Indecent Pawn: What price is too high to pay for another person’s debt? (10 page)

“Fine, Antonio.” Carlina was a very stubborn woman. He knew this was far from over because she gave up too easily. “Allison, caro, have fun tonight. Forget about your heavy heart.”

“I will try. Thank you for everything Carlina.”

~

All the way to the night club, Antonio was busy trying to occupy himself with his phone. Somehow his eyes kept diverting to the seat next to him. There taunting him was a shiny, thick, caramelized thigh tempting him to touch and see how smooth it is. The dress Allison had worn had risen up just enough to give him added fantasies for later. Since she is normally quite covered up, he could only imagine what her body looked like under the layers of clothing. The hideous clothing that did nothing for her shape or her features. It took his mother’s meddling to recognize the beauty hidden beneath the shell but her frigid persona still remained because of the obvious years of abuse.

The real question was, why he was thinking about her in that way? He had no clue other than she was the only woman around him at the moment that wasn’t related to him. Once he got his stick wet, he was sure all of the visions and fantasies would diminish. At least that’s what he keeps telling himself. No matter how many times he says aloud that she was a married woman, he couldn’t figure out if he was trying to convince others or himself.

The thought came to mind that he was
the
boss and she seemed desperate for a way out of her current situation even if she didn’t say it aloud. There was no way he could be so despicable as to suggest she sleep with him to gain her independence. That was beyond immoral, but he’d be damned if it didn’t cross his mind just for a minute to abuse his power.

Even though she was nothing more than a pawn to him, she was still a woman and she didn’t deserve to be treated as a prostitute. That would be exactly what she would be and her husband would be considered as her pimp. He has figured out that Allison wants to be freed from her prison but he refuses to meddle in someone’s marital affairs. If she wants out and needs his help, if she continues to prove herself worthy of his trust, all she has to do is ask. Volunteering feels like he has an ulterior motive and that was not a good look.

“Boss we’re here.” Roberto said gaining his attention. All eyes were on him while his eyes were on Allison and his mind was somewhere deep in thought.

“Stick close to us. Don’t wonder off. Don’t lag behind. Understood?” Antonio said rather forcefully.

“Yes Antonio.” Allison replied to his demand. He would be lying if the sound of his name coming from her mouth didn’t sound so good.

Antonio stepped out after Gio and Roberto, before turning to assist Allison out. From the looks of things she was more of his date than an assistant. This would be a change for sure to arrive with a lady by his side. He may leave with one from time to time but he never arrived with one. The line to get into the club was down the street, the press was in full swing throwing questions as to who everyone was, and cameras were flashing capturing the moment as they walked the red carpet. It was as natural as breathing to place his hand in the small of her back to guide her through the entrance. Instead of holding her hand that seemed like the most logical way to ensure she doesn’t get left behind. 

“Right this way Mr. Mucciono and company.” The hostess met them as soon as they crossed over the threshold. She was an attractive brunette with a short, skin tight dress that accentuated all of her best features. “Mr. Carmello will be with you shortly, sir. Is there anything I can do for you in the meantime?” The seductive manner the woman asked that question was noticeable immediately. Antonio could only smile at the gesture. He never got tired of the attention he received on a daily basis.

“No thank you…”

“Oh my apologies. The name is Emily.” That would be easy to remember seeing as though her eyes were a sparkling emerald green color.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you Emily.” Antonio flashed his million dollar smile to show his interest had been peeked indeed. He may have just found his bed buddy for the night.

“Antonio, il mio amico.”

“Carmello. Nice place you got here.”

“Thank you. I see you are getting acquainted with the lovely Emily.”

“Such a hospitable hostess you have here.”

“And what a lovely young lady you have here.” Carmello gestured behind Antonio. “Un regalo per me? Non si dovrebbe avere.” Antonio didn’t like him insinuating that Antonio had brought Allison as some gift for him to play with. In the beginning he was only thinking of having a little fun with the green eyed brunette, now his mind had quickly drifted to protecting Allison from any other man.

“Le mie scuse, vecchio amico, ma lei e off limits.” Sadly Antonio couldn’t figure out why he wanted Allison labeled as off limits. The words came out before he could reel them back in.

