Do You Want Me Tatiana?

"Still no identification on Hayes' support team?" Massimiliano asked without looking up from the screen.

Massimiliano's Bentley navigated midtown traffic as Antonio sat in the passenger seat while his employer reviewed messages on his secured phone.

"Negative, sir." Antonio replied, frustration underlying his voice. "Whoever they are, they're exceptionally well-trained. The counter-surveillance measures are beyond standard criminal or even law enforcement protocols."

Massimiliano nodded, unsurprised. Nothing about Tatiana Hayes had proven standard since she'd appeared in his world.

"Sir, you're certain we're returning to Nocturne tonight?" Antonio questioned carefully. "After last night's... interaction?" Referencing Massimiliano and Tatiana's confrontation in the hallway the night before.

Normally Massimiliano would create distance after such conflict with a woman, but somehow he could sense that Massimiliano is not yet ready to...disengage.

"Yes." Massimiliano noted sharply, discouraged further questioning. "We're returning to Nocturne."

"Sir, if I may," Antonio hesitated, hoping he could talk some sense into him. "Your continued interest in this woman has triggered questions among certain associates. The Gambino representative specifically mentioned your frequent visits to what was previously considered a business venue."

"Let them question." Massimiliano said, finally looking up from his phone. "I don't explain myself to the Gambinos. Or to anyone."

"Of course, sir." Antonio nodded respectfully. "I only mention it because unusual behavior creates vulnerability. If they perceive distraction…"

"If the Gambinos interpret my personal interests as organizational vulnerability, they're welcome to test that theory." The edge in Massimiliano's voice effectively ended the conversation. "I'm sure they remember the Castellano situation."

The implied threat which was a reference to a particularly brutal response to a previous challenge, silenced further discussion. The remainder of the journey passed in silence, broken only by the rhythmic sweep of windshield wipers against the increasing rain.

As they approached the gleaming tower housing Nocturne, Marco, who had been monitoring Massimiliano's schedule from headquarters, transmitted a message to Antonio's earpiece. 

"Sir, Ms. Hayes arrived for her shift thirty minutes ago. She's currently working the main bar section."

Massimiliano nodded.

The elevator ascended silently to Nocturne's level. Massimiliano adjusted his cuffs, before stepping into the dimly lit interior.

Sunday nights are typically quieter than usual at Nocturne. Regular clients rather than weekend socialites, business discussions rather than celebrations. 

The music played at precisely the right volume, allowing conversation to flow uninterrupted without sacrificing atmosphere. Every detail in the Nocturne is orchestrated for comfort, discretion, and the subtle reinforcement of hierarchies.

As the elevator opened, Massimiliano's eye scanned the bar and spotted her immediately. She stood at her usual spot behind the bar, dressed white shirt and a tight pencil skirt with a slit at the back. 

Massimiliano slid onto a stool directly in front of her only when she was momentarily alone.

Her eyes met his immediately. 

"Back again so soon, Mr. De Luca?" She greeted him, her tone was cold from lingering anger from their previous confrontation. "Your date got tired of you already?"

He raised his eyebrows at her boldness before deciding to get on her nerves. "Nah. She was great." He smiled. "But I bet you'd feel better."

"Too bad I don't do paid companionship."

"Ah so you're willing to sleep with me for free?"

That comment seemed to have ignited her anger as she stared dagger at him, but before she could retort he let out a small chuckle. "My usual, Tatiana."

Furiously turning away from him, she reached for his bottle of Macallan instead of the Yamazaki. She poured two fingers into the glass but purposely left out the two ice cubes that came with his usual order.

She placed the down with enough force to splash a drop onto the polished surface.

"Oops." Her apology came with a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "Clumsy me."

"Careful. That's expensive whiskey." His gave her a half-smile.

"Oh, I'm sure you can afford it." She retorted back. "How was daddy's estate? Still imposing as ever?"

He looked up at her, momentarily surprised at the personal question that revealed knowledge of his weekend whereabouts.

"You've been watching me?" Not quite a question, but not quite a statement either. Nevertheless, suspicion was evident in his voice.

"I wouldn't dare, Mr. De Luca" She said with a mock obedience. "Overheard your men talking about it." She crossed her arms, tapping her fingers against her sleeve. "They weren't exactly discreet."

"I'll have to remind them to watch their mouths." He swirled his whiskey, eyes never leaving hers. "But that doesn't explain why you care."

"I don't."

He snickered. "If you're interested in me Tatiana, you could have just said so. If not, then you have no business knowing about my whereabouts."

"Oh you think you're special?"

"You're forgetting your place." He spoke with a low voice

"Maybe." She continued, "But if you wanted to you would have fired me already…but you didn't"

"Don't push your luck Tatiana."

"And if I do?" Her eyes fixed on him, challenging and defiant.

His expression barely shifted before stood up and put his hand around her throat. "I could kill you."

She smiled, "But you won't"

She's right, and he knew that himself.

His jaw tightened briefly before releasing her with a slow drag of fingers around her throat.

She smiled triumphantly at him before excusing herself to serve other customers as if nothing had happened.

Antonio discreetly approached Massimiliano, leaning in to murmur, "Sir, the Castellini representative is arriving soon at Viper. He's requesting a brief meeting regarding the Miami situation."

Massimiliano nodded, finishing his drink before turning around to leave.

"Running off already?" she called after him, her tone carrying just enough mockery "And here I thought we were just getting started."

He paused, turning back to face her. The challenge in her eyes was unmistakable, she was purposely pushing his boundaries attempting to test his control in public.

"You know…for someone who seems to dislike me, you seem keen to keep me around." He smiled while adjusting his cuffs. "See you tomorrow, Tatiana."

In the elevator descending to street level, Antonio maintained respectful silence until Massimiliano spoke.

"Your assessment?"

Antonio chose his words carefully. "She's exceptionally well-trained, sir. Beyond standard undercover work. Her physical awareness alone suggests specialized background, military or intelligence rather than law enforcement."

"Agreed. But her skills didn't seem military." Massimilia no stared at the descending floor numbers, his expression thoughtful. "Continue surveillance. Particularly any interactions with individuals connected to the Moretti organization historically."

"Yes, sir." Antonio hesitated. "And if she is connected to the Morettis? If this is some form of long-planned retaliation?"

"Then we retaliate back." He paused mid stride, turning his head to Antonio. "And Antonio? Maybe next time don't discuss my personal matters in public."