Page 28 of Bellona

Bellona shook her head at him. It was going to be a long day.

16

Tirone lived in a huge house in the picturesque Coppedè District. It had a high iron fence to protect the three-storied mansion made of golden stone and glass that rose up like an island in a sea of green gardens.

Set let out a low whistle from his place in the back seat. "Nice place."

"Tirone likes everyone to know how rich he is," Rafael said disapprovingly. He lowered the car window and smiled at the security guard. "Hey, Antonio. How's the wife?"

"Venus herself could not be more beautiful. Thank you, Mr. Asellio. Mr. Taddeo didn't tell me you had a meeting?"

Rafael smiled. "It's a surprise. I've just closed a big deal for us, and I wanted to break the good news to him in person."

"A good day then. Nice to see you, sir," Antonio said and pressed the button to open the electric gates.

Bellona smiled as she drove through them. "That was easier than expected."

"It pays to know people's names and what they are most proud of. Antonio has an absolute stunner of a wife, and it makes him melt every time someone asks about her," Rafael replied. He toyed with the end of Bellona's long braid. "You see? You don't need to come in, guns blazing, every time."

"We haven't stirred any trouble yet. We might have to grab our guns and blaze away," Set replied with a vicious grin on his face that matched Bellona's.

"I promised we would try it your way, but if that doesn't work..."

"You'll hang him up by the balls. I haven't forgotten," Rafael replied, his fingers still tangled in the end of her braid. Bellona pretended not to notice him touching her and didn't push him away either.

They pulled up in front of the house and Bellona was surprised there were no other security walking about the gardens.

"Is it only Antonio protecting him?" she asked.

"Tirone has no reason to have more about. He's already in bed with Rita, like the fucking coward he is," Rafael muttered and got out of the car.

Set chuckled. "I can see why you like him."

"He's too good for me," Bellona said, getting a good look at Rafael's back in his tight green shirt.

"He's perfect for you, is what he is. I don't think I've seen you blush so much in the history of ever." Set patted her shoulder. "Come on, we got a man to hang up by his balls."

Bellona got out of the car and scanned the gardens, the nearby buildings, and the people walking past the gates.

"What is it? What's wrong?" Rafael asked.

"Nothing. Just checking," Bellona replied and gestured at the dark red door with a lion-head knocker. "After you."

Rafael knocked on the door, and they waited. Bellona glanced at Set, who was also looking about, checking for movement. It was good to have him there. They were the two most qualified beings on the planet that would be able to protect Rafael. Bellona felt compromised by feelings, but she trusted Set to watch both of their backs if she slipped up.

Rafael knocked again, and the door finally opened. Tirone was still in a bathrobe. He looked like he hadn't slept, and a glass of amber liquid was in his hand.

"Oh, it's you," Tirone slurred, trying to focus on them with bloodshot eyes.

"What the hell? It's not even midday," Rafael said. "You want to invite me in, Tirone? We have matters to discuss."

"Who are your friends? Finally grew some balls and have come to kill me, huh?"

"No. If anything, I've come to help you. Now, let us in. These are my bodyguards, Bellona and Set." Rafael stood up to the older man, who wisely backed up and let them in.

"Might as well. I don't think the situation can get worse. Drink?" Tirone offered, splashing his own on the polished marble floor.

Rafael steered the swaying man toward the kitchen. "Espresso. For all of us, including you."

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