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As I lay in bed, trying to sleep, I felt that loss even more than before. If she’d been here, she would have woken up at the sound of my car on the drive. She probably would have pushed me into the kitchen to make me dinner, knowing I hadn’t eaten yet. I could almost smell her famous focaccia bread.
I couldn’t do this. Standing, I pulled on black slacks and a nice button-up shirt, heading for the door. I’d only just gotten here, and already I needed to leave. Pulling out onto the street, I headed back towards the city. I didn’t know where I was going exactly, and I didn’t know what I would do. I just knew I needed to get out of here.
Before I even realized it, I was picking up my phone and dialing Killian. He picked up on the third ring, loud music greeting me instead of my brother’s voice.
“Killian?” I wasn’t even sure if he could hear me over the music.
“Dante? What’s up?” He had to shout into the phone. I put it on speaker, away from my ears.
“Where are you?”
“The Salamander. Why?”
Shit. I couldn’t exactly show up there. The Arco brothers would murder me. Unless…I eye my wallet lying out on the passenger seat.
“Where is it? I’ll meet you in a few minutes.”
Killian went silent on the other line, though the music still played. “I don’t know if that’s a good idea.”
“I’ve got money to pay them for the last location I destroyed. Just tell the brothers I’ll be there soon to pay back my debt.” I clicked the phone shut before he could argue with me.
I needed a drink, I realized. After fighting with Sienna, that’s all I wanted to do at the moment. Killian’s text came through a minute later with a location and a slight warning that the Arco brothers would be waiting for me and my money. And an apology. I ignored my first reaction to snort. I really did need to apologize to them for my actions, and I’d do it with grace.
Parking just a block away, I walked the rest of the way to the speakeasy. This time it was located out in South Bronx behind some sketchy-looking pawnshops. I ignored the line, making my way straight to the bouncers. Flashing my ID at them, they let me through with a few smirks, eyeing the black duffel bag in my hand. I ignored them, stepping into the darkness. Music thudded through the speakers, reaching down into my bones. I let it wrap around me, pushing any other thoughts from my head.
The hall led to another door, this one metal. I pushed it open, welcoming the sight of the sweaty crowd and flashing lights. This set up was different than the others. There was only one floor here. The black bar was shoved against one side, with most of the velvet sofas spread around the edges. I searched the crowd for any sign of a VIP area, where I knew the Arco brothers would be, but I didn’t see anything of the sort.
A man in a black suit appeared out of the crowd, looking every bit the bouncer he was. “Come with me.”
Warily, I followed him through the sweaty bodies. He led me towards the back of the room, where I’d missed seeing another door. He stepped through first, not even bothering to hold the door open for me. I slipped in after, my guard going up. I hadn’t even brought a gun with me, which was stupid on my part. The Arco brothers would have taken my money, but that didn’t mean they wouldn’t let me walk out of here without a reminder not to cross them again. Still, I was Sal’s son, and they’d risk bringing his wrath down on them if they did hurt me. That’s the only comforting thought in my head as we came to another door.
“Go on in.” The man motioned towards the door.
Without looking at him, I opened it and stepped inside. The room was dark. No flashing lights and blaring music here. The brothers were sitting around a rickety table, cards laid out before them. I caught sight of my brother on the other side.
The minute Killian saw me, he waved, grinning from ear to ear. “Look who finally decided to show up.”
Cain Arco glanced over at me. “Are you done being a bitch?”
I bristled at his words, but Declan’s laugh stopped me from replying.
“Do you have the money?” Declan asked. “Because if not, you can just turn right back around.”
“I have the money,” I growled.
“Then take a seat.” Cain motioned to the empty chair beside Killian.
I set the bag on the table, zipping it open so they could see the cash piled inside. The movement made the glasses of liquor rattle.
Killian whistled. “Did you clean dad out getting that?”
“Fuck off, Kill. It’s my own money.”
Archer snatched it up, shuffling through the bills. “Looks like enough to me,” he said finally, shrugging.
“As long as you don’t fuck up another location,” Declan said, only half-joking.
“Should we deal you in?” Cain asked, shuffling the cards.
