Rome, Italy - The Gangster
63Please respect copyright.PENANAFoFhYlq2iX
63Please respect copyright.PENANAtuZPH17Qnm
The drive back to the apartment was filled with a tense silence. Mathis gripped the wheel, his mind swirling with unanswered questions. They were running out of time, running out of options. He glanced at Bree, her eyes fixed on the window, the streetlights casting fleeting shadows across her face.
63Please respect copyright.PENANA981bh6KRti
63Please respect copyright.PENANA3PePTcDCjE
He broke the quiet. "Do you have a dress with you?"
63Please respect copyright.PENANANUgAsEAfsc
63Please respect copyright.PENANAwLvYzGRdft
Bree turned to him, her brow furrowed. "A dress?" Her voice carried a note of disbelief. "What does that have to do with anything?"
63Please respect copyright.PENANALcwDzWG5p2
63Please respect copyright.PENANAYsvGqWRx3t
Mathis allowed a small, knowing smile, though tension still flickered in his eyes. "I have a contact here in Rome. From back when I was undercover."
63Please respect copyright.PENANABqHGJfueh8
63Please respect copyright.PENANAWsPODeVJjX
Her expression shifted to curiosity and suspicion. "Undercover?"
63Please respect copyright.PENANAMPUUTG9zrC
63Please respect copyright.PENANAnrv1gw1Ubn
"Yeah," he said, the smile fading as he focused on the road. "I had to infiltrate a criminal group operating out of Italy. Made some useful contacts. The people I dealt with have no idea I'm a secret agent. One of them now runs a hotel and restaurant in the city." He paused, letting the memory settle, the weight of old choices pressing down on him. "He might have information we need... if he still remembers me."
63Please respect copyright.PENANAAYf2FVXW7W
63Please respect copyright.PENANARYeB47CNfJ
Bree's eyes narrowed, skepticism clear. "So what's the plan? You charm your way in with this old contact, and I play the distraction?"
63Please respect copyright.PENANAvCTc0e9Vrp
63Please respect copyright.PENANAC9FjY5tN6y
Mathis shrugged, his tone pragmatic. "Something like that. You'll need to blend in, look like you belong there. These people don't trust outsiders, and we need them to talk."
63Please respect copyright.PENANAuWRYS09W9i
63Please respect copyright.PENANA3fnfCzlurY
She sighed, shaking her head. "I've done this before, you know. Played the role. I'm not just here to look pretty."
63Please respect copyright.PENANAjtiOJxP0Df
63Please respect copyright.PENANANquH7dBW7P
Mathis glanced at her again, his expression softening, a hint of admiration in his eyes. "I know. But it's not just about the role—it's about survival. And right now, we need every edge we can get."
63Please respect copyright.PENANAqAREDiqOtB
63Please respect copyright.PENANA9W5EYmwj1u
Her gaze flicked back to the window, processing his words. "What kind of people are we dealing with?"
63Please respect copyright.PENANA6n2glOOIwp
63Please respect copyright.PENANApBl7XQY3ma
Mathis hesitated before answering, the gravity of their mission heavy in the air. "The kind who know how to keep secrets. And the kind who'd rather bury you than let you uncover them."
63Please respect copyright.PENANAz5HY7o32JK
63Please respect copyright.PENANAqn1jdibXAM
As he pulled up outside a lavish hotel, he felt a familiar mix of excitement and dread. This wasn't just about the mission; it was about her. He wanted to protect Bree, to let her in, but memories of his wife and child haunted him. The thought of losing someone again sent a chill through him.
63Please respect copyright.PENANAdqOuYQJ4pK
63Please respect copyright.PENANAGs4UoQBpne
Leaning down, he shot Bree a wry smile. "If I'm not back in fifteen minutes, I'm probably buried under the foundation somewhere. See you soon."
63Please respect copyright.PENANAergAz6cP1r
63Please respect copyright.PENANA3Z4bRFFe5d
Bree didn't quite catch the humor but forced a small smile as Mathis disappeared up the steps into the grand hotel. The unease in her chest only deepened.
63Please respect copyright.PENANAVsphR0txaE
63Please respect copyright.PENANA0ztkru5S74
Inside, the polished marble and soft murmur of conversation felt surreal. He strode down the long red carpet, unfazed, heading straight for the reception desk. But as he walked, a pang of guilt twisted in his gut. Could he really let Bree get close, knowing the danger surrounding them?
