IS PATIENCE A VIRTUE?
Dante
I am Don Dante Vittorio Vladimir and presently I’m wearing a synthetic morphing mask that makes me look like Massimo Leonardo- Jacob Bianchi’s newly contracted bodyguard and head of security.
But the now decaying state of Massimo Leonardo doesn’t once cross my mind as I stare at the date unfolding a few feet from where I stand. I feel like a million needles are being inserted into my body.
I still cannot believe it.
Viviana is a few steps away from me. My Viviana… My Viviana is just very steps away. So close but yet so far.
My veins pound to my heart, urging me to go to the table and ruin the date. To slam Jacob Bianchi in his smug face over and over again - for looking at her, for thinking of her, for bringing her to this place and making her dress this good for him. For having that sunshine smile of hers all to himself and for…
Presently one of his hands is reaching out to hold one of hers from across the table. My hand involuntarily moves to the stupid tie I am made to wear as I watch him intertwine their fingers.
The corner of her lips twitch and I can tell she is uncomfortable. It’s good to know that hasn’t changed about her. But it’s bad to know that Jacob doesn’t know this. He proceeds to stand from his seat and kiss her knuckles. Her smile remains. My tie doesn’t. I pull it and force it into my pocket.
Thankfully their meal arrives and he settles back to his seat.
As their conversation progresses, I realize she is one of his secretaries. Now this complicates a few things. A lot.
It means I will see Viviana frequently, but while she is in Jacob’s reach. I reach for my neck to loosen the tie again but when my hand catches nothing I realize the knot I feel is the tension from this new revelation. I exhale.
Then I begin to think about theon the events that led to this situation. I begin to doubt if it’s worth it. As Don, I can have anyone at all to do what I am doing. Well anyone that has the same body build as the dead Massimo Leonardo.
But I remember my purpose for personally choosing to undertake this and I resign myself once again.
Though I have two peoplepersons I trust with my life, the information I am chasing is a fragile one. One that cannot - must not - end up in the hands of the faint of heart or worse, the wrong hands. It can only fall into my hands. Only.
I’m pleased when I see Viviana polish off the meal on her plate. It pleases me to find out she has ceased eating in tiny quantities in a bid to follow a trend, a habitan habit she maintained for a long time. As I continue to listen to them, I realize Viviana is trying to make a conscious effort to stir and keep their conversation on topics surrounding Jacob’s business, finances and the weather - a tale as old as time. I don’t even think Jacob realizes. But if he has caught up to her act, he doesn’t show it.
Everything continues to go well, treading on partially safe territory, up until Jacob stands up from his chair and asks her to dance with him.
“I don’t think I can dance in these heels.” She says regretfully, gesturing at her six inch black heels.
He smiles but I catch a sniff of annoyance flash in his eyes. “It hardly matters. We do not need to do anything rigorous my darling. All I want is to hold you in my arms for a moment. Grant me this Viviana.” He insists.
Hell no.
That twitch of discomfort appears at the corner of her lips again and I bring out my phone and shoot off two messages to one of my men that is now one of Jacob’s security. He is presently at Jacob’s mansion and I expect the result of my message in fiveon five minutes.
Five minutes has never felt like an eternity. I hold my breath as I watch Jacob’s slimy fingers rest on the small of Viviana’s back. I see the discomfort spread from her lips to her face as she rests her hands on his shoulders. Then they begin to dance as the melody from the Santiago brothers increase and fill every corner of the hall.
I look at my phone to see that a minute and fifty seconds just passed. I squint my eyes and read Jacob’s lips as he brings them closer to her ear.
“Just feel Viviana. You don’t know how long I have wanted this. Wanted you this close.”
“Cazzo!” I curse under my breath. I swear I will wring out Alonso’s neck if I don’t see the result of my message this instant. Then, I see Jacob’s phone light up in his trousers and the knot in my throat eases. A message pops on my phone. Three words - It’s Done Boss.