Page 3 of The Sting of Love
Claudius owns a number of hotels and businesses in Sicily and the mainland of Italy. Some he inherited from the old empire, others he started with his own hands. We run a tight ship that allows us to keep business in general clean, and other things as dirty as they need to be. It keeps the feds off our backs, and keeps business going. His lack of attention could have meant disaster to all of us.
“Yet this shit has presented itself in the few months you’ve been in charge,” Alex says.
“That’s not fair,” he counters.
“If you did good, we wouldn’t need to come back here,” I say, speaking for the first time, knowing I’m going to piss him off. I do. Mario glares at me like he’s ready to kill me. Let him try.
“Fuck you,” he throws back, and the corners of my lips turn up into a smile. Looks like it’s time for the lesson I was contemplating.
“You gonna put him in charge of me?” Mario asks Alex. “What the fuck does he know? Don’t know shit, doesn’t—” He doesn’t get the chance to finish. I don’t give it to him. I get up so fast he barely sees me coming.
I grab his head and shove it hard down on the desk. The side of his left brow splits and blood runs down his face. He screams out in pain and puts his hands up for me to stop.
Taking him by his hair, I hold on tight, and lift his head up so he can look me in the eye.
“Fuck me? Fuck you, dog.” I snarl, and his eyes go wide. He’s never seen me like this before, and I’m certain he would never guess I was anything like this. “You fucking useless piece of shit.”
“Man, let go of me,” he whimpers.
“Not until we have a few things clear. I know enough. More than you, and what I say from now on goes. Like it or not, this is your fault, and if you didn’t have your ten years of service under your belt, you’d be shark food right about now. So, this is how it’s going to be. Got it?”
He nods vigorously, and I let him go.
“If you want to keep your job, you better learn some manners,” I say pointing
my finger in his face. “I’ll be checking things out here across the hotels and the clubs. I’ll let you know what I need you to do.”
“Okay, fine. I got it.”
“Good, now get the fuck out.” I only dismiss him because I know Alex is done with his ass. Mario staggers out, holding his hand to his head as blood runs down it.
When the door swings shut, I turn back to Alex, who is looking at me with approval and nodding.
“Very good, my friend. Perfectly executed.”
“That guy is a motherfucking prick,” I scuff.
“Yes, I can see you’re going to be just fine though.”
I chuckle. “I’ll hand him his ass if he gets out of line. You can trust me with this.”
“I know I can. Gibbs is looking into everything else.” Alex stands and smirks.
“I’m sure he’ll find the shit we need.”
I have no doubt that Gibbs will find something soon. He’s been our PI for years, and there isn’t a damn thing that man can’t find to give you a good lead.
“It’s that part that worries me. A lot of these clients have been clients for many years. One of them is screwing with us.”
“I’ll take care of it,” I promise him, and we bump fists.
“I’ll call you tomorrow,” Alex promises.
“Cool. I’ll call first if Gibbs turns up anything.”
Alex leaves, and my thoughts return to the beautiful goddess back at the bar.
I’m not too pissed, and since business is over for tonight it’s time for fun.
