Page 34 of Demon's Angel

“Of course you will. And after you’ve finished with them, I hope you’ll let me know so I can deal with any pieces that may be left. If someone new is bringing product into the area, it’s an activity they’ll fast come to regret.”

“Prez?” At my raised chin, Hell takes over, “Don Lucio, we wondered whether you’d taken on any new dealers, who perhaps don’t completely comprehend the terms of our agreement?” I suppress a grin, seems Lucio’s polite way of talking is rubbing off on my old man.

The Italian crime boss’ eyes open wide as if that thought hadn’t occurred to him. He glances behind him. “Have we?”

“I can look into it,”CapoFerri offers, his brows knitting together.

“Yes, please do. If we turn anything up, we’ll inform you immediately, Hellfire, Demon. If someone needs to be better educated, we’ll make sure it’s a lesson they take to heart.”

“I would most certainly appreciate that.”Fuck, this politeness is rubbing off on me, too.

Chapter Twelve

Demon

So far so good. War hasn’t been declared, and we haven’t come to blows. But I’m hearing nothing more than the platitudes I had expected. Rather than focusing on the words, I’ve been watching facial expressions, the movement of their eyes, and the relaxed or otherwise stance of their bodies. But they’re as well-schooled as us. I observe nothing to suggest they’re leading us on, not even a twitch to indicate our troubles result from their ploy to gain ground. Doesn’t mean that’s not what they’re doing, just that they’re good at hiding shit, and not ready to come clean and admit it. Except… My gaze lingers a little longer on Angel, noticing a tic in the corner of his eye.Does he know something the others don’t?I put it to the back of my mind to think on later.

“If we catch anyone dealing on our territory, there won’t be much left for you.” I warn him he’s not going to have everything his own way. If they are indeed his dealers, he’ll end up short of a few men. “If there is anything remaining, I will, of course, let you have it.” It will save us having to bury corpses.

“I hear you. It may be we have a joint problem.” Don Lucio still admits to nothing. “In which case, we could do well to work together.”

A suggestion he’d make if this is indeed the first he’s hearing of it. If it’s true the Silvestri family are not behind the sale of drugs on our turf, I’d be a fool to turn down their offer of help without at least giving the idea some consideration. I’d be happier to know it was him. Know thy enemy and all that. If he truly isn’t involved, then we have someone else organising it, an unknown gang with a pipeline that’s coming into our town. “If that is the case, I will, of course, welcome your involvement.”

“Angelino, Ferri, see if we’ve identified a similar issue,” Lucio instructs, without glancing behind him. He’s confident if he did, he’d be seeing the nods just like I am. “If we find we have, I will let you know. The Devils andiSilvestrihave a relationship going back a very long time. We understand each other, yes?”

I’m viewing this conversation in a similar frame of mind that I’d have were I to be facing a snake I’ve never come across before. I don’t know whether it’s going to fight or slither away. And if it bites me, whether it will be harmless or have deadly venom in its fangs. We’ve reached a sort of agreement. No point in extending this meeting.

“We understand each other,” I agree, telling him nothing. “I believe we both know where we stand.”

I stand. When he does likewise, I extend my hand. “Thank you for your time, it’s always helpful to discuss matters face-to-face.”

“Indeed, and I’m grateful for you coming here,” he replies, copying the insincere smile on my face. “But before you go, there is one other matter you can help us with. My son has a question to ask you. Angelino?”

There’s no change to my features, nothing to give anything away, my expression totally blank as my eyes firmly meet those of Angel, who’s stepped forward to stand by his father’s side.

Equally emotionless, he asks the one question I’d hoped not to hear. “How is Ms. Palmer?” he inquires. “And my son, young Theo? I am hoping they are both well. Please inform Violet I am looking forward to seeing her in court next week.” His voice hardens. “I fully intend to pursue all my rights as my son’s father.”

It’s like I’ve been struck by a thunderbolt. This meeting, in this house, displaying wealth earned through feeding habits of kids and the trafficking of unwilling women, men and children. These men who I wouldn’t rub shoulders with unless there was no choice. One split second is all I need to know there’s no way in hell I want this slimy man anywhere near Nathan’s sister, nor to lay claim to his nephew. My mental processes work so fast there’s been no discernible gap between the question being asked, and the answer that comes out of my mouth.

Worthy of the performance of a best actor on the world’s biggest stage, my brow creases as I give him a look of confusion. “There is a mistake.” I even shake my head as though perplexed. “Theo is my son, and Violet and I will be getting married. I hope, under the circumstances, you don’t expect an invitation.” My eyes harden in warning.

Angel looks like he’s going to explode. His dark skin glows, his eyes flare. As he takes a step closer, Lucio’s arm shoots out and holds him back. “You lie! Theo is mine. He carries my blood.”

I don’t pretend I don’t know what he did to Violet. I might want to kill him, but now is neither the time nor the place. But I’ll hurt him in the only way I currently can. I shrug. “Seems we both fucked her. But the kid’s mine.”

“You’re lying,” he repeats. “Violet would have mentioned you…” His eyes look wild as his hand makes a slashing movement. “She never said a word, even when she was in court.”

“Violet’s an independent woman. She wanted to handle everything alone. She has denied you are the father, hasn’t she? She just didn’t mention an alternative.” I shrug. “Violet hoped she could keep me out of it. Bikers, and,” I wave to include him and his father, “the Mafia avoid contact with the law where we can.”

His eyes meet those of Lucio. “Father…”

“Angelino!” Lucio snaps. “There’s a proper route to getting custody of your son. One we’ve already started. You know this.” While Angel wants to respond with his fists, Lucio is using his brains. “I don’t know what game you are playing, Demon. But there can be no truth in what you say. The possibility has never been raised.”

“Has she ever confirmed you are the father, Angel?” I challenge. “Because she’s told me I am.” I know she hasn’t. That’s why Angel’s going to have to get the court to demand a DNA test. The proper route that Lucio mentioned.

My head’s trying to have a conversation while dealing with the major issue.How the fuck does he know where she is? Have we got a leak? Could anyone in the club be a traitor?Before Taser, I’d have staked my life on the answer being ‘No’. Now? A brother? Christ, another one gone rogue? That would be unthinkable. A whore? A prospect? I’m going to have a few questions I need answered when I get back to the club. For now, I won’t give Angel the satisfaction of asking how he knows.

“I don’t understand why you are pursuing this, Angel. You won’t get anywhere. Violet will not be turning up at court next week or any other. There is no chance you’ll get custody. Any DNA test will show you are not the father.” If I could, without them noticing, I’d be crossing my fingers.

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