63Please respect copyright.PENANAJXO2K4Gkaa
63Please respect copyright.PENANAWv4OOGKe0g
"Good afternoon," he said, offering a polite nod. "I'd like to speak with Vinni Tomaso."
63Please respect copyright.PENANAF2pa9Fsi3w
63Please respect copyright.PENANAfyKyNsFjme
The elegantly dressed receptionist glanced up, her expression a mix of curiosity and skepticism. "Do you have an appointment?"
63Please respect copyright.PENANAr6Fye1wCs5
63Please respect copyright.PENANAjnsvqpNPkq
Mathis flashed a disarming smile. "No, but tell him Mathis Kristensen is here to collect."
63Please respect copyright.PENANA4w2YhHJTBJ
63Please respect copyright.PENANAOMfWCzIFMa
As he waited, he thought of Bree. She was strong and capable, but he couldn't shake the fear that he was dragging her into a world of pain. It felt selfish to care for her, to allow himself to feel something again. But then he remembered how she had stood by him during the chaos, her determination shining through.
63Please respect copyright.PENANAHD7KJlzDfm
63Please respect copyright.PENANAFKoNCFm48T
The receptionist gestured toward the elevator. "You may head up. Suite 8."
63Please respect copyright.PENANAQaAGcLUkHW
63Please respect copyright.PENANAEGcdqL8hqs
Mathis gave her a charming smile, his heart heavy as he took the lift to the 8th floor. He quickly found the door, greeted by two security guards in suits. "Sorry, sir, we have to check you."
63Please respect copyright.PENANAgO4mND5QGv
63Please respect copyright.PENANAPgcnQB1aAX
Mathis opened his jacket and let them confiscate his gun. He exchanged a knowing glance with one guard, silently conveying trust. The door opened, revealing an air of luxury. He walked through a large living room adorned with beautiful paintings and elegant furniture, the scent of expensive tobacco lingering in the air.
63Please respect copyright.PENANAl0MnPDhQRN
63Please respect copyright.PENANAKpH8Ihf5By
As he approached the glass desk, Vinni turned, a short, round man with sparse hair. His unease was clear as he glanced at Mathis's confiscated gun.
63Please respect copyright.PENANAaTV9jHw8rX
63Please respect copyright.PENANAjomFGMpQIn
"Are you here to kill me, Mathis?" Vinni asked, raising the gun with mockery.
63Please respect copyright.PENANAgedKLmuFYD
63Please respect copyright.PENANAjSg0uOFWXz
Mathis remained calm, leaning back in his chair. "No, but you know I'm always ready for the unexpected."
63Please respect copyright.PENANAf91ZpjQ34b
63Please respect copyright.PENANAglM1uCxOTO
Vinni's tension eased slightly, his tone shifting. "Mathis! So nice you're back. All good? Haven't heard from you in years; was sure you were dead."
63Please respect copyright.PENANAsWJeBRvW82
63Please respect copyright.PENANAFXLbskbcR2
Mathis chuckled, though the laugh felt hollow. "No, I'm still around. I'm here to check out a few things—details I can't share, of course. You know how I value professionalism. But something big is going down in the next five days. Heard anything?"
63Please respect copyright.PENANAji8YjKhG7D
63Please respect copyright.PENANAQqkARPVRNw
Vinni leaned back, lighting a cigarette. He took a long drag, letting the smoke curl out of his mouth, his eyes calculating. "Mathis, you know it's bad business for me to share information like that."
63Please respect copyright.PENANAOCFRIBogFp
63Please respect copyright.PENANAw8uLCwr8CF
He stood, motioning for the guards to leave, then grabbed two crystal glasses from a nearby cabinet. Pouring a generous amount of whiskey into each, he handed one to Mathis. They raised their glasses.
63Please respect copyright.PENANAJPSEgHrwLu
63Please respect copyright.PENANAtcltps4pBE
"For old times," Vinni said, his tone light but his eyes sharp with calculation.
63Please respect copyright.PENANA1jSrhZfZg9
63Please respect copyright.PENANAceUghbIzrv
Mathis savored the whiskey, the smooth burn grounding him for the moment. "You remember when I helped you rise to power, don't you? Or have you forgotten who handed you control of this place?"
63Please respect copyright.PENANARYHvHSVbJ6
63Please respect copyright.PENANAuojhSTcdj1
Vinni's eyes flickered, and he stared down into his glass, the weight of old debts hanging in the air. "I knew you'd come knocking one day, calling in favors. It's only fair, I suppose."
