Back & Forth | Book 1 of Back & Forth Series
Twenty: The Rival

I open my eyes and immediately see how dark the sky is getting. Oh god. How long did I sleep? Must be at least five hours. I push myself to sit and I feel everything suddenly spinning around me. Whoa. I’m definitely still feeling woozy from the long nap. What happened is not even that bad. Perhaps I was pushing myself too hard to get every hidden cameras and audio bugs. I used up all my energy without even realising it.

I sit on the bed with my feet on the cold floor, still trying to regain my energy. Oh wait. My dream. It was so odd and felt so real. I saw nothing much but I saw that my father hasn’t done anything to try to get me out of here. So much for hoping that him and my mother have the slightest worry about me. Other than seeing that my father doesn’t give a shit about me, I felt that I was standing in a dark room. I can’t see anything but I can feel pairs of eyes watching me from the dark. I don’t know what the hell was that about but I hope it’s just a dream not a premonition or something like that.

I waddle towards the door, wanting to turn on the lights, but then I fall to the floor as the door swings open so fast. My heart is racing in my chest as I look up to see whoever it is.

“I’m so sorry. Are you okay? Did I scare you?” Luciano asked as fast as a lightning as he kneels in front of me. Gosh. My head is spinning again from those questions.

I rub my eyes and shift my body to get myself up but then feel my butt hurting a little after the fall. Fuck. That hurts. I don’t think I hit my tailbone though. That’s a relief.

“A bit.” I said.

“Let me help you get up.” Luciano said. He puts his hands under my upper arms and pulls me off the floor and up to my feet.

“Ouch. My butt.” I winced. Luciano let’s me go and then I rub my butt that’s hurting. Why the fuck did he open the door that fast? If he didn’t I’m sure I’ll be just fine.

“Sorry.” Luciano said, giving me an apologetic smile.

“It’s fine.” I sighed.

I switch the lights on and squint my eyes as I look around my now brighter room. I go to the windows, stumbling a little as I go. I then close the curtains and almost jump back when I turn around and see Luciano right behind me. Dude. What the hell? Am I just being jumpy or is Luciano moving way too quietly? I guess both.

“Are you seriously okay? You look a bit ill.” Luciano said, staring at me with concern.

“Just a little dizzy from the nap but I’m fine.” I said dismissively.

“Do you need any medicine for it?” Luciano asked. I don’t think I need it. I’m sure this dizziness will disappear anytime soon.

“Nah. I’ll be fine.” I said.

“Alright. Let’s go downstairs. It’s almost dinnertime.” Luciano said.

“Wait a minute. I want to go to the bathroom first.” I said. I bet I look pretty shitty after the long nap. At least I need to wash my face before leaving my room. No need to wear any lipstick or something like that. I’m going to go back to sleep after dinner anyways.

“Okay. Do you want me to wait for you or not?” Luciano asked. I don’t want him to wait for me so he better leave now.

“You can leave now.” I said. Luciano keeps staring at me, probably trying to decide between the two choice in his head.

“Actually. I’ll wait for you. I don’t want you to fall down the stairs.” Luciano said. He might be right. I could fall down the stairs while still in this state of drowsiness.

“Okay.”

I go to the bathroom and wash my face. The cold water refreshes me a little and now I’m feeling a bit more awake. I then brush my hair quickly and then go back to Luciano.

“Let’s go.” I said.

We walk down the flight of stairs, and thankfully, I don’t feel as dizzy as I was when I’m in my room but I’m still a bit sleepy. So, Luciano doesn’t have to worry about me rolling down the stairs and put myself into a coma. As we’re approaching the dining room, I can hear faint clattering of dishes and cutlery. We walk into the room and the house staff are currently preparing the table for dinner. Alessandro looks up from his phone as I walk to my usual which is close to his.

“Feeling better?” Alessandro asked.

“Yes.” I said.

“Good.” Alessandro nods.

I wonder if anyone has heard anything from my father. Alessandro is so hellbent on his plan, that my father will take the bait, so, I’m curious if everything has gone according to his plan.

