Page 101 of Carnal

"Stop touching me!"

He leans so close, I can smell his cigarette breath. I swallow the bile creeping into my throat. He threatens, "When someone takes money out of my pocket, there's a debt to pay."

My voice shakes. "I've done no such thing. Now, move!"

"You got me banned from the club for three months," he announces.

"That isn't my fault," I claim.

He snorts. "From where I'm standing, it's clearly your fault."

"I'm telling you for the last—"

"Fucker!" Tristano barks, grabs Biagio's shoulder, and yanks him away from me. Biagio spins, and Tristano lands a right hook on his face. Blood bursts from his nose, and he rushes at Tristano. Flex grabs the back of his coat and tugs so hard, Biagio loses his footing. He slides on the slippery pavement and goes down on his back.

"Take care of this thug," Tristano orders to security guards running toward us. He swiftly leads me to the SUV, and we hop inside.

Flex jumps in the driver's seat and squeals out. Horns blare, and the sound of cars crashing fills the air.

I spin in my seat. Four cars crashed. One is spinning on the road. Smoke comes out of the hoods.

Tristano palms my cheeks. "Are you okay?"

I nod. "Yes."

"Did he hurt you?" he frets.

"No. I'm... I'm okay."

Tristano slides his arm around me, holding me close. "What did he say to you?"

I glance up. New fears ignite within me. "He says I cost him money. And that I have a debt to repay."

"Fucking asshole," Tristano seethes, then takes his phone out of his pocket. He swipes the screen then holds it to his ear.

"Who are you calling?" I inquire.

He holds his finger in the air. "Dante, Biagio just cornered Pina outside your building."

Flex veers sharply to the left, and I slide closer to Tristano.

He growls, "I knocked him out. Security is dealing with it. We're on our way to Teterboro." He kisses the top of my head and then states, "She said she's okay, but he claims she has a debt to pay for losing him money."

My gut flips. If Biagio thinks I cost him money, he's not going to back down until he gets whatever he wants from me.

What does he want?

I shudder.

Tristano tightens his arm around me. "Tell Papà. I want him dead, Dante."

I glance up.

He listens to whatever Dante is saying then says, "I'll keep you posted." He hangs up then tugs me onto his lap. "Are you sure you're not hurt?"

"Positive."

"I'll kill him," Tristano snarls.

---