Page 23 of Devour
“Claudia.”
“No ‘hello, Mother’? No ‘how have you been’? You never cared about pleasantries.”
“Don’t tell me you’ve suddenly grown a motherly affection. What do you want?”
“You think you’re ready for this, boy? You’ve been playing boss for five minutes and already attracting heat like a moth to a goddamn bonfire.”
I grit my teeth. “You didn’t call to give me career advice.”
“No. I called because half the city heard those bullets. You poked the Italians, and now you’re bleeding all over my streets. You think that doesn’t affect me?”
“Your city?” I laugh bitterly. “Last time I checked, I earned this position. The family wanted me to lead them, not you.”
“And I see you’re doing a stellar job of that.” Her voice sharpens. “I won’t let you destroy the reputation your father spent years building.
He worked his ass off securing fronts and alliances. You think brute force is leadership? You’re a shadow of him.” I careen around a corner too fast, tires screaming as I narrowly miss hitting a parked car. My jaw clenches.
“I can handle my own shit.”
“Your shit wouldn’t be all over the damn place if you had proper reins on your men. They don’t fear you, that’s why they keep making mistakes. You let them get sloppy, undisciplined. Loyalty without fear is a fantasy. And fantasies get people killed.”
There’s a pause, just long enough for the tension to thicken like smoke. Then she replies, cold and clipped:
“I hope you’re right… for all our sakes.”
The line goes dead. The silence that follows is louder than the words.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Ariel
Icried myself to sleep last night. If Mai had been here, she would’ve made me laugh no matter how down I was. But she’s not here. I was tempted to call my parents. I froze the moment I heard my mom’s voice—
“Hello, who is it?” I cut the call, unable to speak. It’s probably for the best. I don’t want them getting involved in the mess I’m in.
It’s been three days since the shooting, three days since I stopped working at the club and started my new job at Falcone Financial. I still haven’t heard from Mai, and I can’t go to the police.
What would I even tell them? That my friend went missing after a mob shootout? That she could be hurt, or God forbid, dead? And that I know who’s involved?
He’s the CEO of one of the biggest finance corporations. A respected figure in society. His company funds countless charity events. Who would believe me if I said he’s also the head of the Falcone mob?
I glanced at the boxes stacked beside my dresser; Luca sent them over. Oyin’s Apparel. I recognize the name; it’s an expensive Nigerian clothing brand.
A few boxes even have the Gucci logo. I didn’t bother opening them. He can take my body, but I won’t let him parademe around like some dressed-up doll. I have pride too. I quickly get dressed in a two-piece tracksuit.
Standing in front of the mirror beside my bed, I run my hands over my body, checking the fit. It’s a little tight, but it’ll have to do, I’m on a mission to get his men off my back.
It’s Sunday. I hope Luca doesn’t expect me to come to work today, because I plan on seeing Noah. I haven’t been able to visit him because of the men he stationed to watch me.
I bend down near the shoe rack, scanning my limited options. I only own three comfy pairs and two heels; the rest are Noah’s.
I always made sure he had the ones he liked. I grab a black sneaker; they match my tracksuit. I’m tying the laces when a loud pounding rattles the front door. Who could it be this early?
“I’m coming!” I call out as I finish tying my laces. I reach for my phone on the nightstand and head to the door.
When I open it, I freeze. Two people stand on my front step. One is a tall man in a police uniform, clean-shaven, with sharp features. He looks to be in his early forties, but I don’t recognize him.
The other is a striking woman who seems to be in her late thirties. She’s dressed in business-casual attire—tan slacks, a black blazer over a crisp white button-up. No makeup, no jewelry. Not even earrings. Her fingernails are bare, and her dark hair is pulled back into a bun so tight it makes my own scalp itch just looking at it.
