Iris POV
I kept my eyes focused and didn’t look away showing that I was determined. “If that's the case then you will have to decide what you want to do but just know that I won’t be the only one you can aim for,” I said firmly.
I didn’t want to be a victim I refused to just stand by and let things happen to me without saying anything. Instead, I would stand up for myself and I would show them that I was someone they couldn’t take lightly. I was ready to fight back and prove my worth.
A few of the gang members looked at each other with nervous eyes and without thinking their hands slowly shifted closer to the guns that were securely strapped to their sides.
The atmosphere in the room changed dramatically as a new feeling of tension filled the space. It felt very real and heavy almost making it hard to breathe due to the looming threat that was present.
“Be careful my dear” Hector cautioned his face slowly breaking into a cold and unsettling smile. “You are walking on a very thin line.”
“Perhaps it would be a good idea for you to begin noticing when there is danger nearby or when you are in a risky situation,” I replied sharply my voice reflecting a sense of newfound confidence that I had not felt before.
The tension in the air broke suddenly just like a tight wire that is pulled too far. A few of the gang members shifted their positions and their hands moved automatically toward their guns revealing just how scared they were.
Were they getting ready to pull the trigger? Had I just made a big mistake that could cost me my life? Just at that moment, Hector raised his hand in a quick and decisive motion like he was giving an order and this stopped the gang members from moving any further.
“That's enough!” he shouted and his voice carried a barely noticeable tone of respect mixed in with his frustration. “Let her have a chance to speak. She might have more courage and determination than we initially thought.”
He turned around to face me again and I could see that his curiosity had taken over the serious look he had on before. “I have to say you have some courage and I admire that about you. However, having courage alone isn't sufficient if you don’t have a well-thought-out strategy to back it up. So what is it that you can contribute or offer to this situation?”
“I'm not just someone you can easily manipulate or use as a tool in your plans Hector,” I said firmly without any hesitation in my voice.
“I have valuable knowledge that can help you and your men gain entry into Campani's house. I understand the layout of the building and the security measures in place. I can provide you with the information you need to reach Campani directly and launch an effective attack on him.”
A small smile briefly appeared on Hector’s lips. He looked at the person in front of him and said “Do you believe that you can just walk right into Campani's estate without any issues? I want you to give me one really good reason why I shouldn’t just ask you to leave this place immediately.”
“If Raf goes in by himself it will lead to a lot of trouble and possibly even people getting hurt or worse,” I said firmly feeling my heart race with every word. “And if Bellotti wants to keep things calm and prevent any fighting over territory he should take my advice seriously.”
Hector's face changed slightly and you could see that he was thinking carefully about something. He said “You seem very sure of yourself. However, being too sure can lead to mistakes that might be expensive for you. You might have a talent for understanding how other people feel but how can we be certain that you are not trying to deceive us or trick us in some way?”
“I understand what you’re saying and I know that you might not believe me right now,” I confessed recognizing the doubt in his voice.
“However if you just allow me to show you I can promise that you will see I am not here to create any problems. I am here to help stop any issues from happening.”
“That was an interesting proposal.” Hector thought to himself as he looked over at his team. They were paying close attention to staying alert but it was clear that they found this unexpected situation intriguing. He continued “However it’s important to remember that I am not the one who gets to make the final decision.”
“I am interested in meeting the Don. I think it would be an important opportunity and I want to make sure I get the chance to do it.” I said with determination making it clear that I was not going to give up on my objective.
Hector let out a soft laugh. “Do you believe that you can just stroll right into the place where the lion is? If you want to do that you’re going to need to have your eyes covered so you can't see.”
“Alright,” I said quickly without any pause in my voice. My determination was strong and nothing was going to change that. “I am willing to do anything necessary.”
“Alright let's get the blindfold,” Hector ordered one of his men to the decision made. The game had begun.
I experienced a strange feeling when the dark cloth was placed over my eyes. It brought up a lot of different emotions inside me particularly a mix of fear and determination.
I had not expected to be blindfolded and the uncertainty that came along with it made me feel uneasy and on edge. As everything around me turned completely dark I could sense the strong and calculated hold of Hector's men on my arms. They were helping me navigate through a place I didn’t recognize at all.
Every single step I took felt intentional and purposeful and I could almost hear my heartbeat in my ears reminding me of my resolve. This was not just about being led into the unknown it felt like the beginning of something important—a confrontation that had the potential to change everything in my life.
They carefully guided me into a car and as I settled into the back seat I felt the engine rumble beneath me its vibrations moving through my entire body. A heavy silence surrounded us a silence so thick that it seemed charged with a mix of possibilities and unspoken tension.
It felt as though the very air we were breathing was electric with anticipation. I took a slow deep breath trying to prepare myself mentally and emotionally for whatever was about to happen…