Page 38 of Ruthless Mafia Boss 3: Vino and Claire

I paused, letting the weight of my words settle. “Again, the package says it all. You don’t steal from me. Maybe things work differently in your neck of the woods, but in New Jersey, we don’t tolerate disrespect. Stay in New York, Michelangelo.”

“Fuck you, Vino,” he spat, pure hatred dripping from every syllable.

What the fuck had I ever done to this asshole?

I turned to Xavier, raising a brow. “Were the hands too much?” I mouthed.

“I see you chose this exact moment to come after me while my friends are caught up in another situation,” I said, my voice edged with warning.

“But don’t worry. My brother and I are on high alert.”

Michelangelo’s deep voice boomed through the speaker. “Why haven’t you made a move yet?”

“You mean why haven’t I stolen pieces of your territory?” I let out a low chuckle, shoving a leg deeper into the meat grinder.

“My family already has the territories we want in New York. Besides, this isn’t nineteen-fucking-thirty. We don’t steal territory. We make deals, you fucking asshole.”

I nodded at Xavier to end the call. If my gloves weren’t drenched in blood, I probably would’ve hurled the phone across the room.

“It’s time for a sit-down with my uncles in New York. I can’t have this blowing back on them.”

My hands were full.

Right after the meeting, Xavier and I headed straight to Amadeo to discuss the text he’d sent yesterday.

Amadeo:Vino, Claire is fine. But something is off about her.?

Me:I’ll see you tomorrow.

It took everything in me not to drop everything and go to her, but I trusted my men to keep her safe.

We rolled through the streets of New York, four vehicles deep. War demanded constant vigilance. As we neared Claire’s block, the other three SUVs peeled off, circling and parking across the street close enough to react, but far enough not to raise her suspicion.

My phone rang just as we approached Claire’s warehouse.

I tapped my earbud. “Hello.”

“Vino, this motherfucker is pushing it too far,” my brother growled.

“What happened now?” I rubbed my temple, already knowing I wouldn’t like the answer.

“A strip mall is up in flames.”

“Let me guess, Vincent. It’s in our territory?”

“Yup.”

I exhaled sharply. “All right. Xavier will call Blicks.”

“Good. And, uh, brother? I’ve been patient. How long are you going to keep the woman you’re seeing under wraps?”

I chuckled. “It’s a delicate situation. Once she’s locked in, I’ll introduce you.”

Vincent laughed. “Talk soon.”

“Yeah.” I ended the call.

Xavier held the rear passenger door open.

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