Page 96 of Mafia Kings: Dario

Valentino held out his arms like,What can I do?“I am what I am and I want what I want.”

“And what do you want?”

“Everything,”he said with a grin.

“I hope you’re not including me in ‘everything,’” I said coolly.

Valentino raised a finger like he had forgotten something. “I meant to say, ‘Everything that wouldn’t kill me if I got it.’”

“What, you’re sayingI’dkill you?”

“No – Dario would,” Valentino said. “And that’s the truth.”

I made a face like I didn’t believe him.

“Dario’s very protective of you,” Massimo agreed.

“I thought he was just very… possessive,” I said darkly.

“Dario doesn’t care about much. But what hedoescare about, he guards with his life.”

“Why did he kick me out of the house, then?”

“‘Why did he kick me out,’” Valentino said, gently mocking me. “A couple of days ago, you risked everything toleave.”

“Well…” I said, not wanting to admit he had a point.

“Ha – youknowI’m right.”

“That doesn’t explain why he sent me away.”

“There was a meeting with a potential business partner,” Massimo explained. “I suppose he wanted…”

Then he trailed off.

“What did he want?” I asked.

Massimo and Valentino looked at each other, then laughed.

“What’s so funny?” I demanded.

“I can’t even lie,” Valentino said with a grin.“Dariodidn’t want you gone – ”

“Niccolo did,” I finished.

“Yup.”

“But why?”

“Probably for the same reason he only lets Caterina work half a day,” Massimo said.

“And why’s that?”

“So Valentino isn’t slipping off to fuck her every chance he gets. He only gets to do it in the mornings.”

“Oh my god!” I cried.

“What, your virgin ears can’t take the truth?” Valentino said with a laugh. Then he suddenly acted serious and put his hands over the sides of his head.“Myvirgin ears can’t take your screaming when you and Dario get together.”

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