63Please respect copyright.PENANAHFOVnnIxi3
63Please respect copyright.PENANArPWnkKQ0fo
He set the glass down and nodded. "I'll look into it. Come back tonight, and I'll have what you need. But, Mathis..." He glanced over Mathis's casual attire with a smirk. "Find something more... suitable."
63Please respect copyright.PENANArDVpQeZF2W
63Please respect copyright.PENANAyDyxCv1gx2
Mathis drained his glass and gave a sly smile. "You've got it."
63Please respect copyright.PENANA8U3XhBBPQe
63Please respect copyright.PENANAOl80FFj2OE
As he left the room, a sense of foreboding washed over him. He descended the elevator back to Bree, the pressure of the ticking clock weighing on him. As he slid into the car, he flashed her a grin. "We've been invited back tonight, but apparently, we'll need to up our fashion game."
63Please respect copyright.PENANAM4foM0RpfB
63Please respect copyright.PENANARPJOJOwwwL
Bree raised an eyebrow, her concern lingering beneath the surface. "Let's hope that's the only thing we have to change."
63Please respect copyright.PENANAu11iCHEg87
63Please respect copyright.PENANA3tkHI9nCGz
Mathis settled into the car beside Bree, the weight of their earlier conversation still lingering. He glanced over at her, catching her raised eyebrow.
63Please respect copyright.PENANA9OLnVaYyeT
63Please respect copyright.PENANAREBybOCD21
"So?" she asked, curiosity barely hidden.
63Please respect copyright.PENANA2rabY1Au2Z
63Please respect copyright.PENANAf35JBjed5e
"We're going back tonight," he said, adjusting his seatbelt. "But we'll need to dress the part. Seems Vinni's expecting a more... refined version of us."
63Please respect copyright.PENANAE3mHiz3lZh
63Please respect copyright.PENANAMekgE2WmFq
Bree's eyes flashed with interest. "I've been dying for an excuse to wear something other than field gear." She smirked, but the seriousness beneath her playful exterior caught his attention. "You think he's really going to help, or is this just another stall?"
63Please respect copyright.PENANAoNnF6ggpxg
63Please respect copyright.PENANAJJYP064Vfc
Mathis considered, the tightness in his chest reminding him of the stakes. "Vinni owes me, but he's still a snake. He'll give us something, but it might come with strings attached."
63Please respect copyright.PENANAdWAnBBQpVK
63Please respect copyright.PENANAXhCJQIkVQP
Bree nodded, understanding the unspoken risks. "What's the plan then? Do we just play along?"
63Please respect copyright.PENANAdCzPVT3YBm
63Please respect copyright.PENANABRoET0px29
"For now," Mathis said, his tone colder than before. "We go in, act the part, and see what he gives us. If there's even a whiff of betrayal, we handle it."
63Please respect copyright.PENANAuUpNbLzINT
63Please respect copyright.PENANAyyzQMInPI3
She gave him a sidelong glance. "Handle it, huh? We're not exactly walking into a den of saints."
63Please respect copyright.PENANAPPtaY7lhaM
63Please respect copyright.PENANAcZbbfz1aQq
Mathis smirked, starting the car. "Good thing we're not saints either."
63Please respect copyright.PENANAFpGBJxaRyD
63Please respect copyright.PENANAlGwqconYfe
Hours later, they stood in front of the grand hotel once more, the façade shimmering under the evening lights. This time, both were dressed to blend in with the high-society crowd—Mathis in a tailored black suit, crisp and sharp, while Bree stunned in a sleek, dark evening dress, her hair pulled back in an elegant twist. They looked the part, but their eyes scanned the surroundings with the vigilance of seasoned agents.
63Please respect copyright.PENANAhWbMzjHH2e
63Please respect copyright.PENANAsH7MSjZ4dc
The lobby buzzed with chatter, the scent of expensive cologne and polished marble filling the air. As they walked through, the same receptionist glanced up, her cheeks flushing at the sight of Mathis.
63Please respect copyright.PENANAsXFDCabtVd
63Please respect copyright.PENANADsh23ebb1G
"Mr. Tomaso is expecting you," she said, her voice softer than before.
63Please respect copyright.PENANAUjXHWk5iqf
63Please respect copyright.PENANAIRexE7Iscz
They moved past her, stepping into the elevator in silence. Bree glanced at Mathis, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "You clean up nicely."
63Please respect copyright.PENANA8kRxsTQz9T
63Please respect copyright.PENANApwR0aZQ6iI
He gave her a brief smile, though shadows of doubt flickered across his features. "So do you."
