The Mafia's Undercover Princess

Mia's POV

"For how long would I be stuck in the position of a special agent?"

I unconsciously grumbled as I walked past those glass doors into the bullpen; the stares from a few colleagues followed-some curious, some judgmental, most indifferent. Not because I wasn't good at my job. No, my record was spotless. It was the same damn record that got buried every time a high-profile case came up.

I dropped my file onto my desk harder than necessary, the thud loud enough to earn a glance from Agent Porter over the next row. He raised an eyebrow like he wanted to say something slick. I didn't give him pleasure with the frustration that was written all over my face, but he went on regardless.

"I fully understand your complaints that, in your 6 years of service, you are meant to have been promoted to senior special agent, as your mates were all promoted in the last three months..."

"Like... You get it?

That's the point. I mean, for how long would I be seen as less because I am a female?"

Just then, I grabbed a folder on my desk and marched toward the glass office at the far end. I'd had enough. Either they respected me as an agent, or they could shove their desk work.

I knocked once, then slightly pushed the door open, mindful of my composure.

If I don't, this might cost me my job as a 'special agent in charge'-Mr. Thompson has the right to write a petition against me.

"Agent Mia," he said without looking up from his papers.

"Sir, please, we need to talk."

He looked up slowly, and I saw that familiar flicker-like I was some ticking bomb he didn't have the patience to disarm.

"What's on your mind that you want to talk about?"

"I've been here 6 years," I said, standing tall. "15 arrests under my lead, 6 undercover jobs-one of them nearly got me killed, and you know the story. Yet every major op seems to skip over my desk like I don't exist." I was so conscious of the tone of my voice.

He leaned back, folding his arms. "You think I'm playing favorites?"

"With due respect, I think I'm being sidelined," I said coolly. "And I also think if I were a male, this wouldn't be a conversation."

That got his attention.

"Be careful with your words, Mia," he said, with his voice moderately low. "You want an assignment? Fine. I have one. High risk. No backup. You go in alone."

He slid a new file toward me. Thick. Sealed. Stamped CLASSIFIED.

"If you could meet up with this task within the space of 6 months, then consider yourself a Special Senior Agent, and soon enough, you will be among the top leadership because, as far as I am concerned, you have a clean record, but you know this isn't just in my power."

"The Astor family?" I asked, flipping it open.

"The son. Kraven Astor. We need someone on the inside. They run guns and drugs and launder half the East Coast's cash-and they've never let an outsider in."

"And you think I'll be their welcome mat?"

"I think you're persuasive. And angry. Use it. But then, if I must suggest for you, I would say that you pose as a nightclub singer-apparently, the Astors owned a spot downtown called Lustro. Classy enough for suits, dark enough to hide secrets. I think you should go in as a new hire, gain Kraven's attention, work your way in, and feed intel back to the bureau.

That must have sounded so easy for him to say it, like it was some sort of going to the supermarket to pick something up or, let's say, going to receive a parcel from a delivery man.

"I will give it my best, but what if I end up not being able to figure it out? Does that mean I will forever be stuck as a special agent here without promotion?"

"You and I know that you have never backed off any assignments, although this one seems to be one of a kind, but then it's the only remedy out.

Even the FBI director will be highly impressed if you get this done, and this might likely be a breakthrough in the way they see females in security services."

He took a cool breath gently. "One more thing," he added. "Today is Friday, and visiting the club today will be a great start. You might be lucky, but do your investigation. You can take the day off to have some time for that."

Just when he said the last word, I took the file and walked out before I said something I couldn't take back.

---

I got to my place almost immediately after I signed off.

My apartment was quiet. Too quiet.

The file sat open on the kitchen table while I spooned the lukewarm 'baked salmon' into my mouth and tried to process what I was reading and the pictures I had. Kraven Astor was the kind of man you didn't forget after seeing his photo once-with those unique tattoos of his, especially of the hand of hamza he had at the back of his palm. Although I am not that into men, when I see a cute one, I know. He had that smirk that made you want to punch him and kiss him at the same time-dark eyes, razor-sharp jawline, and a scar on his left brow like someone tried to end him once and failed.

I flipped to the next page and stopped cold.

A pendant he had on. Gold. Oval-shaped, engraved with a symbol that looked all too familiar.

I stood up so fast my chair screeched against the tile.

That symbol... I couldn't remember my mom had one just like it, even though it has been long. I used to play with it when I was a kid, twirling it between my fingers while she told me bedtime stories she always cut short when Dad walked into the room.

I hadn't seen that pendant since the fire broke out.

The same fire that killed both of them.

I stared at Kraven Astor's photo again. And just like that, I had this strong feeling that this wasn't just an assignment anymore, or maybe it was a coincidence anyway.

