That bastard Lorenzo De Matteis thinks he’s sly, turning Astero against me. Telling him that I’m trying to cut him out of things. It was only partially true before, but now? Now I’m doing just that. And like a fool, Astero didn’t think things through, didn’t realize that I would only do what he accused me of and so much more by burning the bridge.
Although I’m sure Lorenzo knew. In fact, I’d bet good money that he’s counting on it. Maybe Astero assumed he’d get in good with Lorenzo and his allies, but there’s no way Lorenzo would do that. The man is an asshole, not a dope. He knows Astero is practically useless.
“You know, you’re more handsome than when I last saw you, Alasdair. Guess being engaged is good for you.” Steffoff practically chokes on blood as he laughs at his own joke. “Anything else I can do for you, gentlemen?”
Jack and Liam both look at me questioningly. Steffoff gave up his information easily. Fartooeasily. I push off of the wall and step up to him. “You must not know how men like us view snitches like you. Hasn’t anyone told you what happens to gossipy rodents?”
Steffoff laughs, his white teeth coated red. “Oh, but I do.” He leans forward, as much as his restraints let him, and grins up at me. “Makes you question some things now, doesn’t it?”
I furrow my brows, crossing my arms in front of me. “If you’re looking to jump ship, Steffoff, I hate to tell ya, but we aren’t a rescue boat. You’re going to drown, lad. And we’re going to watch.”
He just laughs again, the sound grating on my nerves. “No thanks. Don’t want to join your little gang. I’m rather happy with my pal Lorenzo.” He drags out the infuriating man’s name like it’s another joke of his.
I clench my jaw. “Then what’s the game you’re playing, Swede?”
He snorts. “I play a lot of games,Irishman.It’s what I do. You might think of me as a silly man, but that’s why I would never work for you. Lorenzo, on the other hand, understands my talents.”
I share another look with Jack and Liam. “I don’t take kindly to people sticking their nose in my business.”
“No shit,” he garbles through blood, spitting some out onto the ground. “Who does? But listen, it’s just that at the end of the day: business.”
I grab his chair and lean in closer. What he’s threatening is too precious to let him slip away. Not when Amy’s on the line. “What business?”
Steffoff just shrugs. “Lorenzo’s.”
“Which is what exactly?” I hiss through gritted teeth.
The Swedish man looks up at me for a moment, staring me down. “Making you and all of your little secret society stumble.”
I exhale and step away.All he’s doing is stating the bloody obvious.
Jack punches Steffoff in the gut, making him double over in pain. “Tell us something we don’t know, you arse.”
Steffoff snickers once he’s done groaning in pain. “I wouldn’t be here if I had information that you wanted, trust me. Like I said, Lorenzo knows my strengths and utilizes them well. Withholding information isn’t one of them.”
“Then why did he send you?” My fingers twitch, itching to hit the man myself.
He arches a brow. “Isn’t it obvious? To send a message. And I got to play god just a little. Mess with Astero. Object to a wedding.”
Anger floods through me, hot and bright. Unusual for me, considering my anger is usually icy and steady. Just like my father’s before me. But the thought of this little prick messing with my relationship with Amy, it’s almost enough to get me tosee red. “Lorenzowantedme to catch you. So I could find things out.”
Steffoff nods. “Obviously.”
“Feckin’ hell.” I turn around, running a hand through my hair. Of course the bastard had already thought of that. He knew that I trained my men well, he knew we’d sniff out the tails he put on Amy and I. He didn’t send in a spy, he sent in a sweet-talker. “All right, then, what does he want me to know?”
“You mean other than the fact he did it?” Steffoff cracks a grin. “That you’re not the only one who can play god. He can, too. And you should tell your boss that, too.”
I clench my jaw so hard that it aches. “He’s not my boss.”
Steffoff just laughs. “Could’ve fooled me with how all of you practically kiss his ass. Alessandro even has the Japanese bowing down to him.”
I arch a brow. “I'd be careful saying shite like that about a yakuza, Steffoff. Lest I mention it to Sasaki. He doesn’t forget slights, I can promise you that.”
Steffoff pales slightly and it’s the first crack in his annoying facade that I’ve seen.Good. Finally found something to exploit.“Eh. Wouldn’t be the first person angry with me.”
“I’m shocked.” I chuckle, sarcasm lacing my tone. “Ah, but Sasaki is a unique type of person, even for us. Calm as ice, until he snaps. Then suddenly your neck is sliced before you can even realize he’s upset. Maybe he would think your comment is funny. It’s doubtful, but maybe. Or maybe he wouldn’t care. But, you wouldn’t know until it’s too late. You really want to look over your shoulder, wondering for the rest of your life if he’s coming for you?”
Steffoff completely blanches, and I know I have him. “I…he can’t be that bad.”
