Page 69 of All's Fair In Love & War

“Bulgari,” he said coolly, meeting my eyes like he wasn’t sitting on borrowed time.“Tatum is off limits,” I said, voice flat. “Don’t approach her. Don’t look at her. Don’t speak to her. You try that shit again, treaty or not, I’ll bury you myself.”

His lips pulled into that lazy, smug grin I hated. “Is that a threat, Don Bulgari?”

“No. That’s me letting you know I’m not the one to test. You come near her again, and I’ll react. You won’t like how.”

His smirk held, but the glint in his eye hardened. “You sound emotional.”

“I sound ready.”

Chairs scraped against the floor, hands flew toward waistbands, and guns were drawn before another word could be said. My men were behind me with steel in their fists. His crew followed suit, and the tension in the room crackled like a live wire. Safeties clicked off. Fingers tightened around triggers.

“I’m on whatever you’re on,” Dallas replied, his nostrils flaring as he shot daggers at me with his eyes.

Behind me, Tatum whispered and tugged on my arm, “Naeem. Don’t do this here.”

I heard her, but her words had gone in one ear and out the other. “Go to the car,” I ordered, never taking my eyes off Dallas and his men.

“I will not!” Tatum sneered, standing straighter. “I’m not going anywhere without you. If you do this, we’re doing this together,” she said, louder this time, and upped her gun on Dallas, ready to go to war with me.

Right behind her, Riley aimed her pistol at one of Dallas’ men, wearing a shit eating grin as she chimed in, “Light this bitch up, Naeem. Fuck Dallas. I've been waiting for someone to chin-check this clown.”

“Riley,” Sophia snapped, shooting her a look. “Not helping.”

“Neither is he,” Riley said, nodding toward Dallas. “He got big gangsta energy, but got bitch tendencies.”

Dallas’ jaw flexed, his eyes shifting to her. “Watch your mouth.”

Riley didn’t blink. “Make me.”

Before either of us could move, Sophia stepped between us, Whoa. Hold up! This shit is getting out of hand,” she spat, her tone lethal. “The point has been made. Now break this shit up.”

She turned to Dallas. “Veneto, don't repeat your father's mistakes by dragging your family into a war you know you can't win. It's reckless, immature, and a path to self-destruction.”

Then she spun on me. “And you—you're in no position to deal with any trouble right now. You've got plans to execute. Are you seriously willing to risk everything for that worthless piece of shit?" She pointed at Dallas like she was aiming a gun.

With that, Dallas jumped up from his chair, glaring at Sophia like he wanted to take off her head before turning his attention to me. “Listen to your sister before I forget we’re playing nice.”

I stepped forward. “You don’t have to play shit. Forget about the treaty and make your move. I’m always with whatever.”

Sophia cut in, her eyes darting past my shoulder. “Remember, we’re on neutral grounds.”

As soon as the words left her, Tolo materialized on our left with five of his guys fanned out behind him, his expression carved from worry and mild annoyance.

“Gentlemen. Ladies,” Tolo greeted us. “When I opened this establishment, I spoke with every family head. This establishment is a peaceful one. Did you not agree?”

Dallas didn’t sit back down, but he did drop his hands to his sides. His goon relaxed a centimeter. The rest of the room held its collective breath, some expecting a body to drop, the others praying things didn’t turn deadly.

Tatum’s breathing was hard as she glanced around the room before stopping on me. “We did and we will honor our word. Isn’t that right, Naeem?”

I gave her a look, and maybe it was supposed to be reassuring, but it probably came out more wolf than man. Either way, her hand moved to my chest over my heart, and she gazed at me with pleading eyes that asked me to stand down. I nodded, even smiled for show, though every molecule of me wanted to knock Dallas through the damn wall.

Tolo scanned our faces, clocked the tension, and ran a neat hand over his low fade. “Good. My guests respect the house, or they’re not my guests. Yes?” He grinned, his threat ringing loud and clear.

Dallas matched the smile, full teeth, but backed off first, brushing his fingers over his collar. “Wouldn’t want to disrespect the man’s hospitality.”

I didn’t see shit funny, so my face remained stone as I turned to leave.

“See you around, Veneto,” I promised.

---