Page 37 of Enforcer

“Mhm.” I can’t tell if she believes me or not. “And this would have nothing to do with her being with Lorenzo and Antonio, would it? She’s as safe as safe can be with those two. Lorenzo is harmless unless cornered, and I’m pretty sure Antonio has no interest in women, if you catch my meaning.

I do catch her meaning but don’t care because that’s irrelevant. I knew Brynne wouldn’t allow her around men whowere unworthy or untrustworthy, but I only wanted to speak to her.

“No, it’s got nothing to do with that. I know you wouldn’t let her get near men who would hurt her.”

“Which is why I’m nervous about letting her around you,” she admits, and a pang elongates in my chest like a growing fire.

I rub at it as I hear the man in the room begin to come around, his groans carry down the hall.

“Are you working?” Brynne asks.

“Yeah. Got something to do that Slate wanted to be wrapped up before the wedding.”

She sighs. “I know how you Ricci men get when you’re working, so don’t go too far, hm? I’ll text you her number, but only because I think you could be good for her. But, Dante?”

“Mmm?” I ask, moving and closing the door to shut out some of the man’s screams as he realizes he’s tied to a wall and butt naked.

“If you hurt her, Slate won’t defend you. He’ll hand you over willingly to stay in good graces with me, and I won’t go easy on you.”

My smile broadens. “I understand.”

We say our goodbyes and the contact info shows up later, along with another threat attached.

She’s my best friend. Treat her as such.

I pocket my phone as I head into the room to work.

Someone’s been using our docks, and we need to know who. Sighing, I look over at the nude guard, who has already pissed down his leg in fear, and roll my eyes.

“I could be planning a wedding right now, but no, you fuckers can’t keep your hands to yourselves, so I have to deal with you.”

“I don’t know what you mean, man. Please, come on, I have a family.”

I shut the door behind me, taking off my tie and shirt and placing them somewhere I shouldn’t get blood on them.

“That’s what they all say once they’re here. Out there, however, you all think you’re invincible. Why is that?”

I grab a screwdriver and walk toward him, pressing it into his collarbone as his screams become ragged bits of what they were five minutes ago.

“Stop, please! I don’t know anything,” he begs, tears mixing with snot and rolling down his face.

“You don’t? Pity.” I press in further, watching his eyes grow weary with worry as the bone snaps and his cries grow raspy.

“I can do this all night. I was trained by the best. Ever heard of the Reaper of New York City?”

His eyes go wide, his pupils constricting with panic.

I smile. “I have to do my teacher proud when I work, so I always do my best. You might want to go ahead and tell me what I want to know. Make this easy on us both.”

“I’m telling you, I don’t know anything.”

I nod. “Who do you work for? Why were you on our property?”

“Your property?” The confusion in his tone seems genuine, but I’m not convinced. My gut is always right, and I know he’s no fool.

“The Ricci Family owns the property you were working on.”

“Fucking shit.”

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