Rome, Italy - The Gangster
262Please respect copyright.PENANA0YngexsWB5
262Please respect copyright.PENANAYlsSbQkpt1
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.
262Please respect copyright.PENANAjvCyCfJ5gg
262Please respect copyright.PENANA6AawWszLrB
He broke the quiet. "Do you have a dress with you?"
262Please respect copyright.PENANA0brTKUiqQi
262Please respect copyright.PENANAJQypSsR1sX
Bree turned to him, her brow furrowed. "A dress?" Her voice carried a note of disbelief. "What does that have to do with anything?"
262Please respect copyright.PENANAQ0Of71HCAU
262Please respect copyright.PENANArrf46xKZJ5
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."
262Please respect copyright.PENANA2si7gYGYiq
262Please respect copyright.PENANASaA6d0Q6PS
Her expression shifted to curiosity and suspicion. "Undercover?"
262Please respect copyright.PENANApwXdvnNm24
262Please respect copyright.PENANA0CdRQcuxzr
"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."
262Please respect copyright.PENANA87JBMOgVyC
262Please respect copyright.PENANAP2hZjkpJ5c
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?"
262Please respect copyright.PENANAtHjXtDgpLi
262Please respect copyright.PENANAZIjbGf8rzA
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."
262Please respect copyright.PENANAUFT6ZeIZFa
262Please respect copyright.PENANAllyne4stln
She sighed, shaking her head. "I've done this before, you know. Played the role. I'm not just here to look pretty."
262Please respect copyright.PENANAMcA8gEpNJH
262Please respect copyright.PENANAeoeRisFFm0
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."
262Please respect copyright.PENANAgP3jlKIgXU
262Please respect copyright.PENANA6kfhTpI4gI
Her gaze flicked back to the window, processing his words. "What kind of people are we dealing with?"
262Please respect copyright.PENANAQ5jLriVU0s
262Please respect copyright.PENANAhHiDgT46cJ
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."
262Please respect copyright.PENANAJn7Q4dLXz9
262Please respect copyright.PENANAh4KkBsXqHI
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.
262Please respect copyright.PENANAITxUKTt6H7
262Please respect copyright.PENANA6saWMbdIjV
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."
262Please respect copyright.PENANAjuBVAvzfvP
262Please respect copyright.PENANASjpmaLI1g0
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.
262Please respect copyright.PENANAsm3Uw4wBdI
262Please respect copyright.PENANApx4p2Z8tEd
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?
262Please respect copyright.PENANAuCUG7TRlL4
262Please respect copyright.PENANAXw82iAP1as
"Good afternoon," he said, offering a polite nod. "I'd like to speak with Vinni Tomaso."
262Please respect copyright.PENANARHZoE52VxC
262Please respect copyright.PENANADvNNynR84b
The elegantly dressed receptionist glanced up, her expression a mix of curiosity and skepticism. "Do you have an appointment?"
262Please respect copyright.PENANA9FSWHRlY4a
262Please respect copyright.PENANAnfvzh3yoiU
Mathis flashed a disarming smile. "No, but tell him Mathis Kristensen is here to collect."
262Please respect copyright.PENANAbENxfh1CdP
262Please respect copyright.PENANA7Y0qJONJRh
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.
262Please respect copyright.PENANAEZlkjF2KYG
262Please respect copyright.PENANA6hTl9Zy5p4
The receptionist gestured toward the elevator. "You may head up. Suite 8."
262Please respect copyright.PENANAE6EgwAW1UB
262Please respect copyright.PENANA1HFp9ZMthe
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."
262Please respect copyright.PENANA8qL01bXVPQ
262Please respect copyright.PENANATBI8KiRF0q
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.
262Please respect copyright.PENANAtKf0cbfQ19
262Please respect copyright.PENANACwCmmCnTlO
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.
262Please respect copyright.PENANActRypbPmPg
262Please respect copyright.PENANA2Fi40yLELe
"Are you here to kill me, Mathis?" Vinni asked, raising the gun with mockery.
262Please respect copyright.PENANAZm1Wp3HUe7
262Please respect copyright.PENANAo1gBFRGg4g
Mathis remained calm, leaning back in his chair. "No, but you know I'm always ready for the unexpected."
262Please respect copyright.PENANAuQWKrM9Kcx
262Please respect copyright.PENANAGxw7dHnKi3
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."
262Please respect copyright.PENANAqtNRAoitPH
262Please respect copyright.PENANAFC3SliTtuF
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?"
