"I'd been waiting for a Morano for years okay not years just a year when Alessandro Donatelli walked into Sweet Treats Ice Cream Shop. Ever since the Morano crime family expanded their operations into Riverton four years ago, I'd anticipated one of their high-ranking members would come to Oakdale. We had all sorts of characters in our small town, why not a notorious made man? But rural western Riverton wasn't exactly a hub for organized crime, apparently. Ashwood, on the other hand, was a different story altogether - the Moranos had a stranglehold on the city.
It's not that long a drive from Oakdale to Ashwood, and everyone who came into the shop said that if you threw a rock on the street corner, you'd hit a Morano associate. Though you'd better not. But I was waiting for my own Morano. You can tell I don't get out much. And it's not because I'm not attractive. I am. I'm blonde, green-eyed, and twenty-two, with curves in all the right places. Kaya, my best friend, had picked out my outfit: black shorts, white T, black socks - perfect for scooping ice cream.
As I handed a cone to a customer, my eyes locked onto Donatelli's. Tall, dark hair, piercing gaze - he exuded power. What brought a Morano consigliere to our quaint ice cream shop?"
But I had my own secret, one I kept hidden from the world. That's how I tried to think of it. The customers at Nathal's Ice Cream Parlor just thought I was mad or crazy, or something. But I was just unusually quiet, not into the same things my best friend Kaya was. Either way, the result was the same: I never dated anyone, so little treats counted a lot for me.
He sat at one of the tables, Alessandro Donatelli, a name synonymous with the Morano crime family. I knew immediately who he was and who he was after. I just couldn't make his work harder for him, but I wasn't going to play into the hands of his boss just like that.
I was amazed when no one turned their eyes to look at him. I would have missed him too, if I hadn't seen him at the Riviera Hotel earlier, calling that man his best friend. But at least they should have been able to tell by his style of clothes – tailored, expensive, and screaming "Morano."
I couldn't even determine my own expression, and I just couldn't hear when Nathal tried to reach out to me. He might have called my name a few times more if Kaya hadn't tapped me on the shoulder, waking me out of my thoughts.
Nathal looked at me from the ice cream office – we all called it that – with a worried glance. Nathal, the owner, was down-to-earth, more like family than a boss. But now, he looked at me with concern, and I knew I had some explaining to do. But for now, I was going to try and make some money for us.
He seemed lost in thought, and I wondered what occupied his mind. But approaching him was out of the question. Alessandro Donatelli, a high-ranking Morano family member, was untouchable.
Sitting at the table, he appeared slightly under six feet, his brown hair impeccably styled. His tailored attire screamed wealth and power. I couldn't help but notice his chiseled features – sharp jawline, arched brows, and a perfect nose.
As our eyes met, I tensed. Was he truly after me, or was I just paranoid? His gaze lingered, and I sensed an unspoken question. Donatelli's pale complexion only added to his enigmatic aura.
Rumors swirled about the Morano family's involvement in organized crime, but the media often sensationalized the truth. One thing was certain: Donatelli was a force to be reckoned with.
Kaya's gentle nudge broke the spell. "Hey, you okay?" she whispered.
I nodded, trying to compose myself. Donatelli's attention returned to his coffee, but I knew I hadn't seen the last of him.
Nathal's worried glance from the office reminded me to stay focused. I couldn't let Donatelli's presence disrupt our business. But as I scooped ice cream, my mind wandered back to the mysterious mafia man.
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As the afternoon wore on, Donatelli remained seated, sipping his coffee and occasionally glancing at me. I tried to ignore him, focusing on serving customers and making small talk with Kaya.
But my mind kept drifting back to Donatelli. What brought him to Nathal's Ice Cream Parlor? Was he monitoring our business or seeking something more sinister?Me.
Kaya noticed my distraction and leaned in close. "What's got you spooked?" she whispered.I have been looking at you for quite some time now and you don’t seem yourself.
I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. "Just wondering what he wants," I replied, nodding discreetly toward Donatelli.
Kaya followed my gaze and raised an eyebrow. "Who is he?"
