Page 31 of Vanished in Vegas

“Yeah. It’s just business, Uncle,” I smiled sweetly at Tino. The look in his eyes as he stared at me screamed murder. If he had the chance, he’d kill all of us.

“I’ve worked hard to get where I am,” Tino muttered.

“Worked hard? How is throwing around your brother’s and De Santis’ names count for you working hard? Lazy mother fucker. You mooch off of them. Carefully shaking their hand while your other hand is dipping into their pot behind their back.”

Tino’s eyes widened. I couldn’t help the smirk that crossed my face. Antonio’s words might surprised others; however not me. For a long time, I knew who my uncle truly was– A complete piece of shit.

“That’s right. I’ve done my homework,” Antonio grinned at Tino. “I know all about thepaidprotection you’ve offered people. Big-timers who think they’re under the protection of the Romano and De Santis Families. But it’s just your way to earn a dime. Right?”

“You– You– You don’t know shit about me,” Tino waved his finger at Antonio. “I was running these streets before you were even a thought in your daddy’s– FUCK!”

Tino held his face. His eyes now locked on me. Intensity and rage filled them. I suppose striking him in the eye with the gun upset him. But he had it coming. I hadn’t even thought twice about it. Simply, lifted the gun and with all my might hit him with it.

Stupid schmuck,I muttered to myself.

“Nonna raised you better.” I tsked. “Such a Romano disgrace.”

“You. Fucking. Bit–

Bang.The sound of a gun going off sounded throughout the room. Tino cried out in pain. Confusion filled me as I looked at the gun in my hand. How the fuck did I shoot Tino? My finger wasn’t even on the trigger and the gun was on safe. What the hell happened?

Before I could digest the questions swarming my mind, Antonio stormed across the room and over to the other side of Tino, who was hunched over holding his shoulder. Antonio yanked Tino out of his chair forcefully. The chair crashed to the floor.

“I fucking told you to watch how you talked to her,” Antonio gritted between clenched teeth inches from Tino’s face. Tino shook with fear while his hand pressed firmly against his bullet wound.

“I– I– I–” Tino stuttered.

“Shut the fuck up!” Antonio growled. “Your breathing alone annoys the fuck out of me.”

“You mother fucker,” Tino muttered under his breath between ragged breaths.

“Tie him up downstairs.” Antonio released his hold on Tino’s shirt.

Tino stumbled backward into the wall. Before he had a chance to stand upright, two of Antonio’s men snatched him up. Tino kicked and screamed as they dragged him towards the door.

“Wait,” I said, walking over to behind them.

“Hold on,” Antonio stated, causing the guys to stop walking. I quickly dug into Tino’s front pocket and retrieved his phone.

“Okay. I’m good.” I smiled. The guys nodded their heads then dragged Tino from the room. His loud, pathetic screams echoed throughout the hallway.

“Shut him up!” Antonio called out.

“You got it, Boss!” one of the men yelled, shortly before Tino’s loudness fell silent.

“Leave us,” Antonio ordered the room.

“Yes, Boss!” The remainder of my guys said in unison then filed out of the room.

“That was fun,” I giggled, sitting down and spinning in the chair. “Are things always so lively around here?”

Antonio chuckled softly. He closed the door then walked over to me.

“You okay?” he asked, looking down at me.

“Of course. This is like a Tuesday in my house,” I winked. Antonio laughed at my words. “Just saying.”

Antonio helped me up then sat down. My eyebrow rose from his gesture but before I could open my mouth, he grabbed my hand. He pulled me onto his lap. My arms instinctively wrapped around his neck.

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