Rome, Italy - The Gangster
261Please respect copyright.PENANAqV0D4nZIHs
261Please respect copyright.PENANAwlr5BOL000
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.
261Please respect copyright.PENANAhe9SvvZWI7
261Please respect copyright.PENANA6vQdhlQVJJ
He broke the quiet. "Do you have a dress with you?"
261Please respect copyright.PENANAZ4n6Hjf3ZJ
261Please respect copyright.PENANAf8jsXORC5t
Bree turned to him, her brow furrowed. "A dress?" Her voice carried a note of disbelief. "What does that have to do with anything?"
261Please respect copyright.PENANAQ70a7hjd3j
261Please respect copyright.PENANAm6f81eMldW
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."
261Please respect copyright.PENANA8qZA61dMJU
261Please respect copyright.PENANAkMLLESoLlE
Her expression shifted to curiosity and suspicion. "Undercover?"
261Please respect copyright.PENANApngkWcgh9Z
261Please respect copyright.PENANAXq4KSO4V5l
"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."
261Please respect copyright.PENANA0XuVVz6HUc
261Please respect copyright.PENANAHNlAhAduUR
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?"
261Please respect copyright.PENANAbhPIIJ0BlO
261Please respect copyright.PENANArMBTkagFJH
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."
261Please respect copyright.PENANAyLPhICgnOF
261Please respect copyright.PENANA5D2dzI3tum
She sighed, shaking her head. "I've done this before, you know. Played the role. I'm not just here to look pretty."
261Please respect copyright.PENANAk2gBcczkFR
261Please respect copyright.PENANAcjwpQSU6pX
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."
261Please respect copyright.PENANAhDeAsl968n
261Please respect copyright.PENANAe1vZmTbfFQ
Her gaze flicked back to the window, processing his words. "What kind of people are we dealing with?"
261Please respect copyright.PENANAi6ZXgEk4Xr
261Please respect copyright.PENANAPBq4Fn3Evw
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."
261Please respect copyright.PENANA8HjBZRq7oO
261Please respect copyright.PENANABMOrdY3gdF
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.
261Please respect copyright.PENANADAjwU5RKQP
261Please respect copyright.PENANAT4oPeC8AAx
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."
261Please respect copyright.PENANA9tUWjJbMQr
261Please respect copyright.PENANAAkegut3KCE
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.
261Please respect copyright.PENANA7ffuXX4kDU
261Please respect copyright.PENANAH3Ej7IvkZD
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?
261Please respect copyright.PENANAOQLLQ0fkRU
261Please respect copyright.PENANAjaZzIcBqdd
"Good afternoon," he said, offering a polite nod. "I'd like to speak with Vinni Tomaso."
261Please respect copyright.PENANARNx9h4KhVH
261Please respect copyright.PENANAFv1GVPxc8s
The elegantly dressed receptionist glanced up, her expression a mix of curiosity and skepticism. "Do you have an appointment?"
261Please respect copyright.PENANAxwaSThKm2B
261Please respect copyright.PENANApVsBnjkAbZ
Mathis flashed a disarming smile. "No, but tell him Mathis Kristensen is here to collect."
261Please respect copyright.PENANA7i0TSmqJtW
261Please respect copyright.PENANAEaOVsaml77
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.
261Please respect copyright.PENANAQ74AJBtzeL
261Please respect copyright.PENANAzLxgwYfRTH
The receptionist gestured toward the elevator. "You may head up. Suite 8."
261Please respect copyright.PENANAdhkr2pc6q5
261Please respect copyright.PENANAGWrMpeNycX
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."
261Please respect copyright.PENANAe1a1B0PJ5O
261Please respect copyright.PENANAZsmz0qzqUJ
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.
261Please respect copyright.PENANAnIcCAN1Cwo
261Please respect copyright.PENANAQAbsWD0uu0
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.
261Please respect copyright.PENANAwDzQ9iTGeN
261Please respect copyright.PENANAaw5SWUxJqN
"Are you here to kill me, Mathis?" Vinni asked, raising the gun with mockery.
261Please respect copyright.PENANAzD09xLOYiN
261Please respect copyright.PENANAlHhpcWe4bD
Mathis remained calm, leaning back in his chair. "No, but you know I'm always ready for the unexpected."
261Please respect copyright.PENANA0diPx0Mf85
261Please respect copyright.PENANA6XV13gZdc1
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."
