The King of Hearts: Seducing The Mafia Don

Chapter one.

West

I clenched my teeth, keeping the forced smile on my face, as I wrapped my legs around the bastard's waist. His hands crept up my thigh, upwards to my belly.

"You're so beautiful-" He paused.

"Ria," I said quickly. "My name is Ria. And I love how your hands feel on my body." I leaned in, to his touch, letting his eyes rest on my cleavage. He stared at me hungrily, as I counted down the time, inwardly.

How I wanted to snap the leering bastard's neck. But I couldn't.

He was Enzo, the renowned cartel, after all. And I couldn't afford to make a mistake, else I'd be dead before I even knew it.

"Suck my cock." He grabbed my hair, forcefully, and I almost punched him on the face. In the dimly lit room, devoid of his usual bodyguards, he was vulnerable. To him, I was just a harmless young woman, he'd picked up at the bar.

I could do whatever I wanted, and escape if I wanted to. But, I needed to get the documents first.

Few weeks ago, we'd gotten information that Enzo was selling expired drugs to his customers. It wasn't our business, but my father couldn't pass on the opportunity to bring one of his rivals down.

Revealing my full set of dentition, I nodded at him. "Of course, Master."

His eyes lit up, and he leaned back on the bed. Holding his gaze, I took off my lacy bra, and threw it to the floor. Slowly and ever slowly, I inched my hands towards his bulge, while stifling the urge to just snap his neck. That'd be much more efficient, and fast.

"Okay, West." A voice came on, from my spy buds. "We've disabled the alarm blarer, and the documents are in the west wing of the room. You can knock him, but don't kill him." He warned.

I almost scoffed. There was no way I'd let the bastard live, after he touched me.

"Why don't we spice things up?" I tied up my hair, as I crouched on the bed. I leaned in, till my head was just few metres away from his neck.

He nodded foolishly, and I hid a smile.

"What do you suggest we-" Before the words left his mouth, I knocked him out.

The documents didn't take me much time to find. Hidden in a safe drawer, with 'Enzo,' as the password, was the drive and documents we needed.

I was halfway to the window, when I took another look at the unconscious bag of asshole. Wordlessly, I brought out my gun, and aimed directly for his head.

And then, I jumped down the window.

"You shot him? Fuck you, West." Romeo grunted into my ears.

"You wish." I tucked my hands into my coat pocket.

"Five men, three o'clock." he said, and I nodded.

"Got it."

Picking up speed, I brought out my gun, and fired at the unsuspecting men, as I rounded up on them.

The gates was unguarded, as I hurried towards it. Jumping into the waiting SUV, parked at an obscure corner of the almost deserted street, I muttered, "Drive."

I took off my gloves, throwing them on the passenger seat, and leaned back on the backrest. I calmly took out a cigar, and lit it.

"Get your ass down here, West." I almost groaned, when Romeo's annoying voice sounded, yet again.

"You should stop misusing the spy buds, Romeo. Are you that anxious to see me?" I watched as the smoke made circle rings, before dispersing.

"Maybe you should say that to Papá. He's waiting for you."

I sighed. Taking off the earbuds, I stared at the starry sky, through the open window.

***

"Smile, West, you just completed a mission." Romeo's voice rang out, as I stepped into the large office.

Five men were present in the room, and three of them smiled at me. At the extreme end of the room, a man sat, puffing at his pipe.

I walked over to him, and nodded stiffly. "Papá."

"You killed him?" His voice was calm, and almost emotionless, as he stared at me. I didn't flinch. I'd long gotten used to Capo Fausto's cold looks. I'd always been afraid of him, if he made that face, in the past. But that was longtime ago. Before I carried out my first murder. Before I was recognized as a real member of the Lucchese family.

"Yes, I did." I placed my hands behind me, waiting for him to lash out.

"You weren't told to. You almost jeopardized the mission." He placed the pipe on an ash tray, facing me fully.

"But I didn't. I'm not sorry, Papá." The silence which reigned in the office after my words, was deafening. But I wasn't bothered.

After a while, he chuckled. "Well done."

I nodded, and brought out the drive, and documents from the deep pocket of my coat. I placed them on the glass table in front of him, before going over to sit on one of the vacant chairs, close to Romeo's.

