The Mafia's Addiction: His Obsession

Aria woke to the warm embrace of sunlight streaming through the window, casting a golden glow on the terracotta floor. She stretched, yawned, and swung her legs over the side of the bed, her feet dangling in the air.

A faint rustling sound came from the next room, followed by the slow creaking of the wooden rocking chair.

Nonna Rosa, her grandmother, appeared in the doorway, her frail figure illuminated against the morning light. Her silver hair was thinning, her face etched with the lines of a life well-lived.

"Good morning, Nonna!" Aria called out softly, using the Italian endearment "Nonna" (Grandmother).

"Buongiorno, cara," Nonna Rosa whispered, her voice weak but full of love. "Come, help me with breakfast."

Aria nodded, getting out of bed, following Nonna Rosa to the kitchen. Nonna Rosa's hands trembled as she tried to pour the coffee, and Aria gently took the pot from her. "Let me, Nonna."

Nonna Rosa smiled as she nodded her head before taking a seat in front of the small round dining table with two chairs by it side.

Aria set the table before taking a seat opposite Nonna Rosa. She noticed the faint scent of medicine lingering on Nonna Rosa's skin. "Nonna, you should stay home today. You're not feeling well."

"Ah, cara (dear), I'm fine," Nonna Rosa insisted. "We need to go to the Bakery. We can't leave our customers without their favourite pastries."

"But, Nonna, the doctor said you need to rest," Aria pleaded, concern etched on her face.

"Pfft, doctors!" Nonna Rosa waved her hand dismissively. "I've been running the bakery for fifty years. I know what I need."

Aria sighed, trying to persuade her grandmother. "Nonna, please. Just this once. Stay home and rest. I'll handle the shop."

Nonna Rosa's expression softened, but her eyes still sparkled with determination. "Va bene (okay), cara. But just for today. And only because I don't want to worry you."

"Grazie (thank you), Nonna. I'll make sure everything runs smoothly." Aria smiled, relieved.

"I trust you, Cara," Nonna Rosa smiled, eating her breakfast

After they were done having breakfast, Aria washed the dishes and helped Nonna Rosa back to her room.

Rosa settled into bed, her eyes clouding with concern. "Aria, cara, I have a bad feeling. Something's off.

"It's just your imagination, Nonna. You've been worrying too much about the Bakery." Aria smiled reassuringly.

But Rosa's expression remained grave. "No, cara. This is different. I feel it in my bones. Something's coming, something that will change everything."

Aria sat beside her, taking her hand.

"Nonna, you're just tired. You need to rest. It's just an illusion."

"Listen to me, Cara. I know when something's not right. You must be careful, cara. Il mondo è pieno di ombre (the world is full of shadows)." Rosa's gaze intensified.

Aria's smile faltered for a moment, but she quickly regained her composure.

"Nonna, don't worry. I'll be fine. I'll take care of the bakery and everything will be okay."

Nonna Rosa's eyes lingered on Aria's face, searching for reassurance. Finally, she nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "Va bene, cara. But promise me you'll be careful."

"I promise, Nonna. I'll be careful." Aria nodded.

As she stood to leave, Nonna Rosa called out again. "Aria?".

"Yes, Nonna?"

"Non dimenticare (don't forget), cara. Ti amo (I love you)."

"Ti amo anch'io ( I love you too)," Aria went back and pecked Nonna Rosa's forehead before leaving the room. She went to her room and took a warm shower.

As she finished getting ready, her hands moved swiftly as she styled her brown hair and applied a light layer of makeup. She slipped into her favourite yellow sundress.

She grabbed her purse, a vintage leather bag that Nonna Rosa had given her, and checked its contents: phone, wallet, keys, and a small notebook.

She entered the kitchen, where the sweet aroma of freshly baked cookies wafted through the air.

Her eyes then landed on the tray, perfectly arranged with an assortment of chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, and lemon sugar cookies. She smiled, remembering the routine she shared with Rosa.

Every morning, they would bake a fresh batch of cookies, carefully selecting the perfect combination to take to the market.

It was a tradition that brought them joy and connected them to their community. And Rosa had already baked the cookies before she could wake up.

She carefully lifted the tray, the warmth of the cookies radiating through her fingers she poured them into a picnic like basket before proceeding to the exit.

The warm sunlight enveloped her as she stepped onto the sidewalk. She raised her hand, hailing a taxi that cruised down the street. The driver, a gruff-looking man with a kind smile, pulled over and opened the door.

