Gambling with the mafia

Chapter 3- Declan

When I first saw Ciara walking down the street to a homeless women's shelter I had to know her. She's beautiful and confident and has an air that says she is a fighter. I found out her name from her file at work. Met her boss and convinced him to give it to me. It's easy to do when you own most of the city. Which I do. My family is the most powerful family on the west coast. Each of my fathers children runs a different state. We pull the strings on the government officials and they turn a blind eye to our “business”.

I run Nevada alone, my father told me to pick a bride by the end of this month or he'll pick one for me. Which would mean I'd be stuck with some heiress that has nothing in her head. I need someone like Ciara. Street smart, kind, beautiful. She's the most gorgeous woman I've seen with her long dark hair and toned body, a little skinny but that can be fixed with a stable home life. Which will be provided by yours truly.

Unfortunately for me she cares too much about this broad that serves me everytime i come in and sit in Ciara's section. She doesn't even acknowledge me, and i'm getting kind of tired of that. So today when i sit down at my usual booth i tell the blonde to go get my waitress. “Ill be your waitress today.” She tells me and as usual pushes out her chest and flips her blonde hair over her shoulder.

“No. I want the other girl.” I look her In the eye and give my harshest glare. I can't let on that i already know ciara's name when she has never introduced herself. Her face flushes bright red and she walks off quickly. I see them in the kitchen talking and blondie is very animatedly telling my Ciara how I hurt her feelings.

Ciara comes out with the pot of coffee and a mug. “Hello my name is Ciara and i'll be your server today. Can I get you something to eat?” She asks without so much as a glance at me. She just stares at the coffee cup she's pouring Into. “No food today thank you. But I would like to take you to dinner.” I tell her and she finally looks me in the eye but with only shock on her face. “What time do you get off?” I ask but I know she works to close at 8pm.

“I- um, I think you have the wrong person.” She says confusedly. “No. I don't think I do. I've been coming here every day to get your attention. I even sat in your section. I would like to get to know you.” I told her. “Are you…. Stalking me?” She asks and blushes immediately. “No Ciara, I'm just a man who knows what he wants.” I replied. “Im sorry but i'm just not interested. Thank you. Have a good day sir.” She backs away a few steps before turning her back on me.

“Declan. My name is Declan.” I say and she turns back briefly before walking into the kitchen. I can hear her and the blonde one whispering in the kitchen but not what they're saying. I leave a hundred on the table with a business Card and my cell phone written in pen on the back, and a note that says Ciara- I won't stop coming until you say yes.

While i wait for her to get off work so i can ensure she safely makes it back to the shelter ok i go to take care of some business. My office is in the Wynn casino on the strip. I have a meeting with my father in half an hour. I drive over that way and think of what Ciara thought about my note. I know she doesn't have a phone right now but I want her to be able to reach me in an emergency. Hopefully she would call me if there was one, then again i am a stranger to her.

When I get to the casino the valet takes my car to the garage. My office is in the lower Levels, among our holding cells. For the ones who owe too much in debt or think they can cheat at the tables. The casinos are my business, my siblings have other fronts for the business. We do many things, laundering, drug trafficking, hit for hire. But we also have our hands in some government officials pockets. We pay them to do as we say and they keep their noses out of our business.

My dad is waiting in my office when i get there, sitting behind my desk. I dont sit in front of it Because its MY office. “Hello father.” I tell him with no emotion in my voice. “Declan. How are things going here?” he asks but im ready for the real question he wants to ask. “Great. Ill be sending over my reports on the casinos revenue in the next couple days.” This meeting is a waste of my time. “Right, but thats not why im here declan.” He leans forward on my desk and folds his hands together.

“I know.” I tell him. “Ive found a bride. By the end of this month ill be engaged.” i inform him. “Good i was starting to wonder if I needed to contact one of the kennedy girls.”

“No need.” I dismissed his Statement. “Now if that's all I need to get back to my future Fiancé.” I begin towards the door. “Fine. I'll be back at the end of the month to meet the girl.” He says. I walk out of my office and through the casino. I meet the valet at the front and he immediately runs off to get my black Calvo Viper. It's bulletproof and has darkened windows, it's also the only car like it in the city.

It doesn't take long to get back to the diner and see Ciara doing her closing duties. I watch her through the windows. The way she moves, and the way she smiles at the things Brianna tells her. I begin fantasizing about her, in my car smiling at me, talking to me about her day. Unfortunately we aren't there yet and after my next move we won't be for a while. Finally it's 9pm and she walks out the door with her duffel bag across her.

I drive around the block and park back on the street she's walking down, getting out of my car. I had changed into a regular hooded jacket from my suit jacket earlier before leaving the casino, which I had stored a small bottle of chloroform and handkerchief in yesterday. As I walk behind her I pull out the bottle and pour a very small amount into the cloth. Putting both back in my pockets I walk faster behind her, she does look behind herself and sees my large form following her.

She walks faster and so do I easily catch up to her. I grab her torso with my left arm and cover her mouth and nose with the right-hand holding the handkerchief. It takes 2 seconds before she goes limp and I feel under her nose for breaths to make sure she's still alive. I'd sure hate to have to explain that to doctors. Her Respirations and pulse are normal so i pick her up and carry her in both arms.

I slide her into the front seat of my car and lean over her, buckling her in. Her head lolls to the side and she does snore once. How adorable. I go around to the drivers side and get in, driving us back to The Strip where my penthouse is. It's in the same casino as my office. I own the highest floor as my main home.

When we get to the hotel I get out and the valet immediately gets in and takes my car to be parked. The same one as earlier, I personally vet the valet since they're the ones touching my cars. Carrying Ciara in my arms to the elevators next to the lobby, the employee pushing the button to my floor when he sees me. My floor has a small entrance area and a guard at all times he unlocks and opens my door for me “Thanks Demetri.” I say in passing. Once I'm through the door I set the alarm system while juggling Ciara, and make my way down the front hall and take a turn down the hallway leading to my bedroom and guest rooms. I've never had a guest until now and until she's comfortable here I won't make her sleep in my bed.

The room across mine is where I lay her, and as much as I'd like to undress her for her comfort I leave her in her clothes but tuck her under the covers. The duffel bag she's always carrying is put on the dresser in the room. I take one final look at her and leave.