"Are you guys celebrating something?" I asked with a shrug, gesturing at the bottle of wine on the table.

"Of course. We're celebrating the fact that you weren't killed by Enzo's men." Romeo poured himself a glass, and raised it at me.

I flashed him my middle finger, and turned back to Fausto. He always retired to bed early, and he wouldn't be up, if he didn't have something to say.

"How're you feeling?" His question was odd, and I didn't bother hiding the confusion on my face.

"Satiated." I cocked my head to the side. I needed to take a long bath, and soak up in the hot tub, too. Wash off every part that lewd fool had touched me.

"That's good, because I have another mission for you." Fausto said, tapping loudly on the armrest of his chair.

I didn't blink. Missions had become a part of me. But I wasn't ready for his next words.

"You'd be leaving for Italy. Your mission is to infiltrate Capo Dante's 'Ndrangheta."

My face was blank, completely emotionless after his words. The New York Italian Mafia had relatively been at peace for the past few years. Steering clear of each other's path.

Why then did he want me to-

"The King of Hearts has been stolen." He sighed, and that finally got a reaction from me.

"How?" I intertwined my fingers together, leaning back on the chair.

"We don't know. But we all know how powerful the 'Ndrangheta is." He continued.

"I know. And that's why I'm wondering why you're sending me on such a mission. Do you want to get me killed?" I rasped.

His eyes narrowed. "You'd speak to me with respect, West."

I snickered. He didn't speak until I nodded slowly.

"Sorry, Papá."

"You'd leave all traces of you, that links you to us, behind. Your phone, spy buds, your clothes too, and your gun. You'd get a change of wardrobe, and we'd transfer some money, through an untraceable account, to you."

I almost yawned out of boredom. "I still don't understand how I'd take on the 'Ndrangheta, and bring back the King of Hearts. You know that isn't possible." I ran my fingers through my hair.

"Nice to see you admitting you can't do something, for a change." Romeo chuckled, and I fixed him a hard glare.

"It's simple. Pretend to be a harmless woman, and make him fall for you."

I stared at him, wide-eyed. Like doing so would make him see the sheer ridiculousness of his words.

Was he actually telling me to seduce a man who could end our Mafia family, without as much as a finger jostle?

"Papá-" I began.

"You'd be doing it. The order isn't open for negotiation." He raised his hand.

But I pressed on. "I refuse. Romeo can go, or someone else. Can't I skip on this mission?" I asked brusquely.

Capo Fausto rose to his feet, suddenly seeming larger than his usual 6'2. With his hair tied in a ponytail, my foster father, looked every inch capable.

But I had every reasons to question his recent order. I couldn't do it.

"Listen carefully, I wouldn't give you the details of the mission again. Make Dante fall for you, but don't fall for him. Bring back the King of Hearts, and I'd make you the head of our ammunition section." And with that, he strode out of the office.

I exhaled, helplessly. "And what'd be my name?" I called out.

He didn't reply, but shut the door, on my words.

"You've really pissed him off, this time." Ferdinand chuckled. He was the closest thing I had to a friend.

I rose to my feet. "Who cares? See you guys later, I need to wash up." I wrapped my coat around my body, as I approached the door.

"Need helping hands with packing?" Romeo called out, with a loud laugh.

I turned back to him, with an arched brow. "Focus on knocking yourself out, bastard."

Chapter two.

Dante

The music blared from all ends of the bar, as I leaned on the table at an obscure corner. Nursing my glass of wine, I roamed my eyes around.

"You never cease to amaze me, Zio. Why don't we head to the VIP section? You've always been heavy on security." Luca grumbled, as he crossed his legs over the other.

"Since you know that, you shouldn't have dragged me out here, to a bar." I drawled.

"Dragged? Don't tell me, you're serious. I could never drag you, without your consent, Dante. Admit it already, you wanted to come." He scoffed.

And though I wanted to rebuff his words, I couldn't. I'd wanted to come here. This place held memories, beautiful memories I didn't want to forget.

Luca pulled his chair close, placing his hands on the table. "You still think of her, don't you?" He asked quietly.

"Don't..." I turned my head away.

"Just say it, Zio." He pressed on.