"Dove vuoi andare, signorina?" (Where do you want to go, miss?) he asked.

"Reggio Calabria, per favore," (To Reggio calabria, please) Aria replied, settling into the backseat.

In no time, the taxi came to a holt a few distance away bakery. Aria stepped down and paid her taxi fare.

She was busy searching for the key to the bakery with one hand and was not focused on where she was going when she bumped into someone.

"No!!!" Her eyes widened as the cookies all fell to the ground.

"Can't you at least watch where you are ..." she snapped but paused when her eyes met his, her words trailed off.

The stranger's piercing gaze froze her in place. He stood tall, with broad shoulders and piercing grey eyes.

His black hair was styled with a slight fade, its sleekness accentuating his chiselled features.

He wore a charcoal grey suit, crisp white shirt, and slim black tie. A silver watch glinted on his wrist, and polished black oxfords adorned his feet.

His cold aura enveloped her, sending shivers down her spine.

"Ratto cieco (Blind rat)," he said, low and smooth, his Italian accent dripping like honey.

But his eyes betrayed no remorse.

Aria glared at him as she bent to gather the scattered cookies.

He didn't move to help.

Instead, he watched her, his gaze lingering on her face, then drifting to her dress. She felt exposed under his intense gaze but didn't react.

"If you want to create a scene next time, do it somewhere else," he added, his voice laced with sarcasm.

With that, he turned and walked away, leaving Aria stunned. She stood up and clutched tight on the basket of cookies.

"How rude?" She mumbled, but he heard her.

He paused on his track for a moment before continuing to walk towards his car. Aria noticed the sleek, black Rolls-Royce Phantom parked nearby.

"Show off." She hissed, walking away.

Marco, his right-hand man, stood beside the car. Marco opened the door, his eyes fixed on Aria's retreating figure.

He slid into the passenger seat, his movements fluid and confident as Marco closed the door behind him.

"Drive," he commanded.

Marco nodded, settling into the driver's seat. "Where to ?"

"Alexandro's residence," he replied, his gaze fixed on the passing scenery.

Marco's eyes met his in the rearview mirror. "It's regarding debt, right ?"

His expression remained impassive. "Yes, that bastard payment time is due."

Marco nodded as he focused on the road.

The car glided through the city streets, finally stopping in front of a grand mansion. The gates swung open, revealing the luxurious estate of Mr. Alexandro.

His gaze locked onto the mansion, his eyes gleaming with intensity.

The car parked in front of the entrance, and Marco then shut down the car's engine before getting off.

"Do you think he's around, boss ?" Marco asked as they entered the mansion.

"I don't think. I know." He replied.

Mr Alessandro a man who looked like he was in his late fifties, was coming out from one of the rooms and froze on his spot when he saw Marco and the person he accompanied.

"Il..Il...Diavolo?" Mr. Alessandro stuttered, trembling as he slowly stepped back.

"I don't expect you to be surprised." Valtor said.

"I'm...not..surprised. let's go to my office." Mr Alessandro stuttered, already sweating despite the air conditioner being on.

"I'm not here to spend much time. Two days is gone, I want my money now." Valtor demanded.

"But...but..two days isn't enough, please give me more time. Just add me a week, and I promise to return your money," Mr Alessandro begged, falling to his knees.

"Alessandro, if I were you, I'd start paying." Marco advised.

"I...I.. don't have the money, " Mr Alessandro confessed.

Valtor brought out his gun and pointed it straight at Mr Alessandro's head.

"Don't let me repeat myself." Valtor warned.

"No!!!" Jolene, Mr Alessandro second wife screamed, running to the scene.

"Stay out of this woman," Marco warned.

"Please, don't kill him. I would give you anything as collateral, please," Jolene begged.

"Collateral, you say," Valtor lowered his gun.

"Yes, Collateral." Jolene confirmed nodding.

"What nonsense could you possibly offer to cover Ten million euros ?"

Jolene remained silent, unsure of the value of Alessandro's possession.

"Just as I expected," Marco scoffed.

Valtor disengaged the safety, his gun already raised and pointed at Alessandro, his finger encircled the trigger, but just as he was about to fire, Jolene intervened again.

"What about a person?!" she shouted.

"What if we offer you a girl? You can do whatever you like with her until we pay back the dept. " She suggested.

