A Dash of Danger: Dark Mafia Romance: Wicked Games, #1

By Alessa Steel

Bella

 

I was just a lost little girl looking for a way out when I stumbled into that club. I never could have imagined the hell I was about to walk into. From the moment I laid eyes on Salvatore, I knew he was dangerous - the charming, lethal Mafia boss who ruled this criminal underworld. Every instinct should have told me to run, to get as far away from him as possible.

 

But there was something about Salvatore that drew me in, like a moth to a flame. Against my better judgment, I found myself falling under his spell. Now I'm trapped in his ruthless world, at the mercy of a man who views me as nothing more than a possession to be controlled. I'm terrified, but I can't deny the dark, primal pull I feel towards him.

Salvatore promises to protect me, but I know the true price will be my soul.

 

 

Salvatore

 

I saw her on that stage, dancing like she was made for this life - for me. Bella was a rare treasure, a delicate beauty that I had to possess. The moment our eyes met, I knew I had to have her, no matter the cost. This girl was going to be mine, whether she liked it or not. I'm a man accustomed to getting what I want, and I won't let anyone or anything stand in my way - not the law, not my enemies, not even Bella herself.

 

She thinks she can run, that she can escape the darkness of my world. But I'll always find her, always drag her back into the shadows where she belongs.

 

Bella may fight me, but in the end, she'll submit. She'll learn to crave the thrill of being owned by the most powerful man in the Mafia. And when I'm done with her, no other man will ever satisfy her again.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Alessa Steel
• Release date: Apr 30, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224934294

Book preview

A Dash of Danger: Dark Mafia Romance

Wicked Games, Volume 1

Alessa Steel

Published by Alessa Steel, 2024.

This is a work of fiction. Similarities to real people, places, or events are entirely coincidental.

A DASH OF DANGER: DARK MAFIA ROMANCE

First edition. April 30, 2024.

Copyright © 2024 Alessa Steel.

ISBN: 979-8224934294

Written by Alessa Steel.

Also by Alessa Steel

Caged Dove

The Viper's Cage: Dark Mafia Romance

The Songbird's Veil: Dark Mafia Romance

Wicked Games

A Dash of Danger: Dark Mafia Romance

A Touch of Desire: Dark Mafia Romance

Standalone

Chained to Him: Mafia Romance

Cruel Boss: Dark Mafia Romance

Dark Obsession: Dark Mafia Romance

Trapped in Evil: Dark Mafia Romance

Sold to the Mob: Dark Mafia Romance

Devil in a Suit: Dark Mafia Romance

Fighter's Den: A Bad Boy Dark Romance

Captive Heart: Dark Mafia Romance

Gefangene Herzen: Dunkle Mafia Romanz

Vendida a la Mafia: Dark Mafia Romance

Haunted by the Mob: Dark Mafia Romance

Crave of Lust: Dark Mafia Romance (Wicked Games Duet)

Table of Contents

Title Page

Copyright Page

Also By Alessa Steel

A Zest of Danger: Dark Mafia Romance

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 9

CHAPTER 10

CHAPTER 11

CHAPTER 12

CHAPTER 13

CHAPTER 14

CHAPTER 15

CHAPTER 16

CHAPTER 17

CHAPTER 18

CHAPTER 19

CHAPTER 20

CHAPTER 21

CHAPTER 22

CHAPTER 23

CHAPTER 24

CHAPTER 25

CHAPTER 26

CHAPTER 27

CHAPTER 28

CHAPTER 29

CHAPTER 30

CHAPTER 31

Further Reading: Devil in a Suit: Dark Mafia Romance

Also By Alessa Steel

Bella

I was just a lost little girl looking for a way out when I stumbled into that club. I never could have imagined the hell I was about to walk into. From the moment I laid eyes on Salvatore, I knew he was dangerous - the charming, lethal Mafia boss who ruled this criminal underworld. Every instinct should have told me to run, to get as far away from him as possible.

But there was something about Salvatore that drew me in, like a moth to a flame. Against my better judgment, I found myself falling under his spell. Now I'm trapped in his ruthless world, at the mercy of a man who views me as nothing more than a possession to be controlled. I'm terrified, but I can't deny the dark, primal pull I feel towards him.

Salvatore promises to protect me, but I know the true price will be my soul.