Besides, that is one assignment that I am still trying so much in my head to figure out.

My thoughts were distorted when the ringtone from my phone came on.

I picked up the call as soon as my hands reached the phone.

"Hello, Granny."

I said the moment I placed the phone in my ears.

"How are you, my dear?" Her voice came up from the other end of the phone.

"I am good.

Thank you."

"That's fine. I called to remind you that Ransom's 7th birthday is tomorrow."

"I know that, Granny. Who on earth forgets about her son's birthday?"

"Only One Mia, who is so passionate about her job that she sometimes prioritizes it over family but always sends money."

There she goes again. I wonder why she must rub it on my face this time too. She can be a sweet thorn in my flesh, and so I decided to keep calm while I know more she has to say.

"Are we expecting you?"

She questioned, and I must say she already knew the answer even before she asked.

"I really wish I could, but work has been something else lately, coupled with the fact that I was given a special assignment with a target."

"It's always one assignment or the other."

"You know, Granny, I will definitely make it up to you guys. I will be there with you guys on his 8th birthday, I promise. Will send you some money. See you later, bye."

Knowing fully she wouldn't stop at anything if not to remind me that was what I said the last time and still didn't fulfill it this time, I ended the call. Besides, I was almost getting pissed, and that was the best way to put her off the phone.

Just immediately, my phone rang again, and I cursed under my breath, but when I looked at the caller, I thanked goodness she wasn't the one calling back.

"Hello, Agent Porter." I replied the moment I placed the phone in my right ear.

"Yeah, Mia. I sent you some updates and pictures of Kraven Astor to your google mail account,come online and see things for yourself. I think that would help you get acquainted with him a little bit easier."

Oh! I wasn't expecting that-before I left the office, Porter had given me his word that he would assist me in any little way he could, and he actually meant it.

"Are you sure you're ready for this?" He questioned with concern.

I understood the angle he was coming from, knowing full well that this is a one-of-a-kind assignment, and just then reality hit me like a memory I hadn't lived.

But then, I tried so much to wave it off; besides, this is one job I am so passionate about.

"I will give it my best, and so I think that I am ready," I said with a little smile from my end.

"Thank you, this means a lot to me. So, let me check it out at once." I ended the call after that and swiped to my google mail application to get the updates he shared.

"Wow, this will go a long way with what I already had, but it won't be easy after all."

Mia's POV

By the time I alighted from a cab that brought me to the club, you know disguising myself was part of the game plan, and so not coming with my car was a great step.

I was fitted with a wire and fake ID, and I already had my role memorized: Aria Black, jazz singer from Philly.

On getting closer to the club hall, I observed the dark velvet walls, chandeliers that dripped crystal, and shadows curling in corners like smoke. I stepped inside wearing a red silk dress that hugged my curves and heels sharp enough to double as weapons.

A man with a heavily built chest, like he was born to kill, blocked my way to the main door with a thick Italian accent.

"You're not on the list."

"Tell the manager that he'll regret it if he doesn't hear me sing," I said boldly with a wink. Honestly, I wasn't scared, considering what I have faced as an FBI agent for a good 6 years. This is just the usual.

He blinked, caught off guard. "You got balls. I can see that."

"Not balls. It's called Talent."

He gestured to the next person that was built the same way he was, and then they tried to push me as a way of bouncing me out.

"That's not how a lady is to be treated."

A voice cut in, and I tried to get ahold of my stamina and, at the same time, looked in the direction of the voice at once.

My eyes fell on this angel in human form.

Guess who.

Oh, you guessed right.

The same Kraven Astor. My eyes captured those tattoos of his, around his neck before it finally fell on the ones at the back of his palm.

His presence alone was enough to command respect and maybe fear. There was something magnetic about him, but I had no intention of being drawn in.

Does that mean he isn't photogenic because only that could explain this cuteness standing right in front of me?

Dark suit. Shadowed expression. Holding a glass of liquor that smells expensive.

I tried so hard not to get carried away, as it's still at my fingertips that I am on a mission.

Just then, he nodded me through at once, and I followed him in suite.

Looking around, I saw the lights were dimmed to perfection, creating that sultry vibe you only get in places where money didn't just talk-it whispered. The low hum of conversations, the clink of glasses, and the slow jazz playing in the background were enough to make you forget who you were for a while.

But then I wasn't here for cruises or jokes.

"Let's see what you've got. I heard you say that you are an artist." His voice caught me off.

Only one thought was in my mind: was he trailing all along, or was he only opportuned to hear when I said that?

Right now, I don't even trust him-not when he is from a Mafia family and not just that but a lord at that.

I decided to play along very fast.