261Please respect copyright.PENANAlohJunEbVW
261Please respect copyright.PENANATDNsyNeh6b
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?"
261Please respect copyright.PENANAb2skfqoZQY
261Please respect copyright.PENANAbJvEQKXinL
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."
261Please respect copyright.PENANAswEGPeHfLH
261Please respect copyright.PENANA0raQPnUpfD
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.
261Please respect copyright.PENANAU17PIbRuZb
261Please respect copyright.PENANArHcyZiDsfP
"For old times," Vinni said, his tone light but his eyes sharp with calculation.
261Please respect copyright.PENANAHfRezbLuni
261Please respect copyright.PENANASse3tEmtKA
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?"
261Please respect copyright.PENANAWzCNLND9FV
261Please respect copyright.PENANAhiEZgfxuvL
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."
261Please respect copyright.PENANA80em38awrj
261Please respect copyright.PENANA1I2Q5wEnWC
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."
261Please respect copyright.PENANAmtpL8dWB0E
261Please respect copyright.PENANAmQnUXXS87Z
Mathis drained his glass and gave a sly smile. "You've got it."
261Please respect copyright.PENANAXMOgw6BhTo
261Please respect copyright.PENANAVZBKTYXCd2
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."
261Please respect copyright.PENANAVUUZl7d3eF
261Please respect copyright.PENANAbZuC37S2wh
Bree raised an eyebrow, her concern lingering beneath the surface. "Let's hope that's the only thing we have to change."
261Please respect copyright.PENANAalRIz1BJ17
261Please respect copyright.PENANAKTFPXyKjnO
Mathis settled into the car beside Bree, the weight of their earlier conversation still lingering. He glanced over at her, catching her raised eyebrow.
261Please respect copyright.PENANAQCJK7BrCtA
261Please respect copyright.PENANAxLm8tNNsJq
"So?" she asked, curiosity barely hidden.
261Please respect copyright.PENANAdnS2I1Ou8u
261Please respect copyright.PENANAIFktsrqXQl
"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."
261Please respect copyright.PENANAQHlnUIJezd
261Please respect copyright.PENANAJRo0rMqAbs
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?"
261Please respect copyright.PENANALpfLKXxbTR
261Please respect copyright.PENANA6RwSfT0guy
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."
261Please respect copyright.PENANAv2QvU6VEDF
261Please respect copyright.PENANAJfyFTUPWO4
Bree nodded, understanding the unspoken risks. "What's the plan then? Do we just play along?"
261Please respect copyright.PENANAcaWWT0SffK
261Please respect copyright.PENANAAryCBoJpns
"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."
261Please respect copyright.PENANAPrewlwxUQz
261Please respect copyright.PENANADjR9Vw4qe0
She gave him a sidelong glance. "Handle it, huh? We're not exactly walking into a den of saints."
261Please respect copyright.PENANAc7IQ0O62LH
261Please respect copyright.PENANAnZ2i7uzdDU
Mathis smirked, starting the car. "Good thing we're not saints either."
261Please respect copyright.PENANA9n3MGDcDAD
261Please respect copyright.PENANAk1UNkxORKz
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.
261Please respect copyright.PENANAgBBwsLIxVe
261Please respect copyright.PENANAy7pQjl41FA
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.
261Please respect copyright.PENANAWSUX1ueLpq
261Please respect copyright.PENANAgH4pOBI3Fa
"Mr. Tomaso is expecting you," she said, her voice softer than before.
261Please respect copyright.PENANAOsfMp7y4sE
261Please respect copyright.PENANAnHEYQ0tlb3
They moved past her, stepping into the elevator in silence. Bree glanced at Mathis, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "You clean up nicely."
261Please respect copyright.PENANA4f041xQayx
261Please respect copyright.PENANA1o3EMNjak9
He gave her a brief smile, though shadows of doubt flickered across his features. "So do you."
261Please respect copyright.PENANAOc3dVpDjwI
261Please respect copyright.PENANAS69fRIZ91x
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.
261Please respect copyright.PENANAzWExhFdSTj
261Please respect copyright.PENANAwoKoCrXhmi
"Well, well," Vinni said, clapping his hands together. "You two look like you belong here."
261Please respect copyright.PENANA4UfebiMp40
261Please respect copyright.PENANAyNi5vJewDu
Mathis gave him a cool nod, forcing himself to stay focused. "You've got something for us?"
261Please respect copyright.PENANANL3ZNLDugd
261Please respect copyright.PENANAj9tqFQ5atv
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.
