Rome, Italy - The Gangster
138Please respect copyright.PENANANFmp0ltyks
138Please respect copyright.PENANA2teEsFejzw
The drive back to the apartment was filled with a tense silence. Mathis gripped the wheel, his mind swirling with unanswered questions. They were running out of time, running out of options. He glanced at Bree, her eyes fixed on the window, the streetlights casting fleeting shadows across her face.
138Please respect copyright.PENANAEuE94j9ES4
138Please respect copyright.PENANAD3NyawymyZ
He broke the quiet. "Do you have a dress with you?"
138Please respect copyright.PENANApInckb6TN7
138Please respect copyright.PENANAo3wD6gP1yi
Bree turned to him, her brow furrowed. "A dress?" Her voice carried a note of disbelief. "What does that have to do with anything?"
138Please respect copyright.PENANA57S2jRSxGh
138Please respect copyright.PENANA9WxxsSU4W2
Mathis allowed a small, knowing smile, though tension still flickered in his eyes. "I have a contact here in Rome. From back when I was undercover."
138Please respect copyright.PENANAcf8LizSWXm
138Please respect copyright.PENANAIKudJ7aP1R
Her expression shifted to curiosity and suspicion. "Undercover?"
138Please respect copyright.PENANA4oqmvXoBhh
138Please respect copyright.PENANAOl8bYOhsVD
"Yeah," he said, the smile fading as he focused on the road. "I had to infiltrate a criminal group operating out of Italy. Made some useful contacts. The people I dealt with have no idea I'm a secret agent. One of them now runs a hotel and restaurant in the city." He paused, letting the memory settle, the weight of old choices pressing down on him. "He might have information we need... if he still remembers me."
138Please respect copyright.PENANAFz4Tpsqxse
138Please respect copyright.PENANAmS5Y1wocRy
Bree's eyes narrowed, skepticism clear. "So what's the plan? You charm your way in with this old contact, and I play the distraction?"
138Please respect copyright.PENANAMmzIbpLhDH
138Please respect copyright.PENANABauqZEWJNF
Mathis shrugged, his tone pragmatic. "Something like that. You'll need to blend in, look like you belong there. These people don't trust outsiders, and we need them to talk."
138Please respect copyright.PENANAqpJ2NfTujx
138Please respect copyright.PENANAS9J0vpjUT6
She sighed, shaking her head. "I've done this before, you know. Played the role. I'm not just here to look pretty."
138Please respect copyright.PENANAvfD1bJUcVd
138Please respect copyright.PENANAzuT77AHOFa
Mathis glanced at her again, his expression softening, a hint of admiration in his eyes. "I know. But it's not just about the role—it's about survival. And right now, we need every edge we can get."
138Please respect copyright.PENANAQU09dDYx1b
138Please respect copyright.PENANAZwPPVuifuV
Her gaze flicked back to the window, processing his words. "What kind of people are we dealing with?"
138Please respect copyright.PENANAKYKzaCjYmg
138Please respect copyright.PENANAdaLKZiKiyZ
Mathis hesitated before answering, the gravity of their mission heavy in the air. "The kind who know how to keep secrets. And the kind who'd rather bury you than let you uncover them."
138Please respect copyright.PENANAEqu2zWzaUt
138Please respect copyright.PENANAo1ONrupMRK
As he pulled up outside a lavish hotel, he felt a familiar mix of excitement and dread. This wasn't just about the mission; it was about her. He wanted to protect Bree, to let her in, but memories of his wife and child haunted him. The thought of losing someone again sent a chill through him.
138Please respect copyright.PENANAw56S2cZ02g
138Please respect copyright.PENANAR7PbTxX0Tl
Leaning down, he shot Bree a wry smile. "If I'm not back in fifteen minutes, I'm probably buried under the foundation somewhere. See you soon."
138Please respect copyright.PENANA71w01HekfC
138Please respect copyright.PENANAuZY3IxGZfa
Bree didn't quite catch the humor but forced a small smile as Mathis disappeared up the steps into the grand hotel. The unease in her chest only deepened.
138Please respect copyright.PENANA15FlKfgRVU
138Please respect copyright.PENANAcR8xP8dDph
Inside, the polished marble and soft murmur of conversation felt surreal. He strode down the long red carpet, unfazed, heading straight for the reception desk. But as he walked, a pang of guilt twisted in his gut. Could he really let Bree get close, knowing the danger surrounding them?
