Do You Wanna Play a Game?

pg 7

She elegantly leaned against the door, keeping a safe distance as she studied him closely.  "its good to finally meet you,paige. Glad you could make it," Marcello's voice carried a sense of authority that demanded attention. It was a voice accustomed to commanding others, and paige couldn't help but feel the weight of his words. 

Paige walk towards Marcello and sits arm of the chair close to her, she crosses her arm before responding.  "Cut to the chase, Marcello," she urged, her tone sharp and direct. "Why are you here?".

Marcello's lips curled into a knowing smile. "Straight to business, I see. I like that," he replied, his eyes locked onto hers. "I've been keeping an eye on your rise in the underworld, and I must admit, you've impressed me. Not many can fill the shoes of a formidable figure like your father."

Paige raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "Flattery won't get you far with me marcello, i did my research on you" she retorted, her guard firmly in place.

"Ah, but it's not flattery,paige," Marcello countered. "I value strength and intelligence, and you possess both in abundance." Despite her reservations, a flicker of pride surged within her. paige had always fought hard to prove herself in a world where women were often underestimated. To earn respect from someone as formidable as Marcello held significance.

"What do you want, Marcello?" paige pressed, unwilling to be swayed by his compliments.

Marcello took a step closer, the air charged with tension. "An alliance, paige. Our interests may not always align, but having each other's backs can be beneficial in this dangerous world," he proposed, his voice low and measured. paige considered his offer carefully, weighing the potential risks and rewards. An alliance with someone like Marcello could provide invaluable insights and resources, but she couldn't overlook the potential pitfalls that came with trusting a rival.

"I'll think about it," she replied, noncommittal. "But know that my family's interests come first. If I sense any betrayal or deceit, our paths will diverge, and the consequences will be severe."

Marcello's eyes locked onto hers, a glint of intrigue dancing in his gaze. "Fair enough," he said, acknowledging her warning. "Time is of the essence, paige. Don't keep me waiting too long."

With that, Marcello turned and left the room, leaving paige alone with her thoughts. As the door closed behind him, the weight of her decision bore down on her. The allure of an alliance with Marcello was undeniable, but she couldn't ignore the risks that came with trusting someone as enigmatic as him.

paige knew that the choices she made in the criminal world could have far-reaching consequences. Her family's legacy and the safety of those she cared for depended on her ability to navigate this dangerous game with precision and cunning. As she pondered her next move, she couldn't help but wonder if aligning with Marcello was a step toward the light she craved or a descent into even deeper shadows.