Page 12 of The Air You Breathe

“What are you doing here?” Evan asked.

“He called.” I nodded towards the door that was what I assumed was Lucio’s office.

“Cazzo, what the hell did he want?” Giovanni said, looking pissed.

I shrugged, “I don’t know, he didn’t say. He just asked to come down to the club, that he had something to talk to me about.”

Evan and Giovanni looked at each, as though a silent conversation happened with that one look from each other.

“Go home Devlin. I’ll tell father that you got held up with a job from me.” Giovanni nodded to the exit. “I want to know what he has in mind before you go in there and you can’t say no shit with what he asks you.”

“I don’t want you getting in trouble for me,” I said, hating how he always stuck his neck out for me.

“Lucio is wanting to do some crazy shit. I think it would be smart if we figure out what he wants before he forces you to do something we know you aren’t going to like,” Evan said, rubbing his chin.

“What the hell is…”

The door to Lucio's office opened, cutting my words off.

“Ah Devlin, I was wondering if you had gotten here yet,” Lucio said from the door, looking like a lion in sheep’s clothing. He was decked out in a suit that probably cost more than our monthly expenses.

“I was actually going to talk about him doing a job for us,” Giovanni said, trying to get me out of whatever they thought was going on.

“It can wait. Devlin, my office now,” Lucio said, with an authoritative tone, that ended the conversation. He had spoken and now I had to listen.

“Yes, sir,” I said, nodding at the guys before I walked towards Lucio.

I walked through the door, seeing an over-the-top office that looked more for show than anything else. Lucio loved to show everyone he was at the top of the food chain by the things he wore and the stuff he owned.

I hated how gaudy he was, and it was unnerving when I had to be out in public with him. Thankfully it wasn’t too often, but enough that I hated it when it happened. I sat down in the chair in front of his desk, dreading this meeting even more. What the hell was Lucio getting into that made Giovanni and Evan so worried.

“Would you like a drink?” he asked.

“Sure,” I said, figuring whatever was going on might be worse than I could imagine. I continued looking around hating that I was here, anxiety grew in me, making me feel like that small boy who was always worried about his father’s next move.

“Glenmorangie Signet,” he said, leaving a tumbler in front of me. “I know you like your coffee, and you can definitely taste it in this scotch.”

I hated when he made me feel special by remembering some stupid fact about me. That’s how he got under your skin, made you feel special like you meant more to him than you actually thought.

“Thanks,” I said, not falling for his trap. “So, what did you want to see me for?”

“How is the garage? How is Jaime treating you?” he asked me, ignoring my question.

“Good. Jaime is great.” I gave him the cliff notes version because I wanted to get out of here.

“Jaime says you are really exceptional. You handle the customers well, your work ethic is impeccable and you take initiative,” he said, as leaned back in his chair.

I nodded irritated that he asked me about the garage when he already knew.

“I think it's time you start making money here with me on a regular basis,” he said before he took a sip of his scotch. I did the same, thinking I was going to need it, for whatever he had planned. “I remember you liked to fight in high school.”

“I was in two fights.” I wanted to roll my eyes because I think I knew where this was heading.

“I’m going to put you in the cage here,” he said, with a huge smile on his face. When I didn’t say anything at first, his face turned to anger for just a moment before he regained his composure. I was no fucking fighter. I stayed in shape, made sure I could defend myself but to actually fight in a somewhat professional setting, I was shit. “I know this might be a surprise for you but I think it will be a great opportunity for you.”

Fuck me and this fucking delusional motherfucker.

“It is a surprise, but I don’t think my fighting skills are worthy of your cage matches.” I had to make this seem like I wasn’t good enough because if I flat out said no, he would be offended, and I didn’t need to go there.

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