A Mafia Romance
 

The moon shone bright over the streets of Rome, Italy. The hour was late, few people out and about on the streets, heading home from a bar or club. They didn't linger long on the streets, despite any alcohol they might have consumed. The night was to still; they could tell something was going down tonight and they didn't want to get caught up in it.

In a warehouse near the outskirts of the city, a man was hanging by his wrists from chains that hung down from the ceiling. There was blood dripping down his face and there were deep lacerations on his back. It was clear he had been tortured.

There were several men scattered throughout the building. Each one was armed and on guard. But there was one man who seemed out of place there. He was smaller than the rest. He stood in front of the bound man, arms crossed across his chest as he glared down at the man.

"So. You think you can steal from us? The Vargas Famiglia? Did you think we wouldn't find out?" he asked, his voice cold as he grabbed the man by the hair, forcing him to look at him.

"Please. I wasn't stealing! I swear!" the man pleaded.

"You see, I don't believe you. We found the proof against you in your car and home."

The man really started begging then. Pleading to be spared. Though he could see in the man's eyes that it wasn't going to happen. He had to try.

The man scoffed as he pulled out his gun. He put the barrel against the man's forehead. "I'm tired of your pathetic whining." he said, pulling the trigger. The deed done, he re-holstered his gun and ran a hand through his hair.

"Dispose of his body." he said, turning and walking out of the warehouse, intending to go home. A couple of the men, his bodyguards, followed.

"Yes sir." one of the other men said, motioning for the others to move.

Lovino didn't look back as he left the building. One of his men pulled his car to a stop in front of him and he got in the back, the other getting in as well.

"Take me home." he told them. The driver nodded and drove off.