Page 62 of Ruthless Vengeance
I’m just going to have to get better at balancing the two priorities.
“I’m listening.”
Andre sinks deeper into the couch as he rubs at his jaw. “The Costa brothers are making moves.”
My jaw clenches, and I instinctively tighten my arms around Zoe, pulling her closer.
Bruno and Carlos Costa are two slimy bastards with an axe to grind. They think they’re on the same level that their father was, but they’re stupid if they think they can take us on.
“They’ve officially made threats against Nox.” Andre shakes his head. “If we don’t make a move first, they’ll take it as weakness.”
I frown. “Levi hasn’t said anything. Is this legit?”
“Yes. It’s only a matter of time before word gets around. Even just the mention of the Costas will be enough to ruin the business, at least for a while.”
“Bruno and Carlos are a couple of meatheads. They shouldn’t even be on our radar.”
“I know. But with the entirety of their father’s men on their side, they’re a fucking threat.”
I mindlessly stroke my hand up and down Zoe’s back as she chews on her sleeve.
A full-on war is the last thing we need, but we can’t just ignore the threat and let Tommaso’s sons think they can walk all over us. But a warning? A reminder that they’re playing in our territory? That we can do.
“We have men following both of them. What if we take out a few of their guards, specifically the ones closest to them. It would send a message.”
Andre strokes his chin as he thinks. “Offense is the best defense sort of message?”
“Exactly.”
He’s quiet for a moment before finally nodding. “Do it, but only their guards. Bruno and Carlos are off-limits.”
“For now.”
Andre nods. “We need to scare them enough to back off without forcing them into a war.”
I pull my phone out of my pocket.
I scroll through my contacts for Vince’s number. Him and Enzo are the two we trusted most to keep an eye on the Costa brothers, and I have a feeling they’re going to be happy to finally shed some blood, even if it’s only their guards.
Vince remains silent as he picks up.
“It’s time. Take out the guards. Make it messy.”
“Just the guards?”
“Yes. Under no circumstances do you touch the brothers, is that clear?”
“Yes, boss.” Vince’s voice is laced with disappointment.
I end the call and let out a breath as I look at Andre.
His hands are balled into such tight fists that his knuckles are white.
He gets up. “Let me know when it’s done.”
I nod.
It’s almost eight already, and Clara needs to leave for her interview in less than an hour, so I get to my feet. “We’ll continue this talk later.”