63Please respect copyright.PENANA7Rgt3VaoXN
63Please respect copyright.PENANA7F2lAbq2vB
The elevator dinged, and they stepped out onto the 8th floor. No guards stood at the door—only an open path leading directly to Vinni's suite. They entered the lavish room, the scent of whiskey and smoke still clinging to the air. Vinni was waiting, standing by the glass desk, a smirk on his face as he took them in.
63Please respect copyright.PENANAuJhxcwrIcM
63Please respect copyright.PENANA5Qlfg5ROMH
"Well, well," Vinni said, clapping his hands together. "You two look like you belong here."
63Please respect copyright.PENANApXaECyRBsQ
63Please respect copyright.PENANAc47ZHxF1S7
Mathis gave him a cool nod, forcing himself to stay focused. "You've got something for us?"
63Please respect copyright.PENANAA0A2cXoO5H
63Please respect copyright.PENANAFOBKxAm6xC
Vinni poured another round of whiskey, but the atmosphere felt heavier this time. He handed them both glasses, and Mathis sensed the tension coiling in the air, a prelude to danger.
63Please respect copyright.PENANAIrBesEsr2u
63Please respect copyright.PENANAydQ1W1JYwO
"I've been hearing things," Vinni began, his voice low. "There's talk about a big meeting. High-profile people, dangerous plans. But if you're expecting me to hand over names, well... that'll cost you."
63Please respect copyright.PENANA7l1utaM5lR
63Please respect copyright.PENANA62m3uDfhey
Mathis set his glass down, urgency flashing in his eyes. "We're not here to bargain, Vinni. This is bigger than your little empire. You help us now, or you might not have an empire left."
63Please respect copyright.PENANAEvn7rwICXf
63Please respect copyright.PENANA6W36qouxbh
Bree shifted, her sharp gaze fixed on Vinni. "You've had a taste of what they're capable of. We're not just trying to cross them; we're trying to prevent a disaster."
63Please respect copyright.PENANA9IDvp1XacQ
63Please respect copyright.PENANABd2ehdSQNU
Vinni's smirk faded, fear flickering across his face. He let out a breath, nodding slowly. "Fine. There's a meeting—secret, high-level. In four days. People you don't want to mess with. High government officials. But I don't have the details yet. You'll need to dig deeper."
63Please respect copyright.PENANAhAkgbvg5Ja
63Please respect copyright.PENANAFOKjMiVuQp
"Where?" Bree pressed, her voice steady.
63Please respect copyright.PENANABvoa3LnKiF
63Please respect copyright.PENANABrp0shMUSK
Vinni hesitated, then gave a small nod. "Rome. Palazzo della Minerva. The whole place has been cordoned off. What have you meddled with?"
63Please respect copyright.PENANAYSNw8JbjrN
63Please respect copyright.PENANACdkKPDEzoJ
Mathis's eyes narrowed, a chill running down his spine at the revelation. "And who's pulling the strings?"
63Please respect copyright.PENANAbHnOmj9udC
63Please respect copyright.PENANACobkwEjqUE
Vinni swallowed hard, his voice dropping to a whisper. "The Shadow Front."
63Please respect copyright.PENANAAQXcyD0Zms
63Please respect copyright.PENANAGkSfCpeU64
The name hung in the air like a death sentence. Mathis felt a surge of adrenaline as the weight of the revelation pressed down on him. This wasn't just another job—it was a battle against an unseen enemy.
63Please respect copyright.PENANAjDnYtbfSFL
63Please respect copyright.PENANASIwonrr0ll
"That's what I thought," he said, his voice low and measured.
63Please respect copyright.PENANAk94z3n7yNI
63Please respect copyright.PENANARetMGbevjj
Vinni shifted uncomfortably. "Look, I don't know much more. I'm just a middleman. But this meeting, it's big. And the people involved... they're not the type you want to cross."
63Please respect copyright.PENANANLOz2jmOtW
63Please respect copyright.PENANADxeC91ZBuv
Mathis stood up, demeanor sharp and focused. "We're not here to cross anyone. We're here to stop something that could blow up in everyone's face. If you hear anything else, you contact me. No delays."
63Please respect copyright.PENANA5iQvNuOcRz
63Please respect copyright.PENANA6k07JL77IN
Vinni gave a quick nod, the tension in the room palpable. "I'll do what I can."
