Page 2 of Obey

It’s only been a few months since he joined the Cresci organization. At first, I’d almost thought he’d followed me there, but I know better.

Why would he purposely put himself in my life?

Our employer, openly gay mafia don Silvano Cresci, had to appeal to him, too. It’s nice to be respected for what we can do and not be derided for who we are.

I’ve gone soft in only a few seconds, and I no longer have the urge to come. I tuck my cock away, adjust my pants and my shirt, and stare at the door to the closet while I collect myself.

One glance at my phone tells me I’m going to be late for my meeting if I don’t hurry, though, and I curse before heading into the mansion’s hallway. I used to get lost in the Cresci home, but I’ve learned my way to Silvano’s office, at least.

When I get there, I’m right on time, and I breathe out slowly. I’d wanted to be early, but there had been Knives, and he’s always clouded my better judgment.

I knock quietly on the door.

“Come in,” Silvano says from the other side.

I shove my hand through my hair one more time before going in.

I stop short when I see that Knives is already in the room. I hadn’t expected him; he normally works with Evan Griffin, Silvano’s head of security. But Evan is here, too, along with Kyran Winters, Silvano’s consigliere. The only one missing is Cristiano Fiore, Silvano’s underboss, but this doesn’t bode well.

“Boss,” I say to Silvano, pretending I’m not put off by Knives’s presence.

“Punctual, as I said,” Silvano says, looking to Kyran with a smile.

Kyran, who’s considerably bigger than Silvano, rolls his eyes. “Barely.” He glares at me. “Don’t keep Silvano waiting again.”

He’s not someone I want to piss off, even though Silvano is the real boss.

My cheeks flush. “I’ll be early next time,” I promise, trying not to seem too desperate to please but failing miserably.

Fucking Knives.

I sneak a peek at him. He doesn’t look like he’d just been fucking someone. His black hair is pristine, his beard is well-groomed, and his clothes look perfectly in order.

Me, on the other hand? I should’ve taken a moment to gather myself in the bathroom, but I would’ve been late.

“Since we’re all here now, we can get started.” Silvano taps his fingers on his desk, a habit I’ve noticed. It’s like he can’t handle not doing something with his hands. He’s always fidgeting with them, twirling pens or paper clips or rummaging around his desk. “I’m sure we all have better things to do than sit in meetings.”

“Do you?” Evan asks with a smirk. “I think sitting in meetings is the only thing you do, S.”

The banter is familiar, at least, and I try to relax. Whatever is going on, it’s not so serious that Evan’s lost his humor.

“Well, everybody else has better things to do, then.” Silvano looks over to me. “Regardless. We’re going to talk about the missing weapons shipment. The ones that somehow keep losing their way from Mexico to New Bristol.”

Knives grimaces, but he doesn’t say anything.

He’s probably wondering what he’s doing here since he does security. He isn’t in charge of any of the Cresci Family’s day-to-day operations. We’re both working our way up the ladder, and while he might guard Silvano and his men with his life, I’m higher up in the organization.

I’m a capo who’s more than earned his position, even if I feel uncertain about my place. I’m constantly looking to Silvano for approval, and I even look to Kyran, for all that he can be a surly bastard.

Maybe Silvano needs to put out more to even out Kyran’s mood.

“There was a GPS tracker on the most recent shipment,” I report. “The last known location of the shipment was in New Valence before the tracker stopped functioning. As far as I know, there hasn’t been any report of law enforcement activity, and we don’t have any enemies there, right?”

“New Valence,” Kyran says, incredulous. “Like Louisiana New Valence? Like all the way across the fucking country? How the fuck does something get lost there?”

I grimace, my shoulders slumping as I stare down at the floor. “Our men were giving regular updates,” I say quietly, feeling defeated.

“It is a rather large mistake,” Silvano says in a moderate tone. He doesn’t sound angry, but I feel the accusation cut into me.

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