"Do you think some mere girl can just cover up for the money you owe me ? I can get any type of girl with a snap of a finger, " Valtor snarled.

"I know she's a mere girl, but she's an innocent one, think of all the things you can do with her till we are able to pay the dept." Jolene pleaded.

"Jolene, don't you dare do it." Mr Alessandro yelled

Jolene's eyes locked onto Mr Alessandro's.

"We have no choice, Alessandro. He won't hesitate to kill you if we don't meet his demands." Her voice trembled.

Alessandro shook his head, "If you're willing to sacrifice my daughter to save me, then I'll rather..."

"Oh, now she's your daughter ? Alessandro, you abandoned her years ago. Why suddenly care now?" Jolene snapped.

Valtor's eyes narrowed as he turned to Jolene, with a sinister intent. "Tell me, who is this girl you're so willing to sacrifice?"

"She is..."

"She's no one. Let's not involve her in this." Alessandro interrupted.

"C'mon Alessandro. She's not worth your life. Let him have her." Jolene urged.

"I must say, Alessandro, your eagerness to protect this girl is... intriguing," Valtor sneered.

"Initially, I wasn't interested, but now, I find myself consumed by the desire to possess her." He added.

"Jolene, what have you done!" Alessandro yelled.

"Save your life," Jolene hissed.

"Who is this girl, and where can I find her?" Valtor asked.

"She's the child of his... his first wife. She lives with her grandmother," Jolene revealed without hesitation.

"I don't know their home address, but they own a bakery called Rosa's Sweet Delight in Reggio Calabria."

"I'll spare you for now. Have my payment ready before i kill her."

With that, Valtor left with Marco following closely behind.

"I swear, Jolene, if anything happens to her, I'll kill you myself," Mr. Alessandro threatened.

Jolene scoffed, rolling her eyes. "You're so ungrateful. Anyway, start figuring out how to pay him," she said, turning to head upstairs.

Alessandro exhaled heavily, frustration etched on his face. He knew he had to find the money soon.

ROSA SWEET DELIGHT

Aria finished arranging the batch of freshly baked cupcakes in the display case, the sweet aroma filling the air.

She smiled, satisfied with the morning's work. Just as she turned to leave, the doorbell above the entrance jingled, signalling the arrival of customers.

Two burly men walked in, their imposing figures commanding attention.

"Good morning! Welcome to Rosa's sweet delight," she said, her smile warm and inviting. "How can I help you today?"

The men exchanged a brief glance, their expressions unreadable. One of them stepped forward, his voice low and intense. "She's the one."

Her instincts screamed, warning as the men approached.

"What do you want?" She asked alerted.

Her eyes widened in terror as the second man pulled out a syringe from his pocket. He lunged forward, his massive hands closing around her wrists like vice grips.

"Let go of me!" she screamed, struggling to break free. The needle stung her arm, and a searing pain spread through her body.

Everything blurred. Colours melted together, and sounds became distant echoes. Her knees weakened, and she felt herself being lifted onto the man's shoulder.

"No...please... someone help," she whispered, her voice fading.

She tried struggling but couldn't as her eyes slowly closed and everywhere went black.

SHADOW SYNDICATES CLAN

Aria's eyes fluttered open, her mind foggy from the sedative. She lay in an unfamiliar bed, surrounded by opulent furnishings. The room was lavish, with velvet curtains and a crystal chandelier.

She sat up, rubbing her temples. 'Where am i?' she thought, getting off the bed.

She approached the window, pulling back the curtains to reveal a breathtaking vista. The villa sprawled before her, with Lush gardens and manicured lawns.

Sparkling fountains, winding pathways, ornate statues, meticulously pruned hedges, a sprawling pool, and an outdoor bar.

People roamed the grounds, some sipping cocktails at the bar. The atmosphere seemed carefree, but she sensed an undercurrent of tension.

As she took in the view, she saw armed guards patrolling the perimeter, discreet surveillance cameras, and a private helicopter pad.

'This isn't just a villa; it was an empire,' she thought.

Just as she began to process her surroundings, a knock at the door broke the silence.

"Enter," she called out, trying to sound confident.

The door opened, revealing a young lady dressed in a maids' uniform.

"Good evening," she greeted before introducing herself.

"I'm Vanessa, and I'm the maid in charge of briefing you about masters rules and showing you around."

"Dinner will be served in the dining hall shortly. And master request your presence before then." She added

"What's going on? Why am I here?" Aria demanded.

