Page 144 of My Mafia King

“I knew it was all a diversion,” I say around my cigarette before taking a long drag and forcefully pushing it out.

“It’s not only him. It could be someone else. Or maybe it’s no one. Someone new is on my tail, and I haven’t even gotten word of it?? Really? I need to fucking know,” I thunder. “Is it some politician wanting to score electoral points? Or is it some newly appointed prosecutor? A new agent? Or whatever?” I bark, and it’s unlike me to lose my cool, but something doesn’t feel right.

The timing of it gives it away.

First, it was Boris.

Then there were the usual jerks distracting me and keeping me occupied, like those fucking losers planning to rob my casino.

And then the casual thug comes from nowhere.

The man who roughed up Carmina.

He’s not only her loser ex. He’s some low-ranking gang member slash drug dealer.

Whatever.

I know how these stupid dicks work.

They may be dumb as rocks, but boy, aren’t they good at messing things up when given the opportunity?

He vanished and started to track her family down.

Maybe there’s more to that story.

Maybe this is not only about getting back at Carmina now that he knows who I am.

And for sure, that Joe Lizard guy, or whatever the fuck his name is, can use an opportunity like this to claim a part of my territory.

The door opens, and five men enter my suite.

“Things are good, Boss,” Louie says.

“Yeah. For now, they are. One of you go fetch Carmina,” I say, my gaze tilted down as I stare vacantly at the table, my mind spinning thoughts.

There’s silence in the room.

I flick my gaze up, and Vito sets himself in motion.

“I’ll go,” he says.

“Good thinking,” I murmur before taking another drag. “You… Go out there and make sure things run smoothly. Throw out any dick who as much as thinks about doing something funny. And anyone who looks suspect gets kicked out as well. I don’t have time for this,” I say, gesturing at them to leave the room.

They walk out, and I head to the bar, where I pour myself a drink when the door opens, and Gianni enters the room, followed by Vito.

I read their faces.

Gianni seems frozen, but Vito’s concern gives it away.

“What’s going on?” I ask, noticing there’s no Carmina.

“She’s gone,” Gianni says.

“What?”

I put my drink down and go straight to the screens.

“She wasn’t in your suite,” Vito says.

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