A glare at him, and he excused himself, saying he wanted to go, dance with some women. To boost my adrenaline, he said.

Once he left, I closed my eyes. It'd been years since she left. Years, since that bullet was shot right through her heart. Years since I caused my wife's death.

I still had a portrait of her, in my room. It'd been an arranged marriage, between us. And I could still remember the harsh words I'd told her on our wedding night.

'You want to be my bride, so much? Then pleasure me, like the stupid slut that you are.'

Evelyn...

The thought of her name, roused the pain which I'd long buried in my heart. I grabbed at my glass of wine, and downed the contents in one gulp.

I couldn't be weak. She was dead, and gone. And forgotten.

And then, I saw her. I'd never believed someone could like another person, at first sight. She was dancing with her partner. But for whatever reason, I didn't turn my gaze away.

I'd never been a ladies man, like Luca. To me, they weren't worth wasting my time over.

I stared long and hard at her. Dressed in a blue low cut dress, which revealed her slender legs, she looked...sexy. She was tall enough, for a woman.

Perhaps feeling my gaze, she turned towards me. A shadow of a smile crossed her lips, and she turned away sharply, her face crimson.

I knew I should look away. But I didn't want to.

How long had it been since a woman roused my interest?

My eyes narrowed, when her partner began groping her. She tried pulling away, but he held on still. Pulling her close to himself, he brought his head close to her neck.

I froze, when her gaze met mine. They held plea, in them.

"Hey Zio, want another glass of wine?" Luca said, in a breezy voice, as he came over. Two sexily dressed ladies flanked him on both sides.

I rose to my feet, strolling over to them, and ignoring his calls behind me.

"I believe it's my turn." I began, once I stopped beside the dancing 'couple.'

The bastard didn't even look at me. "Who're you?" He slurred, tightening his hold on her ass.

Slender legs threw an awkward smile at me, and tried pulling away again.

'Fuck it.' I cursed beneath my breath, and grabbed his arm, exerting force on it.

He yelped loudly, finally turning to look at me. "You dog!-" His words died in his mouth, when he saw me.

"Lascia andare la signora." I said calmly, to which he nodded frantically. He scampered away, when I let go of his arm.

"Thank you so much. What did you tell him?" Slender legs exhaled, obviously relieved.

"You shouldn't be dancing with such low lives. You aren't Italian?"Looking at her up close, she was beautiful. Her almond eyes crinkled when she smiled.

"Unfortunately for me, low lives don't have a plaque on their foreheads. And no, I'm not." She chuckled.

My next words surprised even myself.

"Want to grab a drink?" I asked, gesturing at my table.

She nodded, without hesitation.

Luca wasn't at the table. I sat down, and gestured at the vacant seat at my front.

"Pardon my manners. I'm West." She smiled, stretching her hands forward.

I didn't take it. I was already regretting my impulse to bring a woman, to drink with me.

"Dante." I simply said.

She nodded, and poured herself a glass of wine. No words were exchanged between us, as she downed glass after glass of wine.

"You're handsome," She giggled, an hour later.

Luca came over, right at that moment. He didn't spare her a glance.

"Why don't we get going?" he asked.

I took another look at her. She was looking around, while muttering incoherent words.

"She's drunk. We can't leave her here." I rose to my feet.

"And when has the Capo ever cared about someone else, other than himself? She can handle herself, we can't afford to stay here, any longer." He urged.

I took another look at her. Her head was placed on the table, her black hair making a mess. Ignoring his words, I scooped her in my arms, and made for the door.

"Get the car." I instructed.

Probably sensing that convincing me would do no good, he nodded. "Yes, Zio."

...

She stretched her body on the bed, and my breath hitched. She smelled so good. Like roses, and lavender.

I pulled away, and made to go to my office. Perhaps Luca was right. I shouldn't have brought a random woman to my Dimora. And even let her sleep in my room. A Capo should never be weak.

My father had been sure to drum that rule into my head, while I was growing up. But for some reason, I didn't adhere to it, tonight.

I froze, when she grabbed my hand. "Please, don't go." she drawled.

I knew what I should have done, was pull her hands away, and walk out of the room. Looking back years later, I realized that single mistake of mine, was the beginning of my problems.

