A Price To Pay

Weakness in our line of business could be fatal. Dante Russo remembered the words of his father and they kept ringing in his ear. Dante never loved his father, he even hated his father's guts. He had lived his whole life trying to be different and better than his father.

"He has sent the address." Anthony gave his boss Dante the latest update. 

Dante Russo is a mafia boss and his rival gang just kidnapped his girlfriend, Sophia, to make him drop out from getting the new contract government wanted to award him. Dante couldn't believe he would make such a mistake after taking the family business from his two half brothers.

"What are we waiting for, let's go get her." Dante said and entered the car together with Anthony.

"Boss, you still have time to turn up at the presentation." Anthony wished his boss would be awarded the contract because he worked a lot for it. Though they are a mafia family, Dante was trying to change everything and make them a decent family.

"Don't worry, I have already accepted my defeat. Roman Ricci, he played his card well." Dante balled his hand into a fist and gritted his teeth for allowing his enemy to explore his weakness.

"Let's get to the address, no need to call everyone." 

"What if it's a trap?" Anthony has been with Dante ever since high school. He helped Dante conquer the whole surrounding high school so he knows how dangerous Dante could be when he is provoked. 

"I pray it's a trap." Dante looked out of the car window as the car drove through the streets of Italy. Anthony knew that whenever Dante is like this, he has been provoked.

"Alright." Anthony accepted but still sent a message to their men and asked them to head to the address and be on standby. Anthony is one of the people that believes in the strength of Dante but he still likes being careful. It's Dante's job to become the powerful figure they all look at, but it's Anthony's job to protect that figure.

After a while, they arrived at the abandoned factory and Dante stepped down the driver or Anthony. Dante doesn't know which anger consumes him the most, his anger on himself for letting his guard down, or his anger on his enemy for playing such dirty lips.

"I am guessing she would be kept in one of the abandoned rooms." Dante entered the building without waiting. 

"Wait out here." Anthony instructed the driver and followed Dante. Anthony was already sure their men has already arrived and be on standby.

It wasn't hard to find out where Sophia was being kept. Four tugs were sitting in front of the door. They all stood up when they saw Dante approaching. Dante is a tall handsome young man with dark hair. His height and broad shoulder make him imposing and pleasant to the eyes. 

"You must be Dante." One of the tugs said as they approached Dante. 

"Is she safe?" Dante asked in a low threatening tone. The tugs laughed at him because they were confident in their number. Anthony pitied the thugs that had no idea that their boss has just offered them for sacrifice.

"You must be a lover boy." The tug with a scar said while stepping aside to pick up one of the batons laying around. 

"Dante!" Sophia yelled from inside the room. 

"Oh, the princess is screaming for her prince." They mocked.

"While coming here, I was trying to convince myself not to punish you guys for the wrongdoings of your boss." Dante removed his suit jacket and folded the sleeves of his black shirt up to his elbow.

"But seeing how disrespectful and unremorseful you lots are, I will enjoy what I am about to do." Dante dashed toward them and they were surprised about it. Dante has lived his whole life fighting, so he knew it's best to attack first. Since the tugs weren't ready and had the confidence they would win it was easy for Dante to knock them all down.

"Mercy." The one with the scar cried as blood ran down his nose. Now he realized why their boss's right-hand man left them with a mocking grin.

"It's enough Dante, let's get Sophia out of here." Anthony reminded Dante of the reason for them being here. Anthony didn't bother helping Dante because he knew four tugs are barely enough to push Dante to his limit. 

Dante let go of the tug and went inside to untie his girlfriend, Sophia. It hasn't been long since they started dating but Dante was sure he would make her his wife. Sophia is a beautiful girl with blond hair that makes her eye candy. They met five months ago at one of Dante's hotels. Sophia wasn't like other girls he had been with. She was ambitious and understood the dangers surrounding the life of Dante.

"I am sorry Sophia." Dante apologize as he untied Sophia. He knew if he was more careful, Sophia would have been safe.

"I just want to go home." Sophia carried as the whole ordeal shook her. Sophia knew the dangers when she accepted to date Dante, she was prepared for it but being close to danger made her regret her decision. Her friend warned her about her safety but she was blinded by her desire for power and fame.

"Let's go home."

"No, I want to go to my own house." Sophia cowered away as Dante wanted to comfort her. It saddened Dante for he thought he has finally found a girl that would accept his dangerous lifestyle.

"Alright, Anthony take her home." Dante didn't try to persuade her for he knew he was the reason for her current predicament.

"Alright Boss." Anthony took Sophia and left the building after Dante covered her with his jacket. Sophia was wearing a red gown that he bought her last month. Sophia was on her way to get a present for Dante as a present if he gets awarded the contract. She was kidnapped by the men of Roman Ricci, she was used to threatened Dante and made him drop his desires for the contract.

Dante was alone with the tugs that were still grunting for the pain they suffered at the hands of Dante when his phone rang.

"Hello." The voice of Roman came through

"I am sure you have rescued your princess like the knight in shiny armor." Roman mocked him but Dante kept mute.

"Well, I called to tell you I have been awarded the project." Dante hung up before Roman could say another word. Dante was already thinking of a way to not only get back at him but also get the upper hand.

"Your boss has just provoked the devil." Dante said to the tugs before leaving the building. 

Dante Russo, the youngest Mafia boss that took over the family business after his father died. He succeeded to become the boss after he showed his two half brothers what he is capable of. For two years now he has been trying to let go of his mafia life and live a good life for the sake of the people that depends on him. Because he was trying to turn over a new leaf he no longer makes evil plans or tries to get things done through illegal means. Now, his old father's partner, Roman Ricci, has awakened the beast that was laid dormant in him. After working hard through legal means to get the contract, Roman Ricci took it from him in a devious way. Dante might get trying to turn a new leaf but he is still the devil that pays back tenfold whenever he is wronged. Roman Ricci, has just awakened the devil and there would be a price to pay.