Page 49 of Vendetta

I shake my head. We’re not like minded. We might be in a similar line of business but I won’t lower myself to the level they do. And I sure as hell won’t allow such shit to operate right under my nose, unchecked, uncontrolled either. Besides I don’t need a union. I run this city, and I sure as hell haven’t fallen so low as to need to work with the Dalcontis.

“It’s just a few girls.” Jace says. “Why do you have such a problem with it?”

“A few girls?” Preston spits. He’s as sickened by it as me.

“Apparently Nico Morelli has morals.” Emerson says and the men behind him laugh.

“I don’t trade children and I don’t use children to make profits.” I growl. I don’t have an issue with prostitution per se. If a woman or a man for that matter wants to sell themselves go right ahead, my issue is when they’re barely old enough to wear a bra and they’ve been trafficked in from god knows where with no control over what they do and who they fuck. That’s where I draw my line.

“Say what you want Morelli because soon enough you’ll be off the board, out of the game entirely.” Jace says and Blaine lets out a laugh beside me.

“You wanna bet little boy?” He says getting up, stepping closer to the white chalk dividing the ground between us. I know he won’t step, I know he’s better than that but I like how they respond, how their whole bodies change when my man gets near.

“Tell your guard dog to step down.” Emerson says.

“Tell him yourself. You’ve been so vocal so far.” I reply.

He narrows his eyes, looking from me to Blaine. “Sit the fuck down.” He says.

Blaine grins, giving them a perfect view of his solid gold teeth.

“I prefer to stand if it’s all the same boys.” He says and Preston lets out a laugh beside me.

“I can’t wait for your kingdom to come crashing down.” Jace says getting to his feet.

“You’re so certain it will?” I say clicking my fingers, letting them see another roll of the dice. There’s not a chance in hell of it. I’m out playing them even now.

Two of my men move behind us, dragging the beaten body of Enzo, Emerson’s younger brother. He’s been snooping around, fucking one of the girls from the bar for months, doing everything he can to get information.

He groans slightly as they toss his body right on the chalk.

“The fuck?” Emerson growls jumping to his feet.

“You think I didn’t know what you were up to?” I say. “You think it wasn’t obvious?”

Jace and Emerson exchange a telling look before they grab Enzo and drag him to their side.

“You’ll pay for that Morelli.” Jace says pointing his finger.

I laugh. “Sure I will.” I state. Like this man has the balls to do anything, like he has the power to dethrone me.

“The fuck have you done to him?” Emerson says pulling his clothes back, seeing all the blood, despite the sutures.

“I’m just letting you know that your actions have consequences.” I state. “Enzo here thought he could use his dick to your advantage, stick it where it doesn’t belong and fuck with my business. Well he won’t make that mistake again.”

Blaine laughs. He knows what I’m getting at because he was the one who did it, who cut the man’s dick right off. Though in truth it was Eleri that had given me the inspiration. Not that she knows it.

Enzo splutters, half choking and his dick rolls out of his mouth flopping on the floor. I look at Blaine. He shoved his dick in his own mouth?

Blaine grins at me. Of course he fucking did.

“You…” Jace begins taking a step towards us. Fists clenched like he’s ready to start laying down punches.

“Not so fast little boy.” Blaine says, pulling himself up. He’s just one step away now, one step from initiating this.

Emerson grabs Jace yanking him back. “He needs a doctor.” He says as if that justifies their cowardice.

“Better see to him then.” I say.

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