I shrugged, unwilling to share my story about that night with her just yet.
As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the parlor, Donatelli finally stood up. His tall, imposing figure commanded attention, and I felt a shiver run down my spine.
He approached the counter, his eyes locked on mine. "Thank you for the coffee," he said, his deep voice sending a tremor through me.i snapped I didn’t even serve you that, this is an ice cream shop and for crying out loud , you were sipping coffee which isn’t even sold here”
But I kept that to myself
I managed a polite smile, trying to hide my unease.
As he turned to leave, Donatelli dropped a small piece of paper on the counter. "You might want to take a look at this," he said, his gaze piercing.
And with that, he walked out of the parlor, leaving me wondering what secrets the paper held.
But I wasn’t going to keep myself waiting I open it and it read
“ miss finding you took a full year of my time but I’m glad I finally met you again” . I folded the paper and tossed it out before Kaya read the full content.
“ hey I didn’t get to read” she says we got a good business down here.
I said looking at the closed door , sighing with relief finally.
“ that’s it, the last order for tonight” I said as I cleared the shop of the last customer and I had
only taken a step forward when I was hauled off my feet onto a chair with both my best pads hovering around me, like I was their dinner for tonight.
“Guys I’m seriously tried and I’m not ready for games, let’s just end it here for today ok”
They stared at me like I was out of my mind
“ we weren’t the ones, looking at that guy form the monaron family like we were some bees with no happy to neck over” Nathal was the first to speak
"Hey, what's going on?" Nathal asked, his voice laced with genuine concern. "You looked like you'd seen a ghost when that guy came in."
Kaya nodded vigorously, her eyes scanning mine for any sign of distress. "Yeah, you were totally spaced out. Is everything okay?"
I forced a smile, trying to brush off their concerns, but my lips trembled betraying my calm facade. "I'm fine, guys. Just tired, that's all."
Nathal's eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing. "You're sure? You seemed really shaken up."
I shrugged, attempting nonchalance despite my racing heart. "Maybe I just needed a caffeine boost. Let's just call it a day, okay?"
Kaya exchanged a skeptical glance with Nathal, her brow furrowed. "We're worried about you. You can tell us if something's bothering you."
I appreciated their concern, but I couldn't explain the unease settling within me.
"I'm positive, Kaya. Just need some rest," I reassured, trying to sound convincing.
Nathal's expression softened, but his eyes still held a hint of doubt. "Alright, let's head home. We can catch up tomorrow."
As we walked out of the parlor, the evening air enveloped me, heavy with unspoken questions, and yet I knew some of the answers, was he really after to harm me or was there some else, I wasn’t going to allow myself to even think, he wanted marriage and yet I pray not.
, fell into step beside me, her arm brushing mine.
"You're sure you're okay? You can tell me anything," she whispered.
I squeezed her hand, grateful for her loyalty. "I'm positive, Kaya. Just need some rest."
We parted ways outside, Nathal's wave and Kaya's hug providing a fleeting sense of normalcy.
As I walked home, the shadows seemed to lengthen, darkness pooling in every alleyway. I quickened my pace, my heart beating faster with each step.
Suddenly, I felt it – a prickling sensation on the back of my neck. Someone was watching me.
I spun around, scanning the deserted street, but saw nothing.
Shrugging it off as paranoia, I continued walking. Yet, the feeling persisted.
Every snap of a twig or rustle of leaves made me jump. I was being followed; I was certain.
My breath came in short gasps as I hastened toward the safety of my apartment.
Finally, I burst through the door, locking it behind me. Leaning against the wood, I tried to calm my racing heart.
Why did I feel so uneasy? Was it Alessandro's unexpected visit or something more sinister?
I couldn't shake off the feeling that tonight was only the beginning.
I settled into bed, my mind still reeling from the events of the day. Alessandro's unexpected visit to the ice cream parlor lingered in my thoughts, like an unfinished puzzle.
As I drifted off to sleep, the darkness outside seemed to press in, making me feel vulnerable. The city's sounds – car horns, laughter, and distant sirens – created a familiar symphony, yet tonight, it felt discordant.
