Page 24 of Mafia King: Matteo
“And you’re still fucking him?” It’s more of a statement than a question.
“Yes.” My shoulders slump in defeat. His sharp eyes study me. I hold my breath and wait for him to criticize my risky behavior. Instead, his eyes fill with disappointment. Ugh. This was a bad idea. I should have asked someone else who doesn’t care about me. I can’t handle his judgment.
“Sorry to sound harsh. I’m not surprised you go to sex clubs. I just don’t understand it when you could have me 24/7.”
“You know why,” I reply. “It would fuck up our friendship.”
“I know, I know,” he says and rubs his hand over his thick black hair. “You’re probably right. If you were mine, I wouldn’t let you out of my sight.”
“Yeah, I know, you are extremely possessive. What mafioso man isn’t?” I chuckle.
“That goes without saying. Any man who is near you feels the same way. But if this man hurts you, I’ll kill him with my bare hands.”
“He hasn’t,” I assure him. “It’s a rule at the club that we remain anonymous, but I have a feeling he figured out who I am. I mean, it’s not that difficult. All he has to do is follow me home. It’s not like I’m in witness protection,” I shrug. “Who am I kidding? Even those guys get whacked eventually.”
“I’m calling Dima. He will guard and follow you so we can gather intel the next time you meet this guy.”
“Fine.”
“Fine? You aren’t fighting this?”
“My will to find out who he is supersedes my willpower for privacy, so for the foreseeable time being, I’m not going to fight you on this. But don’t tell my father,” I warn.
“Got you,” he replies as he pours more vodka. We clink our glasses together, and I toss back my second shot.
“Now that we’re done with business, how have you been?” I ask.
“Busy with stuff, you know.”
“I heard my father being irate this week. What the hell is that about?”
“He’s making deals, and we had an issue. It’s all been settled. I’m sure he’ll return to his cold and indifferent self the next time you see him.”
“I love you, Kirill. You understand me, and you definitely have my father figured out.”
“Maybe, maybe not. But for now, everything is good except for you living dangerously and meeting up with strangers we haven’t vetted. We’re not at war, but that can change without warning.” He sets his glass on the table with a thunk. He grips the glass tightly while he gives me a stern look. “Please, don’t do this alone again. Let Dima know next time you go on a mission of self-destruction.”
I nod.
Kirill knows me well, and he’s right. My meaningless hook-ups feed the hole of darkness in me. I proceeded to defy my family by not having a guard and doing whatever the fuck I wanted with no thought about possible consequences. I know one day, this will catch up to me.
CHAPTER 9
MATTEO
I toss Alena’s dossier on my desk and collapse into the well-worn leather chair. I lean back with my fingers laced behind my head, satisfied that whoever sold me out didn’t plan on us having a chance encounter. If it was a one-time fuck, I might never have known she’s a precious gem, a gem that belongs to my enemy, a gem that will soon be mine.
He took what was mine. Now, I’ll take what is his.
When I ask Gio for a status report on Alena, it’s no surprise she’s currently at the hottest club in the city. This makes my blood boil, knowing the place is full of wolves, worse than the likes of me.
What is her father thinking, allowing her out at this time of night with no protection? Obviously, no one watches her as much as I do—otherwise, they would be onto me.
Gio’s phone rings.
“Pronto?” There’s a pause while he listens. “Yes, I’ll be sure to tell him.”
“What now?” I grumble when he hangs up.
