Revenge of the shadows

CHAPTER3

I stood at the balcony of my luxurious penthouse, looking at the city for the last time. I felt sad leaving the city I have ruled for many years has turned into an unpredictable city filled with evil people.

My decision to leave the city was final, nothing was gonna change my mind. He called his most trusted boys for a meeting in his dimly lit room. The faint smell of alcohol lingered in the room. "Gentlemen '' I said, putting my wine on the table in front of me. "I'm leaving the city."

The room fell silent for a moment. My boys looked at me so shocked at what I said. But my authority was settled and nobody could change his mind after all I am the greatest mafia boss they could have ever been.

"Where to Raymond?" Asked vinne his right hand man.

His words broke through my thoughts. I pulled out a map and straightened it out on the table. "I'm moving to New Orleans, a place with rich people and great opportunities. We all can start a new life there if you decide today to follow me."

It was just 48 hours before Raymond left, his boys agreed to follow him and they would be called brothers. Making more plans for the move Raymond ensured that no criminal activities were found.

Once they arrived in New Orleans they settled into a new world of jazz and unique culture. Me and the boys separated immediately we arrived in Orleans. I arranged for a house in a busy area and paid for a one month rent, I'm not obviously gonna stay here for long, I sold my Mercedes and saved the money. Today was the annual ball for princess Tiana and I'm only going to aim at one person and that's Grace woods. A successful business woman who has never even been with a man, certainly won't be a big deal to get her within two months. I needed to get a haircut and a tux, and got my fake invitation card ready last night.

After unpacking I took a cab to the mall and decided to go shopping for an elegant tux. I got to the first shop when a well dressed employee came towards me

"Good day sir, how may I help you?" He asked calmly.

A little smile crept at the side of my face" I need something exceptional, something that would make heads turn and make a statement."

The employee nodded "yes sir" as he gestured towards the center display. "All these are new orders that have just arrived."

I followed the employee as he took me to the section showcasing different colors and designs of tuxedos. I saw different elegant, radiant fabrics, I was amazed at the options.

The employee handed me a navy blue tuxedo. I could feel and see the quality material used. I examined the material on my skin with a mirror. "I think I like this." I said walking towards the changing room.

With the help of the employee I wore the tuxedo, I checked the mirror for the last time. I was impressed by the perfect fit, the perfect shade of blue brought out the intensity in his eyes. "I'll take this."

"Excellent choice sir, we can have it tailored, are you alright?" The employee said.

After getting some other things, I left the boutique with so much confidence. Certainly all eyes are gonna be on me.

After a busy day it was finally time for the ball, it took so long though. I stood up from my balcony and walked into my dimly lit room. I lighted the candles around my room before changing to my outfit for the ball

After an hour I finally reached The ball. I wide doors swong open as I emerge from the hall. The hall was really large and filled with different people, both male and female. The crystal glow on everything was magnificent, while the guest neatly dressed and talking and mingling in hushed voices. But immediately I was noticed the hall went quiet. All heads stared at me. The lady's eyes lingered all over my body. Some Even approached me.how pathetic I scoffed walking to the bar and got champagne trying to avoid these ladies. I was only here for my target.

As I made my way further towards the crowd, the room burst with whispered compliments. The confidence I had was on another level, even men were talking about me. I looked around for Grace Woods, but she's nowhere to be found. A lady approached me smiling prominently, with a light blue gown.

"The famous mafia boss is in town."

I gasped and held her hand" don't let anyone know about this, how do you know me ?"

"Mr Lucas Coty, I was your secretary, Emily."

"I thought you were dead?" I said with so much frustration.

"As you can see I'm standing in front of you, do I look dead?"

"Can you not be sarcastic right now?"

She scoffed at me. Emily was a young lost secretary of mine, for my little clothing business which I eventually sold. She sacrificed to take a bullet for me when I was at the verge of death. I never thought I would see her again.

"Emily, please don't tell anyone, promise me." I said looking at her with so much remorse "I'm sorry I didn't search for you after that event, I thought you were long dead"

"Excuses, tsk I won't tell anyone, it's surprising to see you here. What's going on?"

"I decided to leave being a mafia after the death of my girlfriend, Aubrey."

"My condolence, wait how did she die, did you disobey the mafia boss?"

"Ya, Lean killed her." I said looking at Emily. "I needed a new start and all."

Emily gave me a little pat on my arms, "you'll be fine, anyways enjoy the party. Have a lovely night." Emily walked away with her flowing gown.

I stood there looking at the ambiance of the hall, the dimly lighted chandelier hung in the middle of the ball. Turning swiftly I saw Grace walking away, my chance to impress her. I moved swiftly following her lead. I picked up another glass of wine and followed her swiftly. She headed towards the balcony. I tiptoed and sprayed a little bit of my colon. What's a guy if he doesn't smell nice, psst. "The sky is pretty right?" I said with a deep voice. She hesitated a bit before turning,she turned around quietly savoring my features with her eyes, her pretty sea green eyes stared deeply at mine, she was a medium pretty girl, but although Aubrey was far prettier than her.

"Amazed?" I snapped her out her thoughts.

"The sky is really pretty though, I'm not amazed" she said adjusting her dress

I nodded "you look more of a challenging girl."

"Thank you gentlemen." She bowed down.

"Save yourself the stress my lady, I'm Raymond."

"I'm Grace." She said smiling.

The soft music in the background increased, I was sensing it was time for the slow dance.

"May I have this dance?" I said, extending my hand.

A charming smile played once again on her lips, "of course." I led her to the dance floor and we joined the other couples.

We talked a little bit, while letting the music guide our steps. The subtle fragrance she had was enchanting.she had a presence that commanded so much attention and yet so inviting.

As we danced her soft palms rested on my shoulder while my hands were firmly on her waist as their gazes locked tightly. My aim was to make her fall hard and never stop thinking about me.

After the dance they decided to go back to the balcony from where she came from. We involved ourselves in different conversations and talked about alot, ranging from our favorite books to our travel experiences. Grace on the other hand seemed to enjoy his company, the way she held my hand wasn't ordinary.

As time went on the princess had her ceremonial celebration and it got to the late hours of the night.

I turned to Grace, my eyes locking into hers " I had a lovely night with you."

Grace smiled, " I had the most, thank you Raymond."

I smiled back "your welcome, certainly I hope this isn't gonna be the last time I see you, right? Maybe perhaps we can go on a date together."

Grace looked at me in shock"you wanna go on a date with me?"

"Yes I would love to, that's if you're free."

"I'll create time for that. Here let me give you my number."

We exchanged contacts as we stood by the balcony as the ball came to a close. "See you later then." I said, giving her a gentle kiss at the back of her hand. I smiled warmly before leaving the hall.

I rushed and got a cab waiting In Front of the hall for me. I hopped in eagerly"Take me home fast" I said, removing my tie.

Today was a successful day already, she would think about me non-stop. She was certainly enacted by my beautiful smile, and scent too. What if she doesn't text me, nah she will. I sat down in the car feeling relieved about tonight, now it wouldn't be a big deal to get to her.