***
I made my way down the hallway of our home, sipping on the cup of coffee Sophia had delivered as she informed me of the appointment I was currently making my way to. Having a dress fitting for the ball made it all the more real and the thought of gathering before the Aristocrats and Heads of Crime families brought me unbidden anxiety and made my return all the more real.
We were one week away from the gathering and yet the anxiety unfurled and dug its roots all the deeper within me. I knew I had no reason to be worried. I was a Marchesi, part of the ruling family of the Crime Underworld. Everyone in attendance would be kissing my ass, trying to ingratiate themselves to me and yet the mere thought of such fan fare brought a new sense of annoyance. The event would be more of a formali
