Page 51 of Lord of Ruin

The group represented the most powerful men in all of the United States from cities such as New York, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, New Orleans, and Baltimore.

Along with Philadelphia.

I’d never met any of them in person, although I’d seen a couple a few years before from afar. Now, as I was led into the penthouse suite of the finest hotel in Philly, the eight other men stared at me with what appeared to be disgruntled looks on their faces. That almost set me off, although Phoenix had warned me that they were initially skeptical of everything and everyone. In truth, that was one of the reasons we’d all remained alive.

Trust wasn’t a luxury in our worlds. Especially when forming this kind of alliance. If someone were to eliminate so many powerful mafia leaders at one time, it would be their golden ticket to taking over more than just various operations. It would be like they’d been given the key to several cities.

That’s why secrecy was vital.

“Stavros Diamondis,” one of the men stated as he approached. “Are you carrying any weapons?” He kept his tone gruff as fuck.

“He is my brother, Constantine. Of course he is.”

Constantine grinned. “As I’d expect. You’re Phoenix’s kid brother. The happy go lucky one.”

I glared up at Phoenix, lifting my eyebrows. Meanwhile, my brother shrugged. “Not a kid any longer and I certainly wouldn’t call myself happy go lucky but yes. And you are?”

“Constantine Thorn, the illustrious creator of the group.”

“You mean pain in the ass,” another man said as he approached. “Gabriel Giordano. I’m sorry I didn’t get to meet you in New York. I have to say, you created a very messy couple of scenes to clean up.” He was laughing as he shook my hand.

“Sorry about that. Just doing business,” I told him.

“I heard. You were saving a beautiful damsel’s life not once but twice?” His eyes were lit up like my brother’s had been.

I took the opportunity to glare at Phoenix for a second time. “I can see there are no secrets within this organization.”

“None,” two men said at the same time. My God. They looked exactly alike. Holy crap. I’d never met a set of twins before.

“Within the organization. Outside is another story,” Constantine added.

“You must be Dante and Diego Santos from LA,” I said to the two men who’d spoken at the same time.

They looked at each other. “I’m Dante and someone opened their mouth.”

Now Phoenix threw up his hands as if in defeat.

“Don’t worry,” I said. “No trade secrets even though I grilled him several times.”

“Better not happen.” The blond was huge, inked to the hilt, and had an angry face. He was also Russian.

“Don’t mind our resident guard dog, Maxim Nikitin. He really is a kitten now that he found the perfect lady,” Diego teased. “And he has Miami by the balls. New Orleans too.”

Maxim acted like he was going to punch the guy. “Yes, I do. Don’t come fucking around my city or I’ll eat you alive.”

“Brogan Callahan.” The quiet one of the group walked up, his Irish accent making me smile. “Chicago is my world. My baby. You should come visit. We know how to treat other members of the Brotherhood.”

“Ha!” another man laughed. “I might be newer to the group, but I know how you guys operate. I’m Sabatino DiMaggio. I’m your neighbor down below.”

“I’ve heard about your regime in Maryland and Virginia. Nice area.”

Constantine cleared his throat, looking thoroughly amused. “The last man standing is my brother, Daniel, a recent addition to the Brotherhood. One big happy family. However, we need to get down to business. The longer we’re in the same room together, especially now that we seem to all have targets on our backs, the more anxious I become.”

“What do you mean you all have targets?” I glanced from one to the other. It was obvious Phoenix had neglected to tell me something.

Constantine nodded to Maxim, who pulled out his phone, handing it to me.

Those who partake in sin shall face the wrath of the demon.

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