At the gym, at 4:00 PM, the three killers were literally tearing me apart. I'm fighting all three of them, trying with every ounce of my strength not to collapse on the floor from sheer exhaustion and weakness. These lunatics didn't give me even five minutes to rest. They're trying to kill me.
Suddenly, I'm hit with a punch to the stomach, so hard and brutal that it rips a harsh scream from me and tears from my eyes instantly. My vision blurs, and there's no way I can take another step—I fall to my knees, clutching my abdomen. The damn menstrual cramp hits with such vicious intensity that my teeth grind, my bones feel like they're retreating into my flesh, and my vision clouds. The pain in my lower abdomen feels like the premature start of my death. A horrific menstrual cramp shakes me, and trembling, I writhe, sitting and collapsing to the side on the gym floor. I struggle to swallow the nausea surging up my throat, and for a moment, I think I might faint from the pain.
— Lavínia, are you okay? _Killer 27 kneels beside me, concerned, touching my arm.
I look at him with tears in my eyes, letting out a loud groan from the sharp, intermittent, and momentarily debilitating pain, writhing as I pull my knees up to cope with the infernal cramp triggered by the blow one of them landed.
— Oh, my stomach. _I cry out in anguish, nearly fainting from pressing on my abdomen.
Suddenly, I hear the sound of multiple footsteps invading the gym. From my position on the floor, I see black leather dress shoes and black dress pants—they're all uniformed. Raising my tear-filled eyes, I realize they're Ângelo Fontana's security guards. I take a deep breath, trying to control myself despite the surreal pain in my stomach, watching six incredibly strong security guards remove their shirts, revealing undeniable muscles, and charge determinedly toward the three killers who were sparring with me. I grow anxious, knowing exactly what shit is about to go down. Unable to intervene, I watch three of Ângelo's guards restrain the three killers while the other three start beating them, eliciting roars of pain.
I squeeze my eyes shut tightly, hearing the terrifying sound of punches and the three killers groaning in agony from the blows.
Unable to bear the sound of torture any longer, the shock of witnessing it makes the cramp in my abdomen vanish abruptly. I look at them. Even when the guards tire, they don't stop pummeling the three killers' stomachs. Horrified, I press my hands to the floor and sit up slowly, wary of the pain that doesn't return, seeing the killers spitting blood.
— Please… that's enough! _I scream, terrified by the sheer violence and aggression. They keep beating them relentlessly.
The guards release them at my request, and I see the three killers collapse to the floor, writhing in pain just as I had been.
Furious, I raise my eyes to the guard who turns to me, picking up his white shirt from the floor.
— Orders from Mr. Ângelo. _He says robotically, with a coldness that sends shivers down my spine. My gaze quickly shifts to the camera high up in the gym. Damn it! Ângelo saw everything. — He ordered us to rough you up too… _He warns, and my eyes snap back to him, utterly shocked. — But then he rescinded the order.
— Your boss is a complete lunatic. _I'm incredulous at how he handles things even from a distance. He doesn't seem like the guy who gave me snow in a jar and slept curled up with me all night.
---
I watch the killers on the floor, groaning in pain, and shake my head, rejecting all this cruelty.
— He called you reckless for training in your condition.
I smile, in pure disbelief, and stare at him with horror.
— I'm not sick. _I argue, annoyed.
— But you're bleeding. This period is sacred for women. Mr. Ângelo ordered that training be suspended for the days you're in this condition. _The guard, like a damn statue, relays the demand, and it feels like Ângelo himself is speaking through him.
Fiercely, I wipe my face and, with great effort, stand up, shoving past the guard with my shoulder and slowly walking to sit on one of the gym's training machines to drink water.
— You can leave. _I demand with animalistic rage, and they all exit the gym without another word. I scan the killers trying to sit up, hearing them groan more than I did with my menstrual cramps. — You guys look awful. _I admit, grimacing in disgust at seeing them spit blood. One even stumbles backward while trying to stand. My gaze toward them is a deep apology.
Killer 2 glares at me murderously.
— Why didn't you tell us you were on your period, damn it? _He wipes the corner of his mouth.
— Because you'd go easy on me. _I shrug, sipping my water.
— Funny girl. Now everyone's bleeding in this damn place! _Killer 1 snaps, pissed off, touching his abdomen and coming over to me, snatching my damn water bottle from my hands and drinking it like it's his.