“About my father, has he contact you?” I asked.

“No. I guess he won’t be doing that anytime soon.” Alessandro said. He shows a bit of annoyance, probably admitting to himself that his plan is not working at all. Just like what I’ve said before.

“I told you. What are you going to do with him?” I asked. Maybe he already has a plan b to do to my father? Perhaps he’s going to kill him? I don’t think he’ll go to that length though.

“I’ll think of something later.” Alessandro said.

Oh. He hasn’t think of any solid plans. Alright then.

“Okay.” I said.

Alessandro’s phone suddenly rings. My gaze immediately shifts towards his phone on the table and see that the caller ID is unknown. Who could that be? Is that the rival that we’ve been talking about all this time? If so, why is he calling Alessandro now? Oh no. Is he going to talk about me?

Alessandro accepts the call but keep the phone on the table. He puts the call on loudspeaker so everyone can listen in to the call.

“Who is this?” Alessandro asked curtly. I try to listen in to the call, and I see Alessandro glancing at me. His facial is unreadable as always.

“Sandro. I heard that you have a girl you’re going to put into the auction this week. I thought you’re not into this kind of business. Should I welcome you to the business?” A man said.

“It’s none of your fucking business.” Alessandro said.

“It is my business. You’ll be in my territory if you decided to join the world of human trafficking. The auction is one of it. Anyway, I’ve seen her picture. She’s definitely a pretty one. Perfect for me.” The man said.

What the fuck? Is he talking about me? Shit. I’m so done. What are we going to do now? He definitely replace out about this through the moles. There’s no way he can know about me from anywhere else. Thank god they’re talking in English. If not, I won’t understand most of the things they’re saying.

My face scrunches up as disgusting thoughts pop into my mind. There’s no way I’ll let a man like him touch me. He sounds like such a pervert. Other thing is, he’s probably as old or even older than my father. There’s no way I’ll let him do something like that to me. Ain’t no way I’ll let him buy me. Well, I know for a fact that Alessandro won’t sell me in the auction but if it happens, I don’t want to be with anyone like him. I’d rather die trying to escape than letting him lay a finger on me.

Alessandro stares back at me, furrowing his eyebrows.

“It was your man who broke into my house, wasn’t it?” Alessandro asked.

“Oops! You caught me!” The man said. I cringe and roll my eyes at his cringe, mocking, sarcastic tone. He thinks he’s funny, huh? Who is this man actually?

Oh, okay. I immediately get that he’s as old as Uncle Emiliano. Perhaps a bit younger than him. What’s his name? What is it? Oh. It’s Federico Gauci. Interesting. I think I’ve heard that name somewhere. He’s probably one of those famous businessmen who got interviewed on TV or something like that.

The thought of someone old like him wanting to buy me makes my skin crawl in pure disgust. Not that someone attractive will be any better. Just imagine, someone as old as your father want to do the deeds with you. Some people probably into that kind of stuff but it surely ain’t my thing. I bet he’s not one of those men that people consider as a DILF. But just like what I said before, being a DILF doesn’t make it better. If you’re a rapist than you’re a fucking rapist. Your good looks ain’t shit. I’d rather jump off a building rather than being bought by an old man and be his plaything for the rest of my life.

“I have lots of eyes and ears in your house so if I was you, I’d be careful about everything. Including your pretty little cousin because I’m coming for her. Just the thought of touching her really turns me on. Can’t wait to get my hands on her.” Federico said. I grimace at his words. I even feel like I’ve thrown up a bit in my mouth from how revolting his words are. I swear god I’ll break his fingers before he even get to have his hands on me.

“Fucking bastard. I’ll make sure you pay for everything.” Alessandro seethed. I’ve never seen him this angry before. Federico has definitely pushed Alessandro’s buttons a lot and his patience is getting thinner and thinner every day Federico is living on earth.

“Oh. I’ll definitely do that. I’ll spend a lot of money to get your dear cousin from the auction. I’m going to have so much fun after I get her.” Federico said, chuckling sinisterly. I can see him smirking behind the phone, thinking that he’s the shit. Sooner or later, he won’t be able to smirk anymore. He’ll only going to cry and cry and beg us for mercy.

