The Fortress Island Series 2: Romano, Can't We Try

TEN: GRANTED

Romano’s POV

“Pa, why was I notified late?”  I wanted to throw a fit.

My dad didn’t even bother to bat an eye when I entered his office unceremoniously. His lips formed into thin line.

“I can always change my mind, can’t I?”

Sumalampak ako sa upuan katapat ng kanyang mesa. I crossed my legs as I leaned back in the chair. “I am not prepared for this.”

“There’s nothing to prepare, son. All you have to do is to show yourself to the said event.”

Nagpalinga-linga ako sa paligid kahit tiyak ko naman na walang makakarinig sa sasabihin ko. “Pa, this is not a typical event. This kind of auction is sponsored by the Mafia. And the host himself is one of Asia’s deadliest fixer.” May diin sa boses ko. Bilang lang sa daliri ang mga pagkakataong nakadaupang-palad ko ang mga ganitong uri ng tao. It was always my father and my brother who had strong affiliation with this black society. One thing that common people didn’t know; the upper society used them to do the dirty work for them.

Papa Arturo sighed. “Wala kang dapat ipag-alala, Romano. They won’t touch you. All you have to do is to be there and be a potential buyer of one of their merchandises. You’re good at that kaya ikaw na lamang ang pumili, whether it’s a painting or an antique, whatever suits your taste then go for it. Price will never be a problem.”

“Ano bang mapapala natin sa ganitong pagtitipon, Papa.”

My father lifted his serious gaze at me. “For stronger connection, Romano. To strengthen our ties with them. It’s our way of giving them the impression that we won’t cross them, that we are allies. Ito rin ang paraan nila para matukoy kung sino-sinong pamilya ang kapanalig nila. As long as our clan won’t cross them, then we’re all good. Black Society isn’t as bad as what other people think it is. They seek respect and honesty. And once you’ve gained their trust, they will protect you at all costs. But since you’re still not familiar of how the underworld works, you don’t have to stay there for long. Once you seal a deal, leave the place.”

“That organization is giving Grim Reaper a run for his money. The members are probably having fun counting dead bodies each day as if they’re just counting one, two, three…”

“You’re reading too much fiction, son. They aren’t like that. Franco, one of the members of Mafia, extended his help to us when he learned about Alejandro’s accident.”

I sighed in resignation. “Saan gaganapin ang auction.”

It was his turn to sigh. May kinuha itong card sa kanang drawer ng mesa nito. “This is the main reason why I can’t go, Romano. I was informed that there would be an auction happening soon.” Nilapag nito ang card sa aking harap. “Pero ngayon lang nila pinadala ang invitation card at nakasulat diyan ang lokasyon. This is not a typical auction event.”

Kunot-noong kinuha ko ang card ang binasa iyon. “The auction will be held at a pub house?!”

“A w***e house to be specific.” Papa Arturo cleared his throat as he shook his head. “I can’t be there. I’m too old for that shit.”

“Hindi ko maintindihan. Bakit sa lugar na ito?”

Nagkibit-balikat ito. “Nobody knows, but one thing is certain here, lahat ng pinadalhan ng imbitasyon, you’re not allowed to decline.”

I exasperatingly brushed my hair with my fingers. “A w***e house. f**k. Ang lakas ng trip ng Mafia member na ito, Papa.”

“Our family need to send a representative, at ikaw lamang ang pwede sa ganyang pagtitipon.”

“Pa, baka nakakalimutan mo, you banned me from f*****g whores and random girls.” I cracked a humor just to lighten up our mood.

“Romano.” There was a warning in his voice. “Kung hinihingi ng pagkakataon, gawin mo.”

Lumakas ang tawa ko. “Kung hinihingi ng pagkakataon? Sigurado ka diyan, Pa?”

“We don’t know exactly how this auction will go. I am having a bad feeling about it. Since the place is a filthy house full of whores, tiyak akong may pakulong kasama sa subasta.”

I rubbed my chin using my thumb and forefinger. “Hmmm…I guess I just have to prepare myself for the worst.”

“That’s the best thing you can do, son. Call me immediately if you feel unsafe.”

As if I would do that. I’m not that weak, Pa.

“Did Alejandro attend this kind of shitty events?”

“Of course. He’s a close friend of one of Mafia’s consigliere.”

“I’m not surprised.”

“Anyway, your mother has been bugging me to go back home and stay there for a while.”

“By home, you mean?”

“Saan pa ba? Sa Fortress Island.”

