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The other men fanned out around the table, crossing their arms as they glared at Stefano and his soldiers. What the hell was he doing here? Testing the waters or providing a warning?
“Don’t make me ask you again,” I stated calmly as I planted both hands on the table, leaning over and staring Stefano in the eyes. It would seem I’d need to provide a separate warning to his father.
Stefano glared at me then rose to his feet, adjusting the lapels of his suit jacket before snapping his fingers. “Let’s go, boys. This is a dump anyway.”
I sensed Joey had enough liquor in him he wanted to start a fight, but I stepped in front of him, preventing my buddy from doing something stupid.
Stefano pushed his chest against mine as he tried to leave and I gave him an amused look, forcing him to take a step to the side in order to get around me. His bullying technique when he shoved me with his shoulder pissed me off, but he was merely hoping for a reaction.
I refused to give him one. Instead, I threw my head over my shoulder, waiting until Stefano and his men were halfway to the door before exhaling.
“Do you have trouble with them often?” I asked.
“They’ve never been in here before,” Joey answered.
In my mind, it was no coincidence. “Let’s go back to your party, my man. They’re gone.”
“Yeah, I know you’re right. I just won’t let bastards like that hurt any of my girls,” he snarled.
“Understood.” I gave Cayman a nod and he knew what to do, ensuring they left the premises. I had a bad feeling about their appearance. I managed to push my buddy through the other guys, heading back into the private area. “Now, where were we? I think a round of tequila is necessary.” I motioned toward the bartender, hoping Joey would forget all about it.
Joey remained disgruntled but headed for the bar, our other friends trying to get him back in the celebratory mood. I stayed on the outskirts, constantly shifting my attention toward the doorway for any sign of additional trouble.
Five minutes passed then another ten or so and Cayman hadn’t returned. When I noticed Joey was in the middle of telling the story of how he’d met Julie for the second time of the evening, I backed away, heading toward the entrance to the club.
Cayman was walking toward me with purpose, He pulled me aside, glancing over my shoulder toward the private area we were in. “The bastards are still outside,” he said. “It’s like they’re waiting for us to leave. I don’t like it, boss. I think we need to call in reinforcement.”
“That’s not necessary. This is all about sending a message. That’s exactly what I’m going to do. Let me handle it.”
“Yeah, well, I’m going with you.”
I pulled out my weapon, keeping it out of view and pushing my hand against the exterior door. Once outside, I waited as Cayman nodded toward where the assholes were lying in wait. I eased against the side of the building, taking careful steps toward the edge.
Then I heard a sound, Joey cursing as he took long strides past me. “What the fuck is wrong with these assholes?”
Fuck. Grumbling, I trailed behind him, only realizing seconds later that he had a weapon in his hand, pointing it directly at Stefano.
“Get the fuck out of here!” Joey yelled as he waved his Glock back and forth.
While Stefano hadn’t raised a weapon, his soldiers had. They’d wanted nothing but to goad us. Goddamn it. This had everything to do with threatening my family and our regime. They’d known I was coming here, the bar far removed from my usual secured locations. Which meant someone close to me had shared my itinerary. Someone who worked for me had betrayed me.
“It’s okay, buddy. They were just leaving,” I told my friend, trying to push my way in front of Joey but he was having none of it this time.
Stefano stared in amusement, rubbing his jaw as if he had all the time in the world.
“Get out of here, Bianchi. You were told to leave politely,” I said in a commanding tone. Cayman moved slightly to the side and into a position of protection if necessary. The last thing we needed was a standoff.
“The last time I checked, this was a free country,” Stefano retorted.
Seconds later, Joey turned toward me, grinning as I’d seen him do so many times over the years. He was a big kid, happier than I’d ever seen him, but he was also the kind of man who refused to allow anyone to threaten his family, his friends, or his place of business. But something was different tonight, as if the intelligent, prudent man I’d known had been replaced.
“I said,” he yelled, snapping his head toward Stefano. “Get the fuck off my property.” He threw up his arm, pointing the barrel of his weapon at Stefano.
In the next few seconds, I couldn’t react fast enough.
“No!”
Pop! Pop! Pop! Pop! Pop!