138Please respect copyright.PENANAWQV5jtKEPp
138Please respect copyright.PENANAQpvRggv9hf
"Good afternoon," he said, offering a polite nod. "I'd like to speak with Vinni Tomaso."
138Please respect copyright.PENANA3BiDjYQzCW
138Please respect copyright.PENANAF71xeXk4tR
The elegantly dressed receptionist glanced up, her expression a mix of curiosity and skepticism. "Do you have an appointment?"
138Please respect copyright.PENANA5X3iCZnyPr
138Please respect copyright.PENANA8cmWhq4uaE
Mathis flashed a disarming smile. "No, but tell him Mathis Kristensen is here to collect."
138Please respect copyright.PENANAJYCxFNWD75
138Please respect copyright.PENANAgkWY01vba3
As he waited, he thought of Bree. She was strong and capable, but he couldn't shake the fear that he was dragging her into a world of pain. It felt selfish to care for her, to allow himself to feel something again. But then he remembered how she had stood by him during the chaos, her determination shining through.
138Please respect copyright.PENANAyV1wJjqFre
138Please respect copyright.PENANAUelUt4NnKX
The receptionist gestured toward the elevator. "You may head up. Suite 8."
138Please respect copyright.PENANA1I4Q4PGw9i
138Please respect copyright.PENANAfMsY3GB0hg
Mathis gave her a charming smile, his heart heavy as he took the lift to the 8th floor. He quickly found the door, greeted by two security guards in suits. "Sorry, sir, we have to check you."
138Please respect copyright.PENANAy1gWeCn8ce
138Please respect copyright.PENANAiIHUSTKxaZ
Mathis opened his jacket and let them confiscate his gun. He exchanged a knowing glance with one guard, silently conveying trust. The door opened, revealing an air of luxury. He walked through a large living room adorned with beautiful paintings and elegant furniture, the scent of expensive tobacco lingering in the air.
138Please respect copyright.PENANAdy9lscngGh
138Please respect copyright.PENANAEkAtO3QYfS
As he approached the glass desk, Vinni turned, a short, round man with sparse hair. His unease was clear as he glanced at Mathis's confiscated gun.
138Please respect copyright.PENANAH8Xeb2C2Td
138Please respect copyright.PENANAppH3SQXMke
"Are you here to kill me, Mathis?" Vinni asked, raising the gun with mockery.
138Please respect copyright.PENANA7Iq8g5b63G
138Please respect copyright.PENANA5rGf2uwlTZ
Mathis remained calm, leaning back in his chair. "No, but you know I'm always ready for the unexpected."
138Please respect copyright.PENANAviiqgDkPFc
138Please respect copyright.PENANA5n08Iqpv8g
Vinni's tension eased slightly, his tone shifting. "Mathis! So nice you're back. All good? Haven't heard from you in years; was sure you were dead."
138Please respect copyright.PENANA3HdnrQtcNi
138Please respect copyright.PENANA8d9OMI7Efx
Mathis chuckled, though the laugh felt hollow. "No, I'm still around. I'm here to check out a few things—details I can't share, of course. You know how I value professionalism. But something big is going down in the next five days. Heard anything?"
138Please respect copyright.PENANA6zFE9Kdl1g
138Please respect copyright.PENANAbox6HZnrvi
Vinni leaned back, lighting a cigarette. He took a long drag, letting the smoke curl out of his mouth, his eyes calculating. "Mathis, you know it's bad business for me to share information like that."
138Please respect copyright.PENANApL0NOeK2PY
138Please respect copyright.PENANAvZtdb92x2v
He stood, motioning for the guards to leave, then grabbed two crystal glasses from a nearby cabinet. Pouring a generous amount of whiskey into each, he handed one to Mathis. They raised their glasses.
138Please respect copyright.PENANAQnIZe1uOla
138Please respect copyright.PENANADrQgb1huty
"For old times," Vinni said, his tone light but his eyes sharp with calculation.
138Please respect copyright.PENANAkkdZ2rJ4gg
138Please respect copyright.PENANArJ1SzuEScm
Mathis savored the whiskey, the smooth burn grounding him for the moment. "You remember when I helped you rise to power, don't you? Or have you forgotten who handed you control of this place?"
138Please respect copyright.PENANAhGI3oSOr7Q
138Please respect copyright.PENANACdIQh7gvw4
Vinni's eyes flickered, and he stared down into his glass, the weight of old debts hanging in the air. "I knew you'd come knocking one day, calling in favors. It's only fair, I suppose."
