Occupational hazard.
When I said I wanted the guys to relay a colorful picture, I wasn’t kidding.
I hope they take pictures.
I want everyone to know exactly what will happen to them if they abandon their responsibilities under my rule.
I want them to fear the consequences of their deception.
I want them to understand that no amount of money is large enough, no pussy is tight or sweet enough, to warrant the kind of torture and torment that I will bring to them.
I step away from my masterpiece, my shoulders quaking, my breaths coming in heavy pants.
Dario is barely conscious at this point, which is actually too bad.
I grit my teeth. He needs to realize that the misery I just caused him isn’t the end.
His head rolls back and forth after a few minutes, his eyes open a crack.
My phone buzzes in my back pocket and I pull it out, silencing a groan when I see Matteo’s name flash on the screen.
Anxiety consumes me as I regard Dario.
I made the right move.
Fuck, I had to do this! I had to prove to everyone who and what I am, dammit!
A nagging voice in my head reminds me that the king doesn’t carry out the executions.
He only orders them.
I hate this second-guessing shit! I did what I had to do to protect the family and our interests!
Whether or not Matteo will agree is another story, but I don’t have time to relay the grotesque tale right now. I decline the call and stuff my phone back into my jeans.
I look up at the expectant faces of the men standing in front of me.
They’re looking for direction, for strength, for leadership.
So I give it to them.
“Finish him,” I say through clenched teeth, abruptly turning around and storming out of the warehouse. My phone buzzes again and I stab the Accept button when I see Bobby’s name flash on the screen.
“Boss,” he says. “We’ve got Salvatore. And the name of his partner.”
Tiny hairs on the back of my neck prickle. “Tell me,” I growl.”
“It’s one you know well from back home,” Bobby says with a deep sigh. “Frankie Amante.”
My throat tightens.
My ex-best friend.
Here in fucking Manhattan.
Screwing me years later, just like his father did to mine back in Sicily.
And the brother of my date at eleven tonight.