Page 23 of Dev

“My brother had his whole life ahead of him, and those fuckers took that away,” Dev speaks over him, and Burlusconi looks taken aback. I can’t imagine he’s encountered many men who have had the balls to do that.

“I look forward to hearing how you punish them for it,” Burlusconi answers back, keeping his cool.

“I don’t just want them. I want Quinnell, too,” Dev tells him straight, causing Raze to look between him and Burlusconi nervously.

“Brian Quinnell is a hard man to find. Believe me, I’ve been trying.” Burlusconi and his brother snigger as if sharing a private joke, and it makes Dev look even madder.

“Well, he seems to be making himself pretty fuckin’ present around here,” Dev points out with anger building in his tone.

“Dev, maybe you should–” Raze steps forward, trying to gain some control of the situation.

“It’s fine.” Burlusconi holds him off with his hand. “I understand Mr. Kendrick’s pain. I have a brother myself.”

“Difference is yours is standing beside you, mine’s lying dead.” Dev slams his palm on Corey’s casket, and everyone flinches, except for Burlusconi. “Mr. Kendric–”

“Dev. My name's fuckin’ Dev, and do you know what that is short for, Mr.Burlusconi…?” He keeps his eyes locked on the man who runs the West Side underworld.

“Devastation…It’s what I cause, it’s what I bring to the table, and I will wreak it on any fucker who was involved in taking my brother from me,” he makes sure his warning is heard.

“Dev, I want Brian Quinnell eliminated. Our family has offended him, and now he’s trying to threaten us with a war. I apologize that your brother got caught in that crossfire. When we find Quinnell, I will ensure you are a contributor to his suffering.” Burlusconi nods his head before turning his back.

“And what if I find him first?” Dev calls out, turning the whole club silent and earning himself a stern look from Raze.

Sinner cracks his neck like he’s ready for some action as Burlusconi slowly turns around and steps back up to Dev. He may match him in height, but he’s nowhere close to Dev’s build.

“I have questions for Brian Quinnell. Questions only he can answer, you don’t want to be the reason that I don’t get them,” he warns, clutching his jaw.

“You're under the assumption that threats scare me. I’m a man with nothing to lose.” Dev smirks back at him.

“Okay, let's just…Vike, Sasq, take Dev to my office.”

“I’m good, boss.” Dev looks to Raze, pulling his arm from mine when I grab him. “I’m just letting Mr. Burlusconi here know that nothing can hurt me now. If I get to Quinnell first, you got my word that you’ll have your chance to ask your questions. Just as long as I got yours, that my face is the last one he sees.” Dev talks calmly and without fear. While Burlusconi shocks us all and holds out his hand.

“You have my word.” He nods his head as Dev takes it and shakes it firmly.

“Come on, let's get you a drink.” Raze releases a steady breath before leading Burlusconi to the bar, while his brother, Rhett, shakes his head at me and laughs.

“Your friend must have caught my brother on a good fuckin’ day. I’ve seen men die for much less,” he tells me under his breath before he follows them.

Istand with my parents on the opposite side of the grave to the Souls, each one of them has their hands crossed in front of them respectfully. I was pleased to see that when Corey arrived, he had them all following on their bikes. It’s the send-off Corey would have wanted and one he deserved. I just hope that wherever he is, he got to see it. I hope that he can see that I’m standing here crying for him now. Wishing our last few moments together had been different.

“Is that Raoul Burlusconi?” Mother whispers to Dad as the preacher speaks his words over Corey’s grave.

“It is,” Father answers, looking wary of the tall man standing beside Raze. He looks strikingly handsome in his grey tailored suit, and although I’ve never seen the man in the flesh before, I’ve heard plenty about him.

“It’s like a gangsters' reunion here,” she hisses under her breath, and when Corey's friend, Lex, overhears, he can’t help smirking in my direction.

I don’t know Lex all that well; he’s the kind of guy not many people speak to at school, but Corey always found time for him.

Corey found time for everyone; it was in his nature.

I offer him an embarrassed smile back, and when I glance across the casket toward Dev, I notice that his eyes are fixed onmine. Hooded, dark, and looking like they’re judging me. I close my eyes and lower my head, avoiding the intensity of his stare and continuing to listen to the preacher.

The service eventually comes to an end, and when everyone starts to leave, Dad puts his arm around me and tries to lead me back to the car.

“Wait.” My feet remain still when I realize all the other Souls have left to go to their bikes, and Dev is standing alone. He’s looking so lost and broken, I want to head over and ask him if he’s doing okay.

“Maybe I shoul?—”

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