Page 16 of The Diávolos: Part One
I acquired Academia several years ago, when my uncle approached me about the importance of having my own business to be responsible for, something to call my own. A venture I could use to both give me experience commanding a following as a boss, diversify my portfolio, and give me a location to do legitimate business.
At the time, I was in my mid-twenties and thought a club would be the best way to go. I spent most of my free time drinking with the boys, so I figured it would only make sense to have my own bar. The nightclub scene will always thrive, and it brings in a decent profit on the side of my other pursuits. It’s also the best way to launder money.
Dion texted me while I was at the shooting range to tell me one of our men was caught stealing. I never shy away from these situations, but I hate when it’s one of my men.Too bad. I’ll have to punish him, anyway.
I reply right before driving off.
Me:Take him to my office. I want to have a conversation with him, man to man.
One of myattendants is waiting at the entrance when I arrive. There’s always someone on guard to make sure the property doesn’t get broken into and robbed. This is a sketchy area of Old Cebrene, but it makes for a cool experience for the club goers who want a grungy, dark vibe.
“Leon,” I holler, as I throw him my keys. “Where is he?” I ask, my tone filled with fury.
He catches them and replies with a chuckle, “Right where you want him, boss.” He knows exactly who I’m referring to. He throws his unfinished cigarette on the ground and proceeds to move my car to the private lot in the back of the property.
I head to my office right away. I barge through the doors, past Seb and Greg, and they follow me inside to stand guard. Dion and Xander are next to the piece of shit seated comfortably in a chair in front of my desk. He has no idea why he’s here, but I’m sure his guilt is eating him alive, and the anticipation of seeing the look of shock on his face when he finds out tickles me in all the right places. The loud noise of the door startles him, and he turns to me. I smile, a vicious, Joker-type grin, and the man cowers away.It’s that fucking easy.
I sit at my desk and take off my suit jacket, laying it on the table.
Dion briefed me on how Cyrus, the traitor in question, stole out of the money bags we use to store cash in our safes. The bastard thought he was slick, sneaking behind the bar while no one was around. His act was caught by the security cameras.
“You’re probably wondering why I’ve called a meeting at this time,” I say, my tone casual as I fiddle with a pen. Cyrus looks at me with a hesitant smile and replies, uncertainty in his voice, “What can I do for you, Boss?”
I look at him straight in the eyes for a moment and he turns his face away. He’s terrified. I’ve got him exactly where I want him. He might be dumb as fuck for stealing from me, but he can’t be stupid enough to think I don’t know. I don’t usually like to play games, but this is one I don’t mind. Toying with a man’s emotions until he shrinks in fear. Until he feels small and insignificant. That’s when I crush him until he’s nothing but dust in the wind.
“Let’s go for a drive,” I reply as I push myself off my chair. I grab my jacket and walk out the door. Xander stays back to keep an eye on the club. It’ll be filled with partiers in a couple hours, and I need him to watch over the place while I step away. My guards follow me out while Dion ushers Cyrus out of his seat, who looks like he’s seen a fucking ghost.
My hands shake with excitement. It’s been several days since I’ve had the opportunity to release my anger on a poor soul. The rage lives inside me, unable to escape from its confinement.
I shoot Leon a text on my way down and tell him to get our ride ready. As soon as we step outside, a town car pulls up and I climb into the back seat. Cyrus slips in next to me, followed by Dion. He’s now sandwiched between two of the most ruthless men in the city. Seb takes the driver’s seat and Greg sits next to him. Cyrus has four enemies in the car and no escape.
We drive off, and Seb circles around the Old Cebrene while we deal with the situation. We’ve done this before, so he knows the drill. Cyrus’s demeanor has greatly changed from relaxed to horrified. He’s shaking like a leaf, sweat riddles his brows, and his breaths are coming out of his mouth in short pants. It’s time to get this show on the road.
“Now, Cyrus, tell me why you felt like you could steal from me?” I ask without warning. He immediately straightens his posture and clears his throat to swallow a harsh gulp. I sniff, my tone nonchalant, and continue, “I was told you were caught going through our safe. Did you really think no one would find out?”
Without giving him a chance to answer, I add, “You do know what happens to men who steal from the Vasilakis clan, don’t you? I didn’t get my reputation for nothing.”
“I’m so sorry, Boss. I didn’t—”
“Shut the fuck up, Cyrus,” I snarl. I look over at Dion and he lets out a snort. While I’m serious and lethal, Dion has a sadistic sense of humor, and I don’t know which is worse.
But Cyrus doesn’t stop rambling. “Please. Please, don’t hurt me! I didn’t mean to steal. I just needed some extra cash and didn’t think I could ask for it.Please. I’m desperate. He said they would kill my family,” he spits out in one breath.
“Who the fuck is‘he’?” I ask as I reach back into the waistband of my pants to pull out my gun. In a matter of seconds, I unlock it and point it to his temple.
“I–I don’t know. Some man approached me asking to spy on you…” he pauses to catch his breath. “And dig up dirt on Ignatius. Said he would pay me for it.But–but I refused, I swear and then he threatened to kill my family,” he sobs. “I thought I could pay him off instead.”
Who the fuck could be sniffing around for information about me? Has Peter finally come knocking?I hold the glock up to his neck, pressing firmly enough to dent his skin. “What kind of information, Cyrus?” My mind is spinning with unanswered questions.What the fuck was my uncle hiding?
“I don’t know! He didn’t tell me! I refused before he got the chance to explain,” he says frantically.
I tilt my head to the side. “See, I believe you. But what I don’t understand is why you thought stealing from me would solve your problem,” I say, already bored with this conversation. “But you’re right, I wouldn’t have given you the money.”
I cock the weapon and bring it to the middle of Cyrus’s forehead. “No, please. No,” he cries. “I told you everything! I don’t know anything else. I would never betray you,” he rambles.
It’s always the same story with weak-minded men. They do something wrong and then try to beg their way out of it. I have no pity for him. If he would’ve told me or one of the guys, we would’ve dealt with the situation and ensured that his family came out unscathed, but he decided to take the matter into his own hands instead and fucked himself over.
“I’m going to give you a chance to apologize, Cyrus. Though, it won’t change the outcome of what’s about to happen,” I tease.Like I’d ever deny myself some fun.
