Rome, Italy - The Gangster
306Please respect copyright.PENANAnGv9h2H22E
306Please respect copyright.PENANAR6FZGiyNbt
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.
306Please respect copyright.PENANAZYy4t8KodE
306Please respect copyright.PENANAmNJW6HlyfG
He broke the quiet. "Do you have a dress with you?"
306Please respect copyright.PENANAyg16xFdFKy
306Please respect copyright.PENANA8Cym9RUlQt
Bree turned to him, her brow furrowed. "A dress?" Her voice carried a note of disbelief. "What does that have to do with anything?"
306Please respect copyright.PENANAb5zTTHhCRw
306Please respect copyright.PENANAHFOV0K3ylD
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."
306Please respect copyright.PENANAb0mPsTA4B6
306Please respect copyright.PENANAyuzQKZP7ik
Her expression shifted to curiosity and suspicion. "Undercover?"
306Please respect copyright.PENANACvx38uRbAk
306Please respect copyright.PENANAtsnJl3WpX4
"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."
306Please respect copyright.PENANAQDBJ1ZIfb0
306Please respect copyright.PENANAGe1h0dLjWD
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?"
306Please respect copyright.PENANAvBFFbtsTNx
306Please respect copyright.PENANAPp2MTBmcfC
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."
306Please respect copyright.PENANAOzPnpedZiu
306Please respect copyright.PENANAwxzjXhIw8c
She sighed, shaking her head. "I've done this before, you know. Played the role. I'm not just here to look pretty."
306Please respect copyright.PENANAiJssw3RZc5
306Please respect copyright.PENANAuFNr6lWZXN
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."
306Please respect copyright.PENANAZuD81GWcY9
306Please respect copyright.PENANAkBeZQkiTvx
Her gaze flicked back to the window, processing his words. "What kind of people are we dealing with?"
306Please respect copyright.PENANA90Lyi7G7pG
306Please respect copyright.PENANAUBs0WrAi67
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."
306Please respect copyright.PENANAdHoaaI0gm3
306Please respect copyright.PENANA6f5XE5p40V
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.
306Please respect copyright.PENANAqCgTgTJhXU
306Please respect copyright.PENANAyBAGewjaQN
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."
306Please respect copyright.PENANAURfbkPB40J
306Please respect copyright.PENANAkHwmiyfSBe
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.
306Please respect copyright.PENANAexARish3tt
306Please respect copyright.PENANACD52ovytFY
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?
306Please respect copyright.PENANALgV7r2mhE9
306Please respect copyright.PENANAsLEdwZtM6k
"Good afternoon," he said, offering a polite nod. "I'd like to speak with Vinni Tomaso."
306Please respect copyright.PENANAbMyfIc0qC6
306Please respect copyright.PENANAo2wDttBEz5
The elegantly dressed receptionist glanced up, her expression a mix of curiosity and skepticism. "Do you have an appointment?"
306Please respect copyright.PENANAqbHCaJBBQM
306Please respect copyright.PENANAbMv87RUBuz
Mathis flashed a disarming smile. "No, but tell him Mathis Kristensen is here to collect."
306Please respect copyright.PENANAbnFuYuFYAh
306Please respect copyright.PENANArfLm1oHzds
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.
306Please respect copyright.PENANAEDdZIES9w2
306Please respect copyright.PENANATnLZpB4LHV
The receptionist gestured toward the elevator. "You may head up. Suite 8."
306Please respect copyright.PENANAw75e2greYs
306Please respect copyright.PENANASFFYTd2ZS3
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."
306Please respect copyright.PENANAxHMNAPZthB
306Please respect copyright.PENANAdcQcF7Cva9
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.
306Please respect copyright.PENANAGshS7Frulc
306Please respect copyright.PENANAViXYP6xTx0
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.
306Please respect copyright.PENANA6ym9BsBWLD
306Please respect copyright.PENANA2vo4P8hfQt
"Are you here to kill me, Mathis?" Vinni asked, raising the gun with mockery.
306Please respect copyright.PENANAGX1936M8Py
306Please respect copyright.PENANA3FF9xTTjnB
Mathis remained calm, leaning back in his chair. "No, but you know I'm always ready for the unexpected."
306Please respect copyright.PENANAcIZ5H5VUty
306Please respect copyright.PENANAs6XX5KFalD
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."
306Please respect copyright.PENANARqkX5VjI1W
306Please respect copyright.PENANAeeExSCNCTD
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?"
