Chapter 8: THE PRICE OF PRIDE

Roberto Deluca

“Lucia!”

I called out repeatedly but there was no response. I had even sent on of my boys to look for her but she was obviously not in her duty post.

“Where did this lady walk to this time around?”

“Where the fuck is Lucia?” I lashed out at Smith, the bodyguard whom I sent to check on her.

“I have checked everywhere, Boss. She is nowhere to be found,” he answered.

“You have checked everywhere, Smith? Is that some kind of joke or what? Where the heck would she have gone to then?” I asked further but there was no response whatsoever.

“I see…..as expected, you would have absolutely no idea…”

“Get me a wine from the cellar. From the top shelf, quick,” I spoke in an authoritative tone.

That minute, I watched him leave my sight and a wild thought rented a sapce in my head.

The very first day I met my late wife, Reah….Then, I was not even up to a fully fleshed Mafia boss as I am right now.

I could remember that moment like it was yesterday.

“Big boys at the club,” that was a name we lived up to, everywhere single place we step into.

We had enough to bounce around and my clique were just extravagant fellas and addicts..

You would think I am the least amongst them if we were seen together but I wasn't.

We had another guy, Lincoln, that could be likened to the waterboy in the team.

He happened to be Dimitri’s, half cousin who found his way to my brotherhood and from there, he became a strong member.

“Roberto, I see you. What do you have your eyes on?” One of the Mafia brothers whispered into my ears.

“What are you talking about? I'm  just enjoying the view. There seem to be a lot of girls I. The club tonight,” I said defensively…

I actually had my eyes on a damsel that was sitter somewhere around rhe edge of the bar. Her skin was glowing and her dress just really looked outstanding.

Something about her just dictates class and value amd I was a big fan of that.

But then again, as a Mafia brother, I was used to getting any girl I want with just a bundle of dollars.

So I was ready to do the same to this beautiful strange looking lady.

I was about to tke a step from where I stood when I was stopped by my Lincoln, “Sir, do you need anything?”

That was his job so I wouldn't lash out at an inatant…”Yo, Lincoln….I don't need anything but for you to leave my sight,” I said, maintaining my gaze on the pretty lady.

“I'm getting this one,” I blurted as I walk towards her seat.

As usual, my cigar was in my right hand and my composure on its top performance level.

I got closer and her cologne just overshadowed everywhere. She had really nice and sedictive eyes and her body was just so clean and sparkling.

“Are you a model?” My intro….I told myself it sacked.

“Sorry, excuse me,” she said, dropping the drink in her hands on the bare table.

“I wa wondering what a gorgeous lady like yourself is doing all sitter alone. Come sit me. Come sit with the big men,” I said to her.

She looked at my shoes down to my head like she was sizing me up….To me, that was my cuel to show her what I was capable of.

Without further hesitation, I dropped the bundle of dollars and hit it heavily on the bare table.

She didn't even flinch. She stared at the money and hissed as she continued sipping her drink.

My eyes widened in surprise…..”Wait, is she blind to see whatnI just dropped on the table or what?” I asked myself.

That same minute, she stood up and walked up to me closely, “Young man, I don't know who you think you are but I suggest you pick your money so it doesn't go to waste…” she uttered slowly in my ears.

“I'm not a slut and I am not cheap!!” She said.

“Bartender, give the handsome some shots, put it on my tab,” she said out loud and my shock enlarged.

‘Did she just pay for my drink and litrerelly looked past the thousand of dollars lying on the table before her?”

She had to be the first in the whole city! No woman had ever dared. No woman had ever tried.

I stepped back and walked back to my table, “Hey, uhm, does anyone know who that bitch is?” I asked the others.

“Wait, do you mean that damsel over there? Was that the lady you've been staring at that made you shove the hoes away?”

“Do you know her or not?” I repeated out loud, my eyes still.fixed at the chair where she sat.

She wouldn't even look in my direction. I was marveled. What sort of woman won't be moved by my aura and money control?

“I know her boss….her father is a business man…stinkingly wealthy as I heard…he owns a wine cellar and I know she has a unique love for wines just like her father, Boss,” Lincoln interrupted.

“Hmmm….wines you say? Thanks….You just helped me, boy,” I smacked my lips as I went back to her.

“Can I buy you a wine at least, princess?” I teased her

Then she smiled.

“I'm Reah….” She spoke softly.

“That's a wonderful name…..I'm sorry about my stupid gesture the other time. I just thought..”

“....I was a hoe?” She interrupted and scoffed out loud.

“Not every girl can be swept away with money, stranger!” She added.

“Hmmm….” I smirked.

“Forgive my manner, I'm Roberto….Deluca Roberto,” I uttered with confidence.

I had built a name for myself on the streets so I was damn sure she would fidget as I mentioned my names.

But to my surprise she didn't…..

“Uhmm, did you hear what I said?” I asked.

“Yeah, your name is fine…so what wine are you getting me??” She blurted out like she didn't give two fucks.

“Wow…..” I eyed her.

Whilst at it, a familiar voice suddenly hit my ears from behind.

I snapped.