261Please respect copyright.PENANAs16jbt53Pq
261Please respect copyright.PENANAnXXfp65kYj
"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."
261Please respect copyright.PENANA189DmVNOrh
261Please respect copyright.PENANA0Z9WrccdPk
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."
261Please respect copyright.PENANACtBK9gLihC
261Please respect copyright.PENANA3yNfRzXaKf
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."
261Please respect copyright.PENANA3kikWkbi1m
261Please respect copyright.PENANAGFoX12XNR3
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."
261Please respect copyright.PENANAm4rlm3QARh
261Please respect copyright.PENANA37ujUq1u2P
"Where?" Bree pressed, her voice steady.
261Please respect copyright.PENANAwHPfSsetDm
261Please respect copyright.PENANARHlricnGic
Vinni hesitated, then gave a small nod. "Rome. Palazzo della Minerva. The whole place has been cordoned off. What have you meddled with?"
261Please respect copyright.PENANAbf7bglW3oV
261Please respect copyright.PENANACx8kXlMcpM
Mathis's eyes narrowed, a chill running down his spine at the revelation. "And who's pulling the strings?"
261Please respect copyright.PENANA5ZqwBAYWOg
261Please respect copyright.PENANASE0YfmYJBd
Vinni swallowed hard, his voice dropping to a whisper. "The Shadow Front."
261Please respect copyright.PENANAY2wq8TqahG
261Please respect copyright.PENANAcBByYtdpL6
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.
261Please respect copyright.PENANAK3wHNGXoaD
261Please respect copyright.PENANAlAYgxOCQ5D
"That's what I thought," he said, his voice low and measured.
261Please respect copyright.PENANAd9iOKafgAC
261Please respect copyright.PENANAB2xnvNy3Pi
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."
261Please respect copyright.PENANAJY5ZEaeA4Y
261Please respect copyright.PENANAmb9UugxQTP
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."
261Please respect copyright.PENANA3GLZAGLRup
261Please respect copyright.PENANAy7r5zKXXjf
Vinni gave a quick nod, the tension in the room palpable. "I'll do what I can."
261Please respect copyright.PENANAZ5RCU7q97T
261Please respect copyright.PENANAKVbJ98eAeJ
Bree stood as well, her eyes fixed on Vinni. "Just remember, if this goes sideways, we'll know where to find you."
261Please respect copyright.PENANAAVtbeuejiJ
261Please respect copyright.PENANAhgodITOr3A
Vinni's face paled slightly, and he gave a nervous chuckle. "I got it, I got it."
261Please respect copyright.PENANABw28h22vXn
261Please respect copyright.PENANAeu2B0azmym
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.
261Please respect copyright.PENANAGNFAPTCGQ9
261Please respect copyright.PENANAzlIoveE3xP
"We have four days," Mathis said as the doors closed.
261Please respect copyright.PENANAhI2PYDfee1
261Please respect copyright.PENANAtO6NQn4jkp
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."
261Please respect copyright.PENANAyGqtdlfyAX
261Please respect copyright.PENANAUIKXLGEK3w
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."
261Please respect copyright.PENANAgXhqbG9kYX
261Please respect copyright.PENANAlge8pTx4dk
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?"
261Please respect copyright.PENANAbgTWeZa6Fh
261Please respect copyright.PENANAQKMSBpXjUI
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."
261Please respect copyright.PENANANe99hIq4eR
261Please respect copyright.PENANAmxI4SXwekO
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?
261Please respect copyright.PENANAsqQKJyCJ1v
261Please respect copyright.PENANA8KnYvbCLzK
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.
261Please respect copyright.PENANAGO4LA7UWOb
261Please respect copyright.PENANALILP52ssc1
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.
261Please respect copyright.PENANAiCInuTQXfG
261Please respect copyright.PENANAdTAEhpu7sA
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?
261Please respect copyright.PENANAzhU5whmwbR
261Please respect copyright.PENANAwtrTxiywv7
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.
261Please respect copyright.PENANA5AGYnzlWBv
261Please respect copyright.PENANAWb323d65DC
"Before we go," he said, checking the message, "let's see if we can pick up any more intel on the way."
261Please respect copyright.PENANADAvAGofGjB
261Please respect copyright.PENANAqVYF5GZPje
Bree nodded, her expression serious. "It's time to move."
261Please respect copyright.PENANAaWIt7YhxUs
261Please respect copyright.PENANAVLDES4diHJ
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