Page 7 of The Dirty Saint

“Go ahead,” Ezra barks. “Cut me, you fucking jackass.”

Dom twirls the weapon on his forefingers, grinning.

“She’s mouthy, this one.”

I nod.

“Not for long, though.”

The Lieutenant laughs. “You underestimate me. I get it, though. You both probably look at yourselves in the mirror each day and get hard at your own reflection because in your giant, egotistical minds, you believe you are the shit. Maybe it’s the muscles. Maybe it’s the tattoos. But I think it’s all just a mask to hide the real truth behind, which is that you’re cowards.” She spits a wad of saliva on the ground. “But hey, you wanna do your worst to me? I’d like to see your dumb asses try.”

Dom and I shoot each other looks.

He’s furious. I can tell.

Me, however? I’m slightly impressed.

But Ezra Maya is not the first person to think they can handle my team and me. She hasn’t a single clue what is coming her way.

She thinks she’ll stay silent now.

I hate to tell her that they never do.

2

Chapter Two

After

EZRA

Sitting across from Michael Santo, I knead my hands together and place my elbows on the table. I then take a deep breath in and let a deep breath out.

“I’m guessing you met my man,” he says.

“I did,” I answer. “Though I didn’t appreciate him trying to weasel his way into my home where, might I add, yourgrandsonsleeps.”

Michael smiles, and it takes everything out of me not to reach across the table and bash his head against it.

“Well, you’re here now, and that’s all that matters, Ezra Evaline.” He uses my middle name like I still belong to him.

“Let me make it clear, Michael, I came forme. You might have summoned my presence, but that doesn’t mean shit. I amhere on my own accord,” I snap. “And don’t you fucking forget it.”

He doesn’t get to make decisions for me anymore.

Iam the one in control now.

“Anyhow,” I ask, “What is the point of this visit, if any?”

Michael Santo looks at me, but he doesn’t make a sound.

“Now you want to keep your mouth shut?” I bark. “Really? After everything you put me through,nowis the time you have nothing to say? About anything?”

More silence.

Growing angry, I grab Michael’s wrist and smash it against the table as hard as I can.

“Answerme,” I demand.

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