306Please respect copyright.PENANAqcPLCfGbOG
306Please respect copyright.PENANA5YfMsm8Iq6
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."
306Please respect copyright.PENANARzE98oaIqI
306Please respect copyright.PENANA8zZOtIf1Tq
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.
306Please respect copyright.PENANA6QG192E6wO
306Please respect copyright.PENANARGQE7oIMBg
"For old times," Vinni said, his tone light but his eyes sharp with calculation.
306Please respect copyright.PENANAzSMYyihNLZ
306Please respect copyright.PENANAmVj9AcUpLt
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?"
306Please respect copyright.PENANAj8q2ibQ7TJ
306Please respect copyright.PENANAskIJfK66WZ
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."
306Please respect copyright.PENANAe4uuHSvdt8
306Please respect copyright.PENANA5DuXwaraD1
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."
306Please respect copyright.PENANAWPv7u1Z4Kw
306Please respect copyright.PENANAzwLOepHrIz
Mathis drained his glass and gave a sly smile. "You've got it."
306Please respect copyright.PENANAZ8whL53PBa
306Please respect copyright.PENANA782dU5IcYF
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."
306Please respect copyright.PENANAcZBxvb8RTp
306Please respect copyright.PENANAdgrD3f5lRy
Bree raised an eyebrow, her concern lingering beneath the surface. "Let's hope that's the only thing we have to change."
306Please respect copyright.PENANAnKZjcAB5Qk
306Please respect copyright.PENANA2osp69456G
Mathis settled into the car beside Bree, the weight of their earlier conversation still lingering. He glanced over at her, catching her raised eyebrow.
306Please respect copyright.PENANA96Xxl2U7M8
306Please respect copyright.PENANA8oWaZbnsTY
"So?" she asked, curiosity barely hidden.
306Please respect copyright.PENANATVzZNhH6Gr
306Please respect copyright.PENANAoZGGk8DMAj
"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."
306Please respect copyright.PENANAL2Kr5l9NJN
306Please respect copyright.PENANAcK1rKKuNTx
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?"
306Please respect copyright.PENANAdZJVUm57Ub
306Please respect copyright.PENANACpbgJyQqMf
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."
306Please respect copyright.PENANArcZl1MP38Q
306Please respect copyright.PENANAxzwxC8sdqQ
Bree nodded, understanding the unspoken risks. "What's the plan then? Do we just play along?"
306Please respect copyright.PENANAV9ikWl9IZl
306Please respect copyright.PENANAMwMwq28Cfg
"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."
306Please respect copyright.PENANAH3aezAn9WK
306Please respect copyright.PENANAnzDiBXVdnr
She gave him a sidelong glance. "Handle it, huh? We're not exactly walking into a den of saints."
306Please respect copyright.PENANAFpckoP2pcH
306Please respect copyright.PENANAgBVBGdSfwS
Mathis smirked, starting the car. "Good thing we're not saints either."
306Please respect copyright.PENANAcbjjTN2Wm7
306Please respect copyright.PENANAiv5Xk2kPWC
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.
306Please respect copyright.PENANAhQvD4vn0LK
306Please respect copyright.PENANAO81yzJYzVB
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.
306Please respect copyright.PENANAOwZjjeFS7k
306Please respect copyright.PENANAYaQLBODydY
"Mr. Tomaso is expecting you," she said, her voice softer than before.
306Please respect copyright.PENANARAMqa00ufU
306Please respect copyright.PENANA1eS4XRNxqO
They moved past her, stepping into the elevator in silence. Bree glanced at Mathis, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "You clean up nicely."
306Please respect copyright.PENANA8BqNNc2x5m
306Please respect copyright.PENANAoWC8RUuvtp
He gave her a brief smile, though shadows of doubt flickered across his features. "So do you."
306Please respect copyright.PENANAqKsVX3Yj8Z
306Please respect copyright.PENANAJwlvXX5x1V
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.
306Please respect copyright.PENANANOln71HbSg
306Please respect copyright.PENANAEcUhDBQbtQ
"Well, well," Vinni said, clapping his hands together. "You two look like you belong here."
306Please respect copyright.PENANAR91MNaBCZI
306Please respect copyright.PENANAu9QiISo43y
Mathis gave him a cool nod, forcing himself to stay focused. "You've got something for us?"
306Please respect copyright.PENANAHKX04Eu98k
306Please respect copyright.PENANAJtlPYq0Jek
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.
