Bred by the Mafia Boss

“There—it’s perfect.”

Dave steps back, looking into my ear. The spy device is invisible—nobody will know I’m bugged.

He’ll be able to hear what I hear.

He’ll be able to whisper instructions.

This is essential. We’re about to do something dangerous. Already, heated adrenaline courses through my veins. My palms are sweaty. My suit and necktie are uncomfortably tight.

But I need to relax.

We’ve been prepping for months. The government is on my side, which means nothing can go wrong.

I’m the youngest agent in my unit. They picked me right out of college. I originally applied to work as an interpreter for the military, but then the agents came knocking. It was due to my background—I grew up abroad, moving across Europe and Asia alongside my family. My dad was in the military, and he’d get relocated every few years.

I had a knack for foreign languages. I’m a people person too, and I never struggled to make friends after a move. After being recruited, I spent two years in an espionage program. They taught me the ins and outs of the trade—how to blend in and avoid detection.

It’s all been leading up to this…my first mission.

And it’s a doozy.

Dominic Antonio Bianchi.

That’s a name that makes law enforcement sweat. He’s known in some circles as “Il Serpente”—the serpent. It’s a moniker he’s earned.

Born in southern Italy, he witnessed unspeakable acts committed by his father, Don Bianchi. Dominic was the heir to a criminal empire forged from steel and tears—an enterprise specialized in underground gambling, extortion, and high-profile abductions. They held a top politician for ransom, eventually provoking the Italian military to get involved. That put an end to the brutality.

And so, the family fled to the United States. All the while, Dominic was being trained by his father—prepping for a life of crime.

He never had a chance at a clean, normal life.

At least, that’s what my inner poet thinks. The reality is that Dominic became even more ruthless than his father. The underground casinos became licensed establishments designed to launder drug money. The extortion grew to involve sexual blackmail of politicians. The abductions have expanded abroad. The Bianchi family is a vortex of fear and wealth. They’ve sunk hooks deep into the fabric of our society. We’re only just beginning to fight back.

And that’s where I come in.

I’m young, fit, and sociable. I was introduced to a low-ranking member of the syndicate earlier this year, and they saw me as a prime recruit. It was all according to plan.

I’ve been working as a “soldier”—a grunt worker. Most of my time has been spent collecting “protection” payments from local businesses. I walk around town like an insurance salesman. Pass me a wad of cash, and you’ll be safe…

Of course, I report everything to my superiors. Our ultimate goal is to gather evidence and eventually coax Dominic into the open for an arrest.

It’s a work in progress. My membership in the mafia isn’t official yet—I’ve been working on a trial basis. That changes tonight though. In less than a few hours, I’ll be at the mob headquarters, preparing for the omertà ritual. It’s an oath of absolute loyalty and obedience, and it’ll represent my formal induction into the family.

It’s an oath punishable by death.

“You look great.” Dave folds his arms, eying my sleek suit. “Remember, we’ll be right outside the building. If things get too hot, we can come in and extract you.”

“Don’t worry. I can handle it.” I force a confident smile.

“C’mon—car’s out front. I’ll drive you over.”

I follow Dave through the office halls. He’s tall and athletic—not much older than me. He was the one who first introduced me to the gang. He’s been my coach the entire time.

We get inside a black SUV and speed off into the night. My heart pounds as the mafia stronghold comes into view. It’s an aged, multi-story building with a gray brick façade. There are only a handful of windows, each spilling purple light onto the street below.

It’s a nightclub.

Well, sort of. I’ve never been inside, but the guys have described it as part club, part spa, and part brothel. It’s a place where members of the mafia let loose—a citadel designed for pleasure.

Down in front, a set of tall wooden doors stands proud. A stocky young man leans against the frame, smoking a cigarette and eyeing pedestrians on the sidewalk.

“Shit! Stop the car.”

“What’s up?” Dave screeches to a halt.

“Drop me off here. Matteo is out front. I don’t want him to see us together.”

I know the muscle-bound fellow loitering out front. He’s my supervisor—my handler within the organization. Whenever I collect extortion money, I bring it to him. He’s the one who gives me instructions…he’s my liaison to the don.

I exit the car and begin walking down the street toward the entrance.

“Remember. Just stay calm.” Dave’s voice buzzes through the earpiece.

“Sure thing,” I mutter.

“James! You made it!” A smile stretches across Matteo’s face as I approach. “It’s a big night for you!”

He spreads his arms wide, pulling me into a tight bear hug. At the surface, he looks overweight, but I can feel dense bands of muscle beneath his suit jacket.

“It’s an honor to be here, friend.” I pull back, staring into his eyes.

They’re bright green like jade. His dark hair is slicked back.

“Come inside! I’ll show you around.” He beckons toward the doors.

I pass through the portal. It’s like stepping into another world.

Deep, sultry music reverberates off the walls. Purple light bathes the space, creating a disorienting effect. It bounces off the foyer’s polished tiles, blending with firelight from lanterns on the walls. The light source hangs high overhead—a classic crystal chandelier modified with colored LEDs.

The air is steamy. Splashing water echoes in the distance, almost like I’ve stepped into an indoor pool. What kind of place is this?

“Please—this way.” Matteo passes under the chandelier, guiding down a narrow corridor. The music grows louder. The humidity intensifies. He opens a door and leads me into…a locker room?