A few hours later
As the night unfolded, Samael’s path led him to the upscale district where the planned dinner of Gabriel Ferretti’s trusted men awaited. It was always a welcomed event, occurring once a month, offering a chance to unwind. Though it was supposed to be a treat from the don, Samael suspected the missing weapon shipment could come up in the conversations. It ticked his unease for a moment, but that concern was swiftly overshadowed by an entirely different feeling.
This dinner was also one of those occasions where he would have to face Valeria Ferreti, the don’s daughter. He always tried his best to ignore her at such meetings. After all, she was just a woman who had no business snooping around in the mafia’s affairs. Yet, somehow, she always managed to push Samael's buttons, driving him to the brink of madness. She never knew when to stop.
He walked into the elegant restaurant, where soft lighting, murmurs of conversation, and the clinking of cutlery filled the air. Adjusting his leather jacket, which wasn’t exactly proper attire for such a setting, Samael strode towards their usual large table with a cool confidence. The atmosphere shifted as he approached, the men already seated exchanged nods of acknowledgment, their expressions revealing a mix of respect and wariness. Gabriel Ferretti, a commanding presence at the head of the table, acknowledged Samael with a subtle nod.
He took his seat on the right side of Gabriel with a heavy sigh. He had a long day behind him, and it wasn’t clear how long this dinner would last or what troubles it could bring. Without engaging with anyone, he quickly poured wine for himself, swiftly finishing the glass before pouring another. He could feel a few side eyes sent his way, but he didn’t care, the only person who could point out his manners was Gabriel, and at this moment, it didn’t seem as if he even noticed. With the wine entering his bloodstream, he felt the warmth of unwinding, and the noise of his own t