My phone lay silent on the nightstand, but my gaze kept drifting to it, anticipating a message that might never come.
Sleep eluded me, and I found myself tossing and turning, lost in thoughts of the mysterious stranger and Alessandro's piercing gaze.
What did they want from me?
Why did I feel like my life was about to take a drastic turn?
The clock ticked away, each passing hour marking the stillness of the night.
Finally, exhaustion took hold, and I slipped into a restless slumber.
My dreams were fragmented, filled with fleeting images of the stranger's face and Alessandro's imposing figure.
I woke up to the sound of my alarm blaring, the morning light streaming through the window. The unease from the previous night lingered, like a shadow.
I got out of bed, going through the motions of getting ready for work. My mind, however, remained stuck on the events of the previous day.
As I walked to the ice cream parlor, the city seemed different, its vibrant colors muted by my growing anxiety.
Nathal and Kaya greeted me warmly, but I couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off.
The day unfolded slowly, each customer's smile and laughter a stark contrast to my inner turmoil.
And then, just as the lunch rush subsided, I saw him – Alessandro – standing outside the parlor, his eyes fixed intently on me.
I suddenly jolted up and I realized it was just a dream, if I was afraid of Alessandro this much, what could happen to me if I met him again, the one who seemed to have done more damage than good.
It had been one year since it happened why couldn’t they just forget it like I had done and now they are just coming into my life just for what now. I thought as I changed my style of sleeping.
What had happened was a mistake right not like anything bad could happen later, I just need to rest abit and continue my job at the ice cream shop and hope they never show up again, i tried convincing myself and I knew I was but then I had no choice.
This is all just too overwhelming for even me. When did my life get untangled with those people and what do they want from me. These are questions I knew the answers half way but not fully. My mind raised on till I fell into a deep sleep.
As I drifted off to sleep, the darkness outside seemed to press in, making me feel vulnerable. The city's sounds – car horns, laughter, and distant sirens – created a familiar symphony, yet tonight, it felt discordant.
My phone lay silent on the nightstand, but my gaze kept drifting to it, anticipating a message that might never come.
Sleep eluded me, and I found myself tossing and turning, lost in thoughts of the mysterious stranger and Alessandro's piercing gaze.
What did they want from me?
Why did I feel like my life was about to take a drastic turn?
The clock ticked away, each passing hour marking the stillness of the night.
Finally, exhaustion took hold, and I slipped into a restless slumber.
My dreams were fragmented, filled with fleeting images of the stranger's face and Alessandro's imposing figure.
I woke up to the sound of my alarm blaring, the morning light streaming through the window. The unease from the previous night lingered, like a shadow.
I got out of bed, going through the motions of getting ready for work. My mind, however, remained stuck on the events of the previous day.
As I walked to the ice cream parlor, the city seemed different, its vibrant colors muted by my growing anxiety.
Nathal and Kaya greeted me warmly, but I couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off.
The day unfolded slowly, each customer's smile and laughter a stark contrast to my inner turmoil.
And then, just as the lunch rush subsided, I saw him – Alessandro – standing outside the parlor, his eyes fixed intently on me.
...****************...
Alessandro strode into the dimly lit study, the soft hum of the city outside a stark contrast to the tension building within. He handed a slender file to Killian, who sat behind the mahogany desk, his piercing gaze expectant.
"Violet Koth," Alessandro said, his voice low and measured. "That's the woman from Cream & Bliss ice cream parlor."
Killian's eyes narrowed as he opened the file, scanning the contents with interest.
"Tell me more," he commanded, his deep voice dripping with authority.
Alessandro leaned against the wall, his arms crossed. "She's 25, works at Cream & Bliss. No known connections to our world."
Killian's gaze snapped up, his eyes locking onto Alessandro's. "And your interest in her?"
Alessandro's expression remained neutral. "Curiosity. She's...different. And I think she might be useful to us."
Killian's brow arched. "Useful?"