"All will be explained in due time. For now, please get dressed and follow me, I'll be waiting outside."

With that, Vanessa turned to leave.

"Wait!" Aria called out.

Vanessa paused, her hand on the door handle.

"What's going to happen to me?" She asked.

"That's for Master to decide." Vanessa replied before leaving the room.

Aria sighed, frustrated. It was evening already, and she didn't lock the shop. Nonna Rosa might have a heart attack if she doesn't see her tonight.

Only the thought of Nonna Rosa being worried scared her. And by the look of things, there was no way she was gonna escape anytime soon.

She wanted to take off her clothes but remembered something. Her gaze traced each angle of the room, and just as she thought there was a CCTV camera installed.

She walked over to the wardrobe and opened it, only to find it empty.

"What do they expect me to wear after taking a shower." She frowned, making her way out of the room.

Vanessa was standing beside the door waiting for her and was slightly surprised she was done already.

"I didn't shower. There was nothing for me to wear," Aria blurted out.

"We don't have much time left. Let's get going. You can shower later," Vanessa said.

Just as she turned to lead the way she saw Sniper coming towards them.

"Not today," Vanessa muttered, scared.

"Well, well, well. Another sex doll, I guess, " Sniper scoffed, staring at Aria.

"Good evening," Vanessa bowed, her head greeting.

"It's a good thing you still have your manners intact," Sniper chuckled but frowned when she turned to Aria, who made eye contact with her.

"What are you looking at, bow and greet me," Sniper snarled.

"No way. You're not some God that I'll bow to." Aria refused.

"You little b*tch," Sniper cursed, slapping Aria had across the cheek before grabbing her hair.

"Ahh, let's go off me!" Aria screamed, trying to free herself from Sniper's grip.

"Please spare her. She's new here and doesn't know the rules." Vanessa pleaded.

"Stay out off this if you don't want to lose your life," Sniper warned.

"I'm sorry," Vanessa mumbled, stepping back.

"Please let go of me, I'm sorry," Aria cried out.

"I haven't started, and you're crying," Sniper laughed, seeing Aria's tears.

"Let her go unless you want a visit from the boss," a sultry voice warned from behind.

Sniper's gaze shifted to the speaker, and her expression darkened.

A girl with fiery red shoulder-length hair stood tall, her bold style making a statement. Her crimson leather jacket and black leather pants were embellished with metallic chains, radiating an air of confidence and danger.

"This is none of your business, Cheetah," Sniper growled.

"Of course it's my business," Cheetah grinned.

Before Sniper could process Cheetah's next move, she punched her.

"I'm going to kill you," Sniper growled, releasing Aria.

She charged towards cheetah, fuel by rage, but someone stepped in.

"Not today, girls," Blade intervened.

"Stay out of this dick face." Sniper spat, trying to shove Blade aside.

"I'm so fucking hungry. How about we do this when I'm done eating ?" Blade said, pushing Sniper back.

"You'll regret this," Sniper growled before walking away.

"Can't the both of you stay a whole day without creating a scene." Blade asked Cheetah.

"I couldn't let her bully the innocent girl," Cheetah said, walking over to Aria.

"Are you okay ?" She asked.

"Yes. Thank you." Aria muttered.

"No biggie." Cheetah smiled.

"Let's go eat." she said to Blade.

"Finally," Blade exhaled as Cheetah pulled him away.

"You're lucky," Vanessa said.

"I don't get what's going on. Please explain." Aria said, massaging her aching scalp.

"I thought you'll never say that," Venessa chuckled.

"Let's get going. I'll explain on the way." Vanessa added.

"Okay, please start talking." Aria pleaded as she followed Vanessa.

"This place is like a cage to us. The only way you leave is when you're dead. You're not allowed to talk back to the superiors except they ask you a question. The superiors are many. For example, those three we met earlier are superiors. This place it owned by Godfather Fletcher, His has two sons Gunner and... I can't say the name coz i haven't heard anyone call him by his name, but you belong to him.." Vanessa paused.

"He's referred to as il Diavolo," she whispered.

"The Devil?" Aria repeated.

"Yes. He's not to be messed with. Obey his every instruction and never question his orders or let him repeat himself." Vanessa explained.

"What about the superiors? How do I know them ?" Aria asked.

