Chapter II (edited)

The shrill ring of my phone ripped me from sleep.  "What?!" I snarled, snatching it up.

A chuckle. "You wouldn't want to disappoint a customer, would you?"

"Who the hell orders anything at this hour? I'm not a goddamn pizza place," I snapped, my annoyance audible.

"What the fuck are you talking about?  What order?" the voice retorted. "Aren't you… an assassin?"

'Oh, right,' I thought. "Who is it?" I asked, already knowing what he wanted.

"Fabio Ramirez. I'll send the details." He said as he was about to hang up. "How much?" I interrupted.

"One hundred thousand dollars."

One hundred thousand?  TF?  Seriously?  "No," I said flatly. "Find someone else. I don't come cheap."

"Wait!" he pleaded, a desperate edge to his voice. "You're my only option.  I need it clean, quiet. You're the best amongst all."

A smirk played on my lips. "Then pay accordingly." 

I heard a sigh. "Fine. Eight hundred thousand."

"Much better," I purred.

"It's a pleasure doing business with you. You'll hear news from me tomorrow night."  I hung up, and slipped back into bed in my penthouse, to continue my disturbed sleep.

Five years ago, I moved out of Mike's place.  I still visit often, though. They're my family after all. The rest of the gang is still there.  I was the only one to leave Alayah on the other hand, was hesitant at first, cuz I mean who wouldn't miss me?? but she eventually came around.  I needed my own space. And here I am at my luxurious penthouse and I became one of the country's top assassins, highly paid, well-known, and feared.  The thought brought a self-satisfied smirk to my face… then darkness claimed me once more.

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"Siv? Where are you?" Al(Alayah) 's voice crackled through the phone.

"Coming," I mumbled, the toothbrush in my mouth muffling my words.

"Still in the bathroom?" Al's sarcastic tone was practically audible.

"I overslept," I explained defensively. "Got a midnight call about a job.  Not exactly my fault." The gang knows what I do, and surprisingly, they're supportive.  Mike, however, decided to join a mafia. I have no idea which one, and honestly, there's little I can do to change his mind if he's determined.  As long as he's safe… for now.  We all know how volatile that world can be.  It's not my place to interfere, though.

Alayah, on the other hand, walked out of the mafia life, choosing the assassin path like me. We often collaborate on missions.  Today, however, is our weekly shopping spree.

We see each other almost daily, yes. But there's something special about spending our hard-earned cash together.

With a final rinse and a swipe of my tongue, I tossed the toothbrush, and went immediately to my walk in closest.

(If you don't like that outfit. I don't care........... Just kidding, I really don't care........Just imagine anything you want)

I quickly slipped on my dress, and took my heels. A quick touch of lipstick and a stylish pair of sunglasses to complete my OOTD. Honestly I don't need much make up to make myself beautiful.....I know right, what can I say I'm gorgeous.

I started the engine of my car and drove towards our pre-arranged meeting point. The quiet hum of the engine and the rhythmic pulse of the city around me provided a soothing counterpoint to the adrenaline still coursing through my veins.  This wasn't just shopping it was our ritual, a celebration of our survival, a testament to our enduring friendship forged in the crucible of a life less ordinary. We were survivors, and this was our reward. And also........It's my Birthday!!!

I know........I'm already 25. Sigh, how fast time can be.

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I pulled into a side street, my sunglasses perched on my nose, I read the café's name to see if I'm in the right location.  This must be the place. Al wanted coffee before our shopping expedition.

Stepping out of the car, I walked straight into a wall or rather, a very hard, very well-defined chest. Goddamn! As a deep voice, thick with a decidedly Italian accent, cut through the air.

"Do you have eyes, signorina?"  he sass, he's voice dripping with annoyance.

I looked up, prepared to unleash my usual witty retort, but….fuck. This man's gorgeous. Those muscular biceps. And...he's tall, maybe 4 inches taller than me.... I know I'm tall. I'm like 5'9. And he's undeniably handsome.  Seriously, who sculpted this specimen? The gods themselves, I suspected.

Urghh! No matter how gorgeous he is, he doesn't get to talk to you like that, Sylvia. Get a grip.

But then… He's so hot, I mentally drool. My gaze lingering a little too long. I think I might faint!

Snap out of it! I gave myself a mental slap.  I quickly averted my eyes to look at his perfect face, only to find him staring right back.........and his gaze lingered a little too long on my chest.  WTF?

"Eyes up here, signor, " I retorted, hands planted firmly on my hips. "And keep them there.  Don't you dare look at my babies like that!"

An amused smirk played on his lips. "Babies? You named your breasts?"

" Yeah, and they're named after their cousin, now stop staring." I snapped, my voice laced with sarcasm, he was about to reply when I cut him. "And, my apologies for the… collision." The annoyance dripped from my voice as I swept past him and into the café. He doesn't get treat my babies like that. How dare he!

Alayah was waving frantically from a small table near the window.  As I approached, she pulled me down beside her.

"So," she began, her eyes twinkling with mischief, nodding towards the man I'd just encountered. "Who was that hottie?"  The sarcasm in her tone Mirrored my own as I only rolled my eyes in response.

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