Page 21 of Sloth

“Boss,” Bruno shouted, “you know that I fucking hate it when you call me that.”

“Right, sorry,” Gino said. Bruno could tell that he wanted to call him, “Boss” again, but he bit his tongue.

“Let’s just get out of here,” Bruno insisted. They were standing at a rest stop in the middle of nowhere, having the stupidest argument ever. All he wanted was to get into the car, drive home, and drink until he felt he could put the whole day behind him. That was going to take quite a few drinks though.

“Who called you?” Gino asked, changing the subject. Shit—that was not what Bruno needed. He had opened his big mouth and now, he was going to have to come up with a damn good lie because telling his partner that Damion Pride had called him to tell him where they were meeting, wasn’t happening. Bruno was working with the other syndicate families to bring down his father. Sure, that made him sound like a monster, but it had to be done.

“My father called,” he lied. “He wanted an update on our assignment.”

“I see,” Gino breathed. “What did you tell him?”

“I told him that we didn’t have any news,” Bruno said. “Can we just get out of here?” he asked.

“Sure,” Gino agreed. He followed Bruno out to the car and slipped into the passenger seat. He was quiet for the first time all day, and Bruno wondered what that was about.

Bruno got into the driver’s seat and looked over at Gino. “Do you have something that you’d like to say?” he asked.

“Why do you ask that?” Gino questioned.

“Because you’re quiet and that never happens,” Bruno accused.

“I guess I’m quiet because I’m just trying to figure out why you’re lying to me,” Gino said.

“Lying to you? Why would I do that?” Bruno asked.

“I’m trying to figure that out myself. I thought that I’ve proven myself to you, Bruno. I’ve had your back for two years now—doesn’t that earn me a little bit of trust?”

“Of course, it does,” Bruno agreed. He felt as though he was walking right into a trap, but there was no way of stopping himself from jumping in with both feet. “I still don’t understand why you think I’m lying to you, Gino,” he said.

“Because I was on the phone with your father while you were in the bathroom. He was calling me for my daily update on you,” Gino said. Bruno knew that his father didn’t trust him but hearing that Gino had been feeding him updates about him just plain pissed him off.

“You were doing what?” Bruno asked.

“Let me explain,” Gino begged. “I don’t ever tell him anything of worth. He dragged me into his office about six months ago, telling me that I was going to give him updates about you every day.”

“What kind of updates?” Bruno asked.

“He wanted to know who you met with, who you spoke to on the phone, and if you said anything damning that might hurt the syndicate,” Gino said.

“You told him all of that? Is that why you wanted to know who I was on the phone with?” Bruno said. “How could you betray me like that, Gino?” he whispered.

“I haven’t told him anything. In fact, I’ve made up things about what we did every day. He must think that you’re either the dumbest or most boring person on the planet. As far as he knows, you haven’t had any contact with the other syndicate families, even though we both know that’s a lie. So, which family member were you talking to in the bathroom?” he asked.

“That’s none of your fucking business,” Bruno shouted. “Especially since I now know that you’ll just report what I tell you back to my father.”

“I wouldn’t do that, Bruno. I’m on your side,” he shouted. “Why won’t you just let me in? Why can’t you trust me?”

“Because I don’t trust anyone,” Bruno admitted. “I learned that lesson the hard way, a long time ago. If I let you in, it will put us both in danger and I can’t do that to you, Gino. I care too much about you.” Gino reached over and took Bruno’s hand into his, and he wasn’t sure if he should let him do it or pull his hand away.

“I won’t hurt you, Bruno. Just let me in, please,” Gino begged.

“What exactly are you asking me for?” Bruno breathed.

“Whatever you’re willing to give,” Gino said. “I’ll start with your trust, but I plan on working my way up to your heart.”

Gino

“My heart?” Bruno questioned. The poor guy looked shocked, and Gino couldn’t blame him. He was surprised that he had worked up the nerve to finally say something to his partner. It had taken him almost two years to come to terms with his feelings for Bruno. He was in love with him—of that, he was sure. But telling Bruno about his feelings wasn’t something that he could do. Not in his line of work. Bruno was his boss and if he turned Gino down, he’d never be able to face him again.

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