Alex shifted uncomfortably on the couch. Selena's presence was suffocating, and he needed time to think and piece everything together. Every moment with her felt like a test of his resolve, a constant reminder of the betrayal he had endured."Selena," he began, his voice strained, "I appreciate you coming to see me, but I really need some rest. It's been a rough couple of days."Selena's face fell slightly, but she quickly masked her disappointment with a soft smile. "Of course, Alejandro. I understand. You've been through a lot. I'll come back tomorrow."Alex nodded, relieved. "Thank you. I just need some time to clear my head."Selena stood up, smoothing her dress. "I'll be here first thing in the morning. Take care of yourself, Alejandro."Alex forced a smile as he watched her walk towards the door. "I will. See you tomorrow."As soon as the door closed behind her, Alex let out a long breath he didn't realize he had

"I don’t want to be you," Alex said slowly, his voice gaining strength. "But if I have to take on your enemies to survive, I’ll do it. I’ll protect what’s mine, and I’ll make them pay for what they did to me."Alejandro nodded, a hint of approval in his eyes. "That’s the spirit. You don’t have to be me, Alex. But you can learn from me. Together, we’ll make sure they regret ever crossing us."Alex stared at Alejandro, a new resolve forming within him. "I’ll do what needs to be done. But I’m not doing it for you. I’m doing it for me. For my own survival. And when this is all over, I’m going to find a way to break this curse. I’m not going to live my life as a puppet."Alejandro raised his glass in a mock toast. "To survival, then. And to making sure that those who betrayed us pay dearly for their sins."Alex didn’t return the gesture. Instead, he turned back to the window, watching as the rain continued to pour down. The storm outside was nothing compared to the storm within him, a stor

Alex was non-reactivate, calm and cold. Was this what being a Mafia don feels like? "When do we leave?" He asked softly. "Midnight." Salvador replied Alex ended the call and stared at his reflection in the mirror for a long time. A very long time. He was hoping Alejandro would show his face again. But he didn't. It seemed Alex was alone in this mess. The cards were on the table. He had to play his. A while later, Alex stood under the warm shower, reflecting on the strange dream he had. It wasn't a dream. It was a memory. The memory Alejandro left for him. It seemed unbelievable he got shot five times by someone he knew. The look he gave before being shot could tell any dummy the traitor was Alejandro's closest ally. A couple of minutes past eleven, Alex was out of the house, heading towards the Rolls-Royce Silver wraith waiting for him. Salvador stood by the door to usher him in. Looking at Salvador now, Alex couldn’t help the uneasy thoughts that crept into his mind. From Al

Alex stood frozen, watching as the woman apologized once more and moved away toward the restaurant's garden. He couldn’t take his eyes off her as she sauntered away, her hips rolling in a way that reminded him of a wild cat on the prowl. That electric vibe hit him again, a jolt of raw instinct telling him that this woman was dangerous. It wasn’t just a passing thought; it was a feeling, deep in his gut, like something that had been dormant inside him, waiting to be awakened. Somehow, she felt familiar, like a shadow from his past, but he couldn’t quite place where he might have seen her before."Who's that chick?" Alex asked Montana, his voice laced with curiosity and something else; something darker.Montana, sensing Alex's sudden interest, sighed and began to explain. "Her name's Maria. She's one of the regulars around here. She recently bought a VIP membership green card," he added, wrinkling his nose in disgust. "She works as a stripper at the Vegas Moon club. You don't wanna get

The crocodiles snapped their fangs hungrily, their cold, unblinking eyes locked onto Maria as if already tasting her flesh. She hung above them, pale as the belly of a fish, her breath coming in short, terrified gasps. Alex couldn't help but pity her. If he were in her position, he'd be just as terrified; perhaps even more so. He'd much rather take a bullet to the back than suffer the agonizing fate of being torn apart alive. The idea of death by crocodile was far from his ideal exit. A quick shot, a moment of pain, and then the darkness; anything but this.Maria’s voice cut through the tense silence, frantic and quivering. "Let me out of this thing! Let me out!"Alex remained silent, her pleas only accentuating the hopelessness of her situation. Her voice, once sharp and commanding, now wavered like a dying frog’s croak. He pointed at the muscular man suspended beside her, his tone calm but laced with deadly intent. "I've got a few questions for you, buster. What's your name?""Bra