Page 1 of Pitiful Lies

PROLOGUE ONE-ANGEL

Early Summer

Anticipation is something a lot of guys discount, but it’s kept me alive for forty-two years.

Some people think a lifestyle like mine is part act, and they aren’t wrong. There is something to say about being the Enforcer to the most powerful criminal organization in town and showmanship.

But if this is an act, then I am always on.

I don’t wear a costume. All of this is me. And it is real.

My height.

My bulk.

My ink.

The metal in my ears.

And the weapons strategically concealed around my body.

I sit in the shadows, a tightly coiled serpent, waiting to strike at anyone who comes into my house with ill intent.

The Vipers’ Den is our place.

It is dark and loud. A little pretentious, and one of the most sought after night spots in the tri-state.

A nightclub and bar, it’s the perfect cover for a syndicate like ours. Nico, Luc, and I run the Vipers, and this is our base of operations.

We each have offices in the basement, and like any good snake pit there are hallways and secret passages that serve our needs well.

We run a tight organization with Nico as our king. He’s my real cousin, but me, him, and Luc are all blood brothers. We’ve each put in enough blood, sweat, and tears to make this thing ours.

I don’t mind having a king. A snake needs one head to lead, and Nico is perfect for the job. Luc is all brains, and his team of lawyers keeps us solid. I’m the guy in charge of all security, and I’ve spent the last few weeks increasing our fucking numbers.

This feeling I have, it’s been building. I don’t know what it is, but something is happening.

The atmosphere is ripe with expectation.

Like some shit is about to go down.

But I’m ready. I am always ready. I have to be.

The DJ is spinning some shit with a heavy bass, but I’m not really paying attention to the song.

Things are getting tense. But Nico’s mind isn’t where it should be.

Oh, I know where it is. Ever since I brought that cute little baker girl here to clear her brother’s debts, a part of him has been MIA.

It’s none of my fucking business. Nobody else’s, either.

Nico, Luc, and I built this thing up from the ground when we were still wet behind the ears.

Nico is the king because he fucking earned it.

I don’t want the crown.

I never did.

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