— Your reflexes are impressive. _Killer 27 sits on the floor, coughing and observing me. — You held your own against all three of us for 20 minutes while bleeding. Damn!
They're taking the situation in stride… after just getting beaten for hurting me. How cute.
Cockily, I toss my sweaty ponytail back.
— See how badass women are. _I grin, mocking.
Killer 2 laughs and groans at the end, which is pretty funny to watch.
— One little punch to the stomach, and you nearly died sprawled on the floor. Such a delicate flower. _He's a certified idiot.
Suddenly, I grab my bottle from Killer 1's mouth, who looks at me indignantly, and throw it at that useless, insensitive Killer 2. It misses but comes close.
— I'd like to see you deal with a herd of elephants stomping on your stomach, destroying you and causing infernal cramps. Delicate is your little grandma. _I'm furious at these men who think cramps are a trivial thing. Serves them right that Ângelo had them beaten.
Killer 2 sticks his tongue out at me, and I show him my clenched fist.
— Training's suspended. _Killer 27 announces. We all fall silent. Ângelo Fontana, you ruin everything… I could've survived a cramp, damn it! I think. — Have you picked out your dress for tonight? _He looks at me.
I shake my head, completely clueless about what he's referring to.
— Dress for what?
— For the event at headquarters.
My gaze shifts between the three of them.
— It's an event? I thought I was just going to introduce myself as the clan leader and that's it.
---
They laugh in my face.
— Lavínia, presenting yourself as a clan leader is reason enough for an event among the killers to smooth things over. _Killer 1 explains patiently.
— My God! Ângelo didn't tell me it was that big a deal. _I'm speechless.
— Because he's used to it. But the killers value this kind of event—it's a non-negotiable commitment for everyone, especially since you're a young, female leader. We don't have women in the clan, so they'll practically kiss the ground you walk on.
— That's absurd! Is that serious? _I narrow my eyes at 27, sitting on the floor.
— It is. And likely, the killers from the eight countries where the clan operates will be there. They're probably staying at the building Ângelo reserved for them here in Switzerland.
— Why all this, people? _I'm indignant.
— They want to know who the first clan leader is, to meet you and see what kind of woman Ângelo put at the top of the list to be protected by all the clans. As I said, everyone looks out for each other. They have oaths to die for Ângelo, and now, for the leader.
— You have no idea the size of the protective bubble Ângelo's put you in. Didn't you see what simple security guards did to us just now? Woe to anyone who touches a hair on your head, your brother's, Ângelo's, or Ama… _Killer 1 cuts himself off at a cough from 27.
— Ms. Lavínia? _The housekeeper knocks on the gym's glass, catching my attention. — The team to get you ready is waiting in your room.
I grimace.
— Team? _I stand up.
— The makeup artist and stylist's team. _She explains, and I make a face of dismay. Today, people haven't stopped showing up to take care of me. First, the doctor Ângelo hired, which was great since I can go back on birth control. Then the six security guards because Ângelo's a brute and only takes care of people like that. And now a team to prepare me for an event.
At this moment, I understand the true meaning of "dancing to the tune."
***
The sky above me fills with gray clouds as I step out of the car. The moon is full but dulled by the passing clouds. The strong, icy winter wind blows the wavy strands of my hair, styled in a stunning updo that made me feel like a real bridal catalog model when I saw it in the mirror. I'm wearing a long, beaded red Prada dress with a thigh-high slit and a single long sleeve. My collar is adorned with magnets shaped like tiny ruby teardrops, and my earrings match. On my wrist, a silver bracelet with rubies, and on my feet, red Louboutin heels with a beautiful silver anklet. On my thigh, exposed by the slit, they placed a strass chain, and I feel insanely hot. My makeup is flawless… I nearly freaked out when I saw how much of a bombshell I looked.
Faruk said I looked like Jessica Rabbit, the Disney princess, and only needed red hair to be identical. I confess I think the people who prepared me for tonight used that princess as inspiration. The killers at the mansion were stunned when they saw me coming down the stairs, but 27 was quicker than the rest and whisked me away to bring me to headquarters in his car for the event that would reveal me as the clan leader to Ângelo's killers—something I never imagined in my life. I admit I'm terrified inside, trembling like a leaf, but tonight I'll pretend to be the most confident woman this world has ever seen. I owe it to myself and to Ângelo, who's betting everything on me.
