Page 170 of Mafia Kings: Valentino

And if it helped seal the deal…

“You better keep your side of the bargain, or so help me God, I’m taking the money back byforce,”I hissed as I handed it over.

“Okay, okay,” he said happily as he stuffed the money in his pocket. Then he stood there looking hesitant. “Um… how do we…?”

“You can’trunthis fucking outfit!” I said angrily, loud enough for his buddies to hear me. “You can’t runSHIT!”

He stared at me like a deer in headlights.

“Hit me,” I whispered from between clenched teeth.

He finally reared back his arm and socked me in the stomach.

Two things.

One: he telegraphed his punch clear as day.

Using what Lars had taught me about hand-to-hand combat, I could have easily sidestepped him and broken his jaw before he knew what hit him.

But I just stood there and let him do it.

Two: his punch was weak as shit. Barely even hurt.

I had to act like hell to sell it –

But extra time with Cat was on the line, so I did what I had to.

I grunted loudly, doubled over, and sank down on one knee.

“Yeah – yeah, that’s what you get!” Rocco yelled at me like the worst actor in the world. Then he warmed up a little bit, letting histruefeelings shine through. “The only reason I don’t beat the shit out of you is because you’re marrying my fuckin’ sister, you goddamn pussy – so get the fuck out of here and don’t let me see your face again!”

Then he turned and stomped back to the café.

Our little performance, however fake-looking to me, apparently convinced the Neanderthals.

They all stood up from their seats and watched in alarm, apparently wondering if they should jump in and stomp me in front of all the tourists.

“Hey boss,” one of them called to Rocco, “you want me to – ”

“No – fuck that piece of shit,” Rocco snarled as he stormed past his goons and headed down the street. “Leave him and let’s get to work!”

Every single guy immediately fell in behind Rocco, their respect for him fully restored.

He’d definitely made a good deal for himself.

But seeing as I was going to get Cat all to myself for the rest of the day, andeveryday –

And all I’d had to sacrifice was a little bit of my pride –

I figured I’d made a better deal.

I stood up and walked over to Paolo, who stood there smirking.

He had obviously figured out what was going on.

Paolo might have been a traitor, but he wasn’t dumb. I’d give him that.

“Well,” he said.“Thatwas interesting.”

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