no rest for the wicked

[dommcretti]

littlexstarxflower‌:

stella stood at the back, a little awkward. she hoped no one would recognize the daughter of the corrupt politician who’d ended up in jail. she wasn’t used to crowds like the wake. she was more used to just living her simple life now. she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and chewed on the inside of her lip as she looked around for a familiar face. ( @dommcretti​ )

Eyes glanced down the watch that adorned his lips, wondering how much long he’d need to stick around without his absence causing eyebrows to raise. Downing the remaining liquid in his glass, he sent it down on a nearby table when he spotted the brunette. He didn’t know her personally, saw her in passing when the Mob decided that having a meeting in a strip club was a brilliant idea. It wasn’t but he didn’t make the rules, at least not yet. “Did you know the kid?”

[dommcretti]

camillexwells‌:

Part of Camille felt responsible, despite her role, a position that lacked power other than relaying the words of their President, she felt that she could’ve done something. She could’ve checked on the Bianchi child, could’ve made sure someone was assigned to him, anything. Dom’s answer brought a wry smirk to peek at the corner of her lips, giving him a mischievous wink. “Sounds like a wise woman.” She waited patiently for him to retrieve his own box, former humor gone, brief, unsettling given the wake. “Who was assigned to be with Gio when he died? I feel like you as Bodyguard would know.” Perhaps it wasn’t her place to ask, just the President’s secretary, but she wanted to help at least put their minds at ease, she knew very well just how consuming the monster of unanswered questions could be.

The box of cigarettes is revealed, followed by a lighter, both handed over the woman. Everyone seems to be on various levels of frantic. On edge because of the surprising loss and that someone dared to kill the son of someone so powerful. It was a direct blow -- one that Dominic knows could’ve been avoided had Bianchi been a better leader. He was leaving the entire Mob vulnerable, an easy target for their enemies -- but his personal thoughts and feelings are left unsaid. “Camille.” His voice was stern, a hint of a warning. “You know what I know.” Which was a lie, they both know his position entitles him to a wealth of information. “Relax, alright? It’s being handled, whoever did this will be handled.”

[dommcretti]

leylaxdiaz‌:

The barest of smiles tried to grace her lips, faltering as the memories swelled, most recently when Gwyn and Gio had crashed at her place to get out of their home. How much like a family Leyla had considered both of them, and dull too in comparison to Gwyn’s. The loss of a sibling was like the loss of a limb, and Leyla still had scars that were healing. It was why her positivity and preference for embracing the moment shone so brightly. “I’m holding up as best I can. Gwyn on the other hand…” Tongue flicked over dry lips, biting back another rise of tears that wanted to brim the edges of her eyes. “I just don’t understand what happened….we …we looked for him that day and …I never imagined his silence was because of this.” Or maybe she had—hadn’t her own radio silence from her late brother been eerily similar? Gwyn had felt it, that panic had been justified, that iron grip on her phone and glance down each time it lit up with hope it would be her brother’s name there.

The look on Leyla’s face was a reminder that he should care. That he should give a fuck about the youngest and only son for the President was deceased. Instead, he felt nothing. Faking it felt like torture but he knew he couldn’t relish in the loss, at least not around Leyal. Thankfully, his stoic demeanor was often associated with him. Cold and distant, it was fitting for a man who pledged himself to the family and took up the title of Bodyguard. “It’s awful what happened.” The words spilled from his lips, remembering what he was supposed to say in situations like this. “I know you and Gwyn tried to find him but you couldn’t have seen this coming -- no one could’ve. But, I promise you, we’re going to find whoever did this.” And do what exactly? Congratulate the fucker for making this coo infinitely easier, probably. 

[dommcretti]

naomixstone‌:

Donned in black, like the Devil’s agents ready to strike and destroy, Naomi was glad to have found a partner in Dom. In a way that she wouldn’t dare admit to him, Naomi was using Dom and riding on the coattails of his path toward the President chair. They both had one goal in mind: take down the Bianchi’s. And what a moment to celebrate, at the very wake for one of them now gone. “I thought you’d never ask,” she glided up to him, hand resting on his forearm. “Were you there for it? The moment the light left that brat’s eyes?”