Salvatore

I saw her on that stage, dancing like she was made for this life - for me. Bella was a rare treasure, a delicate beauty that I had to possess. The moment our eyes met, I knew I had to have her, no matter the cost. This girl was going to be mine, whether she liked it or not. I'm a man accustomed to getting what I want, and I won't let anyone or anything stand in my way - not the law, not my enemies, not even Bella herself. She thinks she can run, that she can escape the darkness of my world. But I'll always find her, always drag her back into the shadows where she belongs. Bella may fight me, but in the end, she'll submit. She'll learn to crave the thrill of being owned by the most powerful man in the Mafia. And when I'm done with her, no other man will ever satisfy her again.

CHAPTER 1

Another Day at Hunter’s bar, I prefer working nights but I suppose I shouldn’t complain, the money is good and it gives me a chance to do double shifts. Los Angeles is busy day and night, but today it’s a bit slow. My boss Jerry looks at his wits end. I don't think business is doing that well, it's the first time I have seen him so pissed off at the world in the three years I have been working here. Bella come to my office, Jerry calls from the upstairs office.

Yes Jerry? I answer nonchalantly and take a seat in front of his desk.

Bella, you have been a star employee for just over three years now, but I'm sorry to tell you, we are shutting down, as of this evening we will be closed. I'm sorry, here is your last pay check in cash. Please take care of yourself sweetheart. Jerry looks at me sadly, he's been a good boss, very kind and a genuine good guy, this can’t be easy for him.

I understand Jerry, thank you for the last three years and giving me a job. Don't worry about me I will be alright. I walk out with a heavy heart, heavy for Jerry and heavy myself.

I just lost the one thing keeping me afloat. What the hell am I going to do now? I sigh packing my bag at the end of the shift and decide to take a cab home, its only a fifteen minute drive, but it is freezing out tonight. I spend the short ride wondering what I'm going to do now, I need to find a job as soon as I can, also I can't stay in this city too long, I have already been here longer than I should have been. I reach my apartment it's a small two bedroom I share with my best friend since I moved here Marissa, a bubbly red head with gorgeous brown eyes. We both move around but this was the longest either of us have stayed in any one city. Lina, hey, you're home early? Marissa asks standing in the kitchen making dinner, pushing her curls away in frustration.

Yeah, old Jerry shut the place down, I'm out of a job. I don't know what I'm going to do Mari, I say as Marissa hands me a glass of red. I also have stayed way to long in this city I need to move on, I sigh and take a long sip.

Bella, we stick together, where you go I go, so where too? Marissa asks raising a brow at me.

I can't ask you to leave your job, I say shaking my head in protest.

I strip for a living Bella, it's not like I can't do that somewhere else. She says shrugging. So where too? Mari asks smiling and winking at me.

Well Mari, I'm thinking New York, it's the best place to get lost in and to find a job. I say pouring myself another glass, Marissa agrees and we decide to have our dinner, but still contemplating on just what will happen once we get to New York.

Two weeks later we are in New York and found a small apartment, and now it's time to start job hunting, the dreaded task. Mari and I tried a few spots and all that's left are a few strip clubs, mind you I have never stripped before but I'm sure I could pull it off. We tried a few clubs and finally found one aptly named ‘The Underground’. It's quite an upscale club, black and purple interior, with a black stage and poles on it. It has podiums all around in a huge circle across the floor with girls dancing. I see a closed off section which must be the VIP booths and they have normal booths for lap dances. It's not what I was expecting, the girls are all stunning and extremely classy, never taking their clothes off, but dancing seductively and going over to the booths for private dances and I guess the ones on the back are where you get naked, but I doubt there's sex involved. There are many business men around, it seems like the upper crust, wealthy side of society and then you get the normal looking guys, who are trying to seem wealthy in very cheap suits.

We are ushered in to meet with the owner Valencia, she's in her forties, slim light brown hair green eyes and looks like she takes care of herself, she is perfectly manicured and her make up is impeccable.

So Bella and Marissa what brings you to The Underground? She asks in a thick French accent, but she has an Italian last name, which is slightly confusing, probably married an Italian.

Marissa looks at me and I take my cue. Well Mrs Moretti, Marissa White and myself Bella Johnson are looking for jobs, we have just moved to New York from Los Angeles and are in desperate need of employment. I say to the point, hoping I'm not being too blunt.

