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But here, in the midst of his peers, he was the epitome of a mob boss—confident, boasting, and flamboyant.
A man of many faces.
I couldn't help but wonder about the real Anthony. He seemed to be a chameleon, adept at being whatever those around him needed or expected.
In the car, he was an ally, perhaps even a friend.
Here, he was a leader, commanding respect and admiration from his men.
His ability to shift so seamlessly between these personas was both impressive and unsettling.
Can I really trust a man who has so many faces?
Although Anthony had proven himself to be reliable, even valuable, there was always that niggling doubt at the back of my mind. In our world, trust was a rare commodity, often bought with blood and loyalty, and even then, it was never absolute.
Francesca's dead body hit my thoughts.
I’ll never be betrayed again.
I shoved it away and realized that Anthony was no longer sitting over there. In fact, some other guy was jumping around showing how he had taken security out.
Where did Anthony go?
I turned to the left and almost jumped.
Anthony stood there, no longer with the wine or cigar. Instead, he leaned against the wall exactly like me. “How are you?”
“Good.”
"Tonight was so good." Anthony winked. "We should work together."
"My mind hasn't thought past tonight."
"Yet, you have a job with me, starting as soon as you want." He shrugged. “Have you eaten yet?”
“Have you eaten yet?”
I checked my watch. “When's your connect coming?”
“He's on the way. Trust me.” Anthony eyed me. “Have I let you down yet?”
“Not yet.”
“And I won't.” Anthony gestured across the room. “Do you see that?”
I gazed that way.
Amidst the celebration, there was a different kind of attention being directed my way. Women—various in their attire and demeanor—had been gazing at me.
Some were overt in their interest, their stares lingering and bold.
Others were more subtle, offering fleeting looks filled with curiosity.
But for me, they were just part of the background, elements of a celebration.
My focus was on the bigger picture.
Anthony spoke, “You're the only guy here that doesn't have to tell what you did.”
“What do you mean?”
“Everyone has been bragging about you on their own.”
“How would they know?”
“A few rushed up to the second level and caught it.”
Shrugging, I looked away, but could feel the women's gazes still on me.
“Listen, Reaper. These women got that predatory look in their eyes.” Anthony winked. “They see you as a prize to be won. Others are probably fascinated by your aura of danger. How can you not be over there at least talking to them?”
“One day, I'll have to introduce you to Zuri. Then, you’ll get it.”
Anthony blinked. “Oh yeah?”
I nodded.
“She's that much of a woman?”
“And even more.” I gestured to my watch. “Where's your connect?”
“You need the toy to get in her place tonight?”
“Something like that.”
Anthony smiled. “She's the only person you want to scratch that special itch?”
“And forever will be.”
“My connect is on the way. They did a heist on a toy truck a state over. Robbed the shit in broad daylight for me. They've been driving this way since then in a massive van stuffed with toys.”
“A heist?”
“Eh. When my kids want something, they get it.” Anthony looked me up and down. “But more important, we need to get you taken care of tonight.”
I quirked my brows.
“Don't just show up to your lady's place in your war gear.”
I sighed.
“Go into your new, spacious bedroom and get out one of the many designer suits that I personally picked out for you.”
I frowned.
“Then, carry them into the bathroom and take a nice shower.” Anthony pointed to the bedroom. “By the time you get out and get some food in your stomach, the doll will be here.”
“Fine.” I headed away.
Anthony returned to entertaining his audience. “Who's hungry?!”
Tons of people roared.
“Frankie, get us some food!” Anthony laughed. “I'm not only celebrating the end of my enemies, but I'm excited about my new friend.”
Women giggled and rushed to Anthony.
New friend. . .
But, had we truly become friends yet?
Anthony, for all his charm and capability, was still an enigma to me.
In our line of work, alliances were often temporary, based on mutual benefit rather than genuine loyalty.
The lines between friend and foe were constantly blurred.
For now, he was an ally, but the future was a landscape shrouded in fog.
We will see in the next days.
I made my way to the master bedroom, sidestepping the sea of expectant faces and soft, reaching feminine hands.
One woman got in front of me.
I stopped.
She batted her lashes. “Do you need help?”
“No.” I gestured to Anthony. “But he would love it.”
She pouted. “I want to help you.”
“Have a good evening.” Stepping around her, I entered the room, shut the door, and then locked it, sealing myself away from the celebration.
No one better come in.
I stepped into the massive walk-in closet.
