A Veil of Deception

Playing the Game

Elena had survived shootouts before; being an investigative journalist had brought in situations like this, but she had to admit, this one had been a little too close for comfort. Now, as she stood in the dimly lit alley behind the abandoned warehouse, she took a deep breath, steadying herself. The night air was thick with the scent of gunpowder and something else, something distinctly dangerous. And it wasn’t just because of the bullets.

It was because of Nico Romano.

He stood a few feet away, leaning against the brick wall like he hadn’t just dragged her out of a mafia auction gone wrong. He had that annoyingly effortless air about him, like he was untouchable. She hated that about men like him, they were always so sure of themselves, so convinced that they were the biggest predator in the room.

Which was exactly why she needed to get closer to him.

This was her opportunity. Whatever had happened back in that auction hall, Nico had chosen to pull her to safety. That meant something. Maybe it was instinct, it most likely was suspicion, but whatever it was, she could use it. She wasn’t about to let this chance slip away.

She smoothed her hair, which was still slightly disheveled from the chaos and turned to face him. “Well,” she started, crossing her arms, “I think it’s safe to say that was not the ideal way to spend an evening.”

Nico let out a dry chuckle, his sharp eyes moving to her. “You’ve got a talent for understatement, I’ll give you that.”

She smirked. “And you have a talent for dragging strangers out of your mess. You always this generous, or am I just lucky?”

His gaze hardened and his eyes narrowed slightly. “You’re not a stranger.”

That sent a jolt of awareness through her. He had been watching her. Maybe even longer than she had realized. That wasn’t ideal, but she could work with it.

“I could say the same about you,” she replied, “You’re Nico Romano. Son of Lorenzo Romano. Heir to the family business. Infamous, ruthless, all the usual scary mafia stuff.”

His lips twitched like he was trying not to be amused. “That’s a nice summary. Did you rehearse it in the mirror?”

“Only the part where you’re supposed to be impressed.”

He exhaled sharply, shaking his head. “I don’t know what your game is, Elena Costa, but I don’t believe in coincidences.”

That was the moment, the opening she needed. She met his gaze head-on, letting just enough honesty slip into her voice. “Maybe it’s not a coincidence. Maybe I want something from you.”

His expression didn’t change, “Go on.”

She took a step closer, lowering her voice. “I want a job.”

That caught him off guard. For the first time since she’d met him, he actually looked surprised. He recovered quickly, but she didn’t miss it.

“A job?” he echoed, voice laced with skepticism.

She nodded. “You need people you can trust, right? I’m a fast learner. Smart. I can handle myself.”

He looked her up and down, “You expect me to just hand you a position?”

She shrugged. “You pulled me out of that mess back there. You must’ve seen something in me. Besides, after tonight, I’d say I’ve already proved I can handle a little excitement.”

He studied her for a long moment. His gaze was intense and sharp, and she had the distinct feeling that he was trying to see through her, but she had spent years perfecting the art of deception. She could make anyone believe what she wanted them to.

Finally, he sighed. “If you’re serious, then prove it.”

She tilted her head. “What kind of proof are we talking about?”

He had a smirk on his face. “Come see me tomorrow. I’ll give you a test.”

Elena raised an eyebrow. “A test? What, like a written exam? Because I have to warn you, my multiple-choice skills are excellent.”

Nico shook his head, the corner of his mouth twitching. “Something more… practical.”

She didn’t let her smile falter, even though she had no idea what kind of ‘test’ he had in mind. Whatever it was, she’d handle it. She had to. This was her way in, and she wasn’t going to blow it now.

“I like a challenge,” she said, keeping her voice steady.

He pushed off the wall, stepping toward her until he was close enough that she could smell the faint scent of gunpowder and something more expensive underneath. “Good. Because if you fail, don’t bother coming back.”

She held his gaze, his hazel eyes as mesmerizing as they were unnerving, refusing to look away first. “I won’t fail.”

For a moment, it was just the two of them, locked in a silent battle of wills. Then, finally, Nico nodded. “Tomorrow. Noon. Don’t be late.”

With that, he turned and walked away, disappearing into the night.

Elena exhaled slowly, her heart pounding. She had done it. She had gotten exactly what she wanted.

Now, she just had to survive whatever came next