Page 109 of Tyrant (The Villetti Chronicles)

He snorted.

“I was fifty-fifty on her response. She went ballistic at you last time.”

“She didn’t know what I was planning. Now, she’s involved. She knows I trust her.”

“You sure this’ll be worth it?”

We reached the car. Arlo unlocked it and opened the door, but didn’t get in.

“She’s worth everything. One day, you’ll understand if you stop acting like a little bitch and go get your girl.”

I got in the car, leaving him to stew over what I’d said. Arlo needed to get over himself. And I needed to get to the club to start putting my plan in motion. Bennett was only the first step. It was time to take over London and put an end to Gennaro Villetti’s reign of terror over me for good.

Thirty Six

Zayn

Colm Moran rubbed his face as he sat in the chair in front of my desk. He’d taken over the Irish mob after he’d killed the previous leader, Mac McCarthy. He was less troublesome than Mac, but it didn’t stop him from being a pain in the neck. All of these gangsters were. It was high time they got their shit together. Too much petty squabbling as they vied for top dog. Shame they were all too stupid to see the bigger picture. A shame for them. It was a blessing for me.

“You’re fuckin’ kiddin’ me, right?”

I leant back in my chair, folding my hands together on my chest.

“Do you think I make idle threats, Mr Moran? I know what you did to Mac.”

He stood up and paced away.

“He was a fuckin’ traitor working with Russo, lyin’ to us like we were mugs. He was a fuckin’ cunt. So what if I offed him? It’s been long enough. No one’s sniffin’ around his death.”

I smiled. These gangsters always thought they were so secure in their leadership. Shame they had no idea that secrets always have a way of coming out. I liked to collect information about their dirty dealings. It was the best way to keep people under control. Blackmail was a powerful incentive.

“Is that what you think? Pity you forgot about Mac’s younger brother.”

“Ach, Robbie left this life behind.”

“Did he now? I suppose that explains why he’s looking for answers then, doesn’t it?”

Colm turned and stared at me.

“Robbie’s in Ireland. My men have fuckin’ eyes on him. Can’t be too careful.”

I spread my hands.

“He might be there, but his associates? Well, they’re here and they’re getting awfully close to the truth. Men like Robbie never truly walk away from this life, you know that as well as I do.”

Colm bared his teeth at me. There was a gap in them where he’d lost one in a fight. I wasn’t scared of him. We might be alone in this office, but I never took meetings with gangsters unarmed and ready to execute them if necessary. Of course, it would create a mess, but Penn wouldn’t mind cleaning up after me. He enjoyed that part, the sick fucker.

“What the fuck do you want with me?”

“Me? Why do you think I’d want something?”

He shook his head.

“Spit it out. Haven’t got all day, Mr Villetti.”

I leant forward, placing one hand on my desk.

“I’ll make sure your little Robbie problem goes away.”

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