The streets of Boston were just as I remembered them - alive with energy and steeped in history. As I drove through the city, the sun cast a warm glow over the towering skyscrapers and houses. The freedom trail wound it's way through the streets, a red brick ribbon that led to the iconic landmarks like Faneuil Hall and Old State House. The sound of the harbor bells carried on the wind, mixing with the hum of traffic and the chatter of pedestrians.
As we left the city behind, the scenery shifted to the rugged coastline and rocky shores. The smell of salt water and seaweed filled the air, along with the sound of crying seagulls. We were getting closer to Alex's beach house and my guts told me we were in for a surprise.
The beach house finally came into view, it was costed in blue and white with a sleek and modern structure that seemed out of place among the weathered cottages and rustic shacks that dotted the coast.
Viktor slowed the car to a stop, my eyes scanned the perimeter of the beach house. It was far away from people, the perfect place to do anything unnoticed.
Did he ever come here with Summer when I was away? That question ignited a fire of rage within me
"Go in there and bring me Alex." I growled through my clenched teeth.
Victor stepped out of the car and, my men who had followed in the other car strode into the house with him.
I pulled out a cigarette from my suit jacket, lit it, and took a long drag. As the smoke swirled around me, my mind wandered back to a time when everything was different….Three years ago, when I first met Summer.
I still remember clearly the night I met Summer, It was at a high stakes auction, where human flesh was the merchandise. It took place in a dingy warehouse on the outskirts of town.
I usually had someone else handle such tasks, but a recent suicide at the factory had created a problem. So, I decided to personally select the next batch.
As I scanned the countless women chained to pipes on a makeshift stage, my eyes locked onto hers. Her wild hair framed a face set in cold defiance.
The auctioneer began bidding on each women and when he finally got to her, I was the first to speak. No one had dared counter my bid and so I bought her and a couple other women who looked like they still had the will to live.
I didn't speak to her for weeks, and in those weeks she had haunted my mind. I tried to ignore her existence, pretend she wasn't just an hour away from me.
When I couldn't take it anymore, I ordered Victor to bring her to my estate. We ate dinner together and after that, I indulged in my long denied desires. But it left me wanting more and more - to see her, hear her voice, be near her.
I let my guard down with Summer, something I hadn't done ever since my parents abondoned me. Angelo Russo found me and raised me to be cold, ruthless and rid of all emotions that could make me weak. It was why he left the throne in my hands and not his pathetic family. And yet, I had let Summer right through my defenses just for her to tear down my walls.
I was lost in thoughts, still replaying the memories of Summer when the sound of gunfire brought me back to the present moment, followed by the sound of muffled voices and shattering glass. They were coming from the beach house.
I reached for my phone, "What's going on in there Viktor?"
"It was a set up!" He yelled over the noise. "Alex isn't here!"
I tightened my grip on my phone. "Wrap it up in there and get out." Just as I hung up, my head jerked up to see bullets ricocheting off my car window, the sound of gunshots echoing through the air.
There were two masked gunmen walking towards my car, shooting freely. The bullets stuck to the window not penetrating any further.
I raised an eyebrow, my eyes never leaving the men shooting at my car. "So, this is how you want to play Alex? How amateur."
Almost immediately, my phone rang and his name popped up on the screen.
"Hello Adonis." Alex said, I could hear the amusement in his voice.
"Where the fuck are you Alex?" I said, my voice laced in anger.
"Where the hell are you? It's so loud over there." He said, his tone mocking. "You are not in a good spot Adonis, you're a sitting duck at this point."
"So this was your little plan, make sure Johnny leads me here and ambush me?" I stared at the men who were still firing unrelentlessly. "Now I see why Angelo would rather die than leave the mafia to you, you lack a lot of things and creativity is one of them."
"Oh shut it you bastard!" He spat.
A bitter grin spread on my face. "Now that's more I like it, show me your fucking true colours. I was wondering how long you were going to keep up your pussy act."
"Oh fuck you Adonis,you never suspected shit, just like how you didn't suspect me fucking your wife."
"You better watch your tongue." I said angrily.
"For someone in your position, you shouldn't be threatening anyone." He chuckled. "But don't you worrry Adonis, I won't let you die like this, I can't just give you an easy way out. Besides, it would be an insult to all the hard work I've been putting to destroy you all this years."
I chuckled bitterly. "So that's what this is? You're still hurt that Angelo would rather leave the mafia, to me, a total outsider,a bastard, than his own utterly useless son who couldn't handle a thing on his own."
"I swear Adonis…"
"Let's face it Alex,you are nothing and all you ever did growing up was rely on your father's name, it's what made you weak." I spotted Viktor and men coming out of the beach house. "And it's what made you come up with this pathetic plan."
"You cocky bastard!" Alex snarled. "I think I do change my mind, new orders to shoot Adonis's kneecaps."
"Too late because all your men are dead." I kicked open the door and stepped out and saw the two gun men dead,none of my men looked unscathed.
"Let me make this very clear, Alex Russo. If you want to kill me, then be a man and do it properly. Do you really think all these nobodies could take a shot at me? I think you've forgotten who I am during the time I let you wander over the years, and do whatever the fuck you wanted."
The line was silent before he finally spoke again. "This is just the first phase and trust me there are many more to come. I will not stop until you are on your knees, crawling through rubbles, begging for your life."
"And I will be waiting, you cunt. When I do find you Alex, I will chop off your cock and feed it to you." I hung the call not giving him time for one of his snarky replies.
"Fucking bastard." I muttered.
"Johnny set us up, when we get back, I'm going to kill him." Viktor groaned.
"Can you drive?" I asked.
"I didn't get a bullet through me."
"Good let's go." I said and headed to the other car. "When we get to New York, I want you to bring me Johnny's head in a box."