'd tried to ignore. She was meant to be a mere asset, a chess piece to move. Now, things have become complicated. Our one night stand had stirred feelings I couldn't ignore.

Looking at her expression now that she had the pictures, I was positive she was going to work for me no matter what. For a hacker who was meant to be tough, she was really easy to read. "How did you get these?" She asked, a faint tremble creeping into her voice.

"I have my ways Ash," I said in a matter of fact tone. "I'll help you look for them and bring them to you safely. But, you're going to have to earn it," I added firmly.

I read her expression while she stayed silent. Everyone who operated underground knew it, the cost of working for me meant your soul, you have to lose a piece of yourself. However, you'll get whatever I promise you in return because a Santoro never goes back on their words.

"What's the job?" She asked, her voice barely above a whisper, as though she was testing the waters.

A small smile flickered across my face, but I reined it in, my expression snapping back to neutral. "There's a rival family trying to muscle in on my turf," I said, my tone even. "They've been a pain in my ass for too long. I need someone to dig up the dirt on them, find a weakness I can exploit. They're smart, and cover their tracks well. But I have a feeling you might be the one to uncover what I need."

"Consider it your first task as my worker."

"What if I don't want to continue after this? Will you still help me find them?" She asked, staring at me in a hopeful manner but honestly, I couldn't care less if she left after the first job as long as she doesn't screw it up and tell others.

"No can do. You'll remain here but you don't have to work. By then, you'll know too much and trust me, they might be after your head." I said, quite relaxed since I was used to the scenario of that happening.

"Exactly why I don't want to do this." She snapped but immediately took in a deep breath. "You'll help me find them after this?"

I nodded. "I'll give you my word. Once the job is done, I'll reunite you with your family. But it'll be much better to stay away from them after that for their own safety."

"Fine," she muttered reluctantly. "Just promise me you'll let them go once you're done with them. And don't think you can use them as leverage against me either. Or try to threaten me into being your slave. I can play that game too, if you hadn't noticed."

"Is that so?" I asked, trying not to sound amused. "Deal, then."

I stood up, my hands in my pockets while looking in the direction she just came from. "You'll see an unlocked room, everything you'll need is in there. You're not to leave unless I say so." I walked towards the table behind me, handing her a black sleek laptop. "Start with this."

For a moment, she wavered, then reached out to take the laptop. As she began to work, her initial hesitation gave way to a spark of enthusiasm, her eyes lighting up with interest as she tapped away. Yet, her brow remained furrowed, her focus intense, as her fingers flew across the keyboard with a practiced ease.

This was the Astrid I'd been waiting for - the elusive Ash Vega, master hacker with a reputation for infiltrating even the most secure systems. As she worked, her movements fluid and confident, it was clear she was in her element.

But I wasn't fooled. She might be playing along, adhering to the terms we'd agreed upon, but I knew better than to trust her completely. Astrid was a wild card, and I had no doubt she'd try to outmaneuver me. Well, I had news for her: I played the game too, and I always came prepared.

For the time being, I needed Astrid's undivided attention on the task at hand. The Ivano family had been a persistent nuisance, and their audacity was starting to grate on me. They seemed to think they could encroach on my territory with impunity, flexing their muscles without facing any real repercussions. That was a grave miscalculation. One they would soon regret, and in the most painful way possible.

But first, I required Astrid's expertise. I had exhausted all other avenues, dispatching my top men to unearth dirt on the Ivanos, but they had returned empty-handed. The family had covered their tracks with impressive thoroughness, but I knew that no one could remain hidden forever. Not from me, and certainly not from Ash Vega.

"What's the holdup?" I asked, noticing her pause.

"You didn't tell me that I was to work on Top-notch encryption," she said, reclining in her seat with a nonchalant air, her legs stretched out on the couch. "It'll take hours to crack. Are you sure you're okay with the wait?"

"Just get it done ASAP, and be careful," I warned her.

She shrugged, muttering, "Whatever," before refocusing on her task.

Just then, my phone buzzed on the table, catching my attention. The screen displayed a familiar name: Vincent. He is very loyal, reliable, and ruthlessly efficient when needed.

I picked up, my voice steady. "Speak."

"Boss," Vincent's voice came in sounding crisp and professional. "We've got a tip on the Marcello shipment to the Ivano family. It's scheduled to arrive tomorrow night, coming in through the docks."

A thrill of satisfaction coursed through me. The Marcellos had just sealed their fate, proving their disloyalty once and for all. "Good," I said firmly. "Get everything in place. I want that shipment intercepted and destroyed. It's time I sent a message: This is my city, and I am the one who runs it and always will."

"Yes boss, consider it done." Vincent replied, a hint of grim satisfaction in his voice. He was the one I could trust with jobs of this nature: tough and bloody- and he lived for it. "What about Ash Vega?"

"You know what to do."