THE DEVILS' PLAYGROUND

Luca drove into the gates of La Rosa Nera. The club's neon lights cast an eerie shadow over everything they touched. The club's pathway was a spectacle to behold. An archway adorned with beautiful black roses that resonated with the name of the club, La Rosa Nera (The Black Rose). The petals of these gorgeous flowers glittered and danced under the night sky. Inside, the air was thick with the scent of expensive perfume and a fading sensation of danger that lingered. Luca pulled into the valet drop off zone and highlighted from his car and handed the car key over to a valet. Bianca's door was opened by a valet, and she stepped out of the car. She crossed over to the other side where Luca stood and, side by side, they walked into the club. Once inside the club, Luca's presence commanded instant attention. Heads turned, conversations paused, and whispers were heard. Bianca, walking right by his side while maintaining the pace, scanned the whole room in an instant. The special ability of a skilled assassin. 'This is no ordinary club" She thought to herself and yes, she was right. La Rosa Nera belonged to the Vincenzo family. It was one of their very many landed properties. It was a symbolism of La Mano Nera. La Rosa Nera is a high-end nightclub, often visited by wealthy clients and influential figures. Among these people are business leaders and mafia bosses. On the surface, the club hosts high-profile events, celebrity performances, and private parties. But behind the scenes, it serves as a hub for money laundering, illegal gambling, and secret mafia meetings. In fact, La Rosa Nera was under investigation for a money laundering scheme. Luca led Bianca to a secluded VIP area away from all the prying eyes and whispering voices. The attendants already knew what type of rums Luca liked, so they quickly served his specially curated rum and asked Bianca what she would like to have. 'Just get me a glass of water please" she said meekly. 'So…" Luca began, 'we're here at the devils' playground." He turned and looked back into the main section of the club and turned back to face Bianca. 'This is the world-famous La Rosa Nera, but I'm sure you must have been here a couple of times before, maybe on a mission." He sipped from his glass of rum and leaned in closer to Bianca who remained quiet. 'I called Isabella" Bianca began, her voice steady. 'I told her I would be here" 'You did what?" Exclaimed Luca. His eyes were bright and filled with rage. He reached for his holster and pulled his gun. 'Why would you give out our location, do you want to get us killed?" Bianca let out a subtle laugh. 'I know Isabella well enough, and I know what she wants. She's not going to do anything stupid." She leaned in closer to him too and held his left hand. 'Relax and let your gun relax too. We won't be needing it tonight." She added. Luca scanned her face for a while, 'so what does she want with you, and what does that have to do with taking Marco captive and threatening to kill him?" He asked as he leaned back into the soft sofa. 'Isabella and I have history." Bianca began after she took in a mouthful of water from her glass. 'She was my mentor years ago, acquaintances with my father from a place I didn't know. But she would frequent our house and help me with my training and drills" She stopped and looked at Luca who seemed fascinated with her story. 'She would often call me sister and told me we would rule this world, but she didn't stay for that. She left, abandoned me when I most needed her." 'She called you her sister?" Luca asked, his voice smooth and steady. 'Yes, she would often say things about family to me and how she wanted to take care of me, and sometimes it made me feel there was more attached to it." 'She wanted to take care of you but ended up leaving.." Before Bianca could respond, they heard a commotion in the main section of the club and saw movement coming towards the VIP section they occupied. It was obvious that their topic of discourse had arrived at the club. The music faded as Isabella Moretti entered the secluded VIP room, her presence commanded so much aura. She was dressed in a well-tailored black suit, her piercing green eyes fixed on Bianca. 'Well, well, well," she began, her voice filled with mockery. 'My little protégé is here, still playing the hero when she should be ruling the world. Looks like I failed." Bianca was quiet. She was filled with rage already at this point, but she didn't flinch. 'Isabella. What do you want?" She politely asked. Isabella's smile was cold. 'You, La mia sorellina. (my little sister) come back to family and I'll let Marco go. Luca stood up and began walking towards Isabella. This prompted Isabella's men to all pull their weapons and point at Luca in unison. He stood his ground regardless and didn't flinch. When he was close enough to her, in a low yet dangerous voice he said, 'You're in my territory, Isabella. You don't make demands here." 'That is where you get it all wrong Vincenzo," Isabella said with a vile smirk on her face. She adjusted her cuff links with deliberate calm. 'I am in every position to make demands here. And in fact, you have 48 hours to comply or I will start sending Marco back to you in pieces. She paused and allowed the threat to linger in the air for a moment. 'What do you want with me, Isabella?" Bianca asked again. This time in a more mean voice. Isabella turned to Bianca. 'I just want you to come home. We have the world to rule, don't you remember that?" 'Home does not exist anymore, I lived a life of lies and I don't want any of that again" Bianca protested calmly. Isabella was lost for words. Her jaw tightened and she clenched her fist. '48 hours. Come home or I will kill him. And that will just be the first among the things I will do to have you back. Choose wisely sister" She turned around and left the club with her men following her closely.