I stood nervously in front of the LCF headquarters looking at my watch. Holding a bouquet of roses in my hand awaiting her exit from her headquarters for what seemed like forever. I was always ahead of schedule though liked to be on time even though I was on her time the second she got in my car. I had given Alfred the night off and would be escorting my Marie_Lucania to the airport this evening. 

This was time we were both looking forward to have together. Everything had been so busy lately and the pace never seemed like it was slowing down. I did what I could to keep up with her, I knew what hard work was, but she was a pistol. She kept me on my toes and I was ready to show her a time she would not forget. 

Though we had only spent a few days together I was more then excited to be able to show her around where I had come from. New York meant so much to me it was nice I was not only getting to travel back, but take someone special along for the visit. I was forever in debt to the man they call the King of Irish Whiskey aka The-Dubliner for holding down the house while I took Marie out. Her horse had just won its first race and she was still on cloud 9 last time I had talked with her. Double Eagle was a special horse and I loved how much he meant to Marie.

Taking in a deep breathe I looked around wondering how long it could actually take for her to ready herself for a trip like this. We weren't meant to be gone too long, but in all honesty would probably run off with her anywhere. I ran my hands through my hair as my nervousness continued, just then I heard the door open and there she was following out her associates as they carried her bags towards my direction. 

Marie seemed a bit more subdue now than she had been at the track.  Yet she still took Roman's hand in hers and leaned in to give him a kiss.  "Sorry it took so long.  I was having a hard time deciding what to pack."  For the flight she had chosen to wear a simple black dress with a white butterfly print.  "I am so glad we are getting to do this.  I have been looking forward to this trip with so much anticipation."

Roman helped her into the car as her men loaded the bags.  Then he got in beside her and their trip together officially began.  "I hope we are not running late?"

I needed a bad girl but every time I saw her she blew my mind. I did what I could to keep myself together, I couldn't help but thing to myself "Your the guy" as I watched her walk towards me leaning in for a kiss. It was her touch I longed for and couldn't wait to get our little adventure under way. We weren't far from the airport so I shut her door and walked around getting inside the car. I started it up looking over to her smiling, oh how I had waited for the opportunity to treat her like the Queen she was. 

Not late at all we have all the time in the world, I am the boss. 

I couldn't help but laugh. I hated pulling rank or even talking about it but if need be I would find people to do our work while we were away. This was my opportunity to show her what I was made of. After a short drive we were parked, through airport security, and seated on the plane next to each other. There wasn't much said on their car ride, though through there facial expressions a lot was already being said. 

I appreciate you accompanying me on this adventure. It will be nice to be able to sit back and relax with you, I couldn't tell you the last time that I was there. It will be nice to leave the city behind knowing it is in good hands.  

As the plane readied to take off I pulled a small jewelry box from pocket and showed it to Marie. I handed it over to her and let her open it as the plane  ascended into the air after take off. I had special ordered the bracelet after the first night we had met and it was part of my business trip to Philly to pick it up even though I covered it up by opening another business. I smiled as I watched her open it up her happiness was what was most important to me.

Marie grinned at Roman as she took the box.  She excitedly opened it and gasped loudly as she saw what was inside.  "Oh Roman!"   She pulled the bracelet out from the box and turned it slightly from side to side to make it sparkle in the light.  "It is beautiful!"  She leaned over to kiss him and let the kiss linger for a bit.  When she pulled back she smiled at him and said, "Thank you.  Will you help me put it on?"

She offered him her arm and watched as she clasped the bracelet around her wrist.  "You are so good to me.  What have I done to deserve you?"  Her face clouds up a bit and her eyes glisten with moisture, but she blinked the tears back.   

Her kisses were what I lived for and I was glad that she was alright with the piece of jewelry I had picked out for her. Interlocking fingers with her as we took off into the air and headed for New York. It was going to be a good time and I had more then enough planned for us to stay busy throughout the night. 

I'd planned to meet up with a few close friends and show off Marie to them while getting also getting some alone time with the boss of the Lucania Crime Family. I'd woken up on after I had fell asleep on her shoulder, even though we had just gotten I felt like I was almost getting too comfortable. She always smiled at and there was just something about her beauty that always took me back. I could stare into those eyes for an eternity. 

