Page 18 of Diablo

He paused for a split second. And like an idiot, I thought I was in the clear.

“On the other hand,” LeBlanc added. “A pussy is a pussy, right, Enzo? Sticking your dick in it is the important part. You’re already familiar with that.”

His voice took on a sickening edge.

“We could see which cock she prefers—yours or mine.”

I saw red. The hot protest flew off my tongue before I realized what I was thinking.

“If you lay a finger on her, I will rip your fucking head from your body.”

LeBlanc chuckled.

“Ah, that’s the Enzo I remember. Always the dramatic one. Why don’t you tell me the reason you called? Was it to talk business? Or did you just want to wave our dicks around and break out the measuring stick to ensure that everyone knows you’ve staked your claim on the woman?”

I gritted my teeth, scrubbing a hand through my hair.

“You’re a goddamn asshole, you know that, LeBlanc?”

“That’s common knowledge, Enzo. Besides, it takes one to know one. If you’re willing to cooperate, meet me at The Copper Pot within thirty minutes.”

LeBlanc’s voice hardened.

“And don’t be late. I have very little patience for people who waste my time.”

Then he hung up. I swore under my breath and tossed my phone on the counter with a queasy feeling lingered in my gut.

***

When I stepped into the diner, I scanned the tables until my gaze fell on LeBlanc, seated in the corner. A cup of coffee rested beside him, seemingly untouched and grown cold, judging by the lack of steam rising from it. He was glaringly out of place among the down-to-earth, small town customers with desert dust on their shoes. LeBlanc looked as slick and shiny as a snake oil salesman.

As I approached, he glanced up and gestured to the seat across from him. Before he could tell me to sit, I sprawled into the empty booth, one arm slung over the back, oozing attitude and making it crystal clear I did not like being here.

LeBlanc gave a small, flat smile at my body language.

“No matter how many years have passed, it’s comforting to know you will always remain the same stubborn little shit.”

“And you’re still the conniving rat bastard who uses kids to do his dirty work so you can keep your hands clean,” I countered.

He hummed and kept his gaze level, unblinking.

“But you’re not a child anymore, Enzo. You’re a grown man and I’m making you an offer. Surely that grants me a little credit in my favor.”

“Not really,” I replied. “My rap sheet is twice as long as it should be, thanks to you throwing me under the bus, forcing me to take the fall for your crimes—robbery, breaking and entering, forgery, trespassing.”

With a sigh, I shifted in my seat, feigning impatience and boredom to hide the fact that I was itching to get the hell out of here.

“So, cut the chit chat,” I added. “What do you want, LeBlanc?”

He shrugged and leaned back in his seat, comfortable with the fact that he held more power in this dynamic than I did.

“Oh, it’s too sensitive in nature to blurt it out. Times have changed, Enzo. I’ve moved up in the world and I’ve learned I can’t trust just anyone these days. You will need to pass a test first. To prove your loyalty, of course.”

I didn’t like the sound of that. Before I could come up with a response, LeBlanc reached into a messenger bag tucked into the booth next to him. He pulled out a plain silver laptop and set it on the table in front of me. Then he placed a folded piece of paper next to the computer.

“All the details are there,” he said.

Casting a wary look in LeBlanc’s direction, I picked up the piece of paper and opened it. At the top was the name of a bank followed by two account numbers.

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