306Please respect copyright.PENANAgjSd8xcgAx
306Please respect copyright.PENANANbMNfszkxe
"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."
306Please respect copyright.PENANAC1g4bi8zKf
306Please respect copyright.PENANARsxh2oTHeZ
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."
306Please respect copyright.PENANAZ1aBdtDE57
306Please respect copyright.PENANAiJPOv3qPeM
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."
306Please respect copyright.PENANAwWLUfXd4Tp
306Please respect copyright.PENANArQVhyu10Iz
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."
306Please respect copyright.PENANAvHIxVoBpNY
306Please respect copyright.PENANALDmwJBMWWv
"Where?" Bree pressed, her voice steady.
306Please respect copyright.PENANAO8zjTcpNhD
306Please respect copyright.PENANAsk5sJ5Afq5
Vinni hesitated, then gave a small nod. "Rome. Palazzo della Minerva. The whole place has been cordoned off. What have you meddled with?"
306Please respect copyright.PENANAfIljUHGQGl
306Please respect copyright.PENANAD5tTzGxGyD
Mathis's eyes narrowed, a chill running down his spine at the revelation. "And who's pulling the strings?"
306Please respect copyright.PENANAZS5NPbrmpL
306Please respect copyright.PENANAve49aBeCQT
Vinni swallowed hard, his voice dropping to a whisper. "The Shadow Front."
306Please respect copyright.PENANABSubWh4cnN
306Please respect copyright.PENANAiOg8v7zvNt
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.
306Please respect copyright.PENANA9EijflDvWg
306Please respect copyright.PENANAVNckNgh70F
"That's what I thought," he said, his voice low and measured.
306Please respect copyright.PENANAWBfEz49zLf
306Please respect copyright.PENANACqapRY5RuN
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."
306Please respect copyright.PENANAjyXfr8VIVT
306Please respect copyright.PENANAu43JfzLa7p
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."
306Please respect copyright.PENANALKjvl1q9vz
306Please respect copyright.PENANApIE9CJ0SZy
Vinni gave a quick nod, the tension in the room palpable. "I'll do what I can."
306Please respect copyright.PENANACkPyp1ONom
306Please respect copyright.PENANAHQqwCxErtw
Bree stood as well, her eyes fixed on Vinni. "Just remember, if this goes sideways, we'll know where to find you."
306Please respect copyright.PENANAKCsrNuEPg6
306Please respect copyright.PENANAZdt46vM4fr
Vinni's face paled slightly, and he gave a nervous chuckle. "I got it, I got it."
306Please respect copyright.PENANAmdWH3B2awX
306Please respect copyright.PENANAnLFasR2thK
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.
306Please respect copyright.PENANAkiCyKZTHm6
306Please respect copyright.PENANAPrAuJK9us9
"We have four days," Mathis said as the doors closed.
306Please respect copyright.PENANAo8hGZYfxoo
306Please respect copyright.PENANAo9QlyQBTBC
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."
306Please respect copyright.PENANAaFu3vAFVcT
306Please respect copyright.PENANAdVkCQNvY0V
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."
306Please respect copyright.PENANAWqgVb2tT18
306Please respect copyright.PENANAgm07kHxWIT
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?"
306Please respect copyright.PENANAaNjBNo629k
306Please respect copyright.PENANAFr9RyxewrP
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."
306Please respect copyright.PENANAdDoJYplx6h
306Please respect copyright.PENANAew6PeOf4Ht
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?
306Please respect copyright.PENANAxOLCcUWQDL
306Please respect copyright.PENANAKqEiLFnHKp
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.
306Please respect copyright.PENANALo7Qf7hIuR
306Please respect copyright.PENANA6BwTbLpPMX
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.
306Please respect copyright.PENANAAnVb8G2bcs
306Please respect copyright.PENANAwuhHPb7dRe
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?
306Please respect copyright.PENANAN4n3t0CeRv
306Please respect copyright.PENANAXEJjXNtmiP
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.
306Please respect copyright.PENANAejLK1Qznmd
306Please respect copyright.PENANAQgKZWfoUCu
"Before we go," he said, checking the message, "let's see if we can pick up any more intel on the way."
306Please respect copyright.PENANASX5rmcMeb3
306Please respect copyright.PENANAMuwzbkLyub
Bree nodded, her expression serious. "It's time to move."
306Please respect copyright.PENANA3KZCQQzFF8
306Please respect copyright.PENANAG5NwatoZaE
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.
ns216.73.216.254da2