Page 226 of Mafia Kings: Valentino

And forced his face underwater.

He screamed, but it came out as bubbles and a muffled“Bllrrbbb!”

I bore down with all my weight and stayed clear of his one good arm as it flailed around.

His other arm was bent sickeningly at the elbow where I’d broken it.

He stopped screaming –

Then started choking as he involuntarily inhaled water.

Within twenty seconds, his body began jerking uncontrollably as he drowned to death.

I waited another full minute until the spasms ceased and he was still as a rock.

I finally backed away, sweat pouring down my chest and back.

I didn’t realize how strenuous that had been –

How hard it was –

To kill him.

I killed him!

I stared at the body in horror.

It wasn’t that it was my first time. I’d killed other people before.

But I’d always shot them.

Cold – impersonal – at a distance.

Never with my bare hands.

And never somebody I’d actually known –

Even if theywerea piece of shit who’d betrayed me for money.

I stared down at Paolo’s lifeless body and tried to get a handle on my emotions.

Then I heard Caterina wail behind me.

I ran to her and put my hands on her arms. “Are you okay?!”

She nodded as tears streamed down her face. “Y-yes – are YOU okay?!”

“I’m fine,” I said as I pulled her into a hug.

Then, slowly, I began to realize the consequences of what I’d just done.

“…oh fuck…” I whispered.

“What?”

“Fuck – FUCK!” I swore as I stood and started pacing.

“What’s wrong?!”

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