BREAKING FREE: FALLING INTO THE MAFIA

I

ps. My parents had requested a "family discussion" by 10:00 pm, and dread coiled in my stomach. Throwing back the covers, I dragg

. As I tiptoed past the study door leading to the kitchen, muffled voices filtered through. Guests. Two men, their voices booming, bellies st

aught the tail end of a hushed

ated, then cautiously pressed

wo months!" a voice hissed, laced with fr

er voice, younger and softer, rep

a spoiled brat," Maria scoffed. "If this marriage helps them out

ear. Virginity. They were selling me off to some rich, old lecher in exchange for t

n, reckless and desperate, formed in my mind. Stealing a glance around, I saw my keys hanging by the

focating atmosphere within my own home. I hailed a taxi, my heart pounding a frantic rhythm against my r

xi, I felt a jolt of nervous excitement. My usual social circle consisted of quaint ca

t before glancing at the sleek black membership card dangling from my fingers. It was a gift from Kristine, my only truly

bed, casting the room in a hypnotic haze. Bodies writhed on the dance floor, lost in a rhythmic

only be described as nothing short of handsome, breath taking even. I don't think I'd seen a man look this good. He had this aura of authority around him and something more, maybe dangerous but I couldn't quite put my finger on it. He looked well dressed in his three-piece suit and overcoat, odd, considering the fact that he was i

ess and impuls

ong good swig of it, pulled my hair dow

hrong of bodies, the effects of the wine making my steps unsteady.

iative smile. Up close, his eyes held a glint of amusement, and a hint of something el

ghter flickered to life, the flame illuminating his face for a fleeting moment. H

alcohol was already emboldening me, turning my usual shyne

is lips. The dim light couldn't hide the intensity in

moky atmosphere, the thumping music, and the potent mix of e

of cologne and expensive cigarettes, filled my senses. In that momen

rink?" He offered, his

, impulsive, everything my parents wouldn't approve of. But r

e barely above a whisper, "I was thinki