Page 119 of Ruthless Secrets
Of course, he doesn’t.
I step forward. “Then I suggest you listen. We’re giving you a choice. Back off now and leave our family alone.”
Alfonzo’s smirk fades just a little. He knows this isn’t a casual warning.
“And if I don’t?”
I hold his gaze for a beat, hoping he can see the fury in my eyes even from a distance.
“Then we burn everything you have to the ground.”
For the first time, something like uncertainty flickers in his eyes, but it disappears soon enough.
Does he seriously believe this to be an empty threat? If he does, he’s even more of an idiot than I thought.
When he stays silent, Andre turns back to the car. “Think it over. But don’t take too long. You have one hour.”
“Think he’ll listen?” I ask under my breath.
“I’m not sure.”
“He’s a fucking coward. He only has loyalty to the side he thinks will win.”
But it seems Alfonzo is smarter than we gave him credit for. Just as we’re about to get back into the car, the gates start to open.
Andre and I are silent as we make our way on foot up the drive to Alfonzo’s mansion, followed closely behind by two visibly armed guards.
If it’s meant to scare us, it doesn’t work.
I scan my surroundings, noticing the multiple security cameras along the front of the house as well as more guards stationed within the grounds.
There is every possibility that this is a trap, but we can’t turn back now.
Once inside, we’re led across the foyer with its polished marble floors and grand chandelier hanging from the ceiling, and into Alfonzo’s office. The room is dark and stuffy, the air thick with the smell of cigar smoke.
Alfonzo lounges in one of the leather chairs, a cigar hanging out of his mouth and a glass of scotch in hand.
“Take a seat.” His cigar bobs as he speaks.
I unbutton my jacket and take the seat opposite him, trying to keep my expression neutral despite my racing heart. I can’t help but feel that this meeting is a waste of time, time we’re just handing over to Tommaso to take out my family.
But this is why I let Andre take the lead. He’s much better at keeping a cool head, whereas I tend to shoot first, think later.
Alfonzo slouches back in his chair, completely at ease. His expensive silk shirt is unbuttoned at the collar, and I catch sight of a thick gold chain around his neck, glinting under the dim overhead lights.
He takes a long drag on his cigar as he regards us, acting like he has all the time in the world.
My teeth grind together as I take in his easy demeanor.
He should be pissing himself right now but instead, a slight smirk tugs at his lips. “What can I do for you, gentlemen?”
Andre sits back on his chair. “We decided to give you a chance to have Tommaso call off the hit.”
For a moment, Alfonzo looks at us blankly before barking out a laugh, making the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.
He shrugs. “I don’t know what you expect me to do. Tommaso won’t listen to me.”
Andre cocks his head. “That’s not our problem. You’re going to convince him to call it off, otherwise we’ll hold you accountable.”