I took a glance around, and I observed that the stage was already lit. A slow jazz beat played in the background, but I didn't need music. I walked up, tapped the mic, and closed my eyes.

And I sang.

First I performed a song I had composed when I lost my parents- was a song that came in place of love.

Then afterwards, I performed 'all of me,' by John Legend. God knows that I sang like my life depended on it with the best melody anyone could imagine, as I learned from the update from Agent Porter that Kraven loves live music.

They say everyone has a talent, and I think mine is singing, but then I didn't do that for a living.

When the last note dropped, I looked up, and my eyes met with his.

I didn't blink.

He didn't smile.

From that distance, he just lifted his drink slightly in the air-like a toast. I think this significantly explained to me that I impressed him; maybe he can smile later-his business.

Now, I just feel like I already had his attention without even doing too much.

Mission one, over to mission two.

Kraven Astor's gaze followed me from the moment I stepped off stage. He didn't applaud, yet maintained not smiling, didn't even move a muscle. He just watched. His eyes were like storm clouds-dark, brooding, and promising a hell of a lot more than I was ready for.

I knew that look. The kind that said, You're mine, whether you know it or not.

But I wasn't his.

I didn't bother waiting for his applause, as the one from the audience was already enough for me. I just grabbed the edge of the mic stand, tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear, and walked off stage.

"You're good," a voice said from behind me.

I didn't have to turn around to know it was him, as I already took note of his voice the first time he came to my rescue.

I could feel him like a weight pressing against my spine. His words were low, a little rough, but there was something predatory about them that made my skin tingle.

I kept walking, pretending I didn't hear him. But his footsteps followed. Not hurried, not slow-just enough to keep me aware of his presence.

"I didn't get your name," he said, stepping into my path as I reached the bar.

I tilted my head, offering a tight smile. "You already know it, don't you?"

He raised an eyebrow, his lips curling up at the corners, but it wasn't a smile. Not really. "I like to hear it from the source."

I couldn't tell if that was a challenge or just his way of being... Kraven.

"Aria Black," I said smoothly, keeping my voice steady. "So, you can call me Aria."

His eyes blinked briefly, like he was processing something. The name seemed to amuse him, though. I saw the flicker of recognition, then something more guarded. He was figuring me out, no doubt. But so was I.

"Aria," he repeated, his voice like a velvet caress, soft but deadly, you know. "You're a long way from Philly."

"Life's full of surprises," I said, leaning casually against the bar, though my insides were on fire.

He took a step closer, his cologne wrapping around me, clean with a hint of smoke. I had to force myself not to flinch. This wasn't some cheesy romantic scene. This was business. This was survival, and a greater part of my career depends on how well I survive this.

"I don't hire people I can't trust," he said, his eyes never leaving mine. "You've got something about you, something I like. But that doesn't mean I won't toss you out if you can't deliver."

I could feel his words were like a challenge. The problem was, I wasn't sure if he was talking about my singing skills or something deeper-like my ability to get close to him. I was going to have to outplay him at his own game, but I wasn't ready to let him know I was already playing.

"I'll deliver," I said quietly, not looking away. "You don't have to worry about that."

He studied me for a moment with his eyes flickering, like he was weighing my words. I still didn't flinch. I couldn't afford to.

"Good," he said finally, the smile on his lips gone, replaced by something more dangerous. "I'll be watching."

Before I could respond, he turned and walked away, and this time it seemed like I felt his presence lingering like a shadow over me.

I took a deep breath and downed my drink in one go, trying to keep my cool. But my heart was racing. I'd just made it to the inner circle-at least, I thought I had.

I couldn't help but wonder how much longer I could keep playing this game.

But that didn't stop the ache in my chest as I watched him. There was a story in those eyes-one I didn't have the patience to unravel.

Mia's POV

I was still reflecting over how I had watched Kraven from the edge of the bar as he walked the hall with a cold charm.

From the distance I had observed him, he stood a few feet away, his tall, imposing figure cutting through the crowd like a predator. And I was in a deep thought that I got carried away.

"Maybe I like what I see," I heard a voice just right behind me, loud enough for me to hear over the ambient noise. Beyond a reasonable doubt, I could tell that was Kraven's voice. Just then, he moved right in front and made himself comfortable in the opposite bar seat that faced me. His gaze ran over me, slow and deliberate.

I didn't flinch even when the distance between us wasn't up to a stone's throw, as I could smell the faintest hint of leather and tobacco. There was something about him-about this whole situation-that made every cell in my body scream danger.

But I wasn't backing down.

He gave the sweetest smile with those cute lips I've ever seen and leaned over to steal a kiss.

Just immediately he parted his lips from mine, I could feel that I was already in on a long thing as I felt all the sexual cells in my body asking for more.

