Chapter Forty-Seven
Ricardo’s POV
I brought out a black outfit from my wardrobe, a carefully curated ensemble that exuded power and authority. The wardrobe itself was an imposing piece of furniture, made of dark, polished wood and lined with rows of meticulously arranged clothes and accessories. It was a reflection of my meticulous nature and my desire for control.
I reached for a tailored black dress shirt, the fabric smooth and luxurious to the touch, with subtle patterns woven into the material that caught the light just right. The shirt had an almost imperceptible sheen, hinting at its expensive nature. The feel of the fabric between my fingers reminded me of the importance of appearances in my line of work.
Next, I selected a pair of black trousers, perfectly fitted and creased with military precision. They were made from high-quality wool, soft yet durable, designed to move with me while maintaining a crisp, authoritative appearance. I laid them out carefully, smoothing the creases and ensuring they were perfect.
A black leather belt with a silver buckle, engraved with an intricate design, completed the look, adding a touch of understated elegance. I admired the craftsmanship, knowing that every detail mattered in projecting the right image.
I picked up a black blazer from the hanger, its lining a rich, deep red that only became visible when the jacket moved. The blazer was adorned with subtle, but unmistakable, details of fine tailoring: sharp lapels, precisely stitched seams, and a cut that emphasized my broad shoulders and lean frame. I draped it over a chair, appreciating the way it hung, ready to complete my ensemble.
On the bed, I laid out the accessories that would complete my transformation into the Mafia lord that I was. A black silk tie, smooth and sleek, with a small silver tie pin that glinted menacingly under the light. I took a moment to run my fingers over the tie pin, the emblem of my family’s crest engraved with precision, a silent symbol of my heritage and power.
Cufflinks made of onyx and silver, each engraved with a delicate, almost cryptic, emblem of my family’s crest, were placed beside the tie. They were a subtle reminder of my legacy and the weight of my responsibilities.
I also placed a black leather holster on the bed, designed to be concealed under my jacket but easily accessible, hinting at the ever-present danger of my world. I checked the holster’s straps, ensuring they were secure and would not hinder my movements.
A pair of polished black leather shoes, sharp and shiny, stood ready to complete the outfit. I picked them up, feeling the weight and solidity of the leather, appreciating the craftsmanship that went into making them.
With everything laid out on the bed, I stepped back and surveyed the ensemble. It was more than just clothing; it was a carefully constructed image, a uniform that projected power, control, and a subtle threat. Each piece was chosen to reinforce my identity as a Mafia lord, commanding respect and instilling fear.
Satisfied, I began to dress, preparing to step into my role with every button fastened and every detail attended to. My heart pounded with anticipation as I dressed, my mind spinning with the possibilities. If Reina was indeed leading me to Evelyn, our plan was progressing faster than I had anticipated. The stakes were high, and the adrenaline coursing through my veins heightened my senses. As I buttoned my shirt, I felt a surge of excitement. The game was on, and I was ready to play my part to perfection.Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.
With the final button fastened, I walked over to the mirror to check myself out. I could never go wrong when it came to fashion. My all-black ensemble screamed wealth and power, every piece meticulously chosen and perfectly fitted. The tailored clothes hugged my athletic frame, the luxurious material adding a touch of sophistication that caught the light just right. The shirt, with its subtle sheen and intricate patterns, exuded a quiet confidence, while the trousers, creased with military precision, emphasized my disciplined nature.
I adjusted my black silk tie, ensuring it sat perfectly against my collar, and pinned it with the small silver emblem of my family’s crest. The onyx and silver cufflinks glinted in the light, a subtle but unmistakable sign of my heritage and authority. I secured the black leather holster under my jacket, the weight of the concealed weapon a constant reminder of the dangers that came with my world.
My shoes, polished to a mirror-like shine, reflected my meticulous attention to detail. The final touch was a spritz of my expensive cologne, a blend of rich, musky notes that added an air of mystery and sophistication to my presence. As I ran a hand through my dark hair, slicking it back neatly, I admired the way it framed my sharp jawline and piercing eyes. I looked every bit the powerful man I was, my presence commanding respect and instilling fear.
Satisfied with my appearance, I could never go wrong when it comes to fashion. I turned away from the mirror and grabbed my phone. I quickly sent a message to Antonio: “I’m ready. Heading out now. Will update you soon.” The reply was swift: “Stay sharp, man”
I finally walked out of my room and descended the grand staircase, each step echoing in the lavish hallway. As I reached the bottom, the sound of laughter filled the air. I entered the spacious living area, the opulent decor reflecting his wealth and taste. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a warm glow over the room, and expensive artwork adorned the walls.
My eyes quickly found Reina, moving her body seductively on one of my men, her right hand on his shoulder and her left hand holding a glass of alcohol. Her dress was as provocative as it was elegant, clinging to her curves and hinting at the allure beneath. The man she was with looked uncomfortable but didn’t dare push her away.
“Reina,” I called, my voice blunt and my face a mask of cold fury. My presence alone was enough to make the room fall silent. Reina’s eyes widened at the sight of me, and she quickly stepped away from the man, her previous confidence wavering.
“I was… Em… Helping him wipe the stain off of his shoulder,” she stuttered, her voice trembling slightly.
My expression softened slightly as I approached her, but my eyes still held a dangerous gleam. “That’s okay, you’re my personal bitch. I won’t share you, that’s how much I want you,” I whispered, my voice low and seductive as I leaned in and bit her ear gently, sending a shiver down her spine. My touch was both a reassurance and a reminder of my control over her.
Hearing this, Reina smiled, her earlier fear replaced with the satisfaction of knowing she had a hold on me. “Okei, baby,” she replied immediately, a low smirk playing on her lips.
“Let’s go, we don’t have much time. I still have other things to do,” I said, my sharp deep voice leaving no room for argument. I straightened up, offering her my arm with a commanding presence.
“Alright, baby. You look hot, by the way. I could eat you right here,” she said, her eyes roaming over his figure appreciatively.
“You’ll have me all to yourself later,” I replied with a confident smirk, my eyes never leaving hers. The anticipation of what lay ahead was electric, and I could see it mirrored in her gaze. “By the way, you’re safe with me. Some of my men will be joining the rest soon, just in case Antonio learns you’re working with me and tries to cause trouble,” I added, my tone serious as I looked into her eyes.
“Thanks, darling,” she said, her voice softening as she felt a sense of protection wash over her. I could see the relief and gratitude in her expression. She knew she was with a powerful man, and that made her feel invincible. The thought of being under my protection and having my attention made her feel on top of the world. It was a heady feeling, one I knew all too well. Power had a way of intoxicating those who touched it, and I was no exception.
With a final glance around the room, I led her out, our presence leaving a lingering sense of awe and fear among those who we passed by.
After about an hour’s drive through winding, narrow roads and dense forest, we finally arrived at the remote hideout where Reina’s men had been holding Evelyn captive. The house was a decrepit mansion, its grandeur faded with time. Thick ivy crawled up the cracked walls, and the windows, covered in grime, barely allowed any light to penetrate. The place was heavily guarded; Reina had doubled the security detail with the intention of selling Evelyn as a sex slave to a notorious mafia boss in Spain. However, upon learning of my involvement, she quickly altered her plans, leaving me to make Evelyn’s life miserable . I was a formidable figure in the underworld, known and feared across the city. My presence offered a new opportunity, one that could potentially yield what I wanted.