Valencia looks at us raising an immaculately plucked eyebrow and just keeps staring, I think she's sizing us up. Well ladies, as you can see this is a very exclusive club, it's not your everyday two dollar stripper club, men come here for privacy and everything in here is confidential, all girls sign a non-disclosure, and I need your age. She stops and says nothing, I feel so intimidated.

Well it's a beautiful club, I'm twenty two and Mari is twenty three, I say unsure of what to answer. Mari looks like she wants to crawl under a rock.

Do you have any experience? Valencia asks, her accent making me feel even more intimidated.

Marissa answers. Yes I do, I danced for three years. Bella however doesn't but she's a fast learner, and has danced as a kid and she can bartend. I smile weakly hoping we are not embarrassing ourselves.

She stares us down for a full minute, I see, well stand up let me see both of you. Valencia commands and we do as we are told. She motions for us to turn around, ok I don't normally do this and take girls off the street, but you two are striking and I think the clientele will take a liking to you. I will give you a trial tomorrow, just dancing on the main stage, turn up for practice at two, I will explain the rules then and also the salary which is upward of twenty thousand. Also, I will send both of you to get ready today with my stylist on staff Frédéric, he is the best. Before you go on stage I need you to be an underground darling, groomed to perfection. Valencia says as she calls her stylist and says, "Prenez les filles et préparez-les. J'ai besoin d'eux parfait pour demain soir!" She claps her hands and he literally jumps. (Take the girls and get them stage ready. I need them perfect for tomorrow night!)

With that we are taken in an SUV and to a salon and we are pampered, manicured and pedicured, waxed all over and finally we have our hair done. I just have a decent cut and a few deep plum highlights in my very long black hair, all very classy. Frédéric is so much to handle, but he's damn good at his job. After a full day of basically female torture we are ready and dropped at our tiny apartment. I have to admit, it's been a long time since I actually took care of myself like that, well if it doesn't work out we had a free make over.

We turn in for the night after a small dinner. I'm pretty nervous I have to admit, I can't mess this up it's a pretty exclusive place and the salary is really good plus tips. I have a restless sleep that night, the next day Mari and myself get ready to go for the practice session and arrive at the club a little before two in the afternoon.

Valencia is there to greet us. Hello girls, you look amazing. Very polished, now go change into the practice outfits provided by the head darling Hillary. She states as a leggy beautiful blonde leads us to the change rooms. I look at Mari and she's clearly not as nervous as I am she looks excited.

Mari, I don't think I can do this, I say shakily.

Bella, we don't have a choice, it's either this or a fast food joint. You are an amazing dancer, I have seen you, I know we can do this. I will go first if that makes you feel better? Mari offers.

Ok, maybe that will help with my nerves, I say gratefully. Hillary is a bitch, but I guess I should have expected that, she throws purple crystal rhinestone bikinis at us and shows us where to get heels. We change and I put my hair up in a clip, with tendrils hanging, the outfits are so revealing, my breasts are pushed up to high heaven and the bikini bottoms are thongs, we were assured its new, I saw the tags on the lingerie and shoes.

Valencia sits with two other guys whom are dressed impeccably in suits, definitely the Armani type. They are good looking, and can't be over twenty seven or so, they also look Italian, I see Hillary in the back arching her brow, as I’d she’s expecting us to mess up. Mari gets up on the main stage in front of the guys and Valencia motions them to start the music. Mari ever the professional stripper does an amazing job on the pole and off, and this does not help my nerves. Her song finishes and its my turn. My heart is thumping and I feel like I can throw up, but breathe through it.

I put on a brave facade and appear confident. I walk on to the stage and the music starts up again, I walk seductively round the pole and stand in front of it, moving my one arm up and shimmy down the pole moving my hips and I go loosening my hair and throwing the clip. I open my legs wide and close them again, swaying my hips as I go back up, I decide to twirl on the pole, some stuff Mari taught me when I used to visit her at the club in the day time. I spin round the pole leaning back as I roll my body showing my ample cleavage. I stop then move away from the pole and move seductively, dropping to my knees and leaning back running my hands down my body. Coming up I move shaking my ass and rolling my body, touching myself as seductively as I can, and I do one more twirl and the song ends with me having my one leg around the pole holding on and winking.

I'm heaving, this is a lot harder than it looks. Girls, I love both of you, never mind the trial, you are both hired. You start tonight. Bella, you will be front of the stage and centre tonight, Marissa, you will be stage left and Hillary stage right. Your outfits will be ready by tonight and I need you to come sign your contracts and non-disclosures. I am very impressed girls. I think for now I don’t want you to do one on one dances, but you can keep some high profile men company by just being entertaining, serving and giving conversation, no private booths yet, any questions? Valencia asks.