Instead, I stared at how beautiful her face looked, even while asleep. Wondering how her lips would taste, I leaned in without further hesitation, and captured them.

She moaned softly into my mouth, and throwing all caution to the wind, I clambered unto the bed.

***

I opened my eyes slowly, and grunted softly. The gentle breathing beside me, made the memories of last night flash across my mind.

I pushed her figure away, roughly, and sat down on the bed. The room was still dark, courtesy of the blinders, which were still pulled down.

She moaned softly, and blood rushed to my cock. She'd been versatile in bed last night. Giving, and taking. I'd fucked her so hard, and towards the wee hours of the morning, she'd fallen asleep on my chest.

Now, she sat up on the bed, looking at me with sleep-doused eyes. "Where's this place?" She asked warily, moving away from me.

Her actions annoyed me. I should be pushing her out of my Dimora. Yet, she was being wary of me?

"Get out." I rose from the bed, and stifled a smirk, when she turned her face away.

"Aren't you ashamed? Walking around naked?" Her cheeks were crimson, as she spoke.

Once I wrapped my night robe around me, I began speaking again. "You should leave. I'd pay you, and we'd be even." And with that, I made to go out of the bathroom.

Her words stopped me, in time. "You took advantage of my drunken state. I'm no slut." Her voice cracked, and I could tell she was about to cry.

Irritatedly, I turned to face her.

"How much do you want?" I crossed my arms, irritated at how soft I was acting. I'd never negotiated with a woman before.

Even with Evelyn. She'd been the perfect traditional housewife. A type any Italian man would like.

She pushed her head back, her eyes wide with shock. "I don't have any place to go."

I blinked, suddenly suspicious. I was a Capo. How could I be sure she wasn't sent, by my rival? Someone who wanted to kill me?

Silence reigned temporarily, and when I finally drew my gaze away from her exposed shoulder, my face was as cold as ever. With all the emotions, gone.

"You should wash up, and be out of here in twenty minutes. My men would take you to wherever you want to go." And I left.

Luca was waiting for me, at the office. He stood up when I came in.

"What the hell were you thinking, Zio? Ti comportavi in ​​modo strano, ieri sera." He ran his hands, through his hair.

"Know your place." I said, through my teeth, and plopped down on my chair.

"I'm sorry. I'm just worried. It could be Alexandro's doing. Or worse still, from another 'Ndrangheta." He heaved a sigh, and sat down.

I turned the swivel chair, so my back was facing him.

"Call Santino. Tell him, I need him to look into someone." I ordered, with a dangerous glint in my eyes.

Chapter three.

West

The harmless-scaredy- look wiped off my face, once the door shut close. I stared down at the thick black duvet, wondering why I'd done what I did.

I hadn't been drunk last night. Inwardly praising myself for pulling off the plan of luring him in, by pretending to be in trouble, my breath had hitched, when I'd seen his face.

In my twenty five years of life, I hadn't seen someone look so ruggedly handsome. His pale face held that strength to it that couldn't be ignored. Even his voice commanded respect.

Well, to get what I want, I had to give up something. And did I regret sleeping with him? Maybe. He was every inch a conceited fool.

I clambered off the bed, and hurried to the bathroom. It was time to wash up, and take a look around the glass house.

Italy was a beautiful place. When I arrived a fortnight ago, I was awed by how beautiful it looked. I hadn't rented a condo. Dante wasn't foolish, and although I knew he'd looked into my background, I wasn't fazed.

Every trace of me had been erased. Although I didn't know why I'd told him my real name.

For days, I'd watched and trailed him, without appearing to. I'd tried hacking into any of the systems, but it hadn't worked.

That wouldn't be a problem now, though. I could finally drop a harmless virus, and leave it lying dormant, till it was time.

Now...all I had to do was find the perfect place and time to do it.

***

I pulled the coat even tighter around me, as I strolled along the large brightened hallway. I observed everything, without pretending to.

I had gotten the coat from the walk-in closet in the large bedroom, which I suspected to be the master's-bedroom.

It smelt good. Like him.

I rolled my eyes out of boredom, while wondering for the umpteenth time, what kind of drug Fausto had been high on, when he pushed me out on this mission. I hated pretense. I hated being weak. I thrived in bloodshed, in adrenaline boosting missions. And he knew it.

