Page 22 of Before

Uh...

“What?”

Andino resumed his previous position leaning against the Benz, and the cigar found its way back into his mouth. “See, I’m currently in need of a new enforcer.” He flicked a wrist at the word, muttering, “Titles aren’t important—a bodyguard.”

It should have said something to Lev that Andino had bodyguards in the first place. Or enforcers, whatever the fuck he wanted to call the job. The guy was nearly as tall and large as Lev in size. He seriously doubted Andino was a coward or unable to handle himself. And yet, he still needed protection.

A bit worrisome, honestly.

“One I like,” Andino continued, clearly oblivious to Lev’s distraction, “that knows how to do as he’s told, makes an impression just by standing there, and is willing to learn. Loyalty is what counts the most with me at the end of the day. I’ve already built what one might call a rapport with you, meaning I like you well enough. You certainly make an impression with your size. And I’m sure you could learn the rest over time. Ten-k a month. You do what I say, you’re on my time from the moment you open your eyes until you close them at night, and you don’t give me any fucking attitude in between. How’s that sound?”

Lev took a second.

Blinked a few times.

Probably looked like a fucking idiot.

“You’re offering me a job?”

Andino made a noise under his breath. “Undoubtedly better than whatever you’re doing now—in all aspects, I presume.”

“You don’t know that. I’m not concerned about being arrested or murdered at my current job.”

The man still leaning on the car gave him a look. “You sure about that? I mean, the other night and all ...”

Well ...

Fuck.

He had a point.

“I thought your business was for Italians only?” Lev asked. “In case you missed my last name, I’m—”

“Russian on your father’s side. Ukrainian on your mother’s, from what I was able to find on her. My sympathies for your losses. It must have been hard to grow up without parents in a system like the one we have. People often wonder why some find themselves in hard situations. I tend to find the answers are very clear when someone looks hard enough. Don’t you?”

Oh, good.

Now he was looking into Lev.

“Where you come from matters little to me,” Andino explained, sighing heavily. “We’re not talking about turning you into a made man. I just want to sign your paychecks, okay?”

Was it okay?

Lev didn’t know.

“Are you actually giving me a choice with this job offer,” he asked, measuring each word, “or are you telling me what I’ll be doing, Andino?”

That made the other man pause.

Not for long, though.

“You can’t force loyalty,” Andino eventually said. “I know that better than anyone.”

That said a lot.

Lev respected it, even.

And still ...