Nagkibit-balikat ako. “I thought you meant the house in The Forbes.”

“Our home will always be in the Fortress Island, Romano.”

It never was to me. They always left me in The Forbes Mansion. Growing up, I realized, I was all alone. I could see them, but I could never feel their love for me.  They had seen me, but they didn’t see me hard enough to know that I was lonely. That I was longing for their attention.

I snapped my head sideways. This wasn’t the right time to sulk about things in the past. I had to prepare for the upcoming event. And just like what my father said, I also had a bad feeling about it.

“I’ll send a few men as your escort for tonight. Kung ano mang asset ang mapili mo, although I’m sure you gonna place a bet on a painting, bring it to Fortress Island tomorrow.”

I jumped out of my seat. “What did you say, Pa?”

He threw me a glare. “You heard me.”

“Aissht. Okay, fine. I think big brother is missing me. He gave me a call the other day and asked a favor.” Ngumisi ako.

“What favor?”

“Secret.” I said in a teasing voice. “Hmm. I also want to meet this carer of his. Ito pa lang ata ang tumagal sa kanya.”

“She’s doing a great job. Kung paano niya nako-conceal ang tantrums ni Alejandro ay isang pala-isipan sa akin at sa Mama mo.”

I chuckled. “He must have found this girl pretty.”

Pinilig ni Papa ang kanyang ulo. “Bea is quite the opposite from Alejandro’s taste for a woman. And besides, I don’t think the girl will like Alejandro in a romantic way. In case you have forgotten, your brother is in invalid.” He winced, as if he didn’t like the word, he just uttered.

“Oh c’mon, Pa. Even in that state, he hasn’t lost his charms. He could easily sweep any woman off her feet with just a crook of his finger. Para namang di n’yo kilala ang panganay n’yo.”

“I don’t think so. This girl is something else. At isa pa, Alejandro’s still engaged to Adrielle.”

“Speaking of that woman, I just feel sorry for her. She should have come to me instead to him.”

My father threw the marker on my face, good thing was, I dodged it.

“I was just kidding!” Natatawang sabi ko.

Papa Arturo rolled his eyes. “Anyway, what’s the name of that girl again? Mira? How is she doing so far? Is she not to your taste?” A hint of smirk tugged at the side of my father’s mouth. He purposely avoided my scrutinizing gaze.

Did he think I would take his bait? Huh! Give me some credit, old man!

“Mira, the grandma? She is sinfully attractive and f*****g hot, too. She shows too much skin, almost walking around naked in my penthouse. Too bad I am not allowed to f**k or touch her.”

“Must I be sad for you?” His eyes scanning me. “Tell me the truth, Romano.”

“Pa, c’mon. I will never lay a finger on that rare specie of a woman. She looks like she’s suffering from midlife crisis! Her humungous thick-rimmed glasses are a turn-off! She is boring with a capital letter B! Her first day was epic, Pa, but overall, she’s doing well so far.” Gusto ko sanang sabihin sa kanya ang buong detalye pero tiyak akong makakatikim na naman ako ng kastigo mula dito.

“Hmm…that’s good to hear. Don’t you ever touch that girl, Romano.”

“Pa! I have taste, hello? Sinong magkakagusto sa babaeng yun? She’s like a walking disaster. The first time she used my kitchen, nakabasag na siya ng plato. And this morning, I brewed her some coffee and guess what? She said it was bad! The f**k! Brewing coffee is one of my greatest talents and she didn’t like it! She prefers instant! That woman has no taste at all! I left her in the salon, by the way. Her monstrous hair needs a fixing. God, her hair is my nightmare! She needs a complete overhaul!”

Papa chuckled spontaneously. I couldn’t help but to grin, too. He seldom laughed at my antics and every time he does, it gives warmth and comfort in my soul.

I stood up and fixed myself a cup of water. I suddenly felt thirsty. Why am I so worked up all of a sudden?

“And here I thought you looked good together.” He uttered.

I spat out the water from my mouth. Nanlalaki ang mga matang nilingon ko si Papa na kunwari ay nakasubsob ang ulo sa blueprint na hawak nito. But I could see a shadow of smirk on his lips. This old man!

“Did I hear you right, Pa? Please tell me I heard you wrong.”

“Go and find a suit for tonight’s auction, Romano.” He gave me a deadpan expression, pretending he didn’t utter the words which caught me off-guard.

