Page 104 of Princes of Carnage

Atlas shakes his head. “No, this was our first time.”

“And you took to it like naturals. We’re lucky you decided to come tonight. Not everyone does so well on their first time here.” Vincent chuckles. “Sometimes it ends up being their last.”

“Actually, we came to Eros tonight because we were hoping to speak to you,” Atlas replies.

The smile drops from Vincent’s face instantly, and his eyes narrow.

It’s interesting, the split-second change from how welcoming and complimentary he was just a moment ago, to this. Now he knows that we have an agenda, and we’re more than just sex entertainment to him.

Atlas leans forward, not letting the change in Vincent’s demeanor cow him. “We heard a rumor that there’s a new player in the underground scene, based in this area. We know you’re very observant and keep your ear to the ground about things that happen in this territory, so we thought you might know about it.”

Vincent arches an eyebrow and settles back against the couch a little more, glancing between us with an assessing, wary expression. “I hear a lot of things. Not all of it is the kind of knowledge I’m likely to share. Not when I don’t know what the information is worth.”

“We’re not asking without cause,” I say, jumping in quickly. “This person, whoever they are, is dangerous. My organization, Enigma, has been attacked by them multiple times. Each attack was more egregious than the last, and it’s clearly meant to destabilize my gang. If whoever’s coming after Enigma is based out of your territory, then they might take an interest in you and your business next. It’s clear this person wants to make a name for themselves, and from what we’ve seen, they’re highly skilled. That could become a problem.”

Vincent processes that information slowly, taking his time as he taps two fingers against his pursed lips. “A problem you intend to solve?”

“A problem we’re trying to stop from getting worse,” I tell him bluntly. “The attacker has already killed some of our people. If you help us with any knowledge you have, then we can deal with this bastard, and you’ll never have to lift a finger. Whoever this is will never get the chance to become a threat to you. Does that make the information worth sharing?”

There’s another long pause as Vincent considers that. He squints a little, his gaze far away as if he’s trying to peer into the future, and I practically hold my breath, waiting for whatever his answer will be. If he refuses to talk, I don’t know what the next step is. All I can hope is that it doesn’t come to that.

After a long moment, he nods. “Alright. You make a compelling point. I’ll tell you what I know.”

“Thank you.” Atlas nods somberly, and I can feel a little of the tension in his body ease next to mine.

“From what I hear, this newcomer used to be a mercenary. Used to getting his hands dirty for other people. It seems like maybe he’s striking out on his own now, tired of doing jobs for other people.”

“Do you know where we can find him?” I ask. “Or if he has a base of operations anywhere?”

Vincent shakes his head. “No, I don’t know that much. I’ve heard reports of him being all over this area, and it’s hard to pinpoint where he’s holed up. I’ve heard he’s put a target on Enigma… and on Carnage too. Which I suppose explains the alliance between your gangs.”

There’s a twist to Vincent’s lip as he mentions Carnage, and I remember what Nico said about the grudge this man holds against him. I keep my face impassive, not wanting to poke at that sore spot any more than necessary, and definitely not wanting to go into details about how we’re not just allied—we’re married.

“It does,” I say carefully. “Believe me, that alliance wasn’t my first choice. But it was a necessary evil to protect my people since, as you said, this mercenary is coming after us both.”

I hesitate, trying to get a read on Vincent before I push for more. I think we got his attention by pointing out that the threat to us could quickly turn into a threat to him unless we deal with it first, but I’m worried that his dislike of Nico will override his self-interest.

“Have you heard anything else that could help me and my gang?” I ask, deliberately leaving Nico out of it for the moment. “A name? Any identifying details?”

Vincent heaves a sigh, his gaze shifting from me to Atlas and back. Then he lifts one shoulder. “I can tell you that I’ve heard the name Silas Duran.”

“Silas Duran,” Atlas repeats. “I don’t recognize it.”

“Me neither,” I murmur.

So maybe it’s not personal. Maybe this ex-merc is just targeting our two gangs because he thought it would be easy. Because we’re close together and seemed like easy pickings for someone with the right resources.

“Thank you,” Atlas says, nodding to Vincent. “That should help.”

Vincent nods back. Then he quirks an eyebrow. “Since you’re here, if you’re interested, I have another piece of information you might find interesting.”

I frown. “What is it?”

“I’ve heard rumblings of another gang that has its sights on you.”

“What?” I sit up straighter on the couch, on full alert now. “Who?”

“The Young Killers,” he elaborates. Then he smirks languidly. “It’s not in my territory, but like you said, I’m observant. I hear things. It sounds like they’re getting nervous about Enigma and Carnage joining forces, and a jumpy gang is usually bad news. I figured I’d let you know.”

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