Her hands moved swiftly as she loaded bullets into the chamber of the handgun, preparing to take aim at her mirror.
"Do you think he trusts you?" An English accented voice asked via her earphones.
"Trusts me?" Rose scoffed as she put the gun in her purse. "Rick, that son of a Nag doesn't trust anybody and besides I just told him I'm pregnant."
Rick asked again in a friendly masculine voice. "But you're sure you'll infiltrate the house?"
Rose chuckled. "Not yet but I will as soon as I win their trust."
"There's nothing the Godfather likes more than a loyal capo." Rick replied. There was a smile in his voice
"Yep." Rose stared down at a document and pulled it up. The title on the cover was printed in bold italics "Marriage contract"
He went on. "Well, you're the best agent we have, and I'm positive you will do get the job done in no time."
Suddenly, a memory flashed in her head. Cold sweat travelled down her back when she recalled the night she got shot.
"Agent black? Agent black, can you hear me?" Rick called repeatedly.
Rose could still feel the metallic taste of the bullet at the back of her throat. A loud noise rung in her head and she winced in pain.
"Mel, are you alright?" Rick asked.
Rose slammed her hand on the desk. "Don't call me that."
"Sorry. You just went off on me. Are you okay?" He asked with a worried voice.
"Never better." Rose looked in a mirror once more and flashed herself a smile. Then she pulled open the cabinet and dug out her mask and wig.
"Are you ready?" Rick asked then continued. "Your name is Rosalind Delaney. You're a 24-year-old waitress turned stripper. You're an orphan who lost her parents at a young age, and you lived with your grandmother who is a teacher at disabled college. Your ID, driving licence, Social Security Number are already available. Are you ready to infiltrate Blood Moon?"
Rose put on the mask that concealed her true face, revealing a much younger and different face. She put on her wig and styled it in a tight chignon.
"I was born ready, Captain. Drystan won't see me coming." She said with a smile.
"The conditions of the contract marriage is a divorce right after the baby is born." Drystan Riley said emphatically.
Vladimir nods in agreement. "That's better. Your marriage will be shrouded in secret so no one comes after her and your heir."
Drystan stroke his bearded chin. "That woman is something else."
V chuckled as he sipped his tea. It was hot and had a sweet taste "Hell, yeah. Her beauty is out of this world.".
Drystan shot him a glance, giving an "Are you out of your mind?" expression.
There was a knock on the office door and Drystan inquired who it was.
"Signor Drystan, the lady Rose is here to see you." A shrill female Italian voice spoke outside the door.
"Right on time." Drystan glanced at his Rolex as he stood to his feet.
The brothers stepped out of the room and walked down the plushy marble stairs, appearing into the living room.
There she was standing with her back facing them. Her dark brown hair had been pulled back in a stylish chignon and when she turned around, Drystan knew she looked absolutely breathtaking. Rose was dressed in an open neck black shirt and a pin striped trouser that covered her shoes, but he could tell they were loafers.
"Nice of you to join us, Sister in law." Vladimir went to kiss both her cheeks.
"Aww, thank you, Vee." Rose smiled at him and they both pulled away.
Then she said to Drystan, "You're not gonna kiss your wife?"
Drystan gave a sarcastic laugh. "Too bad. I don't see her."
"Ouch. That hit so close to home." Vladimir made a fake wince.
Drystan stared at Rose. While he spoke to Vladimir, he didn't take his eyes off her. "You can leave us, V."
Vladimir took Rose's right hand and gave it a gentle kiss. "My lady."
Then he struts out of the room.
"Now, we have the room to ourselves, what do you suggest we do?" Rose gave him a seductive wink and puckered her lips.
Drystan chuckled. "You're a crazy woman."
"So I've heard." Rose laughed and took a seat on the L shaped red sofa.
Drystan observed her closely, watching her every move and paying key attention to the way she spoke. So far he came up with nothing suspicious. She was just a gold digger after his money. Just like all women were.
He took a seat opposite her and began after clearing his throat. "The conditions of the contract marriage is a divorce right after the baby is born."
Rose patted the side next to her. "Come over here. I can't hear you from over there."
Drystan held a serious look on his face? "Do I look like I have time for games?"
Rose turned aloof. "You're no fun."
She knew he was getting annoyed and that's what she wanted. Drystan Riley was a man that exuded confidence and power. Hardly surprising, considering the empire he has built for himself. Rose admired the way he carried himself but each time she looked at him, she knew he was a walking red flag.
Drystan repeatedly frustratingly. "The conditions of the contract marriage is a divorce right after the baby is born. Do you understand?"
"Positive." Rose nods her assent.
"Good. I'm delighted we're on the same page." Drystan flashed her a grin then he clapped his hands and immediately, heavy footsteps reverberated the room.
Rose was cautious enough to pick something was wrong but she careful enough not to give her emotions away for Drystan was watching her body language. She crosses one leg over the other and leaned back awaiting what was coming.
The door was slid open and several dark suited gentlemen in sunglasses poured into the room. At the wave of Drystan's hands, they all whipped out their weapons, taking an aim at Rose who didn't flinch nor move.
Drystan slid a paper with a pen on it on the table. "Sign right there."
A middle-aged woman dressed in a pink trouser suit emerged from behind the gentlemen. "Miss Delaney, I'm Clara, Mr Riley's lawyer, standing witness to your testimony. You do understand the repercussions if you fail to adhere to the rules of the contract, do you?"
Rose smiled and leaned forward to sign. "I do." She slid the paper back to him. "Does he?"
Drystan clenched his fists but had to maintain self-control. What a brazen woman!
"Mr Riley fully understands, Miss Delaney. By authority invested in me by the Supreme court, I pronounce you man and wife. Congratulations, Mr and Mrs Riley." Miss Clara took the signed document and left the room quietly while the security put their guns away.
"Is that it?" Rose blinked, confused at what happened. He found her expression cute.
"That's it. What were you expecting?" Drystan stood to his feet, extending his hand to hers which she took.
"Um… A lot. Champagne, a groom's speech. I've been to weddings before, and I know how it works." Rose felt his hand cover hers as he took to her feet.
"This is a court marriage and those stuff you just said will never happen." He said dryly.
Rose stuck her tongue at him and pouted her lips.
Drystan gave a light scoff and turned to the gentlemen, his friendly voice taking a darker tone. "On your knees."
All 20 of them went on their knees, their gaze to the floor.
"This is your comare, your Godmother. From now, you do as she says. I don't need to remind you of the consequences if you fail to listen to her." Drystan let go off her hand and turned to her. "You can tell them whatever you want."
Rose gave him a small smile. "All of this isn't necessary. Gentlemen, on your feet."
When she saw that they were hesitating, she went on. "I'm your boss's wife so you will do as I say. On your feet."
They took to their feet, standing at ease.
Rose thought it's cool. "Well, my name is Rosalind. Mrs Rosalind but you all can call me Rose. I don't fancy titles much."
Drystan slapped his forehead. "What a numbskull."
Rose went on regardless. "Drystan said I am your Comare, whatever that is. My instructions for you all are quite simple : protect me and my baby at all costs."
The guards chorused. "Understood, Comare."
Drystan came up beside her. "You done?"
Rose shook her head. She said to the gentlemen. "I will let you know two things : I want loyal soldiers at my beck and call. You become my enemy the moment you betray and second, when I meant protecting my baby and I, it also includes giving your life. Are we clear?"
Drystan confirmed his suspicion. This woman was dangerous and he liked it.