Page 20 of King

“Good morning.” I say loudly to all of them, not willing to accept this anymore.

One girl glances at me and pulls a sour face. No one replies.

“I said -good morning.” I say more sternly.

The girl sniggers.

I walk over to her, standing right in her space I grab her chin, forcing her to look at me. “Do you think its brave to act rudely towards the people who live in this house?”

“Pfft.” She snorts, glaring at me. “From what I’ve heard you manipulated your way in here and won’t be here for very long.”

I take a step back from her, tilting my head to the side as I narrow my eyes at her. She looks at me with a satisfied smirk spread across her face.

In one, swift, sharp movement I slap her across the cheek and that smug grin disappears. Her mouth drops open in shock.

“You’re fired.” I snap. “Get out immediately.”

“You can’t fire me?—”

I cut her words off with another slap. Her eyes shoot wide, glittering with tears. “Even if I was nothing more than a guest in this house - how does your mind justify treating another human being with such disdain. Get the fuck out. And if I see you again I assure you, you will regret it.”

She runs from the dining room and I turn slowly to look at the rest of the staff. “If anyone so much as frowns at my son or me again I will have every single one of you fired. It’s time for people to learn their place and learn how to show respect where it’s required.”

The staff are shifting, standing nervously with their eyes glued to me.

“Does anyone have any questions?” I ask.

“No, mam.” Three of them quickly answer.

“Good. We would like two cups of fresh coffee. I take mine with cream.” I say, sitting down to enjoy my breakfast. I gesture to Guido to do the same. He’s not as sure as I am and watches the staff skeptically.

We can’t act like we’re not welcome here - we have to be the ones who change this environment to make sure others follow our lead.

Santino and Romeo walk into the dining room and Romeo sighs loudly.

“Look what the cat dragged in.” He huffs, glaring at me.

A number of staff scuttle from the room, suddenly eager to be elsewhere.

“Good morning, Romeo. Did you sleep well?” I ask, ignoring his rudeness.

He huffs and turns to his brother. “I’m not actually that hungry.”

Santino shakes his head. “Just sit down and eat for fuck’s sake. Don’t let them ruin your breakfast.”

I clench my jaw.

Maybe it is time I had a conversation with Giovanni. Although that might be the easy way out. If I reply on him to fight my battles for me these boys will never learn to respect me.

I need another plan.

Breakfast ends in the same awkward way it started.

When Guido stands up to leave Romeo tries to trip him and laughs like an immature little asshole. I stand up,accidentallyknocking over the last half of his coffee and sending it splashing across his lap.

He jumps up from his seat and yelps in horror.

“So sorry.” I mutter, not bothering to hide my smile.

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