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“You thought I was a drug addict?”
“It was all an assessment.”
“Hmmm.”
Anthony steered the car onto Caviar Lime Highway.
The highway stretched before us, a long, winding serpent of asphalt that cut through the heart of Paradise City. Streetlights cast a pale glow on the slick, wet surface, reflecting off the snow that had begun to accumulate along the edges.
“And we had pussy of all shapes and sizes ready to cater to any need. In fact, they’re still waiting there for your pleasure.”
“Send them home.” I opened the briefcase. Inside, nestled against the black velvet lining, was my silencer gun, disassembled for discretion.
“Then am I to assume that you had a happy reunion with your lady and child today?”
“That’s a good assumption.” I looked up from the briefcase and gazed at the view in front of me.
Caviar Lime Highway, known for its sleek design and smooth curves, was a lifeline connecting the various districts of Paradise City. It was unusually quiet at this hour, with only a few other vehicles sharing the road.
I took them in, not wanting any surprises.
With that $2 million dollar bounty on my head, many would be out searching for me.
Thank God, Marcelo and his goons are protecting Zuri and Carmen.
Anthony glanced my way. “Most men when they get out of prison dive right into their vices—drugs, liquor, pussy, food.”
It was at that point where my stomach growled. Besides Carmen’s imaginary cakes and tea, I hadn’t had anything to eat.
I’ll get food after I kill that bitch, Francesca.
Anthony shook his head and put his view back on the road. “Your only focus was revenge.”
Methodically, I began assembling the gun, my fingers deftly fitting each piece into place with practiced ease. The silencer screwed on with a satisfying, quiet click, transforming the disassembled parts into a lethal instrument of precision.
“Destroying Crimson Mob was a large part of what I thought about behind bars.” I checked the chamber, ensuring it was loaded and ready.
Anthony glanced over briefly. Then, his eyes returned to the road as he spoke, “I’ve been assessing you all day, Dante.”
I kept my focus on the gun, sliding it into its holster within my trench.
“You’re the type of man I want by my side.”
His words caught me slightly off guard, but I didn’t let it show. Instead, I clicked the briefcase shut and leaned back in the seat, the gun now securely hidden under my coat. “I stood on Francesca’s side and gave her all of my loyalty.”
“You did.”
“I won’t make that mistake again.”
We began to leave Paradise City limits.
“Reaper, you should consider working with Viper Mob.”
“Siren, trust isn’t something I give easily anymore.”
Anthony nodded in understanding. “Working with me would be a partnership. A commitment.”
I snorted. “No mobster is truly committed to anyone but themselves.”
“We operate on loyalty, respect, and mutual benefit. If you’re in, you’re family.”
I didn’t know if I liked the idea of joining forces with another mob. The very idea set me on edge and would surely freak Zuri out.
I would have to bring this up with her.
Anthony shrugged. “After you destroy Crimson Mob, what will you do? Be a cashier at the grocery store? Your set of skills could be used on the streets.”
I thought about Carmen and Zuri. “I need to be thinking about being on the streets less now that I have a kid.”
Anthony bobbed his head. “I’ve got some corporate deals in the works. Being next to me would have you picking up your gun less. Most of your week would be slapping CEOs.”
I smirked. “I do like to slap business men.”
“There you go.”
We continued to leave the illuminated skyline of Paradise City behind.
Minutes later, the highway stretched out before us like a dark, serpentine path through the night.
Anthony continued, “Going back to a normal life isn’t as simple as it sounds. Your skills, your experience. . . they’re wasted on a mundane existence.”
Aligning with Viper Mob could provide me with resources and support, but it also meant entangling myself in new alliances and potential conflicts.
And again. . .Zuri may not like it. Whatever I do to provide for us. . .she’s got to be okay with it. I won’t make that mistake again.
I kept my gaze fixed on the road ahead, watching the snowflakes be illuminated by the car’s headlights. “And how do I know I can trust you and your mob?”
“You don’t. Not yet. But I can assure you, our interests align. You want revenge, and we want stability in Shadow Heights. Francesca’s reign has been nothing but chaotic. We end this together and then slowly, day by day, I gain your trust.”
His words resonated with me, but the sting of betrayal from Francesca’s deception still lingered.
“I need to settle my score with Francesca first.” My voice was firm. “After that, I’ll decide. For now, my priority is my family’s safety and settling old debts.”
