Vows of Vengeance
Location: A lavish, dimly lit private room in an exclusive club. The air is thick with power, the hum of hushed conversations barely cutting through the weight of unspoken deals. Chandeliers cast an eerie glow over the men gathered, but at the far end of the room, one presence eclipses all others.
Rafael “The Reaper” sits in an ornate leather chair, his expression unreadable, fingers idly tapping against his glass. The door creaks open.
Click. Click. Click.
A woman enters, her heels striking the polished marble floor like a countdown to something inevitable.
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Emilia Marchesi
She doesn’t hesitate. She doesn’t falter. Every gaze in the room follows her, but her sharp hazel eyes are locked on one man—Rafael.
Raphael
(smirking, intrigued)
I don’t take kindly to uninvited guests. What’s your name?
Emilia
Eyes never leaving him, unwavering)
Emilia Marchesi . You don’t know me, but you’re going to want to.
Raphael
(amused, leaning back in his chair)
That so? And why is that?
Emilia
(voice steady, dangerous)
Because I need you to kill someone.
A flicker of interest crosses Rafael's face. He leans forward slightly, swirling his drink, but doesn't break eye contact.
Raphael
Everyone’s got someone they want dead. Who’s your target?
Emilia
(cutting straight to the point)
Lorenzo Rinaldi.
A pause. Even Rafael’s men exchange glances. That name is spoken with respect... and fear. But Rafael? He just raises an eyebrow, his smirk never faltering.
Emilia
(firm, with a hint of cold fury)
The man who murdered my parents. Stole everything they built. He thought I’d die with them. I want him gone.
Raphael
(slowly, eyes narrowed)
Family blood is messy business. What makes you think I’ll get my hands dirty for you?
Emilia
Stepping closer, voice barely above a whisper)
Because I’m offering you something in return.
The scent of jasmine lingers in the air, mingling with something darker—power, perhaps. She stops just short of his desk, eyes still locked on his.
Emilia
Lorenzo’s empire. His businesses, his influence, his men... everything he built. I’ll hand it over to you. But first, I want to watch him burn.
Rafael chuckles darkly, setting his glass down with a soft clink.
Raphael
You don’t just walk into a man’s club, promise him an empire, and expect him to bite. You’ve got nerve, I’ll give you that.
He rises slowly, closing the distance between them, his gaze sharp, calculating. His voice drops lower, dangerous.
Raphael
(leaning in)
Tell me, Emilia… are you always this bold, or is it just when you’re desperate?
Emilia
(meeting his gaze with an unshakable confidence)
Desperate women beg. I make deals.
A slow, wicked smile tugs at Rafael's lips as he steps closer still, their bodies now inches apart. The tension crackles in the air, thick and charged.
Raphael
(grinning darkly)
Dangerous little thing, aren’t you?
Emilia
(voice like honey, sharp as a blade)
You have no idea.
She steps even closer, her breath mingling with his, the tension palpable. But she doesn’t hesitate.
Emilia
(voice dropping lower, just enough to send a thrill through him)
I’m not just asking you to kill him, Rafael. I want more than revenge. I want protection. Power. And...
Her next words are a quiet, deliberate provocation. She steps closer, letting her lips brush against his ear as she speaks.
Emilia
(sensually, her voice a whisper)
I want you to marry me.
A sharp intake of breath is heard from someone in the room. But Rafael? He simply smirks, his amusement mingled with something darker.
Raphael
(Chuckling, voice low and dangerous)
Now that’s a new one. A woman proposing to me as part of a murder plot. You know how to keep things interesting, I’ll give you that.
Emilia
(voice dripping with confidence)
It’s not just marriage. It’s strategy.
She moves even closer, her body practically brushing against his. Her breath is warm against his skin, her words a quiet invitation.
Emilia
(voice barely audible, but dripping with intent)
Together, no one would dare cross us. We take everything Lorenzo built. And I make sure he watches it crumble before he dies.
Rafael’s expression hardens, a slow chuckle escaping him.
Raphael
And after that? What happens when the empire is in our hands?
Emilia
(soft, lethal)
Then we rule it. And I make sure Lorenzo Rinaldi is nothing but a name whispered in fear of what we did to him.
The air between them crackles. The tension is thick enough to cut through, both of them fully aware of the power play unfolding. Rafael's gaze never leaves hers as he lifts her chin with a single finger, eyes dark with amusement... and something far more dangerous.
Raphael
(low, dangerous)
You’re a piece of work, Emilia Marchesi. I like that.
He leans in, his voice a whisper against her ear.
Raphael
But if we do this, we do it my way. No exceptions. No second thoughts.
Emilia
(her lips curling into a smirk, voice just as dark)
I wouldn’t have it any other way. But remember, Rafael—you get my loyalty. My power. And together, we erase Lorenzo Rinaldi from existence.
Rafael leans back, studying her. His grin widens, a glint of approval in his eyes.
Raphael
(chuckling)
Fine. Consider it done. But understand this, Emilia—you wanted me involved? You got me. And once we start, there’s no turning back.
Emilia
(whispering, her smile sharp as a blade)
I don’t turn back. I only move forward… to the day Lorenzo begs for his life.
Rafael grins, his amusement dark and dangerous. He reaches for her, pulling her closer.
Raphael
Soft, low)
Good. Then let’s make sure he never gets the chance.
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