The Mafia King obsession

6:00, Italy

Diego Ardiente

"Hola, Buenos dias, Michaelo"(Hello,good morning)Diego said to his business partner. "Hola Ardiente"

Michaelo said. Diego never let anyone call him by his first name.

"I appreciate the fact that you could make it. I'm very sorry to drag you out here."

"It's alright, what can I help you with"

Michaelo hesitated for a minute. *I don't want to bother you but you're my last resort. I need a hundred grand*

Diego whistled.

"Eso es demasiado amigo."(That's too much friend). "What do you need it for?"

Michaelo swallowed.

"My business is going down amigo and the bills are running high. No one else agreed to help. Por favor amigo (please friend), I promise to pay you back"

Diego nodded slowly. Then he snapped his finger and his personal guard came with a brief case.He nodded and his guard whose name was Luca dropped a pike of cash on the table.

"That's 300 grand. You pay me back the hundred."

Michaelo eyes widened and he went on his knees."Gracias,mi amigo."(Thank you,my friend).

Diego nodded.

"But Michaelo, I'm disappointed. we're amigos. why didn't you come to me first? I know you went about asking others."

Michaelo sat up not meeting his eyes.

"Lo siento mucho, (I'm very sorry)Ardiente. I was not brave.*

*It's alright, sin recores*(no grudges)

Michaelo nodded letting a smile graze his lips. *you're a good friend Ardiente*

Diego nodded and stood up.

*I have business to attend to, take good care mi amigo*

He turned and left the building. Luca drove him back to the airport where he had a private plane waiting. On the ride back to L.A, Diego worked through his files and answered surveys. He had one more meeting at a restaurant in Silverlake.

*************************************************8:45, L A

Silverlake, Bacari Silverlake

As Diego entered the cafe, all eyes turned to him.He had that effect, to make the aura of a room change when he stepped in. The ladies smiled at him and the men acknowledged him.of course they recognized him as the Youngest Wealthiest bachelor in L.A. Unknown to them he was more richer than that and his facade of companies was actually a hide out for who he really was.

He found the person he was meeting and it wasn't a meeting,it turned out to be a date. Diego glared at Luca,who shook his head. He was meeting Miranda Cosgrove a famous movie actress. They had met physically at a convention and she had asked him out,he had totally forgotten the date was today.He approached the table with a small unwilling smile.

"Miss Cosgrove,sorry to keep you waiting" he smiled apologetically as he sat down. she returned the smile.

"It's alright,I understand you're a busy man. I'm glad you showed up. And please call me Miranda"

He looked around.

"I wasn't expecting you to pick a place........so open"

She smiled, she had a actually done it on purpose. Picking a public place would start rumours that the two popular people are dating. she could use that excuse to be closer to him.

"Sorry about that, it was the first place I thought off when my secretary said she forget to reserve a place." she lied. He nodded. "But the food here is great,one of the reasons Iike it here".

"I see" He said simply, clearly he was trying to through with this.

Just then a young waitress approached them. "Can I take your order?" she asked softly. Diego looked up at her. Then looked at the menu.

"Um...I'd like the Chicken pea hash, with the Bacari fries and a Mad mango sour." Miranda said. The waitress noted down and turned to Diego. "And you Sir?".

He looked at the menu,unsure .

"What would you suggest?" He asked her.

"That's what I'll have* he cut her off. she shrugged. "Okay" then she turned and left.

"So tell me about your self, Diego." His eyes darkened. "I prefer Ardiente".

"What?" she asked confused. "Call me Ardiente" he repeated. She was a bit surprised. "isn't that formal?"

"That's what I prefer to be called",he said simply. She now knew, the rumours about him not liking to be called his first name was true.

"Okay. So about yourself on a more personal context. like what you do when you're not working ".

When was he never working but still he replied.

"I relax in my house in Italy"

"You don't live in L.A?" she asked, clearly surprised. He nodded. "Only work brings me here."

"I see, well I was thinking of visiting Italy, maybe while I'm there you'd give me a tour." she suggested hopefully. Of course he knew what she was doing but he wasn't going to indulge her. "That's nice Miranda, Italy has a lot of tourist sights, I'm sure you'd find a guide. They provide one for you." She frowned knowing he was dismissing her.. They had been talking for 15 mins there order was supposed to be here already. Miranda called to a passing waitress.

"We've been waiting for our order for almost 20 minutes, how long is it supposed to take.she demanded.

The waitress apologized and went to the back. Just then the waitress who had taken there table's order walked. "Rachel,where have you been? Table 16 was supposed to be served 15 minutes ago" The waitress Miranda had told scolded. Rachel sighed.