"We're getting close to landing", she said explaining to me in a soft voice. It peeked my attention sitting up straight looking as her with a sly look. The second we hit the ground and had our luggage she was again in my world. Even though the surroundings were not familiar with her I was gonna feel like I was at home really soon. The plane touched down shortly after and we were some of the first people off the plane. Walking downstairs I grabbed the luggage for the both of us. I had one bag, but she had a few and I managed to make it work.

Making our way outside I asked an associate that worked for Insomnia to take my bags and leave them with someone in charge at the Sugar Hill Hotel. We were staying in the presidential sweet there if we ever made it back to the room. I had a night of entertainment planned for her. Once our luggage was sent off I walked her towards the car I had borrowed from Insomnia it was a Bugatti Type 57 SC Atlantic. It was one from his personal collection and it was a dangerous vehicle. Oh the attention we would seek taking out on of his priceless toys.

"You ready to do this?", I said smiling as I held the door open for her.

As Roman slept beside her she watched the clouds slide over the wings of the the airplane.  She was actually glad he had fallen asleep as she was needing some time with her thoughts.  In her mind she went over the note Lucky had left on her desk with his gift.  

Marie, 

     I know tonight has been a lot to process and I know you need time to figure everything out. I had made this while I was recovering and had planned on giving it to you. It is the bullet that had hit my heart and almost costed me my life. I had it cleaned up and attached it to a silver chain that I got on my first job with Luca. It was the job that brought me into this life and eventually through very sad events it brought me to you. 

    What ever you choose know that I will always be here to help you and protect you. I took this one for you father and would not hesitate to take one for you. 

 

             Always yours 

                      Lucky

She hung her head.  How was she ever going to bring this up with Roman.  A part of her thought about not tell him until the trip was over, but she did not think she would be able to to do that.  Even know she felt like she was keeping something from him.  He needed to know.  He deserved to know.  She laid her head against his and closed her eyes. She was so tired.  She had hardly slept at all the last two nights and finally sleep overcame her, as well.

******

Marie could hardly believe her eyes.  She was not much of a car person, but even she knew this was a hot car.  "You really have got this all planned out don't you?"  She reached up to playfully drag her fingers down his jaw line as she got into the car.  "I am all yours.  Show me this city you love so much!"

I dropped a gear and burned rubber taking off from the airport towards Brooklyn. Driving through some back roads before making our way into town we had the windows rolled down and engine loud. Her hair blew in the wind and we took corner after corner at a high speed, it was nice to have a relaxed feeling and I was always happiest behind the wheel. Looking in her direction I couldn't help but feel content as this was something I could get used too. 

I continued to tear through the suburbs of Manhattan as we passed the luxurious headquarters of the Godmother Bubbles. It would of been nice to stop by and visit but my time was so limited I had to make sure I made the most of it. If there was any chance I could call her and get a hold of her to meet us out in the business district for a drink that would be great, but I knew how busy she was. Besides there was a good chance Insomnia had gotten in touch with her as I had plan to take Marie to a place she owned. 

The Townsville Bar and Lounge was not a place I had visited personally, but a place I had always planned on visiting. I figured I would take a chance at it as I knew a good friend would be there waiting for us. We continued at a high rate of speed and I took her hand placing it on the gear shit. Our rhythm was right as I had expected, every time I would hit the clutch she would shift up or down. Finally making it to the Bar we came to quick stop and laughed as we exited the vehicle.

It was quite the machine and I was not going to not only get to spend some time with my girl, but introduce her to the man that meant so much to me too. Little did she know that she was about to meet the man that never slept up close and personal. I opened the door and led her into a pleasant looking place. I walked to the bar as she followed and I ordered a few drinks for the both of us. I could see Insomnia sitting in the corner with a table all to himself.

I am excited to introduce you to someone who means a lot too me. He is why I do the things I do and the man that had given me the opportunity to give you everything you've every imagined.

As we made our way over to the table I introduced Insomnia to Marie_Lucania. We took a seat together across from him and I knew he wouldn't have much time to talk as he was the busiest person I knew. He poured a few shots and told Marie that it was nice to meet her and to watch out for me I was nothing but trouble. I laughed as I shook his hand and he made a quick yet remember-able exit. I waved to the bartender to bring me another round of drinks as I got cozy with Marie.