I answer, Mrs Moretti, I would prefer not to be doing any private booths for extra money, if that is alright, stage and not getting fully naked is where I prefer to be.

We pride ourselves on keeping women comfortable. Yes that is fine. If someone does request you, I will still ask in case you decide to change your mind. She says smiling. Welcome to the family girls, you start at seven till two thirty am. Also, there are a lot of powerful men here, be careful, do not speak unless you are spoken too and if requested for conversation or a private dance or booth. She gives us a wink. Mari and I go for a late lunch after doing all the necessary documentation and it's pretty good to know we have jobs again and it’s really good money too, before we know it, it's opening night and we have a blast, we get some huge tips and I find I'm not feeling as nervous as I thought. Our outfits are revealing, pink, black or purple bedazzled lingerie sets. I notice some girls have wings which means they are available, if we don't wear those we don't do the back booths. It sets my mind at ease a bit, also security is heavy. This seems like a good start and I'm really comfortable with this job.

CHAPTER 2

One month later

I have settled quite nicely into this world, the girls are all great except for Hillary, she really thinks she's the queen of this place and it gets annoying. It's also Saturday night one of the most busy nights of the week and I am doing one set and opening tonight and then waitressing, which I don't mind because Mari gets the main stage tonight after I'm done dancing. I realised its a burlesque and strip club, which makes it a lot better for me.

Salvatore POV:

It's been a long day, being a Mafia boss is tough, we just got off a flight which was from a month stay in Italy, I’m glad to be back in New York. I'm definitely looking forward to a night of some Angels and darlings, star age for me to say but why not, I could use a distraction. The club is one of ours, exclusive to the D’Angelo family, it’s a playground for the boys, we keep business at a minimum, unless we use it for a meeting and the boys usually unwind here after work, there are lots of important business men here and its imperative that it's exclusive.

Luciano or Luc my brother, Dario and Leonardo – Leo are my cousins, are my trusted few, my inner circle. It’s a given we all go together, we work hard and play hard. My father stepped down and I became the head of the family, and have been for the past five years, I'm now twenty six, so I was young and had to learn but I’m a natural, guess it’s in my blood. I have a reputation sure, ruthless, cold and unfeeling, but that is what I should be, I have to be able to kill in the blink of an eye without hesitation, and so do my boys.

Valencia has been running the business smoothly, and my men and me are satisfied on the business front, so we make our way to the VIP booths where we have a really good view of the stage. Please welcome Ali, Mari and Hillary to the stage for burlesque darlings. I instantly realise there are two new names, now we don't hire easily and Valencia is a tough sell so this should be interesting.

The lights are low shining purple, so we can only see silhouettes. I instantly notice it’s not Hillary in the front, that curves and that rack is definitely not hers. I watch with interest and they start moving in their routine, the girl in front is quite good, I think idly as sip on my bourbon. The lights go on and I freeze, wow. I don't think I have ever seen a girl that beautiful in my life. I get up and walk down the steps to get a closer look, she has long waist length raven hair, plump lips, and the most gorgeous blue eyes I have ever seen. She moves so easily and seductively, I feel my dick twitch. What the fuck? Since when does a bitch make my dick twitch? I keep watching her, she has black lingerie on, with black stiletto heels and fishnets, pretty standard I guess, but she looks fucking amazing, this girl does a solo and works the pole differently to the other girls, she doesn't make it look cheap at all and doesn't use it much. I'm impressed; I wonder where Valencia got this one from.

Bella POV:

As I'm moving on the stage totally in my element actually enjoying the solo I have tonight I can't help but feel someone is watching me, and intensely at that. As I move I look around and try to not make it obvious, and I notice a few guys I have never seen before in the VIP section. I can't see much but I know they are watching intensely. Us girls finish up the last of the dance and we get roaring applause and some huge tips, which is always welcome to any of us. We all go change after the set and I change into a white tank, black waist coat and shorts with fishnets and high black pumps and I'm ready for waitressing, it’s much better than doing booths. Mari and Hillary are changing into different lingerie and wearing their wings, for private dances.

I walk out onto the floor and go over to Jake who is our bar man. "Hey gorgeous, can you take this