Page 18 of Ruthless Mafia Boss 3: Vino and Claire

The stocky one squared his shoulders, his voice shaking as he blurted, “This is Santon territory now.”

Xavier and I exchanged a look before laughing. The poor bastard didn’t even believe his own words.

“Oh, is that so?” I said, amusement fading.

“We’re not leaving with you,” the taller man snarled. “Our men are waiting out back.”

Before he could finish, Theron and Max pressed Glocks against the backs of their heads.

“I’d say you are,” I said with a smirk.

Xavier relieved them of their weapons.

“Max, ETA on cleanup?” I asked.

“Fifteen minutes out,” he confirmed.

“Get a few kids in here to clean up the store,” I ordered.

Theron nodded. “No problem, boss.”

I crouched, picked up a fallen banana, and turned to the mouthy one. “Your disrespect hasn’t gone unnoticed.” I shoved the unpeeled banana into his mouth. He gagged, choking.

“No one talks to me like that.” I gripped his t-shirt and drove my knee into his gut. He doubled over, gasping. “You come into my territory and harass businesses under our protection?”

I drove my fist into his face. Once. Twice. Again. His body sagged, the other man watching in silent horror, knowing better than to move.

Breathing heavily, I stepped back and jutted my chin toward the back door.

The tall one wrenched the banana from his throat, coughing violently. My guys hauled the men out of the rear exit.

Running a hand down my black suit jacket, I peeked over the counter. “I apologize for the inconvenience.”

The cashier stood shakily, meeting my gaze.

“We’ll get the store cleaned up,” I assured her.

A small, relieved smile touched her lips.

I pulled five hundred-dollar bills from my pocket, placing them on the counter. “This is for the bananas. The rest is for you.”

“Did you pay them for this month’s protection service?” I asked.

She hesitated before whispering, “Yes.”

“I’ll get that money back,” I promised. “You won’t pay twice.”

Tears welled in her eyes, but this time, there was gratitude behind them. “Thank you.”

I nodded before walking out and slipping into the back seat of my SUV.

Xavier circled around back, throwing the vehicle into park before climbing out.

To my left, another SUV sat still. The backup these idiots had brought with them. Dead.

Xavier popped the trunk as Theron and Max dragged the two battered, zip-tied assholes toward the vehicle.

“The boss will see you motherfuckers now,” Xavier growled.

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