“I hate to think that you’re playing cupid, Papa. It doesn’t suit you. I hate to imagine you wearing a white cloth covering your private parts while you’re holding a bow and arrow. Let’s exclude the wings because you’re far from being an angel.”

He snarled at me. “Get out.”

“I’m on it.” I answered laughingly. I was heading to the door when he spoke again.

“I forgot to give you this.”

My steps were halted. Papa got up from his seat and walked towards me. He handed me a fancy masquerade mask.

“Para saan ito?”

“The Mafia family provided this specifically for our clan. Wear this before you get out from the car. They will know you’re a Salvatore based on the mask you’re wearing.”

I nodded gingerly. My palms were sweating. I hate this feeling.

Papa Arturo patted me gently on my shoulder. “Goodluck for tonight, son. Be safe.”

“Of course. Don’t worry, Papa. I will call you once I arrive home.”

“The said pub house is located in the outskirts of the city. It’s far from here.”

“I figured.”

Habang sakay ng lift ay kinuha ko ang aking cellphone. Kunot ang noong wala akong natanggap na kahit isang text mula kay Mira. I glanced at my wristwatch. Hindi pa kaya siya tapos? I did not have much time left. I was planning to pick her up from the salon and drop her off to the estate, but time did not allow me.

**********

I raked my gaze to the whole façade of the building. I didn’t expect to be standing what appeared like a huge apartment complex. I had expected worse though. The old building was in contrast with luxurious cars lined up in front of it.

Groups of thugs were scattered around the area, and some of them were looking at me with squinting eyes. I squared my shoulders and stood smartly.

Try to lay your filthy finger on me, you will face Satan in no time.

I expelled a huge breath as I approached the main entrance. There were men in black suits forming a line and as I walked past them, they bowed their heads.

I shrugged my shoulders. Coming from the underground world, they seemed courteous.

As I set foot inside the huge hall, the faint smell of s*x, alchol and cigarette filled my senses.  I scanned the whole premise. There was a stage decorated with red curtains. Huge speakers were placed at the corners of the hall. Theater seats were cleanly lined up which filled half the space of the room. From where I was standing, there was a winding staicase at the right side. Judging from the arrangement, this was exactly what an auction event would look like.

A woman wearing a tiny black dress approached me. I couldn’t see her entire face since she’s wearing a mask just like everyone else.

“Mr. Salvatore, my boss is waiting for you.”

I pointed myself. “Waiting for me?”

She just smiled. “This way, please.”

I had no idea what was going on, but I still followed the woman.

We entered a tiny hallway and stopped at the first door. She knocked three times and opened it.

She gestured me to get it kaya sumunod naman ako. I was not being nervous, but I was sweating like hell, may because the whole place was hot and humid.

“Romano Salvatore.”

I found a man sitting comfortably at the couch, his right hand holding a wine glass. He placed the empty glass on the side table. He stood up and extended his hand.

“I’m Franco. Ikinagagalak kong makilala ang bunsong anak ni Arturo.”

Pinasadahan ko ng tingin ang kanyang kabuuan. If my calculation was correct, he’s in his mid-thirties. He wasn’t wearing a mask so I could clearly see his face. I was sure I hadn’t meet him before. Nevertheless, I extended my hand, and we did a handshake.

“It’s my pleasure to meet you, Franco.” Oh, now I remembered. Papa mentioned his name to me back in the office. “Thank you for helping us out.”

He smirked, understanding what I was meant. “Alejandro is a dear friend of mine.” He pointed the seat across him. “Please have a seat. Gusto ko lang sana makibalita sa kapatid mo. Did I hear it right? He’s been locking himself up from the outside world?”

I sat down and nodded at him. “Yes. Hindi ko alam kung nais pa nitong bumalik sa corporate world, Franco. Sa ngayon ay kami muna ni Papa ang namamahala sa kompanya. I’m sorry for asking this, are you one of our shareholders?”

Franco laughed. “I wish I were but no. Marami na akong hawak na businesses from here and abroad na halos wala na akong time asikasuhin ang mga iyon.”

Kung saan-saan na napadpad ang aming usapan. Somehow, I was able to relax just talking with him what normal people usually talks about. I’d like to think that he purposely avoided touching topics of him being a member of the Mafia family. Of course, I’d still needed to guard myself up. Even though the dude appeared to be trustworthy, I shouldn’t cancel the fact that he’s a Mafia and they have skeletons in their closet enough to occupy a whole graveyard.

His phone beeped and he scanned through it.

