Page 1 of Blood and Redemption

1

Rocco

All around me, flashing lights flicker, surrounded by the most annoying sounds.

Fucking slot machines. All the way across the room, I can hear people betting away their earnings, throwing away their lives in hopes of winning something in return.

Every time I come here, I can’t help but think how pathetic it is.

There’s a reason a guy like me is drawn to this place. I fit right in.

Despite leaning against the bar like this, I’ve already had a few women approach. Those who recognize me probably think they’ll win a point by getting in my pants. Usually, I’d cave for a little release, a distraction at best. Today, I’m not in the mood.

Jerking my finger toward the bartender to get another refill, I growl when they continue to refuse to leave the bottle. It’s not like I’ll drink away everything they have.

If Renato says I can drink to my heart’s desire whenever I want to stop by, then I should be able to do so without waiting for another pour.

Speaking of the devil, I catch a glimpse of his sandy blond hair in the corner of my eye before his cologne hits me. I’d recognize that smell from anywhere. Rich and thick with each inhale.

He’s always loved buying the most expensive things, and that includes the products he uses.

He doesn’t think it stinks like I do.

My nose wrinkles as his hand clamps down on my shoulder.

“I heard you were down here.” He gives me a sly smile as he takes me in. I can feel every lick of judgment as he scans my appearance.

I’ll admit, I don’t look my best. Haven’t lately, but today sure takes the cake.

Trying not to care, I sniff and knock back the rest of the contents in the glass.

I’ve lost count of how much I’ve drunk already. Before I came here, I was already out of my mind.

Now the world is turning, and I’m feeling things I thought I could no longer feel, and everything I consume isn’t numbing my senses. I need something stronger. Something to numb my nerves and all the pain they’re feeling.

I snap my fingers, demanding another pour.

Eventually, these feelings that are overcoming me have to go away. Pesky feelings can be drowned away with everything else.

Ren swats the back of his hand at the bartender, officially cutting me off.

God damn it.

Can’t drink in my own territory without worrying about someone trying to take me out. I’ve already had those Bertelliassholes following me with their noses up my ass as they wait for my next move.

They’re blind if they can’t see the obvious answer.

I’m not doing shit. I don’t care anymore.

“What is it this time?” Ren leans against the empty stool at my side, gazing at me with his good eye. The other has been lost, covered by an eyepatch adorned with silver trim. “Pleasetell me you aren’t still sulking over your sisters.”

Growling lowly, the closest thing I have to a best friend doesn’t even flinch. In fact, the bastard’s smile grows.

For being partially blind, he’s good at reading me like a book.

Reaching behind me, I dig a hand into my back pocket and pull out a card I’ve already torn in half and crumpled.

Couldn’t even find the strength to toss it in the trash.

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