"The superiors are classified. There are higher rank superiors. Base on thier strength list is , Ronin, Storm, Ivy, Blade and Phoenix they have red hand bands on their wrist while the ten lower rank superiors are, Cheetah, the girl who saved you, Sniper, Lynx, Maria, Rex, Ace, Ripper, Hammer, Rhapsody and Cobra. They have black bands on thier wrist. There are still many mobsters who aren't qualified in the list yet. As for the boss, he has a dragon tattoo traced from his neck to his right chest.

"Why am I here? "

"I don't know the reply to that, but it's either you offended the boss or you interfere in his business." Vanessa replied.

"But, I haven't offended anyone lately," Aria sighed.

"It is what it is," Vanessa shrugged.

"How did you get here ?"

"My dad was a spy and got some secrets from the boss. He was asked to delete it, but he refused. They took me and still got to delete the secrets." Vanessa explained.

"Oh."

"We're here." Vanessa announced as they stopped in front of a door with twi bodyguards standing at the entrance.

"Where does the door lead to?" Aria asked.

"It's the boss suite."

"Boss isn't around. He said I should give this to you," one of the body guards said, holding out a file like paper.

"Thank you," Vanessa said, collecting it.

She started reading what was written inside but paused as she raised her head to look at Aria.

"You're his sex doll," she blurted out.

"What?!" Aria gapsed.

"Why can't I be a maid like you?" Aria asked.

"You're also a maid, but his personal maid."

"I'm not gonna give my body to whoever this is." Aria shook her head, running off.

"Wait!" Vanessa shouted, running after her.

Aria didn't stop as she kept on going, but one of the guards grabbed her.

"What's wrong with you ?" Vanessa asked, panting.

"Let go me!" Aria yelled as the guard started pulling her away.

"Wait! Where are you taking her to ?" Vanessa asked, following him.

"To the boss!" The guard replied.

"No. The boss placed me in charge of her whereabouts, she's new.." Vanessa pleaded.

"And why should I believe you?"

"Because...take a look at this, since I have it I'm in charge of her." Vanessa showed him the paper in her hands.

"I'll let her go just this once," the guard replied, letting go of Aria.

"Please help me get out of here. I need to go meet my Nonna she would be worried sick, and it's not good for her health. " Aria got on her knees, pleading.

"There's nothing I can do. You have to endure if you want to stay alive, " Vanessa said, helping Aria stand up.

Aria didn't say anything else as Vanessa led her to another room.

"Here, you'll pick you clothing, which is just a maid uniform." Vanessa explained. Aria only nodded as she slowly scrolled through the clothes, looking for her size.

****

REGGIO CALABRIA

Rosa just dropped from a taxi and made her way into the bakery only to find it empty.

"Cara!" She called out, proceeding to the kitchen.

'Where might she have gone to?' Rosa thought with worry etched on her face.

"Something is wrong," she mumbled as she saw a bowl of flour, which ingredients were yet to be added.

"Rosa!!!" She heard a familiar voice called.

"What's he doing here?" She frowned, making her way out of the kitchen.

"I thought I warned you to stay away from me and my granddaughter Alessandro."

"She's also my daughter. I came to check if she's here." Alessandro said, looking around.

"Why did you decide to come here today of all days ? I hope it's not what I am thinking?" Rosa asked, walking towards Alessandro.

"You need to calm down. Is Aria here or not ?"

"Alessandro, tell me what you did ?!" Rosa yelled.

"Please answer my question first ?" Alessandro pleaded.

"I can't find Aria. What did you do?"

"I...I...I'm sorry." Alessandro stuttered.

"What did you do!!!"

"It's a long story, ok? It's not my fault I tried to protect her."

"Can you just tell me what you did?! " Rosa said, restless.

Alessandro exhaled, gathering some courage before explaining what happened to Rosa.

"What?!" Rosa eyes widened.

"I didn't mean to, it was..."

"GET OUT!!!" Rosa yelled, with tears already streaming down her cheeks.

"I'll get her back," Alessandro promised.

"I swear." He added as he turned and walked away.

Rosa's knees gave out, and she grabbed a nearby stool to steady herself. She felt like she was going to collapse.

"My Aria," she whispered, her voice trembling.

The room spun around her, and memories of their moments together flooded her mind in vivid flashes. Her eyelids drooped, weighed down by exhaustion and heartache.

As her grip on the stool loosened, she felt herself slipping away. Her body crumpled to the floor, and a faint scream tore from her lips before darkness claimed her.