"Sorry Cheryl, I went to get some candy but the store across didn't have the one I wanted "

Diego heard that and turned to see the waitress who had served there table. He smirked.

"Candy? Are you serious right now?" Cheryl looked like she was going to explode.

Rachel rolled her eyes. "It's not my fault I have a sweet tooth". She walked pass Cheryl and went Into the kitchen. Diego found himself laughing. Miranda raised an eyebrow, she hadn't noticed the exchange between the two waitress. But she was surprised that Diego was laughing, he had a reputation for only giving so much as a smirk. Of course she thought she was behind it and joined in the laugh. Rachel returned with there order. "Sorry to keep you waiting" she said as she placed the food in front of them. Diego looked at her, her unique features caught his eyes. She had red hair and her eyes were well between Emerald green and sea green and the scent of her perfume caught his nose. "Thank you"He said helping to adjust the plates,his hand brushed hers and he felt something like a jolt of electricity.

She left after she served them. They began eating and Miranda tried to make some small talk but it wasn't working. Diego's reply was short and nonchalant. After they were done eating,he paid the bill and walked Miranda to her car. " I'd love to do this again sometime." she said hoping he would agree. But his only response was a nod before he turned and headed to his car.

"Luca? any call from Miranda or anybody for that matter talking to meet up and it ain't about business,cancel it"

"Yes boss" Luca started the car and as they rounded the restaurant, he saw her outside at the back.

"Luca stop". Luca calm to a half. He turned the car window and watched her. she reached into her pocket and brought out a candy stick. She popped it into her mouth. He watched as her lips covered the candy and how they kisses it when she pulled it out of her mouth. Something in him stirred, he looked down and noticed.

"What the......." He hadn't felt like this before.

"Luca, see that lady over there, take a picture and get me everything on her." Luca obeyed.

"Nice to meet you Red head" And they drive off.

10:11

L.A Rachel's apartment

Rachel just came out of the shower,she had clocked of work at 9:45. She just got dressed in her PJs when her best friend who she shared the apartment with came in

"Hey Sasha, what's up?" Rachel asked

"What are you doing?" Sash asked with a look that said 'Are you nuts?'

"Why? I'm getting ready for bed" Rachel answered. Sash walked into the room and went straight for her wardrobe.

"You can't be serious. We're going to the club tonight"Sasha said as she rummaged through Rachel's wardrobe.

"No!!!!!!!" Rachel wailed. "I'm too tired."

"Well that's on you, you promised you'd go today

You need to loosen up and have some fun" Sasha said. "But I do have fun" Rachel countered.

"You mean sitting in bed playing Jennifer Lopez on your stereo and reading a book?" Sasha eyed her. "Yeah that's fun alright " she added sarcastically. Rachel rolled her eyes. "They're novels " she pointed out.

"The type that is too toxic, they aren't healthy for you and you simp over them." Sasha said and retrieved a black gown from her wardrobe. "You're wearing this"

"Those books are called dark romance, and they aren't unhealthy, they're just.........I can't explain it."

Sasha rolled her eyes;

*Whatever,James would be here soon,so get dressed. And please put a little make up,we need you to have the best time tonight "

"Firstly,that outfit is revealing, am I going to have fun or am I going to get laid? Secondly I'm not going to move, i'm going to be bored and third,I know I'm beautiful with or without make up."

"Yeah I know that but at least wear some gloss, your lips are too....dry

Sasha said and went out,leaving Rachel to dress."Ahh!!!!! why did I make such silly promise"

But she knew Sasha wasn't gonna let her hear the last of it.She dressed, wearing the black gown. It was a shirt lacy gown.Tueing the strap to her neck, she looked at her reflection. She was beautiful,the gown hugged all her curv a in the right places. It showed off her the smooth skin of her back.It showed off her long legs and sensual thigh. "Oh God" Rachel sighed. She put on some earrings and the a pair of black heels. She grabbed her purse. Sasha came knocking.

"I'm coming" Rachel called and opened the door. "Damn girl, you're gonna be turning some heads tonight"Sasha said.

"I feel like I'm selling myself " Rachel whined.

"What the fuck does that mean, you're gorgeous. Be proud and confident "

Rachel looked at Sasha. Her best friend was beautiful and she knew it. They left together. James was already outside waiting with his car. James was their best friend ,and they had been together since they were 5.

James whistled when he saw them.

