Page 101 of Arianna

He is next in line for the title of underboss when Thiago ascends the ranks to Capo.

“Valencia. How is your family?” I ask as I rose from the driver’s seat. I inhale the cold air and casually readjust my suit jacket as a bolt of anticipation jumps into my veins. I enjoy the thrill the game gives. The game and the glory of looking at Sandoval’s murderous face when he loses.

The last time I was here, I won a chain of restaurants that had belonged to the Sandoval family for generations. I know nothing about running a cuisine business, but the look on Sandoval’s face when he lost will remain ingrained in my brain for years to come.

“All good, sir.” Valencia nods once before stepping behind me.

Three cars were parked facing out along the long, curved driveway.

A matte-white Aston Martin.

A sleek black G-Wagon, and a bright orange Ferrari.

I am certain I will be leaving with all of them tonight.

Another security man slips into the seat of my car so he can park it next to the rest while I stride toward the expanse of concrete steps that lead to the double doors of the mansion. When I hit the top landing, one side opens, and I am escorted into Sandoval’s home by a guard named Luis, who is dressed in a designer suit. His holster peeking out from under his jacket, and a massive scar ran the length of his neck. “Mr. Kenton. Bienvenido.” Welcome.

“Luis. Es un placer verte de nuevo.” I grin. It is a pleasure to see you again. I speak perfect Spanish. My mother was half-French, born here in the states. She ensured I learned the language of her mother’s family and that I was fluent in more than one language. Spanish is one of them. I must say it has come in handy for more than just building connections and business, but it is nice to understand when others speak ill of me in their languages. It is fun to insult them in their mother tongue as well.

He roughed out a chuckle. “Tell me I won’t be wiping any brains from the walls tonight.” The last time I visited there had been a small disagreement when one of Sandoval’s associates had felt played and threw a massive tantrum. The little bitch…

Patting Luis’s shoulder I say, “Now, what would be the fun in that?”

He smiles while shaking his head. “You’re dangerous, Senator. I don't know how you two haven't killed each other by now.” He means his boss and me.

Running my hand over my trimmed beard, I remain quiet.

Loyalty is what keeps us from murdering each other.

On both sides, we need loyal men to succeed, and we are fully aware of that.

That is why his body has not been found in the Chicago River yet, and mine has not been hanged outside my office for the world to see.

Luis leads me deeper into the bowels of the home decorated in dark colors, oversized rugs, and expensive art. Thiago Sandoval is a rich motherfucker. Bred of dirty money and wicked schemes.

We have made each other richer.

I turned his dirty money clean by dealing in legitimate investments that had been turned over many times. And he is returning the favor by inviting me into his underworld and connecting me with the right people to climb ahead with my political aspirations.

Luis and I head down a long corridor before we dip through another set of double doors and head down the wide, spiral staircase to the basement where Sandoval’s underground casino is located.

“Good luck, Senator.”

Chuckling under my breath, “Now, you and I both know I won’t need it.”

Fighting a smile, he dips his head before heading back to the main floor, leaving me to it. The first thing I notice is that the air is thinned, dense with the scent of expensive liquor, and reeking of expectation.

We all come here to win.

Gathered around the table is a group of greedy men. Most of them are filthy rich and have plenty to lose. Moving toward the open seat opposite Sandoval, I glance around at the men’s faces with a knowing smile.

Old money and men with a superiority complex with small cocks to back it up.

The same as always.

I know in a heartbeat, I will win.

Desperate people never win.

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