He sighed. “I’m afraid we don’t have enough time to chitchat, Romano. All the items have been arranged and the auction is about to commence.” He stood up and buttoned his suit. I did the same.

This time, I extend my hand first. “It was nice meeting you, Franco.

“The pleasure is all mine, young Salvatore.” We shook hands once again. “Before I forgot, I prepared a gift for you.”

“A gift?”

“I heard about your scandal, Romano.” A playful smirked tugged at the side of his lips. “Don’t worry, you will love what I prepared for you.” Tinapik nito ang aking balikat. “You can’t say no, though. A life is on the line here.”

I gasped. “A—anong ibig mong sabihin?”

“Hmm…” Hinimas nito ang baba. “Malalaman mo mamaya. Let’s go back to the hall. The auction is about to start.”

My confused gaze followed him. I swallowed the lump behind my throat. f**k, now I’m starting to get scared.

********

I took a bid on Richard Prince ‘s Millionaire Nurse painting, and fortunately, I was the highest bidder. Just for tonight alone, I spent almost half a billion US dollars. But that’s okay. My father gave me his blessings.

At first, I thought of leaving the premises since my business here was finally over. But then, I found myself getting amused about the things happening as the auction continued.

Someone tapped my shoulder and I looked back. Another woman with a mask stood behind my seat and murmured something on my ear.

“My boss said that your gift is waiting, Mr. Salvatore. Please collect your gift on the second floor, room twelve. I hope you enjoy it.”

The hair on my nape prickled. What the f**k? Was Franco really serious about it?

I was about to object, but the woman was nowhere to be found. I was starting to get panic. I don’t think Franco was trying to pull a prank on me. Left with no choice, I stood up and exited the hall. I stared at the winding staircase and looked up. I didn’t know what to feel right now. To be honest, it wasn’t fear that consumed me. It was more of excitement and perhaps curious of what kind of gift Franco prepared for me.

Nang makarating ako sa second floor, a wide hallway with doors lined up left and right welcomed me. And as I continued moving forward, moans and disturbing noises filled the air, coming from the locked doors as I passed by.

My body tensed so I loosened up my tie. I was starting to sweat like a pig. My heart was hammering against my chest. Now this was what a w***e house should look and feel like.

The second-floor hallway was dark and filthy, a total opposite from the extravagant hallway on the first floor. There were grafettis on both walls and the floor seemed like hadn’t been swept for ages. I could feel a tickling in my nose from the dust I accumulated just by inhaling. I grabbed my handkerchief from my pocket and covered my nose. That’s when I realized I was still wearing the masquerade mask. I wanted to remove it but decided to keep it. It was better this way. People wouldn’t know that Romano, the celebrity, was present here.

I tipped my head back when I reached the specific door. Hindi ko alam kung ano ang meron sa likod ng pintuan na ito. Pero kung hindi ko ito bubuksan ay hindi ko malalaman ang kasagutan.

I clicked the doorknob open and slowly push it. The whole room was dark. It took me seconds until my sight finally adjusted from it. There was a faint light coming from a single lamp post on the wall.

I scanned the whole room and my gaze landed at something…someone on the huge bed.

A woman. A naked woman.

She was wearing a mask and both her wrists were tied on the bedpost. She wasn’t moving. I took that opportunity to rake my gaze at beautiful sight of her body. Her perky breasts were taunting me, as if they’re begging me to suck them. Her tiny waist was perfect, I swear I could cup them with just one hand. Her slender legs were gorgeous. And her s*x, plump and pinkish. I wonder how it feels like to slide my now hard c**k inside her. Her beautiful hair scattered against the white pillow.

I was practically salivating at the beauty bestowed upon me.

The girl writhed and probably became aware that someone was inside the room. “Please, don’t hurt me.” Her voice was hoarse, almost inaudible.

“I’m not going to hurt you.” I said, comforting her.

The girl trembled and started to cry.

“Shhh…don’t cry. It’s okay. I won’t hurt you.” I cooed.

“Please save me.”

I could tell she’d been crying for hours. Paos na masyado ang boses nito at halos hirap na itong magsalita.

“How?” I was able to ask back.

The girl bit her lower lip, as if she was contemplating the right words to say.

“The only way for you to save me, is to do me.”

I swallowed. “I….” f**k, I would love to.

“Please do me, Mr. Salvatore.”

I snapped my head sideways. My manhood was hard against the fabric and it needed to be sprung free. f**k let’s do this. I started unbuttoning my shirt after I removed my coat.

“Consider your wish granted.”