Well? I know it was short and sweet, but it was all the time I could get out of the man. He wasn't even supposed to be in town tonight, and might already be off towards another. 

Nibbling on her earlobe I had to resist the inevitable urge to head back towards the Sugar Hill Hotel. I pulled back as the waiter arrived with our drinks.

Marie had had no idea who Roman was bringing her to meet at this bar, but when he made the introductions she was stunned.  She politely exchange greetings and Marie told him that she was honored to meet him.  After a few rounds and some laughs, Insomnia made his exit.  She understood, how busy the man must be and felt lucky to have gotten to meet him at all.

She smiled and bit her lower lip lightly as he nibbled on her ear lobe.  She had fantasied him doing that very thing countless times over the last several days and as the waiter sat the drinks down on the table she found herself panting slightly.  "You don't have to explain.  I know how busy we are, I can't imagine what his life must be like."  She reached to pick up the glass of gin and took a drink.  "How did the two of you meet?"

I smiled at Marie as I looked over at the waiter walking away. I went back towards Marie and this time for a few light kisses on the neck. Laughing I grabbed for my margarita and took a drink. It was nice to be back home where I belonged, I had been spoiled by the warm weather of the West Coast for too long. After taking another big drink I directed my attention back to the question Marie had asked. 

I don't even know where to begin with this one, we were both working here in New York and I had just gotten back from doing some work for a crime family in Chicago. After a short stay with a Don in Chicago I came home and worked with a family in New York before our Godfather died to unfortunate circumstances. It gave Insomnia the opportunity to take over the power position in time and he needed some muscle to help intimidate the other crime families. The man means a lot to me and I try to take up as much of his time as I can get when I am here but as you can see he was busy tonight. 

We took the time to finish our drinks and I grabbed her by the hand as I hand another location in store for the two of us before I had planned to return back to the hotel for the night. We got back in the Bugatti and headed towards the Mayhem Casino in Brooklyn. I knew that she was up for a little excitement and figured she wouldn't mind gambling with some of my money. I slowed my roll as I made my way to the entrance of the casino and the valet helped Marie from her seat. I gave him a nice tip and put my arm around Marie as we entered the casino.

Slipping her arm around Roman she walked with him into the casino, and asked where should they start.  He told her it was lady's choice so with a smile on her face she took them to the black jack tables.  Oh she liked poker, but in all honesty her poker skills were fair at best.  Black jack was her game.  She had studied it and learned all the various strategies.  It was all based in statistics, probability, and a bit of card counting.

Roman sat down at a table and Marie smirked a bit as she sat on his lap.  He wrapped his arms around her as she played with his money.  Occasionally he would try to distract her by playfully kissing her neck or tickling her side.  They were having fun together, both seemingly anticipating what was still to come this evening.  By the end of her run, Roman had not lost anything and in fact had a sizable pile of cash to add to what he had.  

It was pretty obvious what they both expected would happen later this evening and it gave Marie pause as she played it out in her head.  The fact of the matter was that she needed to tell Roman about Lucky, and she needed to do it now.  Before taking that next step with him, she needed to be completely honest with him and then they would see where the cards fell.  Asking him if they could go some place to talk, he lead her to a bar inside the casino.  They sat down at a table and the waitress brought them drinks.  Roman sat next to her and asked what it was she was wanting to talk about.

Marie took a deep breath and let it out slowly before she spoke.  "Roman I am having an absolutely wonderful time, but there is something I need to tell you before we go any further.  You have a right to know."  She reached and took hold of his hand.  "Last night, when I got back to headquarters I had a surprised waiting for me.  "Lucky Luciano, my former Right Hand man was in my office.  I don't know how much you knew about why he left, but I sent him to Sicily to help my father in his war with the Pisa family.  Marie looked down.  The truth of the matter is that I sent him there to get away from him."  She looked back up at Roman and her face contorted a bit in pain.

She backed the story up a bit to give him some clarification.  "I was in a bad place when Luca died.   In fact I had a bit of a death wish.  I had no idea how to live with Luca.  He had been my whole life and frankly I did not want to try to live without him.  I probably would have succeeded in getting myself killed had it not been for Lucky.  He was there for me when I was at my very lowest and he forced me to take a good long look at myself and what I was doing... what I was doing to myself and what I was doing to my crew.  He helped me to see how to live again.  How to take life one step at a time."

