Alessio
My unwanted attraction to Dario ruins all my fun at having him captive in the cabin’s cellar. But then, if I hadn’t been hugely drawn to him in the first place, I’d never have let him fuck me. I still have no idea why I did that. Sure, I was horny, but even so, having sex with my mark was dumb. Risky. Still, even down in the cellar just now, his scent did something weird to me. I was twice as mean to him because of how he affects me. It pisses me off. I don’twantto be attracted to Dario. He’s just a card to be played. A tool to be used.
And I’d love to use him and use him some more.
I shiver and then curse under my breath as I tromp up the stairs to the kitchen. As I enter the room, Enzo glances at me uneasily, his yellowish eyes glitter in the dim light. “Did you have a nice chat?” he asks.
I pull out a chair at the oak table and plop down, setting the cattle prod on the table top. “He’s an asshole.” The kitchen is small. Dated. It has oak cupboards, yellow Formica countertops, and old green appliances. But dated or not, it’s cozy.
“Is that supposed to be news?” Enzo laughs. “All of the Black Knives guys are pricks. They think their shit doesn’t stink.”
“I’m gonna enjoy torturing that jerk.” I get up and head to the coffeemaker. I pour myself a cup of coffee, still seething at how arrogant Dario is. He didn’t even seem the least bit scared. That pisses me off. He should be peeing himself by now, like most “visitors” who’ve had the pleasure of staying here have. Instead, he made me feel like he had the upper hand. Which is fucking ridiculous.
“I remember that guy’s face.” Enzo sips his coffee, looking thoughtful. “The day your dad took Nico, that guy kind of saved my life.”
I scowl. “Excuse me?”
“It’s true. After Roberto stabbed me, that guy put pressure on the wound and drove me to the hospital.”
I narrow my eyes and grate out, “What the fuck are you saying? You feel loyal to him or something?”
“Hell no. I’m not saying I feel like I owe him or anything.” Sweat breaks out on Enzo’s face as I stare him down. “I just appreciate he didn’t let me bleed out, that’s all. I don’t think he even remembers me.”
I pour cream into my coffee giving a hard laugh. “Sounds to me like you feel beholden to Dario.”
“Absolutely not. Not even one bit.” He swallows hard.
“How sweet that you were reunited with your savior. Maybe I should fire you and Valentino can give you a job. Then you could work side by side with yourhero.”
“Boss,” Enzo sounds nervous, “I’m just saying that I recognized him. I mean, he saved my life and I’m glad to be alive. But my loyalty is to you. To the Abella syndicate. You must know that.”
I lean against the counter, watching him as I take a sip of coffee. Enzo has worked for my family since he was a boy. He’s probably loyal to us, but you never fucking know in this business. People can smile in your face, promising undying loyalty, while slipping a blade between your ribs. It’s hard to trust anyone when you’re in the mafia, and yet trust and loyalty are what can keep you alive too.
It’s a complicated life.
When I don’t respond, he frowns. “You trust me, right?” His eyes gleam as he holds my gaze. “I’d die for you, boss. You know that.”
I’m happy to hear him say that since I’ve always felt Enzo was trustworthy. But it’s best to keep him on edge. I don’t want him feeling too sure of his place beside me. “I guess we’ll see. When I start torturing your pal, how you react will tell me a lot.”
He sighs. “He’s not mypaland I’ll happily help you cut his balls off, okay?”
I wince inwardly at that imagery, but say, “That’s more like it.”
“I mean it too. Just tell me what you want me to do, and I’ll do it. I have no qualms killing Dario. Not one.” He lifts his chin, eyes glittering with determination.
“I’m glad to hear it. There’s a reason you’re the only man I brought with me on this little revenge tour. You’re the only one of my dad’s men I truly trust. Hopefully, you won’t disappoint me.”
“I won’t,” Enzo says quickly. “I’m a hundred percent loyal to you.”
I give a sharp nod and he relaxes. We stay silent for a few minutes, then I say, “It’s been a day and a half. Have you heard any chatter about whether or not Valentino knows Dario is missing yet?”
“There’s some talk, yeah. But so far Valentino isn’t saying anything publicly.” He smirks. “I’ll bet he’s rattled his main man isn’t around to help him figure out his next step.”
I frown. “I don’t think Valentino is weak or vulnerable just because I have Dario.”
“No. No. You’re right.” Enzo nods agreeably. “But he’s probably not at his best since his right-hand man is gone.”
“Or he’s ten times more dangerous because he’s pissed,” I murmur.