Alessandro ends the call. He breathes out in anger and then rakes his fingers through his hair, seemingly very livid at the phone call he just got. He looks around the table and glares at everyone.

“I want you all in the meeting room after this. Forget about any plans you have for tonight. We have more important things to discuss.” Alessandro said.

“Yes, boss.” Everyone said in unison.

“What should we do now?” I asked. Alessandro let’s out a sigh and then turns to me.

“We’ll talk about it later. We’ll figure something out.” Alessandro said.

“Did you understand what I was saying?” Alessandro asked telepathically.

I look in front of me as the servers put a plate of roasted chicken covered with spices and herbs. Not sure what this dish is called but it looks good. I take my cutlery and start cutting a piece of the chicken.

“Yeah. I literally heard you talking in English with the man. Or Federico. If that’s his actual name. But from the look on your face the entire call, I don’t think that’s the case.” I said.

“I was talking in full Italian with Federico. You definitely just experienced a real-time translation earlier.” Alessandro said. Damn. Now I have a new power again? How many powers will I actually get?

“New power unlocked!” Alessio said. By the way he’s saying that, I feel like I’m living in a video game. This feels as if I’m collecting things for the game that’ll be useful when I finally face the final boss. Who the final boss would be? Federico? I’m sure as hell he’s going to go unconscious right away after I make him faint with my mind controlling power. So, he’s going to be an easy final boss.

“This is getting weirder. If I keep discovering new powers, I’m not sure if I can keep up with them. It’s too much. I don’t think I can handle all of them.” I said.

What if having too many powers going to end up with me getting my energy easily drained? I don’t know. That’s just a thought but it’s possible to happen. I might end up using all of my powers at once and cause the sudden drop of energy. I don’t want that to happen when we’re currently in danger.

“Don’t say that. This means that you can help us even more. You can spy on people much better now that you also have this real-time translation power other than the ability to read people’s mind. Speaking of mind reading, you should definitely come with us to read the capos’ minds other than Martino. You’ll absolutely help us replaceing something important.” Alessio said. He’s right. I feel like I’m their only hope at the moment to gather important information so I don’t want to let them down. I’m the only one with helpful powers so I better put it to use now.

“I can try to do that. Hopefully my power will work just fine later. I suddenly feel sleepy again after listening to Alessandro and Federico talking with each other.” I said.

“Just try to do it but if you’re getting tired, you can stop yourself.” Luciano said.

All of us continue to eat our dinner in silence. There’s a tense atmosphere over us ever since the phone call that Alessandro got from Federico. I feel like someone is hiding something here. I’ll replace out about that soon. For now, I just want to enjoy my dinner before the meeting.

After the quick, uncomfortable dinner, we all go to the meeting room lead by Alessandro. He unlocks the door to the room and everyone immediately step inside and take their seats. I sit between Luciano and Alessio with Luciano sitting close to Alessandro. I look at the faces of the capos. Their true emotions are hidden under their usual grim expression. I feel the feeling of someone getting even more nervous getting more apparent than before. Is someone hiding something here? Or are they just feeling nervous about the meeting now?

“Anyone has any idea for our next plan to get rid of Federico? No need to murder him just yet. I just want him to stay away from our businesses.” Alessandro said. Everyone stays in silence. What the hell? Shouldn’t the capos at least have something to say in the matter? They’re definitely got picked to be a capo because they’re competent enough in their field. Why are they staying silent now?

“No one? How about the traitors? What do you think we should do to catch them? Any updates on everyone’s department?” Alessandro asked.

I look around the table and I feel anxiety radiating from Martino. What? I thought he’s fine earlier. Is he actually hiding something?

I focus on Martino’s mind even though my gaze is on Alessandro. Let’s see why you’re so nervous right now.

“Oh no. She’s definitely going to be mad again. I’ve promise to take her to that new restaurant since four weeks ago but I kept cancelling on her. I’m fucked. I don’t think she’s going to forgive me this time.” Martino thought to himself. Okay. It’s just the wife. Nothing important about the famiglia.