---
As I suspected, Ângelo didn't arrive in time, so I had to come with his killers. That's fine… but I wanted to come with him, to walk in hand in hand.
Suddenly, the two killers who came in the car behind the one I was in alone with 27, following us, park and approach me with smiles.
— I can't stop admiring you. You're a knockout. You don't even look like the little mouse from the mansion—you're the cat now. _Killer 1 is gallant, and I smile widely, feeling great because they're so sweet when they want to be, constantly complimenting me and boosting my confidence.
Holding my long red dress, I make a small curtsy gesture.
— Thank you very much, Mr. Assassin.
— Ângelo will arrive later. But I feel we can perfectly hold down the fort until the king gets here. _Killer 2 comments, winking at me while trying to adjust his bow tie.
I hope Ângelo doesn't take too long.
I walk up to him and fix his tie, turning to stand between them and carefully observing the three of them dressed impeccably in matching black high-end suits and ties.
— You guys look perfect. _I sigh.
— Don't flirt with us, darling. _Killer 2 runs two fingers over his thick eyebrow, teasing.
I laugh.
— You're an idiot. _I shove him.
— Let's go in. _Abruptly, 27 slides his hand over my arm and links it with his. I look at him, a bit nervous about what awaits me inside that headquarters. I glance around, and the number of cars lining the street is impossible to count, meaning there are a lot of men inside eager to see me.
I nod to 27 and look ahead, seeing 1 and 2 turn forward as well. Taking a deep breath, I watch the four of us walk in sync against the icy wind, following the same path as the gray clouds in the sky, while the bright moon lights our way on this full moon night.
I feel like my heart might leap out of my mouth at any moment. We pass through the headquarters' impenetrable security, walk down the wide, pristine corridor, and head straight to the end, a place I hadn't entered when I came with Ângelo before. Finally, the two killers in front of me press their hands on the large steel door and open it, stepping aside to hold it, looking at me and gesturing for me to enter. My eyes tremble uncontrollably as I take in so many men dressed sharply and elegantly, many wearing the same color suit. For a second, my soul leaves my body—the feeling of being the center of attention for so many men takes me back to the brothel, where I constantly felt desired by men.
Taking a deep breath and trying to control myself to face everyone and everything, I observe the place. It's impeccably arranged and decorated—they must have hired a professional team for this. The crystal chandeliers on the ceiling, candelabras with candles on the scattered tables, and the massive room with rustic gold walls and purple flowers everywhere aren't something just anyone could pull off with this grandeur. I spot armed security guards on alert, waiters politely serving everyone, and, of course, scantily clad girls dancing on a stage in the corner to entertain so many men. The classical music that starts isn't too loud, but it's impossible to hear any comments over the buzz of seeing me.
Emboldened, I take my first step, accompanied by 27, entering the room and smiling at everyone, nodding to those who do the same.
— Good evening, Lavínia. _Rael appears, his face bearing a small bandage where I broke a glass and cut him because the jerk threw in my face that I became a whore here in Switzerland, when in reality, I was forced.
---
— Good evening. _I say.
The jerk's gaze runs over my entire body, lingering longer than I'd like on my leg exposed by the dress's slit.
— You look stunning. _He compliments, clearing his throat and downing his drink. Suddenly, he surprises me by extending his hand. — Come with me, please. I'll introduce you to your clan.
I glance up at Killer 27, whose arm is linked with mine, and nod, allowing him to release me. Free, I offer my hand to Rael, who leads me to a doorless room where over 20 men are gathered. Seeing me, they all turn to face me and stand, bowing as if I were the queen of Switzerland.
Confidence, Lavínia… just confidence.
I smile, letting go of Rael's hand, which he reluctantly releases, and walk to the center of the men, who make space as I lean against the table.