262Please respect copyright.PENANALVhqYIg4p3
262Please respect copyright.PENANAcolRYnU1hu
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."
262Please respect copyright.PENANA5GEJf6C2QT
262Please respect copyright.PENANACR8iui5Fvu
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.
262Please respect copyright.PENANAGi5xrBPtIh
262Please respect copyright.PENANAJkKv41z8Nr
"For old times," Vinni said, his tone light but his eyes sharp with calculation.
262Please respect copyright.PENANAvmroki5826
262Please respect copyright.PENANAnNoWxVipZC
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?"
262Please respect copyright.PENANAET23jiDjfg
262Please respect copyright.PENANAwMfDh1CPeO
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."
262Please respect copyright.PENANAu7pjjFTe91
262Please respect copyright.PENANAu4C9lfL9Z1
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."
262Please respect copyright.PENANAwvtlurAjfV
262Please respect copyright.PENANAvrOzsu3wha
Mathis drained his glass and gave a sly smile. "You've got it."
262Please respect copyright.PENANALhSuvUIGdm
262Please respect copyright.PENANAXdZBeUKWSv
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."
262Please respect copyright.PENANAwlCTFVGI9C
262Please respect copyright.PENANAD07lSHSLJy
Bree raised an eyebrow, her concern lingering beneath the surface. "Let's hope that's the only thing we have to change."
262Please respect copyright.PENANAlxVMyyAHUM
262Please respect copyright.PENANAkALK6yZ32e
Mathis settled into the car beside Bree, the weight of their earlier conversation still lingering. He glanced over at her, catching her raised eyebrow.
262Please respect copyright.PENANAIJX7DkpM0l
262Please respect copyright.PENANAenXefboeBA
"So?" she asked, curiosity barely hidden.
262Please respect copyright.PENANAUpbXAaX8rm
262Please respect copyright.PENANAcEsZKQRm5D
"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."
262Please respect copyright.PENANA2H4dblGLCV
262Please respect copyright.PENANAnaW2hpVPXN
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?"
262Please respect copyright.PENANA9ZL3j5As0B
262Please respect copyright.PENANAxpApl18DT2
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."
262Please respect copyright.PENANAJnFp5Z93Ot
262Please respect copyright.PENANA8Fi3IuU4Kp
Bree nodded, understanding the unspoken risks. "What's the plan then? Do we just play along?"
262Please respect copyright.PENANAsAADXGi9D7
262Please respect copyright.PENANAfbD9lrYf1L
"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."
262Please respect copyright.PENANAf1z2pgiH7r
262Please respect copyright.PENANAcwlP7bSpy7
She gave him a sidelong glance. "Handle it, huh? We're not exactly walking into a den of saints."
262Please respect copyright.PENANAr33PlOtpvL
262Please respect copyright.PENANAoapF47JkFk
Mathis smirked, starting the car. "Good thing we're not saints either."
262Please respect copyright.PENANAbd88QlkS3n
262Please respect copyright.PENANAgvtcIDsW0f
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.
262Please respect copyright.PENANAnn24GKrjDb
262Please respect copyright.PENANA8s1Gegw8oW
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.
262Please respect copyright.PENANANEXhhtyiCG
262Please respect copyright.PENANAHg1j2cv4Zr
"Mr. Tomaso is expecting you," she said, her voice softer than before.
262Please respect copyright.PENANAJP8CgtA0zw
262Please respect copyright.PENANAGu6bA0r5q3
They moved past her, stepping into the elevator in silence. Bree glanced at Mathis, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "You clean up nicely."
262Please respect copyright.PENANAHjgKQ0rdQv
262Please respect copyright.PENANA1OceZnWgeR
He gave her a brief smile, though shadows of doubt flickered across his features. "So do you."
262Please respect copyright.PENANAAqc4Wqkx35
262Please respect copyright.PENANA5zF6pbv9Xi
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.
262Please respect copyright.PENANA6soOk2jtem
262Please respect copyright.PENANA20yAqC6vDE
"Well, well," Vinni said, clapping his hands together. "You two look like you belong here."
262Please respect copyright.PENANALNBrsQvDeF
262Please respect copyright.PENANAhR3plzoJMU
Mathis gave him a cool nod, forcing himself to stay focused. "You've got something for us?"
262Please respect copyright.PENANANT3K1s6Dpr
262Please respect copyright.PENANAJTyA92mDpX
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.
