Page 104 of Kings of Cruelty

Silvano’s eyebrows go high, but he laughs. “Sure. I’ll even dial him myself.”

He gets his phone and makes the call, setting it to speaker.

It takes several rings before Pavone answers. “Silvano? Am I late? No, that’s tomorrow. That’s tomorrow, right, Damien? The gay strip bar tour?”

Silvano rubs his eyebrows. “That’s tomorrow, although I think I have to cancel. I have Konstantin Voronkov with me, Giulio.”

“Oh! Really?” I hear shuffling from the other end.

“Yes, I am here,” I say, getting closer to Silvano. Maddox hovers, preventing me from approaching further. “I have things to discuss with you.”

“Yeah? Like the text you sent me just now, saying you wanted to discuss new product?” Pavone chuckles. “Imagine my surprise, when I get this text after you’d been so adamant about not stepping into my market.”

Of course my father texted him. I’d known relinquishing my phone to him would be disastrous. He’d gotten through the security faster than I’d expected, but then, we aren’t the only ones with tech experts on staff.

“That was not me,” I say. “My phone was stolen.”

“Oof. Bad luck. You should report them. New Bristol cops are always happy to help the local citizens.”

Nikolai mutters under his breath, “Yeah, if you pay them enough.”

Maddox must’ve caught the words, because he snorts. He doesn’t argue, though. We all know how to get the attention of the NBPD, and that has nothing to do with being a citizen and everything to do with how well we can line their pockets.

“So, why are you calling, and from Silvano’s phone?”

“The thief, he will attempt to enter your market. He is already the largest supplier in Russia. Do you think you want that competition?” I try to temper my voice, despite my anger. “I would like to take the thief down. It will help you keep your monopoly.”

“Whoa, whoa. Monopoly is such an ugly word. I’m sure I only have like, eighty percent of the market share here in New Bristol. There’s a lot of competitors, especially these days. And?—”

“Giulio, stop rambling,” Rossi’s deeper voice interrupts. “What do you want, Voronkov?”

“I need men.” I glance at Silvano. “We have weapons. I will pay you handsomely, once the thief is taken care of.”

There’s silence on the other end. When Pavone finally responds, he sounds less amused. “I’m not super into this idea. You’re a great guy, Voronkov, but y’know, the other Voronkov might be a great guy too.”

Fuck. I’d hoped Pavone would see the benefit in helping me.

“Sierra wanted to catch up with Vanessa,” I say quickly. “She regrets how we left last time.”

There’s another pause, and Giulio sighs loudly. “More tempting, but… it’s kind of a bad time.”

Now Silvano laughs. “Really? You were going to take me and Kyran on a tour of your new gay strip bar, but you can’t spare a few men?”

“Look—” Pavone makes a disgusted sound. “Jesus, Damien, I get it! Fine. I can spare a few guys. But I’ve got enough trouble from bitch auntie right now, so?—”

Nikolai makes an impatient gesture, but I don’t know what he’s trying to say. Maybe he’s frustrated, too, but it seems like that’s the constant state of being around Giulio Pavone. He could test anyone’s patience.

“Bitch auntie?” Silvano repeats. “You mean Lucia Bellini?”

Nikolai sucks in a breath.

“Lucia Bellini? Victor Corvi’s whore?” I frown, remembering our interactions with them those short months ago. “How is she giving you trouble?”

“None of your fucking business,” Pavone snaps back. “You want my help? Tell her to back the fuck off.”

“Do not do that,” Rossi says immediately. “We’ll handle our own affairs.”

They hang up.

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