“Now that we’ve found out that someone from the outside has broken into the area and spied on us, we should check on everyone here. Questioning every person who stays in this house or get in and out of this place. There’s no way the spy Allura came across earlier just know when to come without getting caught. He definitely has insider.” Luciano said.

“Alright. How about the warehouse? Do we still have any intruder that steal our goods?” Alessandro asked, specifically at Martino.

I ignore them and decide to dive into Salvo’s mind. I don’t know why but my gut feeling has been so strange whenever I’m around him. I also see how he looks like the most suspicious one out of all the capos. Maybe I’m just being a judgmental bitch by only seeing his looks, but we’ll see about the truth later.

So, what I’ve gotten from his mind is that he’s somehow involved in the drug theft. Why did he do that? Is he the mole that we’ve been looking for all this time? I mean, it kinda sounds reasonable if he’s actually the traitor. He’s the one who’s in charge of the drugs so he has more and easier access to them. However, I don’t feel like he has a direct connection with Federico. Why does he do this though? Being a traitor to us? I still can’t get anything about that. Damn it. This is why I can’t really put my full faith in my powers just yet. I still keep missing something important.

“-of their car’s license plate, but it’s a fake one.” Martino explained.

“Have you added more security personnel for the warehouse?” Alessandro asked. Mario nods at him.

“Yes. We’ve added five more men for each shift so in total there’s fifteen guards for each shift.” Mario explained.

“How about the security cameras? Have you added more of them in the warehouse? Are we still not be able to recover the missing footages?” Alessandro asked.

“Yes. The missing footages are not recoverable. We’ve tried everything but we can’t get the footages back. We’ve installed more cameras in the warehouse this afternoon just like what you’ve asked. It might not be useful if they can still hack into the security system and erase the footages again.” Martino said.

Okay. I better continue to read the capos’ minds now. Let’s get into Fabrizio’s mind. From a quick but deep reading, I don’t get anything related with the stolen drugs and the moles from him. He’s safe. How about Mario? He’s also safe. I got nothing from him. So, for now we can definitely say that Salvo is the traitor. He’s the most suspicious one after all. At least in my eyes. I’ll tell the others about him later.

“Salvo, any updates on the new goods we’ve ordered? And how about the new factory? Have they worked on making the new formula?” Alessandro asked.

“They’re going to arrive at the warehouse tomorrow. It will be ready for inspection in the afternoon. For the new formula, they’re still progressing on it so it won’t cause too many side effects like the previous ones.” Salvo explained.

What? Alessandro have people to make our own drug formula? Damn. I need to know what that is? How is he going to make something with few side effects anyway? I’ve seen and heard about how various drugs on the market have caused such detrimental effects to the users. So, how is he going to make something with less side effects?

“Good. Keep me updated on the progress. This one might be popular as soon as it hits the market. No need to rush it. We have to make this one perfect.” Alessandro said.

“Sì, capo.” Salvo said.

(Yes, boss.)

“Good.” Alessandro said, nodding to Salvo. He then turns to the other capo. “Fabrizio?”

“Everything’s good in my department. The new weapons, ammunition, and security equipment are coming in two days.” Fabrizio said.

“Alright.” Alessandro said, nodding to him.

What about my father? What is he going to do with him?

“About my father, what are we going to do with him?” I asked. I immediately feel pairs of eyes fixed on me. Damn. I’ve never felt so scrutinised before. It’s not they’re going to do anything to me now but I feel nervous under everyone’s gaze.

“We’ll wait until he responds. He still have four days left before the deadline.” Alessandro said.

“But what if he doesn’t respond until then?” I asked again.

“Then we will replace him and make him pay himself. With his own life.” Alessandro said. Okay. I’m wrong about him not going to kill my father because of this. The problem is, Federico thinks that Alessandro will actually sell me. What are we going to do about him?

“What about Federico? He knows that you’re going to sell me now.” I said.

“I couldn’t care less about him. Just ignore him. I’ll figure out something to do about him later.” Alessandro said.