"You know, I haven't met someone as interesting as you are." I heard the familiar voice behind me, and I whirled to a stop. The same voice that'd grunted and groaned out of pleasure, last night. The same voice that'd spurred me on, by whispering 'good girl,' until I'd come so hard. The same voice that'd wished me goodnight, while I'd pretended to fall into a drunken sleep.

I gently turned, and met his gaze. In the morning light, with his fresh cleanly shaved face, Dante could give a male model a run for his money. I shook my head, pushing the thoughts out of my head.

Rule 1- Never fall in love with a target. Do well to remember that, West.' I heard Fausto's cold voice in my head. When I'd gone on my first mission ever, those had been his words.

"Why do you say so?" I crossed my arms, as I stood a safe distance from him. In quick strides, he was in front of me.

He tilted my jaw with a finger, and our gazes locked.

"I told you to leave." He said, narrowing his eyes.

My heart skipped a beat, at our proximity. I could smell his breath.

"And I told you, I had nowhere to go." Infusing an appropriate amount of softness in my tone, I waited for him to cave in.

It's always worked on every other victim I'd handled. Just act all scared, and submissive, and boom. Their Alpha mode would be activated.

Seeing the cold glint in his eyes, however, doused cold water on my thoughts. If I hadn't realized who I was dealing with before, I finally did. This wasn't the man who'd fucked me with reckless abandon, last night.

This was the Capo of the most powerful 'Ndrangheta in Italy. Capo Dante.

"You don't? That's interesting."A smirk finally crossed his face. It wasn't after he let go of my jaw, did I realize he hadn't let go, all along.

He pulled away, tucking his hands in his pockets, his gaze never leaving mine. Under his gaze, I flinched. I felt vulnerable, like he could see right through me. Like he could tell I wasn't who I was pretending to be. And I wasn't even pretending, this time. That realization made a numb sensation creep around my heart.

"I don't. And if you're gentlemanly, you'd offer me a place to stay. Like you said, you want to even out things between us." I straightened, boldly holding his gaze.

Silence reigned just for a short while, before he broke into a mirthless laughter.

"Grenade," He took a step forward, making me move back a bit.

"In Italy, you don't negotiate with a man. A woman should know her place." An annoying smirk plastered itself on his face, and I fought the urge to wipe it off.

"Really? And where's a woman's place?" I retorted.

"Do you want to know?" He lowered his head, just to my eye level, and I stifled a gasp.

"A woman's place is in her man's home. Taking care of his house, and children. She should never question him." He replied.

Suddenly wishing that I'd heard him wrongly, I almost burst into laughter. Couldn't he hear how ridiculous he sounded?

"So sorry, Dante. If you think I'm all those little housewives you're familiar with, in Italy, then you must be mistaken." Every single admiration I had towards him, wiped off at that moment.

He was nothing but a conceited fool. A woman's place was in a man's house? Sure, I could prove that with a punch to his sinfully handsome face.

His face closed up, and he grabbed my neck in one swift move. Instincts kicked in, and I almost dodged his move, but at the last minute, I stood still.

"Listen well, Grenade-" He began, but I cut him off.

"My name's West." I hissed.

He went on, like I didn't say anything. "I could end your life, with just a flick of my finger. Aren't you afraid?" He added force on his grip, and I pretended to gasp.

Afraid? I almost scoffed. No, I wasn't afraid. All I wanted to do, was hit the asshole's foot so hard, that'd he'd yelp in pain.

"You saved me last night. You can't be that bad." I forced the words out, through gritted teeth.

Chuckling, he pulled away. "I could let you stay. But you have to answer my question." A cold gleam flashed across his eyes.

I nodded.

He moved so fast, that even with my years of training, I knew I wouldn't be able to pull off such a swift move. I was in his arms within seconds, staring at him with parted lips.

"I had my men look into you. And oddly enough, they didn't find anything intriguing. But you surely don't look like a plain woman." His touch scorched my skin, through the coat, and I was more dismayed at the fact that I didn't want to pull away, than at the fact that he was holding me too close.

"What are you trying to say?" I whispered.

Tightening his hold on my waist, he bent and whispered coldly, "Who are you?"