Page 42 of Vito

My face is hard and assessing—the face of a predator.

He sees he's pushing me and threads his fingers through his hair, easing his glower. "If you can get me in touch with him, I'll be in your debt."

Playing nice, swallowing my insult, cooling his temper,andacknowledging he'd owe me? Now I know Lixin means business.

Unease ripples down my spine, thinking again about why he'd want these weapons. "Like I said, Jones has been unreachable. But if I am successful, I'm the one who brokers communication with him."

It's how Jones rolls. Plus, I'm not giving up my contact's information so Lixin can circumvent me.

Before he can protest, Gus enters the barroom from the kitchen. He says something to a group of Fire Clan, Triad, Santoro men, and a few other independent criminals, which makes them roar with laughter.

Lixin looks over his shoulder and watches Gus walk to the bar to talk to Eden. "He's usually gone by now."

Gus usually is, but I know he worries about Eden after what happened with Aiken. Ambrose, or one of his security teammembers, always stays with Eden during the final closing, but Gus periodically pops in.

Lixin turns back to me and knocks his knuckles on the table. "Let me know whatever you find out about Adamus Jones."

I nod, watching him stand. "Don't hold your breath."

He stiffens but shrugs it off. "Just asking for you to try, brother."

My jaw and fist clench at him calling me brother, referring that we're fucking pals. I keep my trap shut out of respect for Massimo—I don't want to cause more headaches for him because I know Lixin would run like a little bitch to complain to him.

"I'll keep you posted," I say tightly.

He briefly glances at Eden and Gus, who are talking with their heads close, then turns on his heel and walks out of the bar.

My fingers tap against my glass, and I contemplate whether to tell Massimo about Lixin's request tonight or tomorrow. Before I can decide, the door to Gilly's opens again.

I watch as Eden's eyes flick to it, as they always do, to observe who has entered her domain.

Usually, it's a quick glance to assess for threats.

But now, her body and face go rigid. Gus stops talking and looks at her with concern.

My eyes swivel to see what caused Eden to react so instantly and harshly. Sheneverreacts.

Seeing the couple standing just inside the bar's threshold, clasping hands, slaps me with understanding.

Edna and Peter Fallen.

I'm on my feet instantly.

Eden stalks out from behind the bar, pointing at the intruders with one hand and fisting her bat in the other. "Get. Out."

Her parents stand there, unmoving. When Peter opens his mouth to speak, Eden yells, "Get the fuck out!"

Gone is her unreadable, emotionless, cold mask. In its place is fury, but also pain and panic.

Security is approaching Peter and Edna, but I get there first.

"You heard her." I use the low, menacing voice that strikes fear into my enemies.

They recognize me from the graveyard but see I'm no ally of theirs.

"Eden, please…" Edna's eyes spill over with tears. She looks fearfully at me and the security crowding around us, and then back to Eden. "Please," she tries again. "Christmas is in a few weeks."

"Shut the fuck up." Eden's face is cold and back to looking more emotionless. "You step foot in here again, and I won't be responsible for the outcome."

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