Page 113 of Intense
I see through him.
And he probably sees straight through me.
"Business already?" he grins, thick Italian accent filling the room.
I shrug. "I don’t know what else to talk to you about, Enzo. It’s not often we’re in the same room on our own."
He chews the inside of his cheek. "And for that, I apologize, Finn."
Fuck. Sincerity?
"It’s fine. I get it."
He shakes his head. "You’re an important member of the organization. It doesn’t matter what your personal opinion is of me—but I’d like to change that."
His gaze locks on mine.
"Why do you care?" I ask, sipping my drink.
"Peace making. And I’ve underestimated your skill. I’d like to build something better."
So, he has a use for me.
"Look, Enzo. Let’s not talk in circles. Just be direct. What do you need me to do?"
He grins. "See? Cunning. Smart." He taps his temple.
"So I’ve been told."
"Nothing—yet. But I am here with a peace offering. The start of our new friendship together."
"Hmm."
I recline in my chair.
"I’ve spoken to Mikhail Volkov and Frankie Falcone. Both men have agreed to assist you with manpower when you go to end the Bowens in London."
I nod. "What do I owe them in return?"
"Nothing. This is my point. The Quinns, the Volkovs, and the Falcones are one family. You may be in different states, but you all have the same goal. United, we can take over—not just here.Everywhere. Decadence has given me invaluable knowledge and leads. You brothers are owed this."
I scratch my stubble. Something doesn’t sit right. Mikhail never mentioned London when I saw him in Vegas.
"This isn’t about London, though, is it?"
He tugs at his collar. "See? Fucking smart. It is—and it isn’t. You’ll need backup in London. It’s a fucking minefield. But I need the three units ready in case another enemy rears his ugly head."
It all clicks.
"The Preacher?"
He stills. Confirmation.
"Yes."
"I take it you found out that I’ve already landed on his hit list."
He clears his throat. "I know. That’s partly why I’m here. I’ve been tracking the cult for a long time. It’s grown steadily but is mainly limited to Ohio, but also with traces to Russia. But they’ve started coming out of the shadows, getting braver. It’s partly why we needed the Decadence games in the first place. I thought eventually the cunt would start to enter women."