Whether it was vengeance or seeking power, Dom and Naomi shared one common goal that brought them together. Naomi was a worthy ally in his pursuit for the throne: smart as hell and cunning, he knew she’d be a valuable asset. “Sorry to keep you waiting, had to send my apologies to the family.” His voice was deadpan, a lack of emotion as he guided her through the crowd of people and towards the bar. “Unfortunately, no.” Although he would’ve gladly stuck a bullet in the kid’s head and took him out of his misery. “But I got some intel that it was not pretty. The kid definitely suffered before he reached the end. Although, he should consider himself lucky -- it could’ve been worse.” Way worse if Dominic got his hands on the youngest Bianchi son. 

[dommcretti]

ravennarinaldi‌:

Ravenna had a soft spot for the likes of everything Dominic was. She’d made it known to those within the Cosa Nostra, upon impending appearances within the city, to regain control and redeem whatever semblance of respect they could salvage from Bianchi’s carelessness—that she was to do it. Save those who could be saved. Bolster and inspire those who might’ve lost their way. And leaders—she knew who, if not her, could manage it. But for the boy she considered a son for so long to do it himself—now there was a surprising twist.

She watched him look over his shoulder, her head falling slightly to one side as she stared on with a bored expression. “Dominic—“ Ravenna whispered, a slight shake of her head, as hands folded before her. She could’ve been a politician once-upon-a-time. Her well-nature habits to bestow arrogance mingled with calamity was rare for anyone. “Do you really think I would attack you? So carelessly at the funeral of my second cousin?” She paused. “You should know me better than that, mi amore. I don’t pick favourites because they’re handsome. I do it because they’ll keep me winning.”

“You’re smart—but I have eyes everywhere, and ears everywhere else.” She shrugged her shoulders, a slightly arrogant grin against her lips. “The perks of being me, I suppose.” The notion to who might’ve ratted was a lowly associate—to one of her own henchmen. Silly boy, she thought to the man. “Well, I did have his eyes plucked from his head. No one told me you could die from the horrors of torture.” She knew very fucking well how bad who own vendetta for revenge and betrayal could become. “And you’re right—many of them wanted to blindly kill you. But you’re too important to the things I want, and now you are untouchable to them.” Isn’t that nice.

Her approach was commanding, as she stood nearest him, a hand lifted to cup his cheek. He had it—he had the potential to do it. Guidance would be what he needed—and the bendable ears of those who stood before him, an attempt to stop him. “You and I both know you’re right about my cousin.” She concluded his assumption with her admittance. “And you are the only one here I would trust to take him out, but you must be careful. Loyalists in this mob and the Cosa Nostra will argue it—unless you let me help you. In exchange for something.”

There was always something in it for her. “I’ll give you what you need—you need bodies to blame when he dies, or anyone else, so be it. I have an endless supply. You need money to bribe people, my love it’s yours. But you do not kill any other members of the mob without warning me first. Giovanni may’ve been useless, but it could’ve been trained out of him to not be a fucking lump like his father—“ The words spat venomously at the idea of her cousin still in power.

“You kill my cousin—take the throne for yourself, and restack the deck. But—“ Ravenna stepped back, space enough, pivoted on the spot in sky-high heels. “You make me your Godfather, and I’ll ensure your freedom to do as you please. You and I can burn every last member of that trash Mafia to the ground.”

This was a pivotal moment. By no means was this how he wanted this plans to come to light but if anyone was going to find out what Dom had been plotting the last couple months, it was Ravenna. His own mother miles and miles away, oblivious to the life he lived, Ravenna was a confidant and an ally Dominic knew he could rely on. Still, betrayal was something that wasn’t taken lightly within the Mob and his biggest concern would be that blood would ultimately win over. “Did I think you would? I would certainly like to hope not but I’m also not foolish enough to undermine what you’re capable of.”

A force to be reckoned with him, Dominic considered himself lucky to e the rare few that only not got on her good side but remained there. Those who didn't? Well...safe to say they weren’t among the living anymore. “Glad the rat was handled. Still, wish you would’ve told me sooner, you know I love a good torture.” His lips quirk upward in a mischievous smirk, even if it was momentary. 

His mouth, prepped with a questions about where her mind was going with all of this but he remained silent, giving her the floor to speak. “You’re right, it probably could’ve but the seeds of complacency were already planted. He wasn’t strong enough to be a leader and Gwyn doesn’t want it, she’s made her loyalties apparent with her rendezvous with the youngest Johnson.” The words, his truth, spill from his mouth with a surprising ease. No longer able to talk in hypotheticals, what he’s been fighting for seems to be finally coming to fruition. Dominic never liked to think of himself as a greedy man or one who sought power but with the throne so close, within his grasp, there’s no denying that he wants it.

