Puppetstring

Angelo Verde is a spy who investigates the Mafia's underground business. In the middle of an undercover operation, some unavoidable events leave him no choice but to serve Marvel Yerevan, the Mafia crime boss of one formidable Family.

The taste of horrible and peculiar experiences in the underworld does not stop him from stepping deeper into the Mafia's territory, all to gain Marvel's trust. Ready to submit, even become a plaything, he will act subservient while secretly taking advantage of his position for the investigation to complete the tasks he is given.

But, can he win the mission when he has never been victorious over a personal battle with the boss?


EXCERPT I:

"Sir, I think you need to change your clothes, or else you will catch a cold."

I suggested Marvel, using his half-wet suit of rain as an excuse to get to know him better.

The man in front of me was so tall and well-built, his physique exposed both strength and beauty. It wasn't out of curiosity that I patted his shoulder to sweep the wet dots away, but I wanted to create a connection with him.

"If you don't mind, let me help you," I smiled. "It's my responsibility to take care of your health and serve you, so let's go to your room and change-"

The coldness of fingers touching my cheek startled me, freezing up the rest of my words. Before I could develop a reaction, the artistic form of a man had turned blurry above my dilated eyes when Marvel reduced our distance. Seizing up the air I meant to breathe in, his lips contrived a way to communicate with mine without the need for words.

I always asked myself, what should I do to get closer to Marvel, to step into his territory, to make him trust me?

I think I know now.


EXCERPT II:

"It isn't that hard," Marvel convinced me, sure of it. His knuckles slithered above my cheek. "All you have to do is put it inside your mouth and just let it slide above your tongue."

His words were followed by a gesture of his thumb teasing my lips until I felt it in between my teeth. Demanding access, it started to push in deeper, stroking my tongue without any sign of reluctance. When his eyes slightly narrowed to hold a smile, the steel blue marbles glimmered, and I couldn't tear my gaze away from this handsome gent in front of me.

"You can do it, right?"

At first, I wanted to pretend I didn't understand what Marvel was talking about, but my attempt to be indifferent might not work against someone with a character like his, knowing how much power he had, and I realized what his true intention was.

I forced my mouth to open, only later did I know that those simple words would change my fate completely.

"Yes, Sir."

OWNED BY HIM

The night expanded as a black blanket, protecting the earth as it dreamed. I looked at my watch lingering around my left wrist, the shortest needle aimed at two.

I walked downstairs and went to one of the libraries inside the Yerevan mansion. After making sure that no one was following me, I pushed a paperclip into the tiny hole in the doorknob and twisted it until it caught the direction of the lock turned. A moment later, I heard a soft clicking sound, and the door was successfully unlocked. As I walked in, I carefully locked the door from the inside and slipped into the bookshelves.

Laughing in my head, I cringed at how easy it was for me to commit such a crime, for I used to do it so many times in the past, so incredibly calm along the way as if every part of my body forgot the fear and the nervousness.

Truths Change with Time