Page 144 of Mafia Kings: Valentino

Do I refuse to give in and then have to hang out with this asswipe for the rest of the day –

Or do I say one little word and walk away?

“…please,” I muttered, but couldn’t bring myself to make it sound like I meant it.

Rocco narrowed his eyes like he was pissed I hadn’t completely bowed down to him…

But he must have decided it wasn’t worth the chance I’d make him look bad in front of his boys later on.

“Get outta here,” he said dismissively, then walked into the crappy pizza joint.

I turned towards Paolo and smiled. “That was great. Thanks.”

“Glad I could help, boss, but I was serious – I need you to come with me.”

“What is it?”

“You’ll know when we get there.” Paolo started down the street. “Come on!”

I frowned as I followed him.

Paolo was friendly and eager as always, but I didn’t like his mysterious vagueness.

The farther we went down Gela’s winding streets, the more paranoid I got.

What if he was taking me to get killed by some of Don Vicari’s men?

But –

Why?

It made no sense. I’d done nothing to deserve it.

Unless Uncle Fausto had cut a deal with Don Vicari…

But then why out here, where a dozen people walked by every minute?

Why not just wait to kill me until I was back at the compound?

I was sure Don Vicari had the local police in his pocket – but probably only as far as protection rackets went.

Even corrupt cops couldn’t overlook a murder in broad daylight with dozens of witnesses.

Paolo led me down a deserted side street – a cobblestone walkway with old, crumbling buildings looming over us.

That’s when I decided enough was enough.

I came to a halt and barked, “Paolo!”

He stopped and looked back at me in surprise. “What’s wrong, boss?”

“Where the fuck are you taking me?”

“Just over here!” he said, pointing down the winding street.

“I want to know where you’re taking me!” I demanded angrily.

“I wanted it to be a surprise, boss.”

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