“You know there’s no one I would rather be at my side, right?” He stated, reaching out to grasp her hand, pressing his lips gently to the back of it as a sign of appreciation and gratitude. “You’ve got yourself a deal. As soon as he’s dead we’ll make the right moves to set us back on the right track. We’ve lost our way under his guidance but I have plans, Ravenna, and with your guidance I know we can do what he couldn’t. I want to fuckin’ destroy the Dixie’s, cleanse this city of their filth and entitlement. Remind everyone in this goddamn city that we are the ones in control and regain what he so carelessly sqauandered away.” Letting out a short breath, fingers rake through his dark hair. “Just tell me when to pull the trigger and this city will be all ours.”

[flawlessgentlemen]

[dommcretti]

Inappropriate? Maybe but if there was anyone in this godforsaken room who felt exactly what Dom did, it was probably Naomi. For once, he didn’t listen to his better judgement or the logical part of his brain that usually made him astute and disciplined. It’d been a long fuckinf day and, if anything, this could be looked at as unwinding and letting go after being bogged down with sadness. Shuffling and navigating through the crowd of people Dominic, eventually, made his way to the blonde who managed to stick out like a sore thumb among the crowded room. “Care to join me for a drink?”

@naomixstone​

[dommcretti]

ravennarinaldi‌:

She waited, as always, for Dominic. He was a son, a child she could love before being bestowed with her own. Not that he was far much younger than her. But she’d felt recklessness radiate—if not fully enveloped or explored—from the man. Protective of him, surely. Understanding his nature? Obviously. Agreeing with his tactic? Only if she got a piece of it.

As he kissed her cheek, Ravenna hooked her arm through his, staggering height of the man admired. He was both brawn and brains, and capable of doing something about the filth that aligned the city without the means to take it out. Her cousin was doing nothing, sitting around, waiting for the Dixie’s to make a move.

Ravenna knew, Richard Johnson was no ordinary boy. Not one to wait for the war when he could wage one himself. And win.

“Yes, you are—“ She offered the truth, walking about the wake now, bodies surrounding them. She led him to a nearby room, empty as she ushered him inside, while locking the door. No guards, no lies. Ravenna thought, her hand twisted the knob to ensure it was secure.

“What is it—“ She paused, turning, hands folded together as she moved towards the plush couch, falling onto it gracefully. One leg crossed over the other, as she continued. “Is your plan to get rid of my cousin and take the mantle for yourself?” A lull. “I mean… I assume this is what I’ve heard through the grapevine—you are the man to take over?”

Surprisingly, or maybe it was stupidly, Ravenna’s response didn’t set off any alarms or raise any red flags. For all he knew, she could be leading him to the lions den and he was blindly following her without so much as a question. By nature, he’s on the defensive but Ravenna was one of the few people Dominic believed he could trust no matter what.

The door is clicked shut behind them, Dominic’s interest peaking as the woman walked further inside. Her words lingered it the air before the inevitable bomb dropped -- the truth -- and the sole purpose of this conversation revealed itself. 

Instinct had Dominic, glancing to his left, right and over his shoulder -- wondering if this was some sort of ambush but doubt that, despite blood, Ravenna would choose now to come to the defense of her cousin. Lying doesn’t even cross his mind, neither does fighting considering how nonchalantly the subject was broached. 

Arms folding across his broad chest, The Bodyguard simply nods his head before verbally confirming Ravenna’s suspicions. “Well, either you know me too well or someone needs their tongue cut out for talking too fuckin’ much.” He uttered, leaning against the nearby wall. “I’ve dedicated most of my life to this family and I’m sick to my fuckin’ stomach watching him throw it all away.” Dominic began to explain. “He’s getting lazy, he’s weak. You know it, I know it, we all know it -- and if  something doesn’t change, he’s going to fuck up and make us lose everything we worked for -- everything we built.” There’s a pause, Dominic feeling himself tense up. “If you’re pissed about what you heard, one of the Carlo’s would’ve stuck a bullet in my head by now. So, I’m assuming you either know I’m right or intrigued by what I’m trying to do about it.”

