AllFreeNovel
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"I got it." Tristano approaches me, and I turn to face him. I didn't even hear his footsteps, much less know how long he's been standing behind me. He’s dressed in a black shirt and dark pants.
“I'll be in the kitchen." I point, but my feet don’t move. His tired eyes hold mine. The man’s presence scrubs my brain clear of all thoughts.
"Stay there until he leaves. Okay?"
"Yeah, sure."
I stroll to the kitchen and shut the door. If he doesn’t want anyone to know I’m here, then cooking would give me away. My curiosity gets the best of me, and I lean my ear against the door, eavesdropping. I hope he has news about Jeff.
"The shipment arrived, but we had an issue with customs. The fucker asked for a fifteen percent increase on his cut."
"That greedy son of a bitch. Send the pictures, and if he doesn’t release the shipment, send the boys to handle it and bring back my shit."
"Yes, sir. You coming to the club tonight?"
"Nah, I got plans."
My throat tightens on the spot when I hear that. I know Tristano, the businessman and loan shark. But what else is he involved in?
They continue in a hushed tone. I strain but can’t make out their words until I hear the door slam.
"You can come out now."
I open the door staring directly into his eyes. "Are you like Vulcan?"
“What?”
“Are you like Vulcan? Going around bullying innocent people to get what you want?”
Tristano takes a step closer bringing his heat with him. “What do you think this is? Disney?”
“Don’tyoupatronize me.” I stand my ground.
“What do you want to know,tesoro?”
“What does that mean?”
“Sweetheart.”
My insides suddenly feel all squishy, and his sinister smile tells me it’s intentional. But I’m not letting him distract me.
“I want to know if I’m falling for a bad man.”
“Falling?”
I snap my mouth closed. I can’t believe I said that. “Never mind.”
I spin and turn from him. But he grabs my shoulders turning me back.
"I’m an enforcer.”
“A enforcer? As in the—"
“Mafia. Yes.” He crosses his arms over his massive chest, and I’m distracted for a second.
“So, you mean to tell me, Jeff tried to swindle someone in the mafia?”
He chuckles. “Nothing gets past you, babe.”
