Dance in his battlefield

CHAPTER 8

CAMILLO’S POV

I watch from the top of the warehouse, as I puff smokes into the air. Valente gives a firm nod, with one hand in his pant pocket and the other over his walk stick, he walks into the goods house.

He turns swiftly to the smell of something burning. Eric. I huff softly.

Tied to a chair, his feet a little above burning flame with his mouth muffled. I am only getting started. Valente smiles and approaches.

"Benvenuto, amico mio a isola De Sera," I say, walking down with my arms open for a hug.

"The island of the evening, È un mondo unico - totally, totally unique," Valente says, wrapping his arm around me as I let out a booming laugh that matches my size.

"Quickly, come brother, I will show you around. The city has a lot of amazing stuffs, women of different shapes,"

Valente smiles, "Camillooo, I didn't expect change really."

"Change? Change is for the one who lacks. He switches form because he lacks taste. Whatever that means," I laugh again.

"These are my goods right?" Valente points to the things under covered tarpaulin.

"Oh yes yes, I will have my boys move them out tonight," I walk over and uncover a bit of the drugs.

"Sharp, really sharp. Would have you spinning in seconds," I smile. "I call it, 'a taste of isola De Sera' not everyone can afford a trip to my island you know," I laugh proudly. Valente maintains a calm smile, nodding multiple times.

"Ahhh, Valente, you are too serious. Come, I have the finest of women, ready to break this tough guy face."

Valente laughs loudly for the first time, "alright then, I would love to see them try." He walks after me.

As we walk past the tied man, he makes a muffled plea, covered in sweat, his yellow skin already red. I pause. "Sorry Valente, I'll be with you," I say as I walk over to him.

Valente pauses to watch the drama.

"A simple mission - 'bring her to me’, you have taken too long for me to not believe you've been paid off. How much could they possibly pay you to make you forget the horror of Camillo?" I boast as I signal a guard to take the gag out of Eric's mouth.

Eric spits at the instant relief he gets. He has been in that position for the past 2 weeks - punished, have his wounds treated, and punished again. An horror he wouldn't be living if that b***h wasn't sly.

"Please, please boss," he whispers pleas with grunts.

"No no, you have failed this king. Once again, what is your excuse?" I lean forward.

"She escaped, I was... I was going to get her," he pauses to catch his breath.

"Andddddd?"

"You...you called me back home,"

I chuckle and laugh. "Look at that," I turn around the room, "Valente, do you see the excuse of a man I hired!" My voice goes from calm to fury as I send slaps across Eric's face.

"That's right, grunt with pain. You will get the wrath she deserves," I continue.

Upon satisfaction, I sigh, then laugh. "Muffle him up again, I am in a good mood," I command. A man runs to me, handing me a little towel which I use to dab my face.

"You have started with a wonderful show, my stay here is blessed," Valente laughs.

"I have learnt well from you."

A strong hit has us both turning around, looking at the man who hit Eric to the face.

"He was struggling too much," he explains.

We walk out of the warehouse with me leading the way.

The inside of my castle bubbled with music. The lightning was already a mood setter, one that would have anyone requesting for a drink at once.

"To Camillo!" A man raises a toast. I laugh proudly, clasping his hands together, sheer humble action.

“This is the kind of praise you get with wealth, hail Camillo, all hail Camillo,” I laugh while patting Valente's back.

"Everyone!" My husky voice yelps through the microphone. The room grows quieter until one could only hear my breathing through the microphone.

"I want to introduce to you a good friend of mine," I signal to Valente to come up the stage. "A man of great prestige, Mr Valente." Murmurs begin to grow in the audience.

"For someone too dangerous, he is a bit too handsome," the lead singer of the live band whispers but deliberately loudly to the butler. Mr Valente turns to her, she winks at him and bites her lower lips. He smiles and turns back to the crowd.

"A relationship that has dated since childhood until now. Thank you for honouring my invite," Valente bows slightly.

"To Valente, the silent sly snake." I laugh. We've been friends since teen age, an attachment that I consider treasure. He was like minded as me.

"To Valente," the crowd echos.