"You girls are stunning. Guess we know whose gonna have all the attention tonight"

"Shut up James" Sasha said and they got in the car. Sasha sitting next to James in the front.

"I'm surprised you got her to come tonight" he said looking at Rachel from rear view mirror.

"She promised and we know how Rachel is when it comes to promises." Sasha said.

"She never breaks them" The two said together. Rachel turned away. "Shut up, you know that's my one weakness"

"But you look great" James said smiling at her."Just drive already" Rachel retorted. James laughed and stared the car soon he was driving them to Dawn club.

*************************************************

Dawn Club, 10:55

Diego owned Dawn club. it was a place where he had his drugs sold and smuggled. Tonight he was in a negotiation with a Don from Italy. Though Diego was rich enough to go by Don,he preferred to go by his name, leaving the title as a respect to the elders cause he was still young.

"I'll give two billion, Ardiente. That's a good price, No todo te darán esto (Not everybody will give you this)"

Diego sighed.

"Si Don Mario,but you know how things are now. Five billion and we call it a deal." .

Don Marko looked at his consiglerie who nodded. "Alright. Te lo envio (I'll send it over)"

Diego nodded and they stood up. He shook hands with him. "Gusto en hacer negocios con usted ,Don Marko.(Nice to doing business with you).

Don Marko nodded.

"please enjoy" Diego said as they went out to the main club.

He led them to a private booth and sent them some drinks and girls. Of course nobody knew he was the main owner of the club.But the club was popular place mainly a secret club for celebrities. James had a pass to help them get in. He had a cousin who had made it in the music industry and was a big shot now. As they entered the club the stench of cigarettes and drugs hit them.

"Wow,this is quite the place."Rachel said. Sasha agreed. "Are those not celebrities?" she pointed to a group of guys sitting at one side, smoking drugs with women.

"Stop pointing Sasha" James said bringing down her hand. "Let's just have fun tonight"

They walked to the bar and James ordered drinks for them. "I don't drink" Rachel said. "It's blue island cocktail,trust me you won't get drunk from just one glass."

She took it and had a sip. "It's not bad". A guy walked up to Sasha. "Hey beautiful,wanna dance?" She smiled and took the guys hand. "See you later" she said and went with the guy. "Sahaa??" Rachel called. "What is she doing?,she doesn't even know that guy".

James chuckled. "you didn't know anybody in a club.That's why you loosen up "

Rachel rolled her eyes. "I really wish,I stayed at home." But James wasn't listening to her. "Check out that chick. You're okay you're own right?" He didn't wait for her to reply before he left her. She sighed. She took another glass if the cocktail. Looking around ,she was on her own. Some guys came to talk with her but she ignored them. "Bar tender, got anything for fearlessness." The bartender smirked. "I know just want you need darling " He mixed a drink and gave to her. "This isn't too strong right?" He shook his head. She took a swing draining the glass. She was okay for a sec and the next she was feeling dizzy,but she also a rush of adrenaline. "What was that?" she asked the bartender. "You're high, that was cocaine".she laughed. "You're kidding" The bar tender oy shrugged."You might as well have some fun."

A guy walked to her. "Wanna dance,baby girl " she took his hand and dragged him to the dance floor. She danced like crazy moving her waist and rocking the guy. "Fuck, you're sexy" he whispered in her ear. She giggled .She kissed the guy who was surprised at the bold move. Before long, Rachel had danced and kisses over four guys. She climbed the stage and took one one of the empty poles where the stage girls were dancing. Even she never knew the abilities she had. The pole was like a second skin to her.Everyone cheered her.

Sasha saw her. "Oh my god," She hurried to the front of the stage . "Rachel get down from there" But Rachel wasn't listening. When James saw her he hurried forward too but he wasn't in a hurry to get her down from the stage. "Holy crap,she is hot"

"James!!" Sasha reprimanded. "We need to get her down from there.".

"She doesn't look like she's going to get down willingly. But look at her move,The waist,the legs.She's got talent." He stated.

"James that's our best friend."

At one side of the club Don Marko, watched Rachel. "You have take talented dancers Ardiente" He said when Diego cane to join him. "And that one,she is beautiful. she is a Mamacita." Diego looked to the stage, to see her. The Red head from the restaurant. He frowned, he felt something inside him shift. His heart filled with Rage. He called to Luca.

"Bring her outside"

He stood up and went out. Two guards went to the stage and dragged Rachel. Sasha was shocked. Oh God,are they going to throw her out. She hurried outside to find her but she wasn't there. She couldn't call her, both there phones were in James car.