“I don’t think it’s a good idea to ignore him.” I said. He probably already has so many things planned out just to get me. Even if not through the auction. He’s going to keep trying to get me no matter the obstacles.

“Then what do you want me to do? Sell you?” Alessandro asked loudly. My heart stops for a second at his sudden anger. Fuck. I’m definitely getting on his bad side now. I better not make him any more furious.

“No. But if we don’t have any other choice, then we should do it.”

What the fuck did I just said? Why did I told him to sell me? The fuck is wrong with me? Now I’m just saying nonsense. I better not say anything else after this.

I look at Alessandro and he only looks even angrier than before at my suggestion. Yep. I’m officially fucked.

“No. I’m not going to put you into the auction. Not only that we have an oath to never, ever, involve ourselves into that kind of business, but you’re also my cousin. Hell. I even consider you as my little sister. Why would you think I’ll do that just to satisfy our rival? Don’t you even dare to think I’ll ever do that.” Alessandro said sternly. His gaze glares into my eyes. I can see that he’s angry because he cares about me but I’m just here trying to throw my life away like usual.

“If we don’t do that, people would think that you’re not staying true to your words. Wouldn’t that going to ruin your reputation?” I asked.

Damnit, Allura. Stop talking this instant. You’re just making things worse.

“I. Don’t. Fucking. Care. Your safety is way more important than what everyone else is thinking. Especially that figlio di puttana.” Alessandro said.

(Son of a bitch.)

“But he might do something worse now that it’s clear the moles are working for him. Don’t you think he’ll do something a lot worse in the future?” I asked again.

What the hell? It’s like my mouth has its own mind right now. I can’t control what I’m saying. I seriously need to shut the fuck up. Alessandro is only going to be even angrier towards me. So please, Allura, kindly shut the fuck up.

“Are you willing to take the risk of getting bought by an old man who owns a fucking brothel and strip club? Do you want to be sold through the auction that bad?” Alessandro asked. Anger is evident in his voice.

“No. I’m just saying-“

“Then shut the fuck up. I’m not letting that happen. End of conversation.” Alessandro said. That’s harsh.

I inhale deeply and press my lips together. Not wanting to say anything stupid again. I don’t want to make Alessandro angry. I don’t know why did I even say all those things. What I’m asking are reasonable but it’s better not to ask him all that at this time.

“We’re done here. We’ll continue the meeting tomorrow. All of you are dismissed.” Alessandro said. The capos leave the room with no question asked, leaving Alessandro, Alessio, Luciano, and me in the room.

“So, are we still going to have a sleepover in my room?” I asked, hesitantly looking at Alessandro.

“Yes. It’s for the best.” Alessandro said. He still looks a bit mad about earlier but his calmer now. He won’t look at me though. He has his eyes on his phone screen.

“This might need to continue for the next few days. At least one of us has to be with Allura.” Alessandro continued.

“Okay.” Luciano said.

“Let’s get out of here. I’m going to take a shower first before going to your room.” Alessandro said, still avoiding my eyes.

Yep. He’s definitely still angry at me. Can’t blame him. He’s trying to protect me but I want to throw myself to the wolves.

“Same.” Alessio said, yawning as he stretches his arms above his head.

“Me too.” Luciano said.

“I’m going to tell the maid to prepare some spare beds in your room.” Alessandro said.

“Okay.” I said.

We walk out of the meeting room, going in the same direction. Alessandro then part way with us, going to the staff quarters. Luciano, Alessio, and I go to the third floor and then Alessio goes to his room while Luciano and I keep walking towards our neighbouring rooms.

“I’ll be in your room soon.” Luciano said, winning at me. My cheeks turn warm from his flirty smile.

“Okay.” I said sheepishly.

Luciano goes into his room and I walk into my room. I close the door behind me and let myself fall onto the bed.

This is going to be a weird sleepover, but I’m looking forward to it. Hopefully, Alessandro won’t be mad at me anymore later. If he’s still angry at me, I’ll definitely feel awkward as fuck.