Alessandro nodded. "Yes. She has a certain...innocence. One that could prove beneficial in our dealings."
Killian's eyes returned to the file, his expression unreadable. "I want to know everything about Violet Koth. Her past, her present, her secrets. Get it done, Alessandro."
Alessandro nodded, his jaw clenched. "Already on it."
As Alessandro turned to leave, Killian's voice stopped him.
"Alessandro?"
"Yes?"
"Keep this quiet. For now."
Alessandro's nod was almost imperceptible before he disappeared into the shadows.
Killian's gaze lingered on the file, his thoughts already racing with possibilities.
Violet Koth had no idea her life was about to take a drastic turn.
Hours passed, the silence in the study broken only by the soft hum of the city outside.
Killian's phone rang, shrill in the stillness.
"A update on Violet Koth," his assistant said.
Killian listened intently, his expression darkening.
"Bring her in," he ordered.
The line went dead.
Killian's eyes narrowed, his mind already spinning with strategies.
Violet Koth's world was about to collide with his.
Days passed, each one blending into the next.
Violet's routine remained unchanged - work, friends, and exploring the city.
Alessandro's presence lingered, a ghostly figure watching from the shadows.
Killian's instructions echoed in Alessandro's mind: "Patience. The time will come."
The city pulsed, its rhythm steady.
But beneath the surface, tensions simmered.
And Violet remained unaware, her life a ticking time bomb.
Alessandro sat in the dimly lit conference room, surrounded by files and photographs. Sophia entered with a discreet knock.
"More information on Violet Koth," Sophia announced,
handing him a thick folder.
Alessandro walked into Killian's office, the file on Violet Koth still clutched in his hand. Killian looked up from his desk, their eyes locking in an unspoken understanding.
"Anything new?" Killian asked, his voice low and measured.
Alessandro handed him the file. "Sophia dug up more on Violet. No connections to our world, but she's receiving mysterious texts."
Killian's brow furrowed as he scanned the contents. "Untraceable numbers?"
Alessandro nodded. "Yeah. Looks like someone's keeping an eye on her."
Killian's gaze snapped up, his eyes narrowing. "Keep monitoring. I want to know who's behind this."
Alessandro nodded, his expression mirroring Killian's concern.
The silence between them was comfortable, a testament to their years of friendship.
"You think she's in danger?" Alessandro asked, breaking the silence.
Killian's jaw clenched. "I don't know. But we'll find out."
Their gazes met, an unspoken understanding passing between them.
Protect Violet Koth at all costs.
For now, she was theirs to watch over.
Alessandro turned to leave, but Killian's voice stopped him.
"Alessandro."
"Yeah?"
"Keep a close eye on her. But don't make contact. Not yet."
Alessandro nodded, his mind already racing with strategies.
The game had begun.
Days passed, with Alessandro keeping a discreet distance from Violet. He monitored her movements, always lurking in the shadows.
Violet's life remained quiet, her routine unchanged. She worked at Cream & Bliss, spent time with Nathal and Kaya, and explored the city's hidden gems.
But Alessandro noticed something.
Violet's unease.
She'd glance over her shoulder, as if sensing being watched. Her smiles were fleeting, and her laughter seemed forced.
Alessandro's instincts screamed that something was off.
One evening, as Violet walked home from work, Alessandro followed at a distance. The city's lights cast long shadows, and he blended into the darkness.
Suddenly, Violet quickened her pace, her head swiveling.
Alessandro's eyes scanned the area, searching for potential threats.
A figure emerged from the shadows, tailing Violet.
Alessandro's jaw clenched.
Not on his watch.
With silent precision, Alessandro closed in, his eyes locked on the mysterious figure.
Violet's safety was his priority.
And he'd stop at nothing to protect her.
Meanwhile, Violet's heart raced as she sensed the presence behind her. She darted into a nearby alley, hoping to lose the tail.
But the shadows seemed to move, closing in around her.
And then, just as suddenly, everything went still.
The silence was oppressive, heavy with unspoken threats.
Violet's breath caught in her throat.
She was not alone.
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