The Italian Dons Bargain

The bright lights of New York city glistened on the steady waters of the Hudson River. From the tall skyscrapers illuminating purple, pink, blue, and green lights to the minuscule pubs pumping loud jubilant music of all genres the city was as vibrant as ever. Manhattan was the night's star attraction, large billboards were put up all the way from Jersey advertising the grand opening of the Dionysus casino. From A-list actors and actresses to runway models and even politicians, the driveway and parking lot of the casino was packed with cars of different brands and models. In front of the large sunset gold 550,000 square feet building, with gothic-shaped one-way glass windows was an enormous fountain that took up one acre of the land. The water danced as it was shot into the air through the fountain pumps. The casino's grand entrance sent anyone who walked through it on a trip to ancient Greece. Long pillars shaped as women wearing doric chitons held up the sign written in ancient Greek handwriting. Led by a red carpet into the casino, guests were immediately greeted by men and women in suits, once invitations were given they were ushered into the main gambling hall where a large crystal chandelier hung in the middle of the roof giving off twinkling lights.  The sunset gold walls sparkled with glitter, on the right side of the room a massive inbuilt aquarium exhibited fish of different species and to the left, a bar stood with liquor aged to perfection and in the front of the room, a live band played blues and jazz music. The casino was divided, on the lower floors guests dinned, played on slot machines, and enjoyed live music. On the highest floor, in a private room, a game of poker was in progress. The low light in the room coming from four rustic wall lamps accompanied by the Italian music coming from a gramophone at the back of the room made the air stiff. Eight men sat around a round table, all focused on their hands. One man stood out from the rest, it wasn't because he was the only American playing amongst Italians and Greeks or the fact that he looked like a middle-aged plumber in comparison to his rivals. What made him stand out was the grin plastered on his face, while the room maintained a serious aura, he was the only one radiating with confidence and excitement, the pile of money set on the table added to his giddy behavior. Across him, a sapphire-eyed man analyzed his opponents, lazily holding his cards in hand. His brow raised as the chubby American raised his bet after the flop cards had been revealed, the previous bet was at 50,000 and had then been raised to 100,000, the fact that nobody folded said they all had the money to bet. The American eyed the stacks of money ahead of him as if it were a juicy piece of raw meat and he had been starved for months, the Italian couldn't help but chuckle at his desperation to win. Minding his own cards, the blue-eyed Italian in a navy blue Michael Kors suit kept his face straight as he tapped his fingers on the table waiting for the river to be revealed. The game was at its peak, the final bet was placed at 250,000 and the river was revealed, one by one each man revealed their two cards, The American grinned as the hands shown were not nearly as good as his own. Confident with his hand he placed his own two cards on the table revealing he managed a four of a kind. Eyeing the Italian, the American urged him with his eyes to reveal his card, across him the Italian gave a small round of applause before looking the American dead in the eye; "Molto bene, so Americans can play, and here I was thinking you are all ignorant" Revealing his own cards, the American became paler than he already was, a straight flush ruined all the plans he made with the money. "Putting all your eggs in one basket is dangerous, no?", the Italian allowed himself a grin. The men at the table all rose, bidding farewell to the Italian they exited the room, all except the American. He had lost his voice and his hands shook as if the temperature was below 20 degrees. "Don't be so down Mr. Weston, you had the second-best hand in a room filled with professionals, you should be proud" Despite the Italians attempt to console him, Mr. Weston's mood hadn't changed a bit, his face was still pale and his hands still shaking. "I don't...I don't have..." "You don't have what Mr. Weston?" Mr. Weston failed to meet the Italian's eyes, his icy blue iris could make even the devil confess. "I don't have the money, Don" The air in the room was unbreathable, Mr. Weston slowly raised his head to see the Don scowling with a clenched jaw. "What kind of i***t enters a poker game without any money? How did you manage to get in anyway?" "I-I lied...I came with a briefcase...but it's...it's empty" "So you were betting invisible money, money that doesn't exist?" Mr. Weston nodded his head, the Don looked at Mr. Weston in astonishment, he was both upset and intrigued that he managed to weasel his way through his men. With a whistle, four armed men around the same height of 6'0 in black suits entered the room, Mr. Weston looked in horror. "You're bold Weston, but incredibly stupid as well, I have no time to waste on you" The Don rose from his seat, his magnificent frame towering over Mr. Weston. "Prenditi cura di questo idiota", the Don waved his hand at his men. Mr. Weston exclaimed in fear, he didn't understand what the Don said but from his tone of voice, he knew it wasn't good, jumping to his feet he fell to his knees in front of the Don. "Don please, just a moment...let's bargain" "I doubt you have something I may want", he immediately dismissed. "Don't be so sure, I swear I can make it worth your while" The Don looked down at Mr.Weston for a brief moment, sighing he reluctantly sat back down on his seat. "5 minutes Weston, you have 5 minutes to bargain" Mr. Weston looked around the room nervously, he didn't think the Don would hear him out. Shutting his eyes, he said a silent prayer as he thought of a way out of the situation. "2 minutes Weston, you're wasting time" Mr. Weston opened his eyes as the answer came to him in a flash "I have a daughter" The Don raised his eyebrows unimpressed "So?" "Doesn't it get lonely? Don't  you seek companionship?" The Don narrowed his eyes in irritation "If I did I wouldn't be looking for it here, and what kind of father is willing to sell his own flesh and blood to save his own skin?" Mr. Weston trembled, he was running out of time and patience from the Don. "If that was your offer we have nothing more to discuss" The Don rose from his seat again and headed towards the door, he was on his way out when Mr. Weston cried; "Perhaps if you looked at her...Don, I'm begging you" Stopping in his tracks the Don rolled his eyes, he had no reason to entertain Mr. Weston yet he did. Spinning back around he looked at the frightened man still on his knees; "Well?" Scurrying to his feet, Mr. Weston rummaged through his pockets looking for his wallet, finding it in his back pocket he opened it and immediately pulled out a picture, handing it to one of the suited men who handed it to the Don. Taking the picture, the Don raised his eyebrows as he looked at the woman photographed. She had jet black hair that fell all the way down to her mid-back, her brown skin was fair and flawless and her lips a plump temptation. What caught the Don's attention above everything else was her brown eyes, they were fierce, defiant, and untamed, he liked them, he liked her. "How does a man like you have a daughter like this?", he remarked, not looking away from the picture "I was fortunate enough to get with a beautiful woman" The Don stared at the picture, his eyes getting more intense as he looked at her features over and over again; "Name?" "Nadia" "Age?" "21" Looking away from the picture, the Don approached Mr. Weston and put a hand on his right shoulder "I didn't think you could do it, but you did", he pulled Mr. Weston close, "you have yourself a deal".