Page 38 of Dangerous King
This is my mess. And I'm going to clean it in blood.
My hands grip the steering wheel hard, and I imagine it's Roberto's throat—the bastard. My sister nearly got killed twice in less than twenty-four hours, and I'm willing to bet that he had his dirty hands in it both times.
I've already checked the security cameras twice. Catalina and Izzy are safe inside my mansion. Dante is there too. Between him and Manollo, I'm sure they'll be kept safe. I have other plans for Silvano. But first, I need to make another call. I've got business to finish. Too much business for one day.
I hit the button on the steering wheel and bark, "Call Marcello." His family controls loan sharking and extortion in our organization, which makes Kingsley a perfect payoff for Marcello.
It rings once. "Happy early birthday," I say the moment he picks up. "I have a gift for you," I elaborate.
A short pause follows. I imagine him creasing his brows. "What kind of gift?"
"Senator Kingsley," I say. "Gift-wrapped and waiting. I'll send you the coordinates. I'll also send you a video of him being a naughty coward who likes to beat women. He's all yours. Just make sure he knows first what happens when he hurts a woman."
I don't know Marcello well, or at all, but between all of us, there's always been this unspoken rule about not harming women. This is a good time to find out where he stands on this issue.
A low chuckle that promises pain for Kingsley comes through the speakers of the Lambo. "You do know my birthday is not for another six months."
"Hmm, my assistant must have forgotten," I deadpan. "My bad. Do you want him?"
"Does he have a bow tied to his neck?"
I like how our conversation is getting easier. A rapport is slowly building between us. It's too early to call it trust, but it's something—a thread. What kind, we'll have to find out. In our world, a thread can be the start of a noose—or a bond. Depends on how you pull it.
"Red satin," I say dryly. "Thought it'd bring out the coward in his eyes."
Marcello exhales a low laugh. "Text me the location and the footage. I'll make sure he understands the consequences… personally."
"Good." I pause, just long enough to make sure he knows I'm serious. "Make it slow."
"Always do."
The line goes dead. I should be satisfied with having added a sitting US senator to our asset list, but too much bile is still churning my gut from unrestrained fury at Roberto to enjoy the moment.
Next, I dial Silvano. He answers with the question I expected. He already knows about the mall and that the girls are safe. "What do you need?"
"You're meeting Marcello at the Valente in a few minutes." I might have predicted his words, but he sure as hell didn't see my answer coming. The silence that follows is a good indication of it. I'm giving him time to digest the news.
"You're givinghimKingsley?" he barks, disgusted.
"I am."
"That son of a bitch nearly killed Barbie. He should already be dead."
"I agree," I respond calmly. "Every other bastard would be, but unfortunately, a senator is just too valuable to pass up. Marcello will know how to keep him in line. Trust me, that bastard won't have another happy second in his life. Plus, now I'm in the clear with Marcello. I don't owe him shit anymore."
Another beat of silence follows. Then Silvano exhales, suppressing a slight chuckle, realizing what giving Kingsley to Marcello will do for us, besides paying off a debt. It could be the beginning of gaining another valuable asset in the long game. "You manipulative bastard."
"I learned from the best," I murmur, because it's true. My father raised us all to trade flesh for power, secrets for currency. This is just me refining the technique.
"Oh, and tie a red ribbon around his neck. I promised Marcello."
His laugh bursts through the line, dark and grudging. "You're a genius and an asshole."
"Not mutually exclusive."
"Marcello better make that asshole scream," he mutters. "I want to hear it."
"He will," I assure him.