“Off limits?” Carmello tore his lust filled eyes away from Allison to garner where Antonio was coming from. Instead of responding, Antonio gave him his most serious face to reassure him that it wasn’t a game nor joke. “Understood.”

“Good. Now, I introduce to you Allison Myers. Allison Myers meet Carmello, my cousin.”

“E’ un piacere conoscerti, bella.” Antonio rolled his eyes at his cousin’s attempts at making Allison blush. He’d bumped it up a notch as to kiss her knuckles. ‘Smooth bastard.’

“English you ass.”

“It’s nice to meet you Mr. Carmello and thank you.” Both men snapped their eyes to her wondering the same thing.

“You understood what I said.” Carmello asked.

“I wasn’t aware you knew Italian.”

“Oh, I don’t. It’s just pretty simple to follow some conversations. Bella means beautiful, correct? And off limits wasn’t too hard to figure out.” Allison giggled innocently. “Plus Carlina has been teaching me some things.”

“Quick wit as well as beautiful. I could definitely get used to having you around.” Antonio could only inwardly groan at his implication because it seems Allison has gained yet another admirer. ‘That’s just great,’ Antonio thought to himself before watched them walk away. This was going to be a long night.

Antonio was trying his damnedest to have a good time and not be a party pooper. Allison was gaining so much male attention amongst the people in the VIP area. Women were showcasing their jealousy at the ebony beauty who was a stranger to their area. Men were gravitating to the new face and luscious body unlike any of the women they were used to seeing. Thanks to the unwanted attention, Antonio was finding it hard to give his attention to any of the other women in the place. For some reason, Allison felt like his responsibility. His spiteful anger at himself for feeling awkward with her being in attendance made him act out of character.

“So Mr. Mucciono, what will you be getting into after closing time?” Emily asked seductively. The way she said his name let him further know she knew exactly who he was and tried to wager what he was worth.

“I haven’t quite decided just yet. Have any ideas?”

“I could definitely think of a few things.” With that being said, Emily commenced to whispering her ideas of fun into his ear. He had to admit they did sound quite enticing and one sounded downright scandalous. To further push the vision, Emily pointed out a red-headed addition to the pending fun night.

“That does sound interesting.”

“Emily you are needed at the front entrance.” Another worker announced.

“If you will excuse me. While I’m away, think about my offer.”

“Will do.”

“Having fun?” Gio asked.

“Of course but I will be having even more fun later.” Taking a chance glance in Allison’s general direction, he noticed she had been observing their interaction. Sitting not too far away awarded her with an earful. Almost immediately her attention was pulled back to another standing in front of her with his hand out. Declining his offer to dance seemed to have crushed his ego a bit. For some reason, Antonio found that pleasing.

“Come on little lady let me take you for a spin on the floor.” Gio asked Allison which snapped Antonio’s attention away from watching the scenery.

“No thank you Gio.” Allison declined bashfully.

“Why not?”

“I can’t dance.” She said lowly.

“Nonsense. As long as you have movement in your body, you can dance. Come. I will teach you.”

“Alright.”

“That’s all I had to say to get her to dance? I have been trying all night.” Roberto remarked. The surrounding folks laughed. Everyone except Antonio, that is. He wasn’t comfortable with his men having a fancy for Allison.

“We should really discuss the business aspect before we unleash for fun. Don’t you agree?” Antonio boomed with a serious face. Everyone’s attention was on the Don now.

“Of course, I apologize.” Allison took her hand from Gio and sat back down. Gio smoothed out his suit and made brief eye contact with Roberto.

“What is this about cousin? I wasn’t aware we were discussing any business tonight.”

“Some new information has been brought to my attention. Things that are crucial to the organization.”

“I knew it had to be something for you to be back in the country. Would it be better to step into my office or would you prefer we close off the sound a bit?”

“Closing off the sound would be preferable.”

“Very well.” Carmello used his large tablet style remote to close off the area with glass. He had to admit his cousin was crafty when it came to keeping things in order.

“Mr. Carmello…” Emily started into the area before being stopped by security.

