Page 42 of Corrupted

Damon shot me a glance before returning to his meal.

"Who is Salvador?" Mina asked.

I'd been wondering the same thing myself. Damon worked closer with the Vipers than I did, which wasn't saying much. They were secretive when it came to outsiders. Just like we were. Let people in on your secrets, and they tend to use them against you. Or mess up perfectly good carbonara. That was a crime if there ever was one.

"Salvador Briggs is my brother's right hand," Angelina said. "At least, that's what he's angling for. He's about fifteen years older than me." She made a face like that made him incredibly old.

The age difference in age between Mina and I was about the same. And that between her and Damon and Reuben. Although, Mina was mature for her age.

I wouldn't wish for Angelina to grow up quicker, as she had. She had plenty of time. I hoped.

Reuben slid her a glance, suggesting he wasn't as engrossed in his own meal as he looked. Of course not, he was always paying attention. Nothing got past him.

People were more likely to let down their guard when they thought someone wasn't listening, even when that someone was him. It was a good way to learn any number of things.

'Observe, listen and absorb,' might be his motto. Along with 'anyone who got in his way was dead.' Or wished they were. Sometimes, he liked to bide his time, but he always fucked back sooner or later. Usually way worse than anything inflicted on him.

"He needs to keep his hands to himself before someone cuts them off," Enzo said. "If he touches Angie…"

Once again, he gripped his spoon like he'd use it as a knife.

"You're so hot when you get angry and possessive." She leaned over to kiss his cheek.

He melted immediately.

"Just then?" he asked, the dimple in his cheek showing. That dimple would have gotten him into a lot of trouble over the years. And probably got him out of just as much.

No one could resist guys like him. Guys who were much prettier than me. Luckily, I could get by on my charm and personality. And lack of remorse when people who pissed me off ended up dead.

"No, not just then." She socked him on the arm teasingly. "Other times too, but don't let it go to your fucking head."

He grinned more broadly. Clearly, he was head over heels for the woman.

I hoped they'd find a way to get their happy ending.

In the meantime, my attention returned to Leon. Like Reuben, he was pretending not to listen. He was probably taking in every word, but he'd learn nothing important from us. All he got so far was a couple of crushes, and the weather forecast for the rest of the week.

"This soup is really good," Leon said. "Much nicer than the food in the basement." He glanced at Mina, as though maybe he wasn't referring to our basement.

To her credit, she didn't stab him in the neck with a butter knife, or even look angry. She was completely composed and calm. Ready for him to try to provoke her. Ready, also, to pretend she wasn't ready to slice him into pieces for his part in her imprisonment.

"We take good care of our guests," I said. "You've been helpful to us, so there's no reason to be anything but nice. Right, Damon?"

Damon grunted and went on eating.

"That's Damon for, 'you're absolutely right, like always, Gianni.' With a little bit of, 'how did you get so wise?' As a matter of fact, I wonder that myself some days. But here we are."

Damon and Leon both snorted. Then glared at each other.

"See how well we're getting along?" I asked.

I briefly wondered if I could change everybody's mind and, instead, tie rocks to Leon's ankles and throw him off the cliff. The only person in the room who didn't want that was Leon. Frankly, if the rest of us did, then he didn't get a vote.

Unfortunately, right now, neither did I. I'd just inserted the tracking chip as ordered and hoped like hell the plan went the way it was supposed to.

"It's all rainbows and lollipops around here," Parker said from the other end of the table.

"And sunshine and bunny rabbits," Hunter agreed, sarcastically. "Are you almost finished?" He glanced at Leon's bowl. "Reuben wants us to drive you into the city. After that, you're on your own. If it was up to us, you'd walk there."

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