Episode 10

Xavier Bulgare

I arrive at the ball and everyone gravitates toward me; the event is buzzing with excitement, knowing that on party days, drinks and food are on the house. I step out of the car and am escorted to the VIP area by security guards. The music is good, and allies from neighboring hills are already there waiting for me. I walk over to the sofa, settle down, and Melinda immediately flings herself into my lap. She's a brazen b*tch, and I might have to put her in her place to show that she's nothing more than a snack and nothing more. I yank her arm from my neck, forcing her to get up. At that moment, the night’s star attraction – the hot blonde from house seven and her cousin approach with trays in hand. I hear Tato's annoying voice spouting trash, and my blood boils. I have to restrain myself to avoid smashing his face when he pulls her close to him, holds her face in his hands, and nearly kisses her. I know she's frightened. From the other side of the sofa, I can see her trembling.

"I want a whiskey."

I slam the table and shout, everyone looks at me with fear. The brunette, her cousin, makes a motion to move and I stop her.

"Not you, go get Kaya."

"What’s the deal, Venom? Can't you ask someone else?"

Tato inquires with that disgusting mouth of his, and all I want to do at that moment is rip his head off.

"Am I speaking Greek?"

Kaya gets up, walks to the bar, and comes back seconds later with a glass of whiskey. As she leans down to hand it to me, Tato grabs her from behind; this asshole is dead.

"Come on, blonde, let's stretch our legs."

He laughs and at the exact moment I touch my gun, she pulls his, aiming it right at the bastard's forehead.

"Don’t touch me, you pile of sh*t."

She yells, and at that moment, I have no doubt that I'm looking at her like a complete idiot; the blonde is tough.

"Whoa, easy there, blonde."

Tato raises his hands like a coward, he's pissing himself with fear.

"Venom."

He begs, not realizing he's already a dead man, whether she pulls the trigger or not. She looks at me with a mix of fear and hesitation.

"Shoot."

I say, taking a sip of my drink, curious to see how far she'll go.

"Come on, Venom."

Tato pleads, and I completely ignore him; I can't even stand to hear his voice.

"Seriously, blondie, my bad."

He tries to appeal to Kaya's mercy, and it seems to work, as I can see her subtly stepping back.

"I said to shoot."

She looks at me, frightened, and at that moment, I have no doubts that she won't do it. She may be the daughter of a mobster and have adrenaline in her veins, but that's not enough if you're not a killer. I take the gun from her hand, and her eyes lock onto mine.

"I see you've got the guts, blondie, just not the courage. Learn something: if you point the iron at someone, shoot. Shoot because the person you're aiming at wouldn't show you the same consideration."

I do exactly what I wanted to, shooting Tato repeatedly until I empty the revolver's chamber. She clings to me, hugging my body—I know it's reflex; her eyes squeeze shut with fear. I grab her face, making her look at me.

"You ruined my damn ball, how are you gonna make it up to me now?"

Kaya tries to wriggle out of my arms, but I hold her even tighter, I couldn't care less about all these onlookers gawking at us.

"That one right there is the owner of Vidigal. They'll definitely want the body back. Should I take it, or will you deliver it, blondie?"

"I want to go home."

She whimpers, her eyes still on the lowlife on the floor. I hold her hand, leading her toward the exit.

"What are you doing? Let me go."

She pleads, following me down the stairs.

"Let me leave."

I open the car door.

"Get in."

I state firmly.

"No."

"Get in, damn it!"

I bang on the roof of the car, and she startles, sitting in the passenger seat.

"Where are we going?"

I don't answer.

"Where are you taking me?"

She persists; I drive us home, and as I park in front of the gate, one of the guards approaches us.

"This early, boss?"

He looks at Kaya and then laughs.

"Nice one."

"Shut your trap, Buscape, you're full of crap."

I gesture to the guardhouse, and the gate opens. I drive into the garage, get out, and then open the door for her to do the same. Kaya follows me silently, her eyes scanning the place with curiosity and hesitation; she surely didn’t expect to find a house like mine on a hill, a luxurious two-story building that once belonged to a rich guy my father kicked out of the complex years ago.

"You live here?"

"Yes."

I reply impatiently; she enters, standing near the sofa, looking at me with a confused expression, the damn enchantress troubling my mind.

"What do you want?"

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"What do you want in exchange for a night with me?"

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