Let's say, I enjoyed it too or even more. Who knows!

I know that I wasn't supposed to be doing this with him, of course I know but I think this was indeed an advantage to me that things were happening so fast.

But then, for this assignment, I can be anything.

Just then, the sound of some haphazard footsteps around interrupted the tension. Kraven's gaze around 360 degrees in a twinkle of an eye before snapping back to me.

And just immediately, I heard the sound of gunfire echo through the hallway.

"Bang!! Bang!"

"Stay here," Kraven ordered at the top of his voice before turning sharply and walking toward the entrance close to the bar spot.

The door swung open instead, revealing one of his men, face pale, eyes wide with urgency.

"There's a problem. We've been compromised," the man said, his voice tight.

Kraven's expression shifted in an instant-cold, calculating. "What do you mean, compromised?"

"I think the Giovanni men are here, but we will try to get every one of them down."

The blood drained from my face as the realization hit. Though I haven't really heard of the 'Giovanni,' with the look of things, it seems like they're their opponents in the Mafia.

Kraven's gaze flickered back to me, dark and unreadable. "Get out of here. Now."

My heart pounded in my chest. I didn't move. I couldn't.

"Where do you want me to go now? Can't you see that it's not safe if I leave the premises now?" I pleaded, yet my voice was barely above a whisper.

Kraven's eyes narrowed. "Are you sure you are not a part of this?"

I maintained this straight face like I didn't know what he was referring to, not minding if the game had changed against me or not.

How on earth would he even conceive such a thing in his mind? What on earth can I get involved with the dirty games of a Mafia, of all things to do in this life?

I swallowed hard but didn't let him see the way my heartbeat sped up at his words. I was a professional. I had a job to do.

And yet, every second I spent near him made that job feel harder.

"I just asked you a question; why are you all playing dumb?"

He asked again, this time in a higher-pitched tone than the former.

And before I could respond, the sound of gunfire echoed through the hallway all over again.

"Ratatatatata."

This time the sound was quite different and more like an automated fire, and I guess it came from Kraven's men, as the sound of the other was quite different.

Of course, I use arms if need be during operations, and so I can comfortably tell the difference.

*****

"If you are willing to work for me, then I must access you to be sure you are not sent from Giovanni," he continued, The weight of his words hung in the air like a warning. "You stick around, get close to me, and we'll see how deep you're willing to go. But remember this-everything in this world has a price." He added, still maintaining the thick voice.

'Could he be that possessive?'

I straightened, and this time I was ready to step away. "I don't buy into your world, Astor," I said, though the words felt like they were coming from someone else. Because, where could that morale from me be coming from?

He chuckled, the sound dark and teasing. "Not yet, you don't have a choice here."

His fingers brushed mine briefly-just a touch, but enough to send a shiver through me.

I didn't know how much more I could take. I couldn't let him know what was really going on. I couldn't let him see how much he rattled me.

I needed to stay focused.

Kraven took a step back, his eyes still burning with curiosity, though there was something more in them now. It was as if I'd sparked something in him he hadn't expected.

"Follow me," he said, with a commanding voice. "I need to show you something."

My mind raced with possibilities as I hesitated for a split second before I nodded, letting him lead me through the back door of the club.

We got to a room that seemed more like an office. The moment we stepped into the office, the door clicked shut behind us. A massive desk sat at the center of the room, papers scattered across it, and the walls were lined with bookshelves full of legal files, old family portraits, and what looked like ledgers of a very different nature.

Kraven gestured to the leather chair across from him. "Sit."

I ignored the chair and leaned against the desk instead, crossing my arms. "What's this about?"

"What do you want from me, Aria?" He nabbed with a fake smile that didn't reach his eyes instead of answering my question.

"What exactly do you think? It seems like you find it so difficult to believe me."

I understand how 'trust' is such a big deal in the Mafia world, but I never knew it was this bad.

"Let me know everything, starting with the truth. Besides, how would I believe a total stranger?" He took an unusual glance at me and continued regardless, "But then, if you insist you know nothing about what I am talking about, then it's fine. But one thing I will assure you is that if I smell anything fishy with you, I won't spare your life for anything in this world. Ask around; I am Lord Kraven for a reason, and I earned that."

Something about the way Kraven said the last statement made my pulse race, but I still maintained my ground of acting dumb, like I have no clue what he is saying.

The silence was thick, the weight of his words pressing down on me. I should've left right then and there, but something kept me rooted to the spot because I thought that could worsen the situation.

"Bang!!! Bang!! Bang!"

The gunfire came up again just when I thought we were done with that phase.

With the look on Kraven's face, I could tell without a doubt that we weren't safe here anymore.

"Let's leave here at once."

He said and dragged my wrist out of the office.