“Emily, I need you to survey the downstairs area for bit. Monitor the bar and the door. Be sure we are still within code enforcement regulations. Head count, things of that nature.” Carmello gave out different duties no doubt to keep the inconspicuous woman busy and away from this impromptu business meeting. Antonio could tell that she wasn’t too pleased about being sent away. The small amount of disapproval was evident as she cut her green eyes in Allison’s direction. He was pretty sure she was wondering why she got to stay. “Is there something else Emily?”

“Uh sir, would you like for me to escort the lady out as well?” Emily boldly asked. Carmello looked to Antonio for answers and he just politely shook his head.

“No she will be staying.” The thought of women being a part of organizational meetings was mostly unheard of. Every now and again a wife may sit in on a meeting but a random woman was out of the question.

“What is this about?” Carmello asked once the cost was clear.

“Allison, I would like for you to explain to Carmello your findings.”

“Oh, uh… Alright.”

After stumbling over her words a few times and taking a deep breath, Allison effortlessly laid out her findings from the books. From the looks of things Carmello was just as flustered as he felt when first hearing about a thief in their mist. Initially he had his own set of questions and concerns over whether the information delivered was accurate. Once Antonio and Gio confirmed the report was accurate, he had no problems in making the necessary plans to turn over his books. Needless to say the flirtatious light he once viewed Allison in dissipated to a strictly business one.

“Excuse me gentlemen.”

“Where are you going?”

“If I may be excused, I need to go to the ladies room.”

“I will walk you down.” Gio offered. 

“That’s not necessary.”

“Humor me.” She only nodded bashfully. Antonio was trying to figure out why his consigliere was so worried about Allison. It seemed everyone around him has grown a liking for the woman. But why? Why was she so attractive to him all of a sudden? When he first laid eyes on her, there was nothing spectacular about her. A basic, sheltered, and tattered woman is what he saw. Suddenly she had grown on him and now seeing her all dolled up was driving him to the brink of insanity. He really wanted to get his dick wet. And not from anyone other than Allison Myers.

“Cousin. I know that look. What is it with this woman?” Carmello asked.

“She is a part of a business arrangement of sorts, let’s just say that.”

“Why can’t I ever have an arrangement like that? I don’t know what all is a part of the terms but signing up as a bed mate would definitely be a bonus. She is beautiful and now I see she is smart as well. If she weren’t black, she would make a perfect asset.”

“What does her being black have to do with anything?”

“Come on now. You know as well as I do, many associates would not approve of such a union. That would ensure anarchy for sure. Giving the already power hungry individuals a reason to act out.”

“Like I give a fuck what anyone has to say about my doings?”

“I totally agree with your sentiments but tradition is tradition. Is it not?”

“…” Antonio didn’t bother responding to what Carmello had to say. For he knew what he spoke was the truth. A lot of associates as well as family would have plenty to say of a biracial union. The respect he has from the many traditional Sicilian families would be lost for good. Then a thought occurred to him, ‘he just wanted to fuck not marry.’ Everything else was a moot point. All he thought about was satisfying his curiosity.

The fact that she was a married woman would make things that much easier for she is trained to run back to her husband when the dust settles. She is submissive by training. How would he go about suggesting such a lewd act though? Maybe, just maybe using his powerful influence wouldn’t be such a bad idea in this case.

*****

Allison was finding it hard to keep a stone face around the men she was surrounded by. Especially Antonio Mucciono, with him decked out in his custom fit suit, no tie for a casual look, and rugged features. His smoldering dark eyes were alluring to her for some strange reason. Every time she caught him staring at her, she wanted to smile but the fear of the unknown prevented such an act.

The women vying for his attention caused pettiness to simmer below the curiosity within her as well. Curiosity for what it would be like to have his undivided attention on only herself. Although a lot of the Italian men were flocking to her, she considered the reason was only because she was ‘new booty.’ At least that’s what she kept telling herself. Between Roberto and Gio they were trying their best to bring her out of her reserved shell. Truth was she really wanted to loosen up and enjoy herself but she didn’t want to anger Antonio.