Marie looked down at the table again, shame clouding her face as she thought back on what she had done.  "I realized that I was starting to have romantic feelings for Lucky and it seemed like he was too."  She shook her head, "I just was not ready.  The dirt was still fresh on my husband's grave and..."  she couldn't bring herself to finish the sentence.  She squeezed his hand softly, "As a crew leader it was impossible for me to run from him, but I had the power to send him away and that was what I did."  

She looked back at Roman, "Not long after I sent him to Sicily the fighting began to escalate between my family and the Pisa family.  One day, in a surprise ambush Lucky took a bullet that had been intended for my father.  My father called me from and told me that Lucky had been killed.  I found out last night that was not true.  They had faked his death in order to get him out of the country and back stateside.  He is now back in LA preparing to make the move to Chicago with the rest of my crew."

Marie took a breath and tried to read Roman mannerism.  "I am sorry, I probably should have told you this before we had even left LA.  You had a right to know about this."

Serana was showing her new friend Salvatore_Luciano around the casino in her old stomping grounds of New York. Since moving to Detroit she hadn't had much of an opportunity to visit her old home other than the rare meet ups with Insomnia, so she jumped at the chance to have an excuse to go back to her hometown. They had hit up many of her favorite places while she was showing him around the city for the first time until she decided she wanted to gamble some like the good ol days.

Walking around the casino after winning some cash at craps, they headed to the bar and she was pleasantly surprised to see two of her dearest friends RomanReigns and Marie_Lucania. She grabbed Sal's hand and ran up to them excitedly to greet them/

"Oh my goodness guys! What are the chances of us all running into each other here?" She shot a quick glance at Roman, "Did you miss New York too?!" 

I took a big swig from my margarita and set there silent for a moment soaking in what she had just said to me. Though I didn't know much about Lucky, I did know who he was. Being a crime boss it was my duty to know about the people that were roaming my streets. Why was he back now when things were looking up for the big dog. All I could do is think about how young and fragile our new relationship was and the fact that she was being honest with me.

I put my chin to my hand still taking some time to go over the entire situation. Looking back to her I ran my hands through her hair signaling that there was no bitter feeling towards her for the news she had shared. I'd been so caught up in what was going on I didn't take time to think much into what would happen to me. It was hard for me to show how I felt most times, but when I was with her I felt like I was myself.

As she tried to apologize I leaned in for a passionate kiss. It was the only true way for me to show her I was fine with what she had told me. I may have been her boss, but this was a decision she was going to have to make on her own. I had been the one to keep her safe while she had sent him away to fight with her family.

My cards were left on the table and I sat there with her quietly when I heard a familiar voice in the background I would never forget. The look on Maries face said it all so I turned around quickly and saw Serana coming towards us with a guest. As the two of them got close I made out that is was Lucky that was accompanying my old friend and current Godmother Chairmen of Detroit. I looked back over at Marie with a look of distinct shock, she had just broken the news to me and before I had a moment to even process it he stood in the same room as me. I grabbed my drink finishing it off completely.

A stood up from my seat and hugged Serana as she ran towards my direction. It was an unexpected reunion and I couldn't begin to imagine what she was doing with Lucky. Serana usually stuck to the high rollers and didn't hang on the middlemen, but none the less I found it quite amusing. I extended my hand to Lucky to shake his as I assumed he didn't know about my relation with Marie. I grabbed for her hand afterwards and pulled her in close. Looking into her eyes I couldn't help but get lost in them for a moment wondering what she was thinking seeing these two in the casino in front of us.

Lucky was in Chicago when Serana reached out and wanted to meet in NY. With him still, on the mend, he jumped at the chance to feel useful and took the meeting. On the plane to NY he had no real idea why the godmother of Detroit wanted to meet with him other than possibly about the move. 

After a long and actually kinda fun day of seeing the sites New York had to offer Lucky thought nothing of going to the casino to do a bit of gambling, in truth he was actually liking the distraction. All though he knew Marie was in New York as well it had never even crossed his mind that he would run into her since its a really big city. 

So when one of Serana's men came over and told her that Roman was in the casino Lucky thought it was good for him to go and pay his respects. As he approached the table his heart sank as he saw Roman lean over and kiss Marie. "This is who she is seeing?" he thought to himself. 