"Hey, I wanna dance" Rachel was saying as they dragged her out. She was brought to Diego. Rachel didn't recognize him. He grabbed her by the wrist and dismissed his guards. He held her tight but not too tight to hug her. "What do you think you're doing?" He growled at her. She looked at him, blinked and started laughing. He raised an eyebrow. She leaned on him.

"You so hot" She murmured, bringing her face closer. "You look like one of the guys from my book. She said her finger trailing up his arm . He smelt it in her breath, she was high."Fuck!" he cursed. "Someone gave you cocaine" He seemed angry at that. "Come on" He pulled her towards his car. He locked her into the passenger sit at the back and walked to the drivers seat He got in and drove off. His head was in a mess. She might be smelling of cigarettes and drugs and whiskey but her scent was intoxicating too. She was smelling strongly of Lavender and cinnamon. And that dress, he couldn't get the look of her out of his head. How much he wanted to rip it off her body and worship those glorious curves she was fighting to hide beneath that dress that was offering little coverage. "You're my husband" she squealed.

*What? You don't know what you're saying .You're drunk". He said gritting his teeth.

"I'm not drunk" she whined. "I'm your wife" she said with all sincerity and finality. He looked at her through the rear view mirror.

what was she doing to him. Those words wer like music to his ears. "Say I'm your wife" She demanded. He looked at her like she was crazy. "Say it!!!" she screamed. "Okay, You're my wife" He gave in. She giggled and laid on the sit. "I'm your wife" She drawled. She was quiet fir a while and Diego sighed. "You're my wife" he whispered to himself repeating the words. Goddamn it, was it really this possible for a woman to make a man feel like this.

Suddenly she sat up. "Honey? I don't have a ring"she whined in a babyish

His breath caught in his throat. What did she call him and that voice , what it made him feel. He could feel his member pressing at the head of his trousers "I'll get you a ring later" He manages to say. "I want it now!!" she demanded.

He groaned. "You're drunk, you don't know what you're saying " But he was willing to do it. He would give anything to make her his. He began to record it, who knows it might come in handy.

"I don't care, you're my husband,put a ring in this finger now!!!!!" She ordered, And yet somehow, he felt she was well aware of what she was saying. He came to stop in front of a penthouse building. "Let's get you inside first." He said

she shook her head. "I'm not going anywhere till I get my ring."

Diego git the car and took out his phone, he placed a call. "Luca, get me the ruby stone ring. ASAP. I'm at the penthouse " He turned to her. "You're ring is in its way,can we go inside."

She shook her head and pout. For a moment he forgot how to breath.

"Me estás volviendi loco/a senorita (You drive me crazy)" He groaned. She just giggled. He ran his hair.

10 minutes later Luca arrived. He handed the pouch to Diego. Diego opened it in front of her. "Here is your ring" He said. she put out her finger. He sighed and put the ring in her middle finger. Luca was confused. "Boss?"

"She's my wife." He simply said. Luca just nodded. Since that's what she wanted why not go all the way through. He carried her inside and had Luca draft a marriage contract,and she signed and stamped it with her blood,all the while giggling like a little girl. He gave her to his house keeper."Clean her up and make her wear something more decent. A car will be here for her in case she wants to go somewhere but she my Wife now, Mine. And she'll be treated as such" He also git himself a ruby ring for males and put in his ring finger.He smirked " I'm officially off the market".

Diego's housekeeper Mrs.Cassie, cleaned and dresses her in a decent cloth before guiding her to a room."You sleep here tonight darling" she said to Rachel. Rachel barely knew what happenings around ,she lay down on the bed and slept almost immediately. Diego had gone to watch the shipment carried out. He was sending the drugs to Don Marko through the sea.He had a shipping company and so it was very easy for him,so the drugs got into italy legally. When he returned he went straight his room.

As he shut the door his eyes caught sight of something on his bed,he carefully approached only to see a sleeping Rachel, looking so pure and innocent. The corner of lips rose in a smile, he sat at the edge of the bed. He found his hand shifting the hair that had fallen to her face. "You're so beautiful" he whispered to himself. "My wife, my life,Mine" She was so irresistible. He leaned and places a soft kiss to her cheeks. He went and took a shower then got dressed in sweat pants and a light shirt. He just wanted to get into he's and hold her close, to feel her body pressed against his but was going to give her that respect. He left the room and used the guest room in the house.

*********************************************

The sun peaking in through the room woke her up. she stretched like a cat. "That was the best sleep i've had in a long time" she smiled. "Well that's nice sweetie* a voice said. Her eyes flew open and standing in front her was a woman who could be in her early sixties.