138Please respect copyright.PENANA26bs9kIo7Q
138Please respect copyright.PENANAqIoje55JNb
He set the glass down and nodded. "I'll look into it. Come back tonight, and I'll have what you need. But, Mathis..." He glanced over Mathis's casual attire with a smirk. "Find something more... suitable."
138Please respect copyright.PENANAxO00uqisIn
138Please respect copyright.PENANARtXStcVmp0
Mathis drained his glass and gave a sly smile. "You've got it."
138Please respect copyright.PENANAXL6zHT3Q7q
138Please respect copyright.PENANATA0lSnW6XN
As he left the room, a sense of foreboding washed over him. He descended the elevator back to Bree, the pressure of the ticking clock weighing on him. As he slid into the car, he flashed her a grin. "We've been invited back tonight, but apparently, we'll need to up our fashion game."
138Please respect copyright.PENANAK00CtAesrL
138Please respect copyright.PENANAs5ix9lva8R
Bree raised an eyebrow, her concern lingering beneath the surface. "Let's hope that's the only thing we have to change."
138Please respect copyright.PENANABrbnRGCpkv
138Please respect copyright.PENANAgfBmQYG6T9
Mathis settled into the car beside Bree, the weight of their earlier conversation still lingering. He glanced over at her, catching her raised eyebrow.
138Please respect copyright.PENANAZFDx7MXcSs
138Please respect copyright.PENANA1NuoNic2up
"So?" she asked, curiosity barely hidden.
138Please respect copyright.PENANA2VoV4FVCVL
138Please respect copyright.PENANAN38kxttRlf
"We're going back tonight," he said, adjusting his seatbelt. "But we'll need to dress the part. Seems Vinni's expecting a more... refined version of us."
138Please respect copyright.PENANA35cw5y0cZg
138Please respect copyright.PENANAI51sHTpdri
Bree's eyes flashed with interest. "I've been dying for an excuse to wear something other than field gear." She smirked, but the seriousness beneath her playful exterior caught his attention. "You think he's really going to help, or is this just another stall?"
138Please respect copyright.PENANA1QsqIOao77
138Please respect copyright.PENANA5NhUyVNcjL
Mathis considered, the tightness in his chest reminding him of the stakes. "Vinni owes me, but he's still a snake. He'll give us something, but it might come with strings attached."
138Please respect copyright.PENANAbR92yh2NbE
138Please respect copyright.PENANA6GVw9noeVv
Bree nodded, understanding the unspoken risks. "What's the plan then? Do we just play along?"
138Please respect copyright.PENANABmfGIKy1wk
138Please respect copyright.PENANAcETkhdtmgi
"For now," Mathis said, his tone colder than before. "We go in, act the part, and see what he gives us. If there's even a whiff of betrayal, we handle it."
138Please respect copyright.PENANA5ru12Lzf7s
138Please respect copyright.PENANAvIkJbAZR4M
She gave him a sidelong glance. "Handle it, huh? We're not exactly walking into a den of saints."
138Please respect copyright.PENANAPXTErVtK6e
138Please respect copyright.PENANAKW95yiKBR5
Mathis smirked, starting the car. "Good thing we're not saints either."
138Please respect copyright.PENANArv7RfYthRG
138Please respect copyright.PENANA5pYlgpAeRN
Hours later, they stood in front of the grand hotel once more, the façade shimmering under the evening lights. This time, both were dressed to blend in with the high-society crowd—Mathis in a tailored black suit, crisp and sharp, while Bree stunned in a sleek, dark evening dress, her hair pulled back in an elegant twist. They looked the part, but their eyes scanned the surroundings with the vigilance of seasoned agents.
138Please respect copyright.PENANAQP8UnPF3fZ
138Please respect copyright.PENANAmCwBbeMpM4
The lobby buzzed with chatter, the scent of expensive cologne and polished marble filling the air. As they walked through, the same receptionist glanced up, her cheeks flushing at the sight of Mathis.
138Please respect copyright.PENANAD2qJH5bDpZ
138Please respect copyright.PENANAD1c99F4Vlc
"Mr. Tomaso is expecting you," she said, her voice softer than before.
138Please respect copyright.PENANAmQ3M4jZW6x
138Please respect copyright.PENANAwv90b8w3u3
They moved past her, stepping into the elevator in silence. Bree glanced at Mathis, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "You clean up nicely."
138Please respect copyright.PENANA8wLorvrTOz
138Please respect copyright.PENANARIjCk0y3ez
He gave her a brief smile, though shadows of doubt flickered across his features. "So do you."