262Please respect copyright.PENANADSPAdTy2Mm
262Please respect copyright.PENANAckhEcolVrI
"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."
262Please respect copyright.PENANAunToj6hdFr
262Please respect copyright.PENANALizfQt3whs
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."
262Please respect copyright.PENANAJw3bTprPSg
262Please respect copyright.PENANAsndOvJHF7e
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."
262Please respect copyright.PENANAnpChoPFUqp
262Please respect copyright.PENANAITvr5mwdPL
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."
262Please respect copyright.PENANAdZQMWKpMuV
262Please respect copyright.PENANAkJWImB54FX
"Where?" Bree pressed, her voice steady.
262Please respect copyright.PENANAzY5KeL6eRe
262Please respect copyright.PENANAIMVRGwMNAB
Vinni hesitated, then gave a small nod. "Rome. Palazzo della Minerva. The whole place has been cordoned off. What have you meddled with?"
262Please respect copyright.PENANABKFHxidm44
262Please respect copyright.PENANANsVZmr6gmD
Mathis's eyes narrowed, a chill running down his spine at the revelation. "And who's pulling the strings?"
262Please respect copyright.PENANAICaSKzBIx2
262Please respect copyright.PENANAoioH3ojeE8
Vinni swallowed hard, his voice dropping to a whisper. "The Shadow Front."
262Please respect copyright.PENANAqPAv5m3SKL
262Please respect copyright.PENANAnHccCCKEJE
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.
262Please respect copyright.PENANAgtq2QL2nJj
262Please respect copyright.PENANAjFsQcr49NE
"That's what I thought," he said, his voice low and measured.
262Please respect copyright.PENANA4TOrxJ5azm
262Please respect copyright.PENANAl1DiLA1DqE
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."
262Please respect copyright.PENANAGAbLnlybka
262Please respect copyright.PENANATMrDZRaHIm
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."
262Please respect copyright.PENANAO7ZT4xTxeV
262Please respect copyright.PENANACShV0xwklA
Vinni gave a quick nod, the tension in the room palpable. "I'll do what I can."
262Please respect copyright.PENANAURP0HrXh2r
262Please respect copyright.PENANAt3HZzm7kwY
Bree stood as well, her eyes fixed on Vinni. "Just remember, if this goes sideways, we'll know where to find you."
262Please respect copyright.PENANA63s2cAOCEk
262Please respect copyright.PENANAXTwWeI0vI0
Vinni's face paled slightly, and he gave a nervous chuckle. "I got it, I got it."
262Please respect copyright.PENANAPqbBVpCsz7
262Please respect copyright.PENANAiwWNF0nCfm
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.
262Please respect copyright.PENANA21oYe7hDA1
262Please respect copyright.PENANA8DWeK0lhur
"We have four days," Mathis said as the doors closed.
262Please respect copyright.PENANA8E4n9bXHRD
262Please respect copyright.PENANAAiQOvykDRv
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."
262Please respect copyright.PENANAkGZNHXJn41
262Please respect copyright.PENANALHux9CGFBs
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."
262Please respect copyright.PENANA3RWevMLaE7
262Please respect copyright.PENANAwNpy2l8RIA
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?"
262Please respect copyright.PENANAMJsPNmn2rZ
262Please respect copyright.PENANAzRTQB4WXIE
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."
262Please respect copyright.PENANAbngbTmiVZG
262Please respect copyright.PENANAkHYjY3WIWM
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?
262Please respect copyright.PENANAOuVyrknb5X
262Please respect copyright.PENANA0utwhXHp15
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.
262Please respect copyright.PENANAbvQ0PO90jS
262Please respect copyright.PENANAJjlKdigCL0
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.
262Please respect copyright.PENANA7LutfYZ2EX
262Please respect copyright.PENANA11xOTXyXHo
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?
262Please respect copyright.PENANAD0EdeV1zAA
262Please respect copyright.PENANAB8A1GKH2Oa
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.
262Please respect copyright.PENANAyNogtlGCWy
262Please respect copyright.PENANAOPglmjmgOD
"Before we go," he said, checking the message, "let's see if we can pick up any more intel on the way."
262Please respect copyright.PENANAcqFU3tZ5wZ
262Please respect copyright.PENANAyhc61duZK0
Bree nodded, her expression serious. "It's time to move."
262Please respect copyright.PENANAH2ZsaDSkaX
262Please respect copyright.PENANAhVPgqy6TPF
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.
ns216.73.217.1da2