63Please respect copyright.PENANAAkR2xfdLQ4
63Please respect copyright.PENANAexY3gZ2aGF
Bree stood as well, her eyes fixed on Vinni. "Just remember, if this goes sideways, we'll know where to find you."
63Please respect copyright.PENANAEWcijTioiv
63Please respect copyright.PENANAnEzMgKKOIX
Vinni's face paled slightly, and he gave a nervous chuckle. "I got it, I got it."
63Please respect copyright.PENANA45YwKF7gtz
63Please respect copyright.PENANA9ZKUxFnVH0
As they turned to leave the suite, Mathis felt the weight of their mission. The Shadow Front had just made their move, and now it was a race against time. They stepped into the elevator, silence thick with unspoken thoughts.
63Please respect copyright.PENANAwCMsIDP6B9
63Please respect copyright.PENANAORHKjwurqC
"We have four days," Mathis said as the doors closed.
63Please respect copyright.PENANApD7vtUw9LF
63Please respect copyright.PENANAllTSSrPzzp
Bree nodded, seriousness settling in her gaze. "We need to start gathering intel. If this meeting's going down at the Palazzo della Minerva, we'll need a way in."
63Please respect copyright.PENANAf8cY7AizPo
63Please respect copyright.PENANAvvDA9BT4Qb
Mathis nodded, contemplating their next steps. "We'll pull some strings, but first, we need to figure out who's attending. High-profile government officials... the stakes just got a lot higher."
63Please respect copyright.PENANAJLaWrnZivU
63Please respect copyright.PENANAGiYsTJOMJa
As the elevator reached the ground floor, Bree glanced at him, her voice dropping to a whisper. "You realize we're walking into a minefield, right?"
63Please respect copyright.PENANAt9QVhnROOM
63Please respect copyright.PENANAOKT48Abuji
Mathis gave her a small smile, determination igniting in his chest, though beneath it lay a turmoil he couldn't shake. "Wouldn't be the first time. But before we go, why don't we take the opportunity to enjoy a good meal? We're dressed for the role, and you look fantastic, Bree."
63Please respect copyright.PENANAef93XScj7R
63Please respect copyright.PENANAMdSi5AVSwD
Her smile brightened, and she took his hand, warmth flooding through him. But with that warmth came the cold weight of his past, the shadows of loss lurking at the edges of his heart. Could he let himself care for her, knowing how fragile life could be?
63Please respect copyright.PENANArTxUlD1uTH
63Please respect copyright.PENANAOTD1PEsVQ6
They found a cozy restaurant nearby, the warm ambiance a stark contrast to the chill of their conversation. Over a candlelit dinner, they shared light-hearted banter, allowing themselves a moment of normalcy amidst the chaos. Bree expertly navigated the menu, her confidence a reminder of her past as an undercover model, and Mathis felt a mix of admiration and fear.
63Please respect copyright.PENANANemlqFSBkY
63Please respect copyright.PENANAdRawA8DVZq
As they talked, they overheard snippets of conversation from a nearby table—discussions of politics and recent scandals—that hinted at the pervasive influence of the Shadow Front. Mathis caught Bree's eye, a shared understanding passing between them.
63Please respect copyright.PENANA6UcwgqLqg8
63Please respect copyright.PENANAft8aAUxe6n
In that moment, he was struck by the realization of what they were up against. Not just a criminal organization, but a shadowy force that could tear them apart at any moment. Could he truly risk letting her into his heart, knowing the danger they faced?
63Please respect copyright.PENANA5uvJuU4NMY
63Please respect copyright.PENANAsQbyO50u1T
When they finally exited the restaurant, the cool night air washed over them, refreshing yet foreboding. There was no time to waste. Rome was waiting, and so was the Shadow Front. Mathis's phone buzzed in his pocket—a message from an informant about movement in the underworld.
63Please respect copyright.PENANAIO3QdKphwt
63Please respect copyright.PENANAAuKahL9JDa
"Before we go," he said, checking the message, "let's see if we can pick up any more intel on the way."
63Please respect copyright.PENANAuPLfYQyUCw
63Please respect copyright.PENANALJUwyx7tdr
Bree nodded, her expression serious. "It's time to move."
63Please respect copyright.PENANAJX7FDAPznn
63Please respect copyright.PENANAv2K1FDWrK7
They stepped into the night, ready to face whatever awaited them. But as Mathis walked beside Bree, he couldn't shake the feeling that with every step, he was drawing closer to a precipice—a choice between duty and the growing connection he felt for her, a connection that could lead to salvation or devastation.
ns 15.158.61.18da2