Chapter 1

"Alessa, boss wants to see you."

I look up from my computer to see Victor poking his head into my office. I sigh mentally. It was already 10pm and all I wanted to do was go home. Thanking him, I head to his office. Knocking on the door, I pray that whatever assignment he has for me does not need to be done today.

"Come in." Opening the door, I spot my boss, Thomas Winston behind his desk. Now, I work at a company known as CCC. To the rest of New York and the world, CCC was a top security firm and I was the head of cyber operations. This was partially true for we did deal with security and I did deal with cyber operations. However, the kind of security we did was more....illegal. We were basically a covert intelligence agency for the underworld such as the mafia. We also dealt with keeping world peace, such as eliminating certain individuals who did not deserve to be on this earth. We're assassins. I am one too. I'm also a really skilled hacker making me one of the highest paid and prized agents in CCC.

Thomas always had a permanent scowl on his face but today, I could see the stress and nerves in his eyes.

"What's up, boss?"

"Alessa, I have an assignment for you." he says passing me a file. I settle in the chair opposite him and open it, my eyes scanning the pages. Raising an eyebrow at him, I lift the file and toss it back at him.

"Why are you showing me a file on this scumbag?" Said scumbag was Connor O'Sullivan, leader of the Irish mafia. Well, former leader. He has been dead for almost a year now and the Irish mafia's presence in the US had basically vanished. Connor and I had some history. He was a sick maniac, the kind that belonged in a mental asylum and I was glad he was dead.

"I just had a meeting with Luciano Moretti. apparently, Connor is very much alive."

"What? How is that even possible? His whole place was bombed."

"I know. But, Connor here somehow survived and has been recuperating in Ireland all this while. Luciano heard chatter recently that he's back on his feet and is getting the Irish mafia back together in the US. He even has a picture of him."

"Wait, Luciano came and spoke to you personally?" Luciano Moretti was the head of the Italian Mafia, the Don as they call him. He was only 25 and had been handed the position from his father 2 years ago but he had already built a reputation for himself. Besides the Russian mafia who had very strong alliances with the Italians by the way, the Italian Mafia was ruling not just America but had very strong influences all over the world. and Luciano was the one who got them there. He was a man of few words and was barely seen in public. Most of his dealings were done via his second in command and best friend, Angelo Romano. Luciano's cousin, Luca Moretti was older than him by 2 years and was his advisor, so to speak. If Luciano came to meet Thomas personally, shit was bad.

Thomas nods, his expression grave. "You and I both know the damage Connor caused the last time. This time is going to be worse because he has vengeance on his mind."

"How do the Italians come into the picture?"

"Before Connor's 'death', he had been trying to take over the Italian mafia's territory. attacking their warehouses, clubs, that sort of thing. He even tried to sabotage Luciano's Fortune 500 company. Needless to say, Luciano put an end to it. Not only did he help our team bomb Connor's place, he took over their dealings and territories."

I nod, deep in thought. Luciano needed to get rid of Connor once and for all or else a bloody war would ensue. While I was pretty sure the Italians would win, Connor was a psycho. He had no issue endangering the public, something the Italians never did. Luciano would not want to lose his men or paint the streets of New York red. That would bring every government agency to town. The Italians had more than enough influence in the government but this would still be a headache to deal with. Plus, we didn't need them linking anything back to us.

"What does he want from us?"

"He wants to team up again. He needs a professional who can provide intel, cyber support and most importantly, tactical support. He has the resources and manpower but with us on his side, we can take Connor down quicker and easier."

Realising where he was going with this, I run my hand through my hair.

"I work alone, Thomas. You know that. I don't do this whole Mafia shit either."

"You're the best assassin in the entire country, Alessa. Hell, probably the world. Plus, you're the only one here who has the most info on Connor. "

"How long is this gonna take?"

"If all goes according to plan, 2 months." Swearing under my breath, I nod

"Fine. I'll meet him tomorrow and come up with a schedule."

Thomas clears his throat and I know I'm not gonna like what he has to say next.

"Actually, you're gonna be meeting him tonight. He's picking you up at your apartment. And, this is a full time assignment, Alessa."

"Meaning?"

"Meaning, you're gonna be staying with him."

"Fuck no."

"Fuck yes. It doesn't make sense for you to travel daily back and forth. Besides, you would be safer there. After what happened the last time, I think its best that you lay low for while."

"I can take care of myself." I say through gritted teeth.

"I know but Connor doesn't play fair."

I glare at Thomas but I know he isn't going to change his mind. Trying one last attempt,"I'm sure Luciano isn't thrilled that an outsider like me is staying with him."

"Actually, he suggested it."

"That son of a bitch."

Thomas sighs tiredly,"Please Alessa, think about the end goal." Mulling his words over, I agree reluctantly.

"Fine, I'll do it."

"Thank you. Be careful out there."

"Always. Umm, does he know?"

"About connor?"

I nod, forcing the images out of my head. Thomas looks at me almost pityingly, "No. I just told him you're the best there is. I won't be surprised if he finds out though. Don't forget Alessa, Luciano Moretti is not someone to be messed with."

I smirk,"Neither am I."

Heading back to my office, I pack my stuff, knowing that I won't be back here for a while. As I reach my apartment, I notice a tinted SUV parked a little further down the street. Spotting another fancy SUV parked in an alley and what looked like a few plain clothed mafia members hanging around, I park my car smirking. To the untrained eye or even a regular agent, you would not notice them. They were good but I was better.

Heading up to my unit, I unlock my door. Stepping into the darkness, I purposely leave the lights off and head to the kitchen. Swinging the fridge door open, I grab a beer bottle .

