THE RELUCTANT MAFIA BOSS

CHAPTER 13

The interior designer was brilliant when he filled Ruby’s favorite room with mirrored walls. The crystal chandelier was the showpiece, and I must say that I wanted to have my vanity room. Unfortunately, Philip was against the idea.

Ruby had a dressing table with a slightly opulent touch made of rose gold and golden handles, and she used to keep her regularly used goods. The wall facing it was ornamented by a row of treated wood, supplemented with a curved mirror with backlight. Various acrylic cases for her make-up and skincare were stacked on top of her vanity table. Her vanity mirror, with its several lighting modes, was undoubtedly the focal point of the space.

Ruby’s vanity was located within her walk-in closet, and a mirror ran the length of the table, with separate bulbs illuminating the edges. Underneath were drawers upon drawers of things to accommodate more storage for her things.

 “Hey, you should help me choose my dress,” I said to her after she transformed me into someone worth having. Ruby’s makeup skills were amazing, and by using wigs, contact lenses, and exceptionally skilled contouring, she transformed me into Ava.

“Ava, you can wear whatever you want,” she replied, and I laughed when she began to use my fictitious name.

I grumbled, "My tummy feels bloated."

“No, it’s not,” she said. “Go and choose your dress while I do my make-up.”

I expressed a deep breath while sauntering towards her walk-in closet and rummaged everything inside. Finally, something caught my attention, and I believed that it was perfect to be worn in a bar for a drinking session. With linen-kissed fabric and billowy sleeves, a shirtdress silhouette would suit my style.  

“Wow!” Ruby clapped both hands together upon seeing me. “I think it’s better if you’re going to wear some stockings, you know, for a smoother leg,” she suggested.

“Of course,” I replied.

A few moments later, we both emerged from Ruby’s bedroom, and Enrique couldn’t hide his reaction upon seeing Ava for the first time. However, I wasn’t amused at his reaction. How dare he smiled at another woman when we just made love the other day?  

“Nice meeting you, Miss Ava,” he said, and then he introduced himself casually.

When I looked at Ruby over my shoulder, she just shrugged off her shoulders. “You can just stay here if you’re not comfortable being with us,” I said.

“It’s part of my job, and Tyler asked me to serve you tonight,” he announced.

Ruby cleared her throat, and I chastised her for being a bully. “If you insist,” I said.

Inside the vehicle, I couldn’t think rationally because of Enrique’s perfume. He’s using a fragrance that will transport anyone to strange places with its distinct and unique mixture that conjures up images of far-off wonders. Imagine a burning arrow from rosewood and cardamom piercing the heart notes of oud wood, sandalwood, and vetiver.

I just listened to Ruby while she instructed Enrique about the directions going to The Lethal Gentleman. It’s a famous bar close to the chateau, and it’s one of my favorite places to hang out with Ruby; their cocktails were great, and their customers were also lethal gentlemen.

The Lethal Gentleman appeared pleasant, rustic, and cheery from the outside. The majority of the building’s exterior was made up of stacked stones and beautiful woodwork carvings. Although the huge, curtained windows made it difficult to view outside, the joyful voices from within could be heard.

After he parked our vehicle, Ruby and I walked together towards the massive hard wooden door that served as the main entrance for the bar.  Despite being buried in orders, the bartender managed to greet us with a wave.

It's just as attractive on the inside as it is on the outside. The upper level and the lamps linked to it were supported by marble pillars. Aside from the lighting, the walls were completely barren, most likely due to customers stumbling against the walls too frequently and knocking off anything on the walls.

The bar was jam-packed, and the predominant clientele appeared to be groups affiliated with some organization, whether it be sports, music, or something else entirely. Several long tables were occupied by many groups, each of which appeared to be attempting to prove which group was the best after several drinks.

While some people tried to strike up a conversation between bites of what must be good food and powerful cocktails, even the majority of the bar stools were taken, but no one seemed to worry. I heard that the bar was famous for something else. Though, judging by the warmth and excitement that pervaded the bar, the atmosphere was most likely what made it famous.

The location was ideal for anyone looking to spend the night in solitude and comfort, with delectable food and a lovely glass of wine or any cocktail for that matter. Amongst the bar that I’ve frequented, The Lethal Gentleman was the best!

Alcoholics would be satisfied with their extensive selection of imported beers, spirits, whiskeys, and vodka. It’s usually crowded with elite and classy people, and the bar created a vibrant atmosphere with its live music, which could be paired with a glass of cocktail or wine. The plush interiors and vibrant bar area let customers socialize with one another.

As soon as I was seated on my favorite spot, someone approached me with a smile, and I recognized him. “Sam! What are you doing here?”

“And what about you, Tyler?” He whispered.

“Just hanging out with a friend,” I replied.

“You look gorgeous tonight,” he added before he winked at me.

“Thank you. Are you alone or with Jessica?” When Samuel Velasquez took his time to respond, I concluded that he’s alone. “LQ?” Samuel nodded, and I pouted my lips in response.

“Come on, let’s dance,” he invited me to the dance floor, and my companion just gave her approval immediately.

As much as I wanted to help him with his sadness, I wasn’t in the mood for dancing. “We just got here,” I reasoned out. In fact, our orders haven’t arrived yet, so dancing on the dance floor was impossible at the moment.

“Come on, it’s just a quick dance,” he insisted, and before I could refuse again, Samuel landed on the floor after Enrique gave him an uppercut.

“Oh my goodness, why did you do that?” I squealed in horror when I tried to help Samuel got up. “I’m sorry, Sam,” I apologized.

“Who dared to hit me?” Samuel inquired at the crowd, and I gestured for Enrique to step back and never show his face to Samuel Velasquez.

“It’s me,” Enrique replied, and I glared at him for having the courage to face Samuel Velasquez.