Page 105 of King of Omen

‘A visceral reaction towards someone you’ve never met.’

This was personal.

Realising his mistake, he attempted to cover up his slip-up with a cocky grin.

‘What are you doing here, stranger?’ I rasped, even though I was apprised of his name.

‘Name’s Tony. I came to check on my girl.’

‘Which one?’ I hedged.

‘Mia. The woman you have staying with you.’

‘What’s she to you?’ I murmured.

‘She’s a friend, and I’m worried about her. I think you’re keeping her here against her will.’

‘Is that right?’ I whispered. ‘Did she tell you that?’

He bristled. ‘She hasn’t said jack shit. She only mentioned you were someone in need.’

‘That I am,’ I quipped, lips turning up. He had no idea just how much need Mia and I were exchanging.

His eyes widened as he realised he’d missed out on the winning team and had never even been in the running.

His face darkened and reddened, eyes narrowed, and loathing flickered in his gaze. I decided to address the one factor bugging me.

‘You’re not after Mia now, are you? Have you ever lived in Naples? I have.’

He hesitated for a moment, then nodded. ‘Si, I did. A long time ago. How did you know?’

I leaned closer, whispering in his ear, ‘I caught traces of an accent. It’s my hometown, and I suspect it’s yours too, which means you’re treading on thin ice.’

He smirked, a forced twist to the mouth. ‘What’s it to you?’

I stared at him for a beat until his smirk faded away.

‘Who sent you?’ I whispered.

‘Nobody. I’m just a guy from Rome on a working holiday visa. I was born in Naples but haven’t returned since I was thirteen. Whoever you think I am, you’re mistaken.’

‘Delightful story. I’ll have Mauri explore it.’

He leaned in with a sneer. ‘Do it.’

I stepped back, smiling. ‘Regardless, you came here to cause trouble, and that’s not something I’ll allow.’

His eyes flicked towards Mauri, still palming his weapon. ‘I just wanted to help my friend. You’ve got her locked up like a prisoner, and I don’t like that.’

I smirked, shaking my head. ‘You’ve no idea what you’re talking about. She’s not a captive; she can leave as she pleases. Why? Do you think she’ll jump in your arms when I set her loose?’

The man sneered. ‘Fuck you. I just want her safe. Your reputation does not assure that.’

I raised a brow. ‘So you’re au fait with my good name. Are you also aware I have ways of making minions like yourself disappear and that I hold the magical ability to stay silent about it for life? It’s called Omertà, and I’m the King of it. Aren’t I, Mauri?’

My henchman jerked his chin in assent from the shadows, and Tony’s eyes flicked to him, his drawn weapon and back to me.

He blanched and swallowed, panic setting in. ‘I’d like to leave now.’

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