[dommcretti]

leylaxdiaz‌:

Sunglasses shielded puffy eyes, even having a personal connection with death didn’t prepare them when it struck again. Leyla had only known Gio–she could recall their most recent conversation, something amusing about what Gwyn had said, her their mutual tether. Remembered how they’d scrambled to look for him during the blackout. Shoulders rolled back to push back that overwhelming sense of dread and guilt, opting to distract herself by speaking to others there at the wake. “How did you know them?” A vague enough question, offering the other the chance to speak up about one or all of the dead. 

The tension and sorrow that filled the room was unbearable to Dominic for all the wrong reasons. Somewhere down the line his humanity got shut off -- maybe it was when his personal agenda turned everything into a business -- that even at a funeral he couldn’t muster up an ounce of sympathy. They were casualties and, to Dom at least, death was as natural to him as breathing. It was a vicious cycle of life and, if he continued to play his cards right, he’d keep dipping and dodging death for as long as he could. "Pretty sure my stories...memories pale in comparison to yours.” He uttered, looking down at Leyla who was obviously shaken up by the whole ordeal. “How you holdin’ up?”

[dommcretti]

camillexwells‌:

Exhausted. Since they’d received the news, Camille had been running around like a chicken without a head. The reactions haunted her–how the President and Gwyn had both paled, swayed where they stood, all but fainted right there on the spot. Gwyn’s eyes had changed that day, as did the President’s. Darkened, murderous. All Camille could do was simply be there where they needed, aiding both and the rest of the Mob, offering status reports and notes from meetings held and keeping the Mob informed. A ripple effect caused a somberness to sweep the family and members. 

“Fuck, I’m so tired,” She muttered involuntarily under her breath, head pressing to her forehead. “Do me a favor, can you fish into my purse and grab me a cigarette and lighter?”

As of right now, Dominic was simply going through the motions. Doing what he was told to do and what was expected of someone in his position. It’s not that he cared or felt numb to it all after hearing the youngest and only son of the President was dead -- it was that Dominic simply didn’t care. The long building bitterness and resentment that resided with him making Dom more concerned about what the next steps were to his plans than how this affected the family. If anything, this whole ordeal presented the perfect time to strike and knock down Bianchi when he was at his weakest. His anger wasn’t directed to everyone in the mob (at least not yet), so feeling a little sympathetic towards Camille who seemed to carry the burden of what happened on her shoulders didn’t feel too strenuous. “That feels like a trap -- my mother raised me never to go into a woman’s purse.” Digging into the inside of his suit jacket, he pulled out a lighter and a box of cigarettes. “Luckily, I always come prepared.”

[yourfirstsnow-archive]

[dommcretti]

ravennarinaldi‌:

It wasn’t for lack of trying, to find a particular moment where she and Dominic could speak. Time had come where Ravenna’s intentions were to come to light. Whether or not her darling Bianchi family liked the idea of her presence, whether Dominic understood the severity of what a rumor could undo for a family.

Release from a prison far worse than death, as she stepped over someone’s still slumbering body, the keen want to step on them just too enticing, as she continued on. She had business to attend too. “Bianca was at home—she said she was fine, but go check in on her. Get her whatever it is she will need.” She snapped to one of her carlo’s as she walked.

A hand hooked through his as she approached him from behind. That same sickened smile appeared, and fell. “You and I,” She spoke, smoothing out the fabric of his shirt. “Need to have a little talk, mi amore.”

@dommcretti

As time went by, he’d become better and better at playing both sides. Being the reliable, deadly force to the Bianchi family while also plotting the demise of the man he once swore his loyalty to. It was a dangerous game, one where the wrong move could have it all crashing at his face and leave, along with everyone he cared about, dead. 

Still, his motivations kept him moving on. Making side deals, plotting for the right moment to strike, gathering up as much intel as he could that would work in his favor. He knew his time would come soon but he had patience and years of discipline taught him not to be overager. 

For the most part, Dom liked to think he’d been subtle and not obvious with his plans. The ones he knew, Dom trusted to an extent but there was one person he was keeping the secret from that he wasn’t sure he’d be able to do so for much longer. “I think those are the most dangerous words that can ever come out of a woman’s mouth.” Dominic responded. “Am I in trouble?” A cheeky smile spread across his lips, bringing the back of her hand to his lips for a respectful kiss. “What do you need, bellissima?”

[uuuhshiny]

Have a drink with me

[dommcretti]

elijahrcthschild‌:

Looking across to the man, Elijah sat back in his seat. “Of course, Dominic.” He was a diplomatic man, one to hear the needs of another. “Whatever is it I can do for you?”