Her loyalty for this new person in her life left her feeling weird. Somehow she felt like she was betraying her husband for even looking at this man in any other way besides being a monster. After all she is here in another country against her will. Then her memory of who put her in that predicament throws doubt out the window. She would much rather be with this supposed monster than her evil husband. Now how to convince Antonio to keep her. Even if that sounded like she was hoping to be adopted by this crime boss like she was some pet in a shelter, it was still safer here than there.

“I will be right out here.” Gio whispered. She could only nod her head.

She really didn’t have to go to the restroom, she just wanted to clear her mind. Away from what was fogging it up. Antonio Mucciono. The green eyed monster would surely return to her timid spirit as soon as that woman returned to his side. Allison was privy to all the flirtatious banter between the two grownups. Why she felt the need to be jealous was beyond her comprehension. Suddenly she heard some hushed voices coming towards the restroom. She recognized the main one was the Emily chick telling another to check to make sure it was empty. Allison chose to place her legs in the air so they weren’t visible to anyone looking underneath. Praying they wouldn’t push the doors open instead.

“The coast is clear.” Even her breathing felt on hold as she listened carefully.

“Is everything all set?” Emily asked while shuffling with something.

“Yes. I snuck him in before opening. He has an eagle eye viewpoint of the target. As soon as he gets the signal, he will end it while everyone is distracted. They will never see it coming.”

“Great job. I am sure the boss will reward you for your loyalty.”

“All I ask is that my family be spared.”

“When the plan is completed, everything will be as it was.”

“How can I be sure his people won’t put the pieces together therefore implementing me? I fear I will be in far more danger if his consigliere figures things out before I can get away. He seems cold and calculated just as the Don.”

“You just do as you are told. Don’t question me or I can put a bullet in your head now.” Allison was thinking to herself, if she killed her now then how would she do her bidding? Maybe it was just common sense that she was all bite and no bark. At the other woman’s silence, it was evident she chose to keep her mouth shut. “Now this is the vile to mix into his drink. When I return to his side, I will persuade him to meet with you personally. You can take the place of the black bitch sitting next to him, whoever she is. I know he is interested in the night I spoke of to him. You will offer to refresh his drink, in which you will pour in the poison. Is that clear?”

“Clear.”

“Before we leave refresh your makeup and pinch your cheeks to make it look like we were making out.” Allison heard the commotion indicating they were about to leave. She waited just long enough to be sure they were out of sight before she peaked out. The coast was clear so she made a beeline to Gio. She had to tell him what she overheard.

“It took you long enough. Were you enjoying the show or something?”

“The show?” Allison asked perplexed.

“I saw the two women come out before you. From the looks of things they must have been into some heavy shit.”

“Oh, you have no idea.” Allison remarked. Gio chuckled. “I have to tell you something. I am pretty sure what I am about to say will make sense to you.”

“Go ahead.”

“Let’s walk away from here. I don’t want them to see that I was in the restroom the entire time they were talking.” She was shaking with fear. Recalling there was a hint of a gunman somewhere in the rafters or at least she thinks that is what they were referring to.

“You’re shaking, what’s the matter?” Gio asked when they were near the wall away from prying eyes. Allison knew she had to make it quick before Antonio got suspicious for they had been missing for far too long.

“I overheard the Emily woman and another woman talking about something dreadful.”

“Alright go on.”

“They didn’t say for sure but I think they were talking about Antonio. There was talk about setting someone up. A gunmen in the rafters that was set up before opening. Some kind of vile with poison to cause a diversion. The other woman is worried about a consigliere or something like that. Saying he was cold or something. I don’t know but I know what I heard. Something is about to happen Gio.”

“Shit! Come on.” Gio was moving stealthily but just calm enough not to draw attention. When they arrived back in their area, Antonio was surrounded by the vixen and the red head that was pointed out earlier in the night. He was smiling from ear to ear enjoying himself too much. Gio went to speak with a few other men before they left the area calmly as if nothing was going on. Allison stood in direct sight of the threesome going on in plain view. Antonio made brief eye contact with her and the look he gave her sent a shiver down her spine. But why?