Page 139 of Dangerous Contract: Part 1

“This is what happens when you don’t stay outside,” the biggest guard with a ball head told the man next to him. “People come in off the street.”

Orazio chuckled. Did he look like some random motherfucker off the street? He stared behind the guard to the roped-off area that was separated from other sections by a red velvet curtain.

“Excuse me,” the bald man guarding the entrance to the VIP area said, his broad shoulders and stern expression making his intentions clear. “This section is reserved for a private event.”

“We know. Today is Jacob Tatum’s girlfriend’s birthday party or some shit like that,” Orazio replied. His dark eyes locked onto the guards, daring him to deny them entry.

“Exactly,” the guard said, shifting his stance. “I’m afraid I can’t let you in without an invitation. And don’t say you have an invite. Because none were sent out.”

“Relax, big guy,” Cas chimed in, his tone dripping with charm. “We’re not here to crash the party. We just want to have a little chat with our friend Jacob.”

“Sorry, but I can’t allow that.” The guard crossed his arms as he glared at them.

“We’re going to talk to Jacob, whether you like it or not,” Orazio stated, his patience wearing thin. “You can either step aside, or we’ll make you.”

The guard chuckled. When he spoke again, his voice was lower, darker. “Alright, gentlemen. You’ve been warned.”

“So have you,” Orazio replied, his voice laced with menace.

The bald guy moved to unfold his arms from over his chest. Orazio threw the first punch, fist connecting with the guard’s chin before the man could lower his arms. The impact sent the big man stumbling back, giving Orazio the opening he needed.

Raz punched the guard in the throat, and before the guard could catch his breath, Raz punched him in the stomach, causing him to double over.

“That’s all you got, brother?” Cas taunted, flashing a wicked grin before launching himself into the fray. “You used to fight better than that,” Cas yelled as he swung a chair at one guard, the force of the blow knocking the guard off balance. A second guard lunged at Cas, but his brother sidestepped the attack, grabbing the man’s arm and twisting it behind his back.

Orazio focused on his own opponent, ducking a wild swing and retaliating with a vicious uppercut. Gritting his teeth, he reveled in the satisfying crunch of bone. With a predatory glint in his eyes, he grabbed a nearby bottle and smashed it over the guard’s head, sending him crumpling to the ground like a ragdoll.

Two more guards rushed from the back. Raz raised his fists as one approached with a bat. He ducked the swing. Wind swooshed past his ear as the bat barely missed striking his head. Raz kicked the bat holder in the chest, sending him sprawling to the floor.

As the fight raged on, tables and chairs became their weapons, being thrown, shattered, and used as shields amid the chaos. The bartenders and girls who’d been dancing on a stage fled the club.

The sound of shattering glass and splintering wood filled the air, punctuated by the grunts and shouts of the brawling men. Cas and Raz had fought together all their lives. They were great at watching each other’s backs while protecting their fronts.

It didn’t take them long to bring down the guards who were more muscle than skills. A little bloodied and bruised, Orazio and Cas were finally the last ones standing, with the guards lying on the floor around them. Orazio started toward the private VIP area, with Cas following closely behind him.

“You’re getting old,” Cas told Raz. “It used to take you less time to finish a fight against that number of opponents.”

“That’s because I usually had Rome with me,” Raz teased, speaking of his middle brother. “He’s a better fighter than you.”

Cas laughed as he wiped blood from the corner of his mouth. Orazio scanned the VIP room for any sign of Jacob Tatum.

“Where did that little fucker go?” he muttered, his eyes narrowing as they darted from corner to corner.

“Found him,” Cas whispered, nodding towards the back door, which was slightly ajar. “Looks like he tried to slip away.”

“He couldn’t have gone far,” Orazio growled, making his way toward the exit.

When they stepped outside, they saw two women in skintight dresses. Hiding behind them was Jacob Tatum. That little weasel was using his girlfriends as shields. Jacob’s eyes widenedwhen he saw Orazio and Cas, fear momentarily flickering across his face before he tried to mask it with a snarl.

“What the fuck do you want?” Jacob yelled, shoving his blond hair out of his face.

“You,” Raz told him. “We’re here for you.”

“Why? I didn’t do shit to you two.”

“Your father did.” Before Jacob could say something else, Raz faced the women. “You two can leave. This doesn’t involve you.”

That was all they needed to hear. They took off running, nearly twisting their ankles in their insanely high heels.

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