138Please respect copyright.PENANAwVTQX4d8UJ
138Please respect copyright.PENANAYZT3BsMtnd
The elevator dinged, and they stepped out onto the 8th floor. No guards stood at the door—only an open path leading directly to Vinni's suite. They entered the lavish room, the scent of whiskey and smoke still clinging to the air. Vinni was waiting, standing by the glass desk, a smirk on his face as he took them in.
138Please respect copyright.PENANA2mqkmJnrvh
138Please respect copyright.PENANAU7LqaxJ1Eb
"Well, well," Vinni said, clapping his hands together. "You two look like you belong here."
138Please respect copyright.PENANAFm9G4vXWgR
138Please respect copyright.PENANAB6mce0lnHZ
Mathis gave him a cool nod, forcing himself to stay focused. "You've got something for us?"
138Please respect copyright.PENANAvyj4kjKZKB
138Please respect copyright.PENANA5II0BoH5I1
Vinni poured another round of whiskey, but the atmosphere felt heavier this time. He handed them both glasses, and Mathis sensed the tension coiling in the air, a prelude to danger.
138Please respect copyright.PENANA4pslYBmSQc
138Please respect copyright.PENANAhSY1K2uF3w
"I've been hearing things," Vinni began, his voice low. "There's talk about a big meeting. High-profile people, dangerous plans. But if you're expecting me to hand over names, well... that'll cost you."
138Please respect copyright.PENANAwedR4bEoYO
138Please respect copyright.PENANAqSjYVCVQyV
Mathis set his glass down, urgency flashing in his eyes. "We're not here to bargain, Vinni. This is bigger than your little empire. You help us now, or you might not have an empire left."
138Please respect copyright.PENANAayO4GPl3yl
138Please respect copyright.PENANAI1qI0bWOut
Bree shifted, her sharp gaze fixed on Vinni. "You've had a taste of what they're capable of. We're not just trying to cross them; we're trying to prevent a disaster."
138Please respect copyright.PENANA9DtzvTcuNg
138Please respect copyright.PENANAkMxy3PgZOW
Vinni's smirk faded, fear flickering across his face. He let out a breath, nodding slowly. "Fine. There's a meeting—secret, high-level. In four days. People you don't want to mess with. High government officials. But I don't have the details yet. You'll need to dig deeper."
138Please respect copyright.PENANAVGF1WITNRl
138Please respect copyright.PENANAoubvKFunUk
"Where?" Bree pressed, her voice steady.
138Please respect copyright.PENANAEFeDPah4ah
138Please respect copyright.PENANAl72Vh0yD1q
Vinni hesitated, then gave a small nod. "Rome. Palazzo della Minerva. The whole place has been cordoned off. What have you meddled with?"
138Please respect copyright.PENANASAqZjvD9rv
138Please respect copyright.PENANAw6Gf5cGklY
Mathis's eyes narrowed, a chill running down his spine at the revelation. "And who's pulling the strings?"
138Please respect copyright.PENANAtluPeS28le
138Please respect copyright.PENANA4Wo7EygOLe
Vinni swallowed hard, his voice dropping to a whisper. "The Shadow Front."
138Please respect copyright.PENANAScMWGiWuCv
138Please respect copyright.PENANAw5W3j8nkDs
The name hung in the air like a death sentence. Mathis felt a surge of adrenaline as the weight of the revelation pressed down on him. This wasn't just another job—it was a battle against an unseen enemy.
138Please respect copyright.PENANA4qA5H7L4eT
138Please respect copyright.PENANAfJu5vpHB8J
"That's what I thought," he said, his voice low and measured.
138Please respect copyright.PENANA9sKPEJykke
138Please respect copyright.PENANA78NmYeUwzr
Vinni shifted uncomfortably. "Look, I don't know much more. I'm just a middleman. But this meeting, it's big. And the people involved... they're not the type you want to cross."
138Please respect copyright.PENANABH1RxCKnLS
138Please respect copyright.PENANAfVm3lumLNT
Mathis stood up, demeanor sharp and focused. "We're not here to cross anyone. We're here to stop something that could blow up in everyone's face. If you hear anything else, you contact me. No delays."
138Please respect copyright.PENANA4KlhvSpNgr
138Please respect copyright.PENANAsgqwMYqmUv
Vinni gave a quick nod, the tension in the room palpable. "I'll do what I can."
