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When the door opens, I already know it’s Emil. I’ve been waiting on him. I normally do business in a mutual area or outside, but things with him will get messy, so we are in the furthest room from my living room.
“Sebastian?” he questions as he enters.
“Please.” I motion to the chair in front of me. “Come sit.”
He looks around, and I can see his shoulders relax when he realizes it’s only us. “I’m glad you agreed to meet with me on such a short notice.”
I grin as he settles into further into the chair. He crosses his ankle over one knee as it bobs. “Nervous?”
He chuckles. “Not necessarily. I’m just ready to talk business and get some things handled.”
I nod. “Are you alone tonight?”
He tips his head. “I’m not. I have my right hand outside, waiting.” His eyes level with mine.
“Oh? You replaced Desiderio?” I lace my fingers together and lay them in my lap. I want to see how much he knows. I told Mike I wanted his death to stay quiet. Hopefully, he kept his word.
“You know how business goes. I had no choice.”
I give him another nod. “How is he? I assume you’re taking good care of him in there.”
He uncrosses his legs and leans back. “I am, and he’s as well as he can be. I’ll get him out soon.”
I fight back a snarl. One thing I can’t stand is liars. If he were taking care of him like he said, he would already know he’s dead. But that’s just how this business works. You lose one person, then just replace them. You have to in order to stay on top.
“That’s good. Now, tell me what it is you want from me.”
He sucks in a deep breath. “I’m willing to split my businesses with you if you help me take out the Hales. It seems they have everyone eating out of their hands but you. One of them caused a pretty big mess at my casino and got some of my shit closed down. Now I’ll be dealing with the FBI I’m sure. I need them gone.”
His words come out strong, and I’m almost sad to have to do what I’m doing, but unfortunately, this is business and the Hales are offering me more. “What got shut down? Why would it bring the FBI in?”
His eyes shoot to the floor. “I have an escort gig. All of my girls are willing though.”
Liar, liar.
“If they’re willing, there shouldn’t be an issue. If you want my help, you have to be honest with me, Emil.”
He shakes his head. “I only had a couple that weren’t.”
“We’re both criminals, Emil.” I smile. “Have you forgotten that?”
His eyes bounce around the room almost like he really has. “Most don’t agree.”
“I can see that.” I stand and walk to the door. I open it only for a second. “Miguel! Bring us some drinks, por favor.”
As I close the door, I take a second to try and let my anger simmer. It’s not time yet, but hearing he’s using women against their will pisses me off. He should know better. No one around here would agree. I don’t see how he even got customers.
I walk back to my seat and sit. “We don’t fuck with women, Emil. You should know that.”
“I—I know. I’m stopping though.”
“Stopping? Only because you were caught?” I shake my head. “I can deal with a lot of things. Drugs, guns… But I won’t tolerate innocent women being beaten and raped. They’re too fragile, too pure for this shit.”
The door opens and Emil looks over to see Miguel enter empty-handed. “Where are the drinks?”
I can’t help the laugh that escapes me. “Oh, Emil. You should have known I wouldn’t help you. The Hales got to me first and offered more, but honestly, after hearing what you’re doing, I probably would have done it for free.”
“No, you can’t hurt me, Sebastian.” He holds his hands up and stands. “My men can be here in a second. Unless you want a war, you’ll let me go.”
