Page 16 of His Puppet

When Victor stops in front of us, perking up like a fucking dog when it spots a leash, Lorenzo addresses him.

“After you're done with this,” he waves to the cart, “Head over to the farm and pick up Emily, please.”

“I’ve already ordered one of my guys to do it,” I say, although it’s a lie. I can’t get Victor’s taunt from last night out of my head, and the idea of him getting his way grates my insides.

Lorenzo turns to me and gives me a cryptic smile. “Victor has a gift for making our more willful whores complacent. He’s an important part of the process. Again, I apologize for not consulting with you last night, but I’m a bit of a perfectionist myself, and I’m picky about who’s involved withmyresponsibilities.”

Lorenzo, clearly finished humoring me, looks back at Victor. “Take her to Lock Street and be sure to give her something to settle her nerves.”

The military-esque stature melts from Victor, and he flashes his teeth, first at Lorenzo, then at me, his gaze lingering there for a second too long. “No worries, boss. I’ve got it.”

Lorenzo nods. “Call me if there’s a problem.”

“Yes, sir,” Victor says in a sing-song voice that pours gasoline onto the fire blazing inside of me.

I am a bigger man than this. Some fuckingsoldiershould not be getting to me. I shouldn’t belettinghim. It’s weak. It’s bordering on petty. But still, I want to pluck the knife from the sheath at my ankle and slice across his lips, Joker style, so that I will never have to see that goddamn smirk again.

Victor gives me a wink, and my eyes widen. He spins and begins pushing the cart toward the door.

I can’t believe he just fucking did that.

Lorenzo and Settimo have moved on and are talking about an associate. I consider telling them about Victor’s behavior, hoping it would be enough to just let me kill the motherfucker. But what would that make me? I’m not a school girl tattling on the boy who pulled my hair.

I stare at the back of Victor’s head and glare.

I’m not atattle-tale, but I am petty.

“I think I’d like to use the girl in other ways.”

Victor’s steps slow until he stops completely, but he never turns his back. His shoulders tense, and it eases some of my anger, replacing it with a slice of the same amusement Victor felt seconds before.

Lorenzo and Settimo have stopped talking, and I look to see both of them staring at me.

“What other ways?” Settimo asks.

I shrug. “I’m not sure yet. But she’s a pickpocket. There has to be some use for that beyond what’s between her legs.”

“She got caught,” Lorenzo says, deadpan. “Obviously she isn’t a verygoodthief.”

“My dealers are trained to protect our product with their lives. She managed to unclip a fanny pack from my guy’s waist and make it half a block before he realized it wasn’t on him. That’s impressive.”

“Is it?” Lorenzo asks, unconvinced.

I shift my gaze from him to Settimo.

Settimo’s lips purse, but after a few moments, he shrugs. “I don’t know, why not? If you think you can use her, go for it. We trust your judgement.” He moves his eyes to Lorenzo. “Right?”

Lorenzo eyes me skeptically but nods. “You said her name was Emily Granger?”

“Yes. That’s what she told me after I threatened to sick your boy on her.”

“Hmm.” He eyes me another moment. “I’ll look into her also. Maybe I’ll be able to find something helpful for you.”

I turn toward Victor, who’s now staring back at us, looking like a statue again. I don’t miss the fire in his eyes. “Thanks,” I say to Lorenzo, never taking my eyes off Victor. I smile.

“You can go now,” I yell to him. He looks to Lorenzo for confirmation and must get it because he starts rolling the cart away.

“And stay away from the poppy fields,” I say because I can’t help myself. “I won’t need any more of your help.”

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