It took a moment for the pair look up at them. Maries look sent chills up Lucky's spine. She clearly thought he had something to do with this.

"I didn't know" he silently mouthed to Marie hoping she got the message

Lucky turned to Roman and shook the man's hand and paid his respects. Lucky was conflicted on how he should feel towards the Godfather. On one hand, he had much respect for the man but on the other, they both wanted the same woman. 

As Roman kissed her she was glad she had told him.  Already the burden she had been carrying around with her this evening was being lifted.  When he pulled back she smiled and looked into his eyes and that was when she heard Serana's voice.  The voice and the motion of her running to them, drew her attention.  It did not take long for her eyes to also take in who was with Serana.  If looks could kill, Lucky would be a dead man.  Her eyes threw daggers at him for setting up this 'chance' encounter.

When Roman stood to hug Serana, she noticed that Lucky mouth to her "I didn't know."  Her glare softened.  Could this really have been just a 'chance' encounter after all.    

Roman reached for his hand and pulled her to him.  A very possessive move.  This was not what she had wanted at all.  She tried to convey to him her apologies as they looked at each other.  Turning to speak to Serana, she greeted the Godmother.  "It is so good to see you here. and Lucky I thought you were in LA preparing for the move to Chicago?"

Lucky turned to Marie as she spoke 

"I was actually in Chicago helping coordinate things there when Serana said she wanted to meet in New York," he told her with an apologetic look. 

"So I jumped onto a plane and headed down. Truth is with my injuries I am not much use moving things." 

Lucky's head was spinning. He didn't know who knew what. He had just found out that who she was seeing was Roman but did he know what had transpired... "No he couldn't know," he thought to himself. There was no way it was this cordial if he really knew what had happened. 

All Lucky did know was he needed to get out of here. But how? He was with Serana and she seemed giddy to have run into these two. Lucky's stomach was flipping, his leg was screaming at him to get off of it and his shoulder was not happy either since he had decided he didn't need the sling anymore. 

"I am sorry it seems we have intruded on something..." he said to Marie. 

I couldn't help but see that Lucky was in pain and still recovering from the battles he had been in back in his home country. How was I supposed to feel sympathetic to him when I had just received news of his return. "Fuck it" I thought to myself as I extended an invitation to the two of them to come sit with us for a drink. I couldn't help but be considerate even in the most awkward of situations.

I pointed back to the table that the two of us were sitting at and they followed as we all sat down. I sat across from Serana and Lucky took his seat across from Marie. I was really starting to question my decision I'd made on inviting them over, but knew I'd be alright as soon as I seen the waitress walking in our direction. Before they even had the opportunity to ask if we were ready to order I asked for a bottle of tequila with three glasses to be brought to the table with another gin for Marie.

I held her hand showing off the bracelet I had purchased for her back in Los Angeles. Serana was speechless later telling me that she remembered the days when I used to buy her jewelry like that too. The waitress returned soon after with my bottle of tequila, the glasses, and another drink for Marie. There was still some tension in the air so I figured I better be the one to break the silence.

"It is nice to see you around Lucky, it was very honorable fighting for Marie father", I said not thinking about the consequences of letting him know that I knew. I couldn't help but look over at Marie and the mess I had gotten her into inviting them to the table. I couldn't quite read her yet, even though she preferred blackjack over poker. This was supposed to be a memorable night for the two of them and I had made a decision that could change the night drastically.

Marie nearly groaned when Roman invited them to join us.  "This was going to be beyond awkward," Marie thought to herself as she sat down.  She sighed in relief when Roman ordered her a gin.  She had thought for a moment that they all were going to be drinking tequila and Marie knew from the other night she did not handle that drink well.  The last thing she needed right know was get drunk off her ass.  She needed to keep her wits about her in this situation.  

She became annoyed with Roman when he pointed out the bracelet he had bought her, rubbing it into Lucky's face.  Everyone at this table knew that he had more money than Lucky and it really was not necessary to rub it into Lucky's face like that unless you wanted to intentionally hurt the other man just because you could.  This time it was Lucky's turn to receive an apologetic look from Marie.

