Page 13 of My Hunger, Your Soul

“You do.”

“I’m gonna punch you in a minute,” Si threatens, eliciting another laugh.

“No you won’t as you want to live, don’t you?”

“Are you threatening me?”

“No, just stating facts. Anyone who touches me like that won’t be breathing for long. I don't give a fuck who you are.”

“Fucking psycho.”

“You’ve no idea, sweetheart.”

“Dickhead.”

“Are you two finished? Is this what it's like to be an embarrassed parent? Can we act professionally?” Lev says and both me and Simon laugh. It's a rare sight from Si, but at least he’s not thinking about Carlos. Huh. Spoke too soon.

“Gentlemen, sorry for keeping you waiting,” Carlos says as he walks into the room, all snuggled up in a long black woolen winter coat with a deep red scarf. A look that does not fit into the scenery here.

“Well, be prompt next time. We’re freezing our asses off here and I ain’t your employee,” Lev says. Carlos nods and apologizes, and Lev gets right down to business.

“We’ve located your guys and your brother. They’re in a small house in the suburbs just outside the city. Your brother is apparently waiting for a contact to get in touch to arrange for him to leave the country. We’ve no idea who the contact is, but I recommend we go in now.”

“Wow, that was a lot faster than I expected. I’m impressed.”

“Crews are gossips,” I say, and Carlos smiles.

“Where do you want them? I’m not using our home for this as this is your mess,” Lev says.

“I agree. I have an empty property not far from Grinston. It has a soundproof basement previously used as a music studio by the previous owners. I’ll message you the address.”

“Good. Are you gonna be there or do you want us to run the show?”

“No, I’ll be there.”

“Okay, I’ll send Si, Jules, and Ivan to retrieve the guys. I’ll wait with you at the location. Tomorrow good for you?”

“Can’t wait,” Carlos says as he stands and shakes Lev’s hand before leaving, but not before he speaks to Si.

“See you tomorrow, little lion.”

Simon’s jaw clenches, focusing his stare forward, giving zero response. Yeah, he definitely wants to fuck him. Just as the door closes, Simon unleashes his emotions.

“That fucking arrogant, smug, annoying asshole. I’m gonna stab him if he keeps goading me, Lev. I’m serious. Can you send someone else?”

“No. Now grow the fuck up, and let's get out of here.”

I’m about to goad Si myself when he holds his finger up, stopping me from talking.

“Don’t say a fucking word, Ivan.” And he storms out into the cold night, a full tantrum in effect. That is gonna be one steamy angry fuck when they get down to it.

10

TYLER

“When do the contractors start?” my boss asks after I’ve given him the downlow on what is happening with the Kozlov contract.

“Next week.”

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