"Who the fuck are you?

The lady smiled, "I'm Cassie, the housekeeper ". "Housekeeper?" That's when Rachel became aware of her surroundings. She realized this place was way bigger and fancier than her apartment in a whole.

"Where am I?" she asked.

"Why your husband's house,dear?" T he woman replied with a western accent. Rachel stared at her confused. "I'm sorry but I need to go" she said. "You're not going to have breakfast first?" Rachel shook her head. The woman shrugged they gave her a new cloth. "If you're going you wouldn't wanna wear that night gown. what don't you shower and change to this. There's a car already waiting for you outside "

Rachel seemed surprised..

"Thank you " she said sincerely. the woman shook her head. "That's my job." she said and left. Rachel showered and changed into he clothes Cassie had dropped for her. It was nice and suited her perfectly and it looked expensive.

She hoped they weren't going to ask her to pay. Matter of fact how did she get here. The last thing she remembered was the guy who had asked her to dance. Her hand flew to her mouth, did he bring her home? Did she loose her virginity to him? oh god. A knock came to the door, "You okay in there honey?" Cassie asked. Rachel opened the door managing to keep a smile on her face. "Yes, I'm alright. Thank you again for everything"

"No need to thank me." she turned and headed downstairs, Rachel followed. She opened mouth awe, her yes scanning the huge dinning, whoever lives here was filthy rich. Cassie handed her a fancy lunch bag. "Since you can't stay for break, here eat it when you can" Rachel smiled and nodded. Cassie showed her to the door as they stepped out, Rachel was more surprised to see the outside. The ground was well tiled. And there was garden in the left. As the chauffer opened the car door for her, she said goodbye to Cassie and the driver drove off.

Unaware to her, Diego watched her leave from the roof to ground window in his office in the house.

*****************************************

The car dropped Rachel right in front of her apartment. She stepped out, climbing the steps to the porch. she wondered if Sasha had already gone to school. she turned the door knob and pushed open the door.

All eyes turned to her as she came in. James and Sasha and two other men she didn't recognize. "Rachel?" Sasha asked approaching slowly. "What's going on?,what happened?" Rachel asked. Sasha hugged her tightly. "Rachel" she said.

"Ow ow, Too right." Sasha released her. "Where have you been ?" She questioned. Rachel chuckled nervously not sure how she was going to answer that question, she took had no idea where that place was. The two strange men turned to James. "I guess we're done here" James nodded as the men went towards to door. "Thank you officers" Sasha said as they left.Once the door shut behind them Rachel began. "You called the cops?"

"Well you disappeared last night after the guards carried you offstage." Sasha said. "What happened?"

Rachel sat down

"The last thing I remember was dancing with this guy and the rest are blurry." She said.

"So you don't remember pole dancing on stage." Sasha said

"What? I danced on stage?" Rachel exclaimed.

"Yeah you were pretty hot" James added. Sasha glared at him. "Well we're glad you're alright. so where did you go or find yourself"

"Well I woke up in this big penthouse. The only person there was the house keeper,Cassie. She was super nice and even gave me a breakfast bag to go with."

"She didn't say anything about how you got there?" James asked. Rachel shook her head. "Although when I asked where I was, she said something weird. My husband's house or something". Rachel ran her hand through her hair. "I'm never going to clubs with you guys ever again. She stated. They agreed, just then Sasha caught sight of something on Rachel's finger.

"Oh my gosh!!!" she squealed. "How did you get a Ruby stone ring" Rachel looked at her finger. "What the..... I didn't buy this " She said.

"Then how......?"Sasha paused. "Oh Rachel did you get engaged to someone in your drunken state."

"What? No way!!"

"But the Ruby stone ring is used for proposal and remember the rumour, once you've signed a marriage contract in blood, the ring won't leave your finger until you annual your marriage by burning the contract." Sasha reminded. Ra hel shook her head and tried pulling off the ring. "There's no way I'm engaged and to someone I don't even know" But ring didn't come off. "It's not coming off." The door bell rang at the intense moment. "Think it might be your husband?" James teased. "it's not funny" Rachel gritted . James went to answer and returned a few minutes later with a huge bouquet of flowers and a small wrapped box. "It's for you Rachel?"

"What?" she took out the card from the flower. it read;

"Good morning love, sorry I wasn't there to see you off. Have a nice day, my beautiful wife" But it didn't say the name of the sender or any other person.

"I'm Engaged!!!!!!?" Rachel exclaimed. "More like you're married" James said.