— I'm Lavínia Fadel. _I look at each of them with utmost attention, memorizing their faces. They remain silent, and I wonder if this is submission or respect. I lift my chin, maintaining an unwavering posture, trying. — I'm 23 years old, I was kidnapped from Syria, and Ângelo Fontana saved me and is recruiting me to be one of you. _My gaze locks on Rael, who watches me silently. — I may seem like a fragile girl, but I assure each of you that I'll seek teachings, training, and instructions on everything involving your clan, which I'll be part of. I ask for everyone's patience because, just as each of you was once a beginner to reach the position you hold now, I'm a beginner too and will learn through you and your experience. I don't want to give orders to anyone; I want to be support and have support. _I shift my gaze among them and notice the three killers who came with me enter, remove their suit jackets, turn them inside out, and put them back on. I realize the entire clan here is wearing dark blue suits.
— Ms. Lavínia, we lost three men from our Swiss clan. They were drugged to death, which means someone is trying to kill us. _One of the men comments, sitting on the arm of the sofa. — All of us here, the entire clan before you, chosen by our boss to be our leader, speak for all of us when we say we're not happy with our clan being fragmented. Losing members has put us on alert, and we need to be sure we're whole again.
— I understand everyone's concerns and assure you that this clan is whole once more, and no matter how many heads they cut off, new ones will always grow. _I say confidently, and the three killers come closer. — These are Killers 1, 2, and 27. They've just joined our clan to take the place of the three we lost. I need you to listen carefully. _I step away from the table and move among them—some sitting on the sofa, armchairs, chairs, or floor, others standing. They watch me walk among them. — To ensure the clan doesn't lose anyone else, we need to figure out where we're failing. That's why I didn't hesitate to bring these three killers who've worked directly with Ângelo Fontana. They know everything about the clan, were part of the founding clan, the first one Ângelo established. They're intelligent, perceptive, and know how Ângelo operates. They have a lot to offer us, but since we're a team, I need to know your opinions—do you all agree to let these three join our team, or do we need to recruit others?
— I know Killer 1; he helped me with a case. _One of the clan members sitting on the floor stands and goes to greet Killer 1. — I'd like having a partner like him.
I smile.
— I also heard they were among the three killers from Italy who brought the most profit to the clan. I like how they work. _The killer sitting on the sofa arm, who had spoken earlier, continues, rallying everyone to decide. — We really need people with experience who know how things work.
---
Suddenly, I see everyone stand and go to welcome the three killers I brought. I confess I'm very proud. Regardless of what they do, this is their job, and they put their lives into it, even if it means taking lives too.
— I'm impressed. _Rael says, standing beside me. — I thought you were just a ditz who only knew how to spread her legs.
I look at him and smile with disdain.
— That I can do too, and very well, thank you. _I can't get offended by everything this jerk says, so I'll play his game… and play to win.
— From a dead woman to the most important woman in Italy, what luck, huh?
I take the drink from his hand.
— I fucked your boss, the guy who owns everything, so damn good, and look where I am—more important than you. You annoying little shit! _I wink at him and drink his drink. — I could have you crushed like a cockroach right now. Or, since you like playing the misogynistic macho, having the clan fuck every hole in your body sounds more interesting. Killing you and dumping your body in some thicket is as thrilling as the taste of this expensive whiskey.
— Your luck is that you're protected.
— And your bad luck is that you're not as much. I'm above you. If I order you to lick the sole of my foot right now, you'll do it, even though you're not in my clan.
— The law…
I cut him off.
— I am the law now. You owe me respect and to treat me well. Or do you want me and Ângelo to fuck your wife again? He slept with her, didn't he? I think she'd love to screw me and Ângelo this time. _I hand him the empty glass. — Now take this damn glass before I smash it on your head and get out of my sight, you crude, insignificant jerk. _I shove him.
It's inevitable—footsteps approach powerfully, and the entire clan surrounds me. Rael's gaze trembles, terrified. Such a man when it comes to women…
— Any problem, ma'am? _One of the men asks, but he's not looking at me. He's facing Rael, their faces almost touching. — If you want us to take him down, we will, but we here like to run people over.
— Let him go. _I say, and the man steps back from Rael instantly.
— Excuse me. _Rael says, looks at me with his nose in the air, and turns to leave the room.
— Good riddance. _The man who confronted him waves goodbye.
I smile, somehow loving the sensation of power radiating from my body.
***
I'm in the main hall, talking to one of the killers.
— So each clan has a color? _I ask, smiling.
— Yes, miss. I'm part of the Indonesia clan, and everyone you see here in white is part of it. _He responds kindly.
— Do the colors have to do wit.