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The way they all grin at each other suggests “help” translates less into “changing the oil” and more into “stripping your luxury SUV for parts”.
I smile thinly as I shake my head. “No. And we’re not mates,mate.”
The tables goes quiet. Leo smiles curious, puffing on a soggy looking cigar.
“Not sure I like that tone,” he grunts. “Posh fellow like you might want to reconsider your fucking manners when you step into my place.”
“Now, here I thought the customer was always king.”
The table chuckles.
“Naw, mate,” Leo grunts. “Not ‘ere, leastwise. Now, I’m up in this game, so I ain’t got the time to teach you a lesson. Which means it’s your lucky day. I suggest you walk that fancy suit back to that fancy car and get the fuck out of here, before my generosity—”
“Shut up.”
His eyes widen, the whole table full of his goons whirling to look at me like I’m insane.
“You been in the drinks tonight, you stupid fuck?” One of his guys chuckles.
I just smile thinly at Leo, ignoring the rest.
“We’re going to have a discussion about the money Ella owes you.”
Leo’s brow furrows. But then suddenly, his face lights up with recognition.
“Fuck me,” he grunts, chuckling darkly as he sets his cards down on the table.
He stands, shoving his chair back across the cement floor with a squeak as he wags a finger at me.
“Nowthat’show I know you,” he snickers. “You’re that posh wanker she went and married.”
He grins widely.
“You fucked up, walking in here, mate.”
“Let’s talk this out, businessman to businessman.”
He chuckles a wheezing laugh.
“Naw, mate. If you think being a rich git is going to scare me off, you can walk right out of here. She and I, we have a deal—”
“I’d like to settle her outstanding balance,” I say bluntly. “All of it. Principle and interest. And after I do, I want you to fuck off out of her life. How does that sound?”
Leo’s mouth thins. The rest of his guys loudly get out of their own chairs, fanning out beside him.
Leo grins.
“No deal.”
“I’m not sure you understand what I’m saying. I’ll settle herentiredebt to you, tonight. Right now. In cash.”
He’d be an idiot if he didn’t take it. But truth be told, I’m hoping he doesn’t. I’m hoping he makes this hard.
In fact, I’m looking forward to it.
“Well, gee, that does sound good,” he sighs. “Except here’s the thing, Mr. Noel bloody Ransom, rich, posh, smug prick in the flesh: the price has gone up.”
“I’m interested in paying off a loan, Mr. Argyros,” I mutter thinly. “Not being extorted.”