"Do you guys want a beer?' the lights turn on and I turn smirking. Taking a sip of my cold beer, I first notice the two guys standing in front of my sofa. I immediately recognise them as Luca and Angelo. They stare at me with hard expressions before moving to the side. There sitting on my sofa as if he owned the world, which was partially true was the one and only Luciano Moretti. I had seen a picture of him before but it was just a side profile. Even then, you could tell he was handsome but seeing him in person, this guy was stunning. Steel grey eyes, a slightly crooked nose, sharp cheekbones and a jawline that could cut steel. His expression gave nothing away as he stood in one fluid motion. He was tall, at least 6"4 and I knew that the tailored black suit was hiding a chiseled body. The man exuded power, danger and confidence. Any other person would have either peed their pants or fawned over him but I was no stranger to danger. So, I just raised an eyebrow at him.

"Luciano Moretti. Nice to finally put a face to the name."

"Alessandra Morino. I could say the same."

God damn it. His voice was deep and rich with a slight Italian accent. I had to admit, the guy was walking sin, especially the way my name rolled of his tongue. I notice him eyeing me up, not in a sexual way but more judgmental. What he would have seen was a 5"9 brunette with medium length wavy hair, toned body from all the missions, green blue eyes, thick pink lips and high cheekbones. Keeping my eyes on him as he sized me up, his eyes met mine again and I know he noticed something else a lot of people didn't see when they saw me. The deadly glint in my eye. I wasn't vain but I could admit that my looks sometimes made the job easier. A lot of scumbags were perverted and it was easy to lure them in. and that was exactly what I did. Thomas always said my eyes were my deadliest weapon. I could't agree more.

"I presume Thomas has briefed you."

I nod,"he has."

"You know, I'm curious why he says you're the best pick for this assignment. What exactly do you do at CCC, Ms Morino?"

"Alessandra please. And I'm the head of cyber operations" I answer, my voice neutral. I turn to take another sip of my beer when I hear it. The rustle of his jacket. Its so soft and quick but I immediately knew what was coming. I grab my gun from my waistband, my eyes already on the flying bullet that's headed a few centimetres away from me. waiting for the exact moment, I fire my weapon, my bullet intercepting his and changing its course before crashing to the ground.

I turn back to the three men, who all have different expressions on their face. Angelo's jaw is hitting the ground while Luca has shock and awe written all over his. Luciano has an amazing poker face but I can see the slight awe in his eyes. I don't miss the slight twitch of his lips either at my bored expression.

"We haven't even known each other for 3 minutes and you're already trying to kill me? I'm insulted."

He merely shrugs, not saying a word.

rolling my eyes at him, I take another sip of my beer, watching him closely as he glances around my apartment.

"No pictures, Alessandra?"

I shrug back, "Not really into interior decorating."

"So tell me, how does the head of cyber operations learn to shoot a bullet like that?"

"You already know the answer. I'm sure it was the first thing in the file you have on me."

I notice Luca and Angelo hide their smirks. Luciano just stares at me, as if he's trying to figure me out.

Setting my beer down, I wipe my hands together before saying.

"Well then gentlemen. Please excuse me while I go pack."

Entering my bedroom, I grab a suitcase before packing my clothes in it. Out of my peripheral vision, I see Luciano lean against my doorframe, eye on my every move. Rolling my eyes , I continue packing,"First, you break into my apartment. Then, you shoot at me. Now, you watch me pack my stuff. Ever heard of privacy?"

"I think its overrated."

"Says the guy who's basically a ghost." I hear a snicker from what sounds like Angelo. I can see that he's the more easygoing one while Luca is a bit more serious.

Zipping up my suitcase, I grab a duffel bag before heading back to the living room. The men follow me, Angelo carrying my suitcase. I head to my wall which is actually a secret door. Entering my biometrics, the wall swings open, revealing my hidden panic/weapons room. I hear Angelo let out a small whistle as I walk in. Grabbing some of my guns and ammo, I place them in the duffel bag. Heading to another shelve, I grab some hand grenades and the latest creations of the CCC. these were some high-tech earpieces, guns and so on.

Exiting the room, Luca grabs the duffel bag from me. I thank him to which he replies with a stiff nod before scanning my apartment one last time. Grabbing my precious laptop bag, I sling it over my shoulder. Turning, I bump into Luciano who's standing right behind me.

Scowling at him, I take a step back,"Personal space, Vincenzo. "

He glares at me and I can see the men behind him freeze. In an icy tone, he replies,

"Excuse me?"

"I said, personal sp-"He chuckles darkly, cutting me off.

"Oh, I heard you, dolchezza. Who said you could call me by my name, my middle name at that?"

I laugh when I realise that he expects me to call him Don like the rest of his men.

"I'm not calling you Don."

He raises an eyebrow threateningly,"Oh, you're not?"

"Nope. You see, first of all, I'm not part of the Italian mafia. Second, I don't work for you, I work with you. So no, I'm gonna not call you by your title."

He smirks at me, almost as if he can't believe me.

"Is there something wrong with Luciano?"

"Oh no, I just figured calling you Vincenzo would annoy you even more."

He stares at me before moving closer,"If I were you dolcezza, I would think twice about calling me by my name."

I pretend to think hard before shrugging,"Nah, I think I'll stick to Vincenzo." Not giving him the chance to respond, I move around him, past the shocked men and head to the door.

I smirk to myself before saying loud enough for them to hear in Italian,"Oh, this is gonna be fun." and I immediately knew that Luca and Angelo were smirking. and Luciano or should I say Vincenzo, he was most definitely doing what he does best, glare.

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