AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Marco’s new place is lavish. One of those high-column mansions sitting on a hill in Howard Beach, Queens. It’s gaudy, with a crystal chandelier peeking out of the ten-foot center window and winged lion statues guarding his walkway. It’s like he’s begging to be busted by the feds. But I’m no better. My columns are literally plated with gold.
Success looks good on us.
I’m sitting in my car waiting for this asshole to get up. I gave him an extra day to recover from AC, because God knows he would’ve been useless after the state I left him in. Is he still mad about me scolding him in front of our whole crew? The prick started it, and he’s gotta learn to calm his fucking dick, but still… I feel bad. Watching him spiral for years now is a sorry sight. And there’s nothing I can do about it.
Then there’s Gia. Things are getting heavy, fast. She consumes most of my thoughts at this point, which is way, way out of character for me. Usually it’s a pleasure-fest then a disregarded thought afterward. But with her? I want the whole thing – dates, gifts. Hell, I’ll even watch those stupid shows if it makes her happy.
The fuck is the matter with me?
I’m concerned about the text I got from her too – someone keeping watch that I’m not aware of? If it’s Marco, then he knows my little secret, and there’s about to be a shootout at the crack of dawn. If not… I’m at a loss.
Someone else might be after me.
Donny – our Valentino boss – always warned about my flashy style. Said there’s a way to be lavish without calling attention. This thing of ours needs to have longevity.
He’s right, of course. But when you’re in someone’s crosshairs half of your days, it begs the question: Why live little?
A twinge twists my gut as I think the worst. Gia’s cute face nuzzled into my arm makes me consider whether I’m too reckless now that I got somebody to care for. I want to keep seeing her. She’s worth some longevity.
Marco slams his door and flaps his leather jacket as he exits his mansion. His duck-walk and hunched head makes him look like he’s going to fight the statues. But that’s just him. Nothing out of the ordinary.
“Morning, sunshine,” I test the waters.
“Mmph,” he grunts and hops into the passenger seat.
I nod toward the black coffee I got him, and he sips it without even testing how scalding hot it is. Makes me wonder if his whole face is permanently numb from the coke.
“The boys were shocked you left ’em.” Marco’s voice is more air than sound. “That fat Russian fuck you’re courting asked for you too, apparently. Ace had to lie for your ass.”
“You’re all capable men,” I say. “I’m sure you can cover for your capo when you have to.”
“Yeah, but that’s the thing, Cast. What the fuck are we covering? Yeah, you slapped me around at the lounge. Maybe I deserved it.”
“Oh, your head is finally screwed on straight?” I side-eye him.
“Yeah, maybe. But now it’s just us. You got no one to beat your chest for. So what’s the fucking deal?”
I scoff. “I’m just going through something. Nervous about the Russians and what I have to pull off to double our cash flow.”
“You? Nervous? About… business? I don’t buy it for one second.” Marco leans over and sticks a finger in my face. His bloodshot eyes and hoarse voice would usually make me dismiss him as a junkie, but he’s spot on with his instincts. “I’ve known you since we were kids. And I know when something’s up. You in deep, or something?”
I might be.
“What is it, Cast? Gambling debt? You downplaying this Russian thing? They got a hit on you?” Marco furrows his brow when I don’t say anything. “Whatever it is, you know we can handle it. We always do.”
Those words hurt like a punch to the gut.
What the hell am I doing, sneaking around like this?
I’m betraying him…
“Let me sit on it, and when the time is right, we’ll talk about what’s eating me,” I lie.
“Fuck that—”
“Hey!” I turn abruptly in my seat, making Marco shrink into his. “Do I bother you about your obvious coke problem? Or your hot fucking head that always has me explaining?”
He snaps his tongue and turns sharply to look out the window.
