Dominating the Donna

| 4 | Intellect.

“Thank you,” Daniel answers and takes a step back from the Donna and stands in the middle of all 4 Families, immediately grabbing their attention.

“As you are all aware, my brother, Rick Palasios was assassinated a few hours ago and we are yet to figure out why such a vile act was carried when we are all aware of the predicaments his death places us in.” Daniel begins as the Families glance at each other suspiciously. All except for the Melair Family.

“Do you know who may be responsible?” Don Ivo Falcone asks and for the first time, his gaze shifts away from the Donna’s body, making the man next to him with dark hair roll his eyes in annoyance. The man catches the Donna’s eye for a moment and they stare at each other before she looks away from him and concentrates on the meeting instead.

Stay focused.

“I am not sure. It is an ongoing investigation and we are still trying to do this without involving any Feds because we all know that where there are Feds, there’s trouble.” Daniel answers as Donna Aleia nods briefly.

“Well, there is only one way to find out who did it…” Donna Aleia speaks up as the attention of everyone in the room shifts towards the woman. “Who would benefit most by the death of Palasios?” She asks as she takes a few steps forward.

The men begin to mutter amongst themselves as the Donna begins to walk forward slowly, her heels echoing in the warehouse as she first walks to the Genovese Famiglia, eyeing Don Calvino from head to toe, in particular, his injuries.

“Don Calvino… may I ask, exactly how did you get your injuries? It seems as if someone roughed you up pretty badly.” Aleia says a little mockingly, knowing fully well that it would strike a nerve with Calvino. Just as she had hoped, his calm expression turns to an angry one as his nose flares furiously, but despite this, he still manages to keep his cool.

“I was ambushed, someone tried to take my place as the Godfather but they failed. My men here can vouch for me since they were there as well.” Calvino explains in a relaxed tone and the entire time, Donna Aleia has his eyes on him. Aside from having acute instincts, she could tell when someone is being honest with her or not. There is something humans do whenever they tell a lie, be it excessive blinking or any slight movement in their face, or even a simple hand twist or a complete change in demeanour. Only the best of liars are able to tell a lie without anyone suspecting.

“Very well.” Donna Aleia says and nods at him before she turns her attention to the Falcone Family, finding Don Ivo staring at her alluringly. You could tell by the look on his face that he is itching to get his hands on the Donna. The hunger and lust on his face are so profound, it is a wonder how he is managing to keep himself composed.

“Don Ivo. I doubt you had anything to do with Palasios’ death. From what I know, you two were the best of friends.” The Donna begins and stands in front of Don Ivo Falcone, staring up at him since he is a few inches taller than him.

“That is correct. Rick and I were like brothers. I trusted him with my life and so did he. I would never let any harm come to him…” Don Ivo explains as he takes a step towards the Donna and looks down at her, running his tongue over his thin lips slightly, causing the man next to Don Ivo to cross his arms and take a deep breath. The Donna’s eyes shift to the man as she eyes him from head to toe. He is incredibly handsome with dark brown hair, his eyebrows straight and his eyes sharp, creating a natural intense gaze. He has light stubble on his jawline and a bit above his full lips. He is taller than Don Ivo and even the Donna herself, and for the first time in a long time, she found herself intrigued by a man.

“There is a saying… your best friend is capable of becoming your worst enemy. They know everything about you… so how do we know that things didn’t go sour for you and Palasios?” The Donna continues with her line of questioning as her eyes glance to Daniel Palasios, seeing that he is watching them curiously and closely. “What if you’re the one that killed Palasios?”

“He didn’t kill him.” They hear a voice speak up and they all turn their attention towards Freddy Melair.

“Who did then?” Donna Aleia questions as she takes a couple of steps towards Don Freddy. He seems nervous for some reason, but he tries to hide it by putting a confident façade on his face, pulling on his brown jacket and adjusting it.

“I just know that it wasn’t the Falcones, or the Genoveses… none of the Families here are responsible. So you are wasting your time, Donna Monteverdi. If I’m being completely honest here, none of us here liked Rick, but would we really be dumb enough to get him killed knowing exactly what his death would cause? So instead of dwelling on the death of some pedophile, why don’t we get on to what we really came here for which is to discuss how things are going to be handled now that Palasios is with us no more.” Freddy says inconsiderately causing Daniel to take a step forward and face Don Melair.

“How dare you? I will not stand here and allow you to speak of my brother in such a way. All you think about is money. You don’t even realize that whoever did this to my brother may be out for blood and may act again.” Daniel defends his deceased brother.

“Daniel is right. It’s no secret that we are all powerful people here. We know that whoever killed Palasios wanted his seat at the Table. And they might want to do the same to any of us for exactly the same reason.” Don Calvino explains as he speaks with his hand, running his fingers over his thick grey beard.

“Which is exactly why I suggest that Daniel Palasios takes over from his brother, you were Family after all and I’m sure he showed you how things are run in case something bad ever happened, just like what has happened recently.” As Donna Aleia speaks, she glances once more at Don Freddy Melair to see a furious expression form on his face as he shakes his head disapprovingly. “Is there a problem.. Don Melair?” Donna Aleia asks as her head tilts slightly.

“Daniel is unqualified for such a position. It would be better if the responsibility fell on one of us, because we know the way things are run and we have the capability to take over.” Don Freddy says and a wave of murmurs travels around the room.

“And what gives you the right to judge?” Donna Aleia asks as she steps close to him. Don Freddy chuckles and shakes his head once again. “If it were up to you, who would you choose?” The Donna continues.

“Well I’m not picking favourites but I’d say the definite Famiglia would be mine. I am the most qualified. I know the streets, the product, I know how to make it sell.” Don Freddy lets out.

“Of course you would say that. But you are also the most recent partner to join this assembly. So what makes you so worthy?” Donna Aleia tells him and in response he chuckles once more and takes another intimidating step towards her, looking down at her before he grabs her chin and makes her look him in the eye, causing the tension in the room to spike as Belville, Flavio and Stephania takes a step forward.

“Potrei non essere degno, ma anche se lo sei, ciò non significa che otterrai quella posizione. Saremmo dei pazzi se permettessimo a una donna di guidare questa fazione, non importa quanto tu sia potente. I tuoi sguardi non ti faranno amare così tanto, avrai bisogno di molto di più ..” (I might not be worthy, but even if you are, that doesn't mean that you'll get that position. We would be fools if we allowed a woman to lead this faction, no matter how powerful you think you are. Your looks won't get you that far sweetheart, you'll need a lot more than that...) Don Freddy lets out calmly as he looks down at the Donna’s red lips before he slowly lets go of her chin and looks down to eye her body just like all the men in the room have been doing.

“Sei bravo solo per 2 cose, Donna, puoi girarti e posso mostrarti qual è uno di loro ... oppure, puoi andare avanti e metterti da parte e lasciare questo agli uomini.” (You are only good for 2 things, Donna, you can turn around and I can show you what one of them is... or, you can go ahead and step aside and leave this to the men.) He continues and the expression on the Donna’s face changes completely. It is deadly, her eyes locking onto Don Freddy, refusing to tear them away from him.

Another important rule.

Never, disrespect the Donna...