Page 5 of Savage Angels

“You know I fucking do.”

The man’s eyes widen, but he says nothing as we stride through the Don’s home and enter his office. I throw open the door, and when Lorenzo and I are inside, I slam it shut, the noise echoing through the house. My anger is like a volcano as they make us wait for Don Abruzzi. It’s an insult to me and my standing within our family.

“Son of a bitch,” I grumble under my breath, pacing around the room with clenched fists. “Can’t even show his face on time.”

My eyes flick to the expensive paintings hanging on the walls and the crystal glasses next to bottles filled with top-shelf liquor. Every detail of this room screams power and control, and it only fuels my rage even more.

“Salvatore, calm down,” Lorenzo reminds me.

But I can’t. Not when so much is at stake. Not when every fiber of my being tells me something’s not right about this whole situation.

The door swings open, and I say, “Finally.”

Don Abruzzi saunters into the room, wearing a self-satisfied smirk that makes me want to wipe it off his smug face.

“Salvatore, my apologies for the delay,” he says as if he hasn’t made us wait like pawns in his twisted game. “What brings you here?”

“Cut the bullshit, Don,” I snap, my voice laced with barely contained fury. “You know damn well why I’m here. Las Vegas… my territory. I’ve got word your men have been encroaching on it, making moves they have no right to make.”

“Is that so?” Don Abruzzi feigns surprise, his dark eyes narrowing. “And you’re sure it’s my men?”

“Who else would it be?” I shoot back, my anger boiling over. “You think I don’t know what you’re up to? You think I can’t see through your little schemes?”

“Careful, Salvatore,” he warns, his voice dripping with menace. “Accusations like that can be dangerous.”

“Fuck your threats, Don,” I growl, stepping closer and forcing myself to look him in the eye. “I want answers. Now.”

“All right, all right,” he concedes, holding up his hands in mock surrender. “There may have been some… misunderstandings regarding our operations in Las Vegas. But I assure you, it won’t happen again.”

“See that it doesn’t,” I say coldly.

My mind races with thoughts of what I’ll do if I find out he’s lying or discover he’s still trying to undermine me and my territory.

“Of course, Salvatore,” Don Abruzzi replies smoothly. “After all, we’re family, aren’t we?”

“Family,” I spit out, the word leaving a bitter taste in my mouth. “Just remember, Don… family doesn’t betray each other, and if I find out otherwise…” I let the threat hang in the air, the unspoken promise as clear as day.

Don Abruzzi sits then leans back in his chair, a smug grin plastered on his face as he casually remarks, “You know, Salvatore, it’s interesting you should bring up Las Vegas because I’ve heard some rather unsettling news about the Savage Angels lately.”

“Unsettling how?” I demand, my eyes narrowing suspiciously.

“Disappearances. Killings.” He lets the words hang in the air. “Seems your little motorcycle club friends are dropping like flies out there.”

“What are you talking about?” My voice comes out low and dangerous, but Don Abruzzi chuckles, clearly enjoying my discomfort.

“Come now, Salvatore. Surely, you didn’t think I’d leave you completely unscathed after our last encounter?” His smile widens, revealing teeth that gleam like daggers. “You’re not the only one with power in this city, my friend.”

My face grows hot, rage boiling beneath the surface as I stare him down. “You bastard,” I seethe. “You had something to do with them disappearing?”

“Of course,” he replies, his tone nonchalant. “You didn’t really think I’d let you undermine me with no consequences, did you?”

“How did I undermine you? I pay you a gratuity every month, and those men were innocent,” I snarl, every muscle in my body tensing as I fight the urge to lunge at him right here and now. “Tell me what happened to the Savage Angels members, Don. And tell me now.”

“Your gratuity is an insult. What are you going to do, Salvatore? You’re in my house, surrounded by my men. Do you really think you can hurt me?” he taunts.

“Watch me,” I growl, meeting his eyes with a steely glare. “You may have your men here, but don’t think for a second you can hide behind them forever. I’ll find the truth eventually, and when I do, there will be hell to pay.”

“Such big words for a man so out of his depth,” Don Abruzzi sneers, but I can see the flicker of uncertainty in his eyes. He knows I’m not bluffing, and it scares him.

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