Page 75 of Malicious Claim

Leila's muscles tightened. Something didn't feel right. "What's my part?" she asked, her voice even in spite of the unease worming its way under her skin. "Why involve me?"

The Don's lips curved, not quite a smile. "You'll be learning how we do things. Consider this an introduction to the Cretes' way."

Leila's stomach twisted. That meant her gut was right and it was a test. That meant doing exactly what she was told.

"And if I refuse?" she probed.

Don Matteo's expression didn't change. "Then Makros will hear about everything you've been doing when he returns."

Her blood ran cold.

Every muscle in her body locked up, but she forced herself to nod. "Understood."

Don Matteo stood. "Good. You leave at dusk. I suggest you both be ready."

He gestured toward the door. Dismissed.

Stefanos turned sharply, eager to leave. But Leila lingered, as if waiting for something.

The Don didn't disappoint.

"Oh, and Leila?"

She stiffened.

"Stefanos answers to you on this mission."

Her head snapped up. Even Stefanos halted mid-step.

"Excuse me?" he blurted out.

The Don tilted his head slightly, voice mild but firm. "Did you misunderstand?"

Stefanos clenched his teeth. No, he had heard perfectly.

Leila wasn't sure whether to feel relieved or terrified.

She gave a small nod. "Understood."

This time, when the Don gestured, she obeyed.

As she and Stefanos stepped into the hallway, silence stretched between them.

Then, Stefanos exhaled sharply, running a hand through his disheveled hair.

"Perfect," he whispered to himself. "Perfect fucking perfect."

They were instructed to hand deliver a sealed package to Salvatore Nicci, a middleman, very vaguely connected with the Cretes. He worked at an elite nightclub, a front for his far more clandestine business.

The instructions were simple: Hand over the package. Get verbal confirmation that everything was on track. Leave.

But there was nothing simple about the Don, or his errands.

He had already spoken to Salvatore. He wanted him to test Leila.

Push her. Intimidate her. Maybe even suggest she should stay behind as part of the deal.

Would she defer to Stefanos? Would she push back? Would she try to negotiate on her own?

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