Burning Cigarettes

....Gritting my teeth I bob my head in recognition, wondering off. Heading towards the sides of the large room I watch as he practically struts out to the center. The watchful looks of others are on him, the most dangerous Don in the whole of the United States. Not much is known about Lucio, although his grandfather there's little and far information. His grandfather was said to be found in his own home dead but the grandmother went missing afterward. The police only knew about his death after a report of gunshots in the area. When they came to the location marked down he was found dead. No specific reason besides some sort of gunshot wounds that were unlisted. 

Other than those two, his immediate parents are still a mystery for me— but they're obviously dead or missing if he's Don. My eyes drift to watch as he makes small talk and tries to make deals or even alliances smoothly. Rich bastards were interested in getting with the Mafia for coverage over their illegal wrongdoings. I watch as some women and even some men flock to Lucio. I narrow my vision in annoyance but break into a soft smile as I watch Lucio flat-out ignore them. 

Leaning against the wall my eyes scan the crowd, watching Tokala openly flirt with men and women alike. Nothing like Lucio's purposeful ignorance of the flirting of others. The three caporegimes blubbered about all fixated on their own business. Stepping back for a second I realize the men under Lucio were nothing alike but once you get a closer look at all of them; you understand that they’re as close as family. The five work perfectly together, each brings their own set of cards to the table and plays together to win.

As I stand guard my eyes drift to a group of men in suits, talking amongst themselves in hushed tones. Originally I would have chalked it up to nothing but the silver gleam of multiple guns on each of their sides has me reeling. They're up to no good... my mind beckons out watching their pack split up.

I shake my head, disappearing from my thoughts. The stage at the front of the ballroom holds the movement of band members finally setting up their instruments. Sitting down in chairs and making sure they have everything set before performing. Looking back at Lucio I see the small flash of a grin sent my way. His pearly white teeth shone brightly in the glowing room. 

Soon the music begins to play and I'm beckoned over by a strong hand. With a frown, I approach Lucio, "Would you care to dance with me?" His Cheshire grin makes something bubble I'm my chest. As I hold out my hand feeling like a schoolgirl. He grips my hand gently, leading my stumbling feet to the ballroom floor. 

Gesturing to our hips where the guns lie with my head and then around the room I try to silently tell him of the men. He narrows his eyes in confusion but I shake my head in reply, unable to communicate the danger. The redhead's hands gently grasp my waist, giving him a harsh look. I only get a cheeky smirk in return. 

Turns out I'm the woman in this situation, my hands wrap around the back of his neck. I smile innocently at him pinching his neck harshly, watching him flinch. That's what you get you bloody bastard. Dragging me into this shit.

"You know, Noah..." I perk up at the sound of his voice, our feet entangled in the dance. The music sounded in the ballroom as people talked way too loudly. "Just spare me a few minutes and relax for a second…" Our feet lead us into a soft waltz, the room fading away. With each soft pittering breath we took the distance between us shortened. 

Our bodies flowed together moving graciously in sync, his slightly larger hand enveloping mine. Although the man acted cold and ruthless his touch was as warm as the calm heat of a fire. A fire you find yourself sitting beside on a slightly chilly night. I couldn’t help but meet his gaze. The flame I was reminded of was present in his burning gaze. Auburn eyes filled with a passion for something different, something more. Somehow filled with lo—...

A woman's screech cuts through the air.

The band silenced their play and people drove into chaos. I'm torn away from Lucio as a gunshot sounds. I look behind me, about to dart straight off into danger. My eyes lock with Lucio's angered orbs. “Get out of here, I’ll find the boys.” Before I run off my arm is yanked back. Gunshots echo in the room. “You are not going to go fucking find them! They will be fine.” Lucio seethes as my eyes lock with his, memories filling my mind. The air in my chest suddenly dissipates as panic washes over me. He turns away before dragging me out behind fleeing patrons. I somewhat make out him calling Charles but everything became blurry and dark afterward. Screams and gunshots filled my ears raging with