“I’m hoping that you can help but with your assistance, I think it can be beneficial for everyone.” He explained, keeping his statement intentionally. Dom didn’t know much about the man besides the little bit of intel he was able to gather, so easing into this was the only way to go about this conversation. “I’m not too sure if you’ve heard of Giuseppe’s, it’s a small Italian shop Downtown, but we’ve become known around town for always having the freshest ingredients in our food. I’ve come into some business outside of the Atlanta area and I could use your help getting around some of the red tape I’m finding myself wrapped up in to obtain a licence to import good into the state.”

[dommcretti]

ravennarinaldi‌:

It’d been a long time since she’d stepped foot within Atlanta. The furthest Ravenna had travelled wa Manhattan, and there was as enough filth there as there was here. Cosa Nostra means meant she extended an olive branch, a sight unseen to find out what might be undertaking within the city. Whether it benefited her or not was to be seen. “Carlo–” She snapped venomously, hues narrowed as one of the bodyguards almost stepped far too close into her path. “Do that again, and I will cut out your tongue and feed it to your infant child.” A turn, stances taken back to where they belonged, as Ravenna turned, hands folded. “And what was it you were eavesdropping in on? Mm?”

Honestly, Dominic had to do a double take when he heard the familiar voice nearby. For a second, he thought he misunderstood what he heard because there was no way Ravenna Rinaldi would leave her cushy upper class life in New York to come down to the South. Turning around, his eyes confirmed the unbelievable and Dominic was convinced hell had to be frozen over if this was the case. With a slight chuckle, he approached the woman. “Eavesdropping? Never, more like trying to figure out if I’m hallucinating.” Dom explained, pressing a kiss to Ravenna’s cheek. “Piacere di vederti, Ravenna. È passato troppo tempo.”

[girlwiththechemicals]

Joel Kinnaman in Episode 05 of Altered Carbon ⇝ The Wrong Man

[dommcretti]

westdawes‌:

To Dom’s threat, West only snickered. He knew Dom was good on his word for his pay, and Dom knew that the money he spent was a major part of West’s loyalty. There was a friendship that blossomed over time, but finding a commodity that would kill when ordered and do just about anything else he was asked to do was too good to fuck up. More than anything, Dom wanted this presidency, and he would never have good help like West let go over something as simple as booze. That and West knew too much and would be a loose end that was hard to kill. Instead he turned his attention to the joking around. “ Is that too much to ask for? I  mean you own this place, you could at least ask them to throw a porterhouse on a grill for a job well done.” West chuckled. At the mention of getting himself a woman, West grimaced. “ I said I’m like a home-cooked meal not some bitch chewing my ear off about pointless bullshit and who pissed her off or why I never listen to how her day was. I already have a maid to keep house, she just doesn’t cook.” He smirked. Westley was not a man for a relationship and knew all too well that he would end up murdering any woman that tried to own or control him in any way. 

“No clue what you mean.” he shrugged at the mention of a fight,  turning the focus back on Dom.  “ The annoying little daddy’s girl you keep on a leash. I gotta say, that’s one way to ensure your place in the family.  Marry in, have her pop out a son or two then get rid of her like you plan to with her old man.”

Dom wasn’t too sure how a friendship managed to form between the two of them. Unlike Dom, West was a loose canon and crass. Investing in Westley was a risky investment but, so far, West has proven not only his worth but loyalty as well. Plus, if you were going to have a trigger happy psycho around -- might as well have that person be in your corner. “I keep you busy and pay you well, that’s the full extent of my services.” Dominic stated with a lighthearted chuckle, bringing the glass to his lips. “All I got from that extremely sexist rant is that you need to find yourself a maid that can cook.” He noted with a simple shake of his head, not at all bothered by West’s views towards women. Honestly, he didn’t care, so long as West got the job done and kept their plans underwraps, what the other man did or said wasn’t any of his concern.

The conversation shift caused Dom’s brow to arch, a less than amused look coming across the man’s features. “Guinevere?” He said with a slight scoff. “She’s is...was...like a sister to me.” There’s an underlying bitterness in his voice that isn’t usually present when talking about the younger woman. With his own sister absent and miles away in New York, the caring, nurturing side of Dominic was extended to Gwyn. “Not too sure where I stand with that one. Besides the fact that I’m trying to off her father, I stumbled across something...unsettling a few weeks ago that has me questioning her loyalty more than I ever had before.”  The long winded explanation waved off with a gesture of his hand. “She’s not of concern...yet.”