She thought about getting up and excusing herself from the table, but she was concerned what might happen if she left them together.  Given her luck, Serana would want to go with her to the powder room leaving them alone all together.  She sighed and wondered when this nightmare was going to end.

The offer to sit was not what Lucky was expecting he was hoping to be allowed to leave. He knew Marie was here with someone and now he knew who the someone is but he had no intention of crashing the party. It was not his style and he knew it was not Marie's either. 

While his body was grateful for the seat he knew he still needed to find a way to leave and planned on having a quick drink then leaving that was until Roman order bottles of Tequilla. With him being the lowest ranking member at the table he knew Two things... he would not be able to leave until they let him and more than likely he would end up with the bill, he was glad he brought plenty of cash with him. 

Lucky sat and watched as Roman showed off the bracelet and he had a feeling Roman was actually showing it to him. "did he know..." Lucky thought to himself. The bracelet was very nice and looked expensive but the truth was Lucky didn't feel one way or the other. While yes Roman had more money that he did it wasn't like Lucky was a poor shmuck either. 

He looked at Marie and saw her look and Lucky winked at her with a little smile letting her know he was fine and that it didn't bother him. The truth was it probably helped his case. 

As the drinks came Lucky poured himself a big drink and proposed a toast. 

"To good friends and Family," he said raising his glass. 

Lucky decided since he wasn't getting out of this he might as well enjoy himself. 

I could tell from the look that she she gave me showing off that bracelet wasn't my brightest move of the night. It was at this point I knew that things were starting to get uncomfortable and bringing the back to the table wasn't what she wanted. I had to act quick when the two of them showed up unannounced. Showing respect by sharing a drink with the Godfather of another city was an honor and privilege. 

I raised my glass to the impromptu toast from Lucky. I wasn't sure who was in worse shape at this point me or him. Taking a shot drink from my glass of tequila I celebrated with the table. Marie sat there patiently, I nudged her getting her attention giving her a look as if to make sure she was alright and I hadn't upset her. 

In a moments notice everything changed, my attention for Marie had changed completely in a second. I watched as a group men walked in, some with violin cases walking into the bar area of the casino. I recognized the suits these men wore and they were a lot more expensive then the ones you would see a band wearing.

Something wasn't right and I knew it. I looked to the others and they all seemed to be caught up in what was going on at the table. As I watched the man unlock his violin case I knew my assumptions were correct. I stood from my seat, grabbing my pistol from my waistline and unloading a few shots into the man as he was picking up the gun from his case. I'd only been able to shoot one of them and there were so many more. I couldn't risk anything happening to Marie so I holstered my gun and ran towards her. She was up with Serana and Lucky exchanging fire with these anonymous gunmen.

I picked her up and ran with her in my hands past the bodies on the floor. The others continued to shoot back as they ran by our side. There was still so much gunfire going on even as we left the bar area and headed for the entrance where my car was waiting for us. We were feeling a lot safer outside but weren't completely out of it yet. I placed Marie back on her feet giving her a minute to gain her composure. We had the valet go for my car giving us a minute before we could take off as soon as it arrived. I hugged Serana and shook hands with Lucky for his help in the bar area and headed towards the car giving Marie time with Lucky.

Lucky finished his drink and then saw that Romans attention was not at the table. Quickly he followed the godfather's eyes and saw what he was looking at. A group of men where taking Thompson Machine guns and pistols out of violin cases. 

Lucky jumped up and for the first time nothing hurt, putting that thought out of his mind he turned to his close bodyguards and told them to get the Godfathers out of here. Then Lucky went to work pulling his Nickle plated .45 and opening fire on the attackers killing two of them instantly. 

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw that Roman had grabbed Marie and that his men where escorting Serana out of there. He refocused his attention to the attackers a couple of which started heading in the direction that Roman and the rest had gone. Lucky quickly turned and fired on the would-be pursuers killing one and wounding another this caused them to duck for cover. 

Lucky flipped the table over and ducked behind it while he reloaded. There was too many of them left he would have to make a run for it. He signaled to his men and at once the popped up firing after the first couple of shots Lucky started heading towards the exit while firing. 

as he got to the exit he directs his guys to guard the exit so they couldn't be followed, the narrow hallways helping in evening the odds. He holstered his gun and shook Romans hand then checked to see if Serana was ok before turning to Marie. 

"Are you ok?" he asks her