Page 17 of Deadly Little Hearts

“Pfft.Only way to resolve that is to enforce more power and remind them who’s in charge and has been for centuries,” Samson says, pushing his glasses up his nose.

“We could, but that’s only going to create more divide and bloodshed that we simply don’t have enough manpower for right now,” Gage says, taking a sip from his glass.“It’s a distraction from our business transactions with other towns.If we put all our efforts into a war, then we reduce our own supply chain and money.We’ll end up running ourselves dry.”

“A few quick beatdowns and some rate rises.That’ll shut ’em up,” Brax says, running his hand with the lion tattoo over his jawline.

“What are you suggesting, then?”Samson asks, ignoring Brax.Samson’s always been about logistics and rules.

“We cut down the tax payments they make to us, reduce their costs, and put some money back into the community.Clean up their side of town, provide them with more opportunities.That should be enough to discourage their violence,” Gage says.

“And what about the money we’re losing from this little exercise?Where will that be made up?”Zeke asks.

Gage rests his elbows on the table.“We’ll tighten up costs with our shipping and supply team.”

“So, you’re saying we should treat the people who help us live like this like shit, reducing what we pay, and we should give money to the scum across the tracks?”Zeke slams his hand on the table.“I’ll tell you who’s spending money in my strip clubs.It’s the dock workers, not the fucking hood rats.”

Ronald is out of his chair in seconds, his hands flying around.“This is an outrage!When’s Dominic back?He wouldn’t stand for this!”

“Watch your mouth, Ronald.We are in charge now, and it’s time for a change,” I growl.

Ronald stares us down.“You are weak, the lot of ya, and just children yourselves.”

Lucas moves, finishing his drink before dropping it to the ground.Another glass smashes to pieces.Retrieving his knife, he twists it against his index finger as he heads for Ronald, pulling him into a choke hold.As Lucas presses the knife against Ronald’s throat, Freya gasps and Gage shakes his head.

“Tell me I’m weak one more time, and you are done,” Lucas hisses into Ronald’s ear.Sweat runs down the man’s forehead, and his throat bobs against the metal.I should tell Lucas to sit the fuck down, but I’m enjoying the show far too much.Ronald needs to learn his place, and calling us weak isn’t going to do him any favors.

“You’re crazy,” Ronald grumbles.

Lucas laughs.“You haven’t seen anything yet.Now, apologize.”

The room is deadly silent, everyone watching the interaction.Brax covers his smirk with his glass.

“Sorry,” Ronald huffs, and Lucas grins before letting him go.

He presses a kiss against his cheek.“See?Wasn’t that hard, sweetie.”

Ronald swats him away with an angry scowl, and Lucas doesn’t wipe the smile off his face.He skips around the table, grabbing a bottle of red wine from a passing waiter and bringing it to his lips.

“The rate reduction will take place next week.After that, I expect they’ll drop all talk of war, and we can get back to business.”I look around the table.Some men have scowls twisting their lips, while others appear mildly bored.“Any objections?”

Ronald stares at his cutlery.Samson opens his mouth, as if he’s about to speak, but a sharp look from Lucas seems to have him thinking better of it.

“Now that’s settled, let’s enjoy the night with a little more peace.Shall we?”I raise my glass, and everyone around the table, even Ronald, follows suit.“To new beginnings.”

As the food is served, Lucas finds his seat again but ignores Freya, who tries to talk to him.I don’t know what’s going to happen between them, but I hope to fuck that they sort it out—and soon.It doesn’t feel right, this tension between them.We aren’t whole without Lucas.What happened is ten ways of fucked up, and he needs time to come to terms with both his parents dying.I just hope he doesn’t kill himself in the process.

The rest of the night, we drink and eat before everyone leaves.Gage takes care of the bill while Lucas flirts with one of the waitresses.She grabs his arm, leaning in closely and laughing at something he says.Freya is glaring at them with her arms crossed over her chest.

“Jealous?”I ask with a grin.

She grunts.“I’m about a second from walking over there and punching Lucas in the face.You gonna stop me?”

I laugh.“That’s something I’d love to see.”

Freya goes to move, but the door to the restaurant opens, and she freezes, her irritation turning to rage.I follow her gaze, my heart pounding heavily against my chest.What the fuck?

My jaw drops.“Dad?”

Chapter 9

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