138Please respect copyright.PENANAgBKFlDDuiG
138Please respect copyright.PENANAiJpHfgpz6l
Bree stood as well, her eyes fixed on Vinni. "Just remember, if this goes sideways, we'll know where to find you."
138Please respect copyright.PENANAXcZimLE7pL
138Please respect copyright.PENANA1pavjosXmQ
Vinni's face paled slightly, and he gave a nervous chuckle. "I got it, I got it."
138Please respect copyright.PENANAuK7imzPetb
138Please respect copyright.PENANArhkQVtMxM1
As they turned to leave the suite, Mathis felt the weight of their mission. The Shadow Front had just made their move, and now it was a race against time. They stepped into the elevator, silence thick with unspoken thoughts.
138Please respect copyright.PENANALBpWx7MmVL
138Please respect copyright.PENANA91eFT14BSO
"We have four days," Mathis said as the doors closed.
138Please respect copyright.PENANAQOlxT0wqKA
138Please respect copyright.PENANARPBt99oCT4
Bree nodded, seriousness settling in her gaze. "We need to start gathering intel. If this meeting's going down at the Palazzo della Minerva, we'll need a way in."
138Please respect copyright.PENANAG2QIe8DA3G
138Please respect copyright.PENANAYb0bpSu7WV
Mathis nodded, contemplating their next steps. "We'll pull some strings, but first, we need to figure out who's attending. High-profile government officials... the stakes just got a lot higher."
138Please respect copyright.PENANArhvNNJxPG3
138Please respect copyright.PENANAVqmx4jUxiA
As the elevator reached the ground floor, Bree glanced at him, her voice dropping to a whisper. "You realize we're walking into a minefield, right?"
138Please respect copyright.PENANAJ6Gdirxwll
138Please respect copyright.PENANAIYBED9Lug4
Mathis gave her a small smile, determination igniting in his chest, though beneath it lay a turmoil he couldn't shake. "Wouldn't be the first time. But before we go, why don't we take the opportunity to enjoy a good meal? We're dressed for the role, and you look fantastic, Bree."
138Please respect copyright.PENANA8OnkDxiFaP
138Please respect copyright.PENANAEb6lDDqTVY
Her smile brightened, and she took his hand, warmth flooding through him. But with that warmth came the cold weight of his past, the shadows of loss lurking at the edges of his heart. Could he let himself care for her, knowing how fragile life could be?
138Please respect copyright.PENANAv44CNLwKaR
138Please respect copyright.PENANAzkyIP0fWuB
They found a cozy restaurant nearby, the warm ambiance a stark contrast to the chill of their conversation. Over a candlelit dinner, they shared light-hearted banter, allowing themselves a moment of normalcy amidst the chaos. Bree expertly navigated the menu, her confidence a reminder of her past as an undercover model, and Mathis felt a mix of admiration and fear.
138Please respect copyright.PENANAvKNmZA8IL1
138Please respect copyright.PENANA4uWCQJattm
As they talked, they overheard snippets of conversation from a nearby table—discussions of politics and recent scandals—that hinted at the pervasive influence of the Shadow Front. Mathis caught Bree's eye, a shared understanding passing between them.
138Please respect copyright.PENANAi2TkS0sFPf
138Please respect copyright.PENANAkGwv7caV4n
In that moment, he was struck by the realization of what they were up against. Not just a criminal organization, but a shadowy force that could tear them apart at any moment. Could he truly risk letting her into his heart, knowing the danger they faced?
138Please respect copyright.PENANAiaDBGraq25
138Please respect copyright.PENANA2RlIOaPswx
When they finally exited the restaurant, the cool night air washed over them, refreshing yet foreboding. There was no time to waste. Rome was waiting, and so was the Shadow Front. Mathis's phone buzzed in his pocket—a message from an informant about movement in the underworld.
138Please respect copyright.PENANAZC2vfEsFN0
138Please respect copyright.PENANAXgbyfnL2Hw
"Before we go," he said, checking the message, "let's see if we can pick up any more intel on the way."
138Please respect copyright.PENANAqAWAdGgH2w
138Please respect copyright.PENANA2MJv7lb0XG
Bree nodded, her expression serious. "It's time to move."
138Please respect copyright.PENANARqqramcbbz
138Please respect copyright.PENANAeurDUvOStj
They stepped into the night, ready to face whatever awaited them. But as Mathis walked beside Bree, he couldn't shake the feeling that with every step, he was drawing closer to a precipice—a choice between duty and the growing connection he felt for her, a connection that could lead to salvation or devastation.
ns18.222.215.12da2