The devil you begged for

022

LORENZO

~•~

“Romano said the chick is gone.” Ricardo strolled into my office, not bothering to knock as usual. “But I know you better than that.”

I didn’t respond. Instead, I stood up from my chair and slid my suit jacket into place, one gun tucked into the inner pocket and another strapped to my waist. When I was done, I sent a message to Romano to let him know I was on my way out.

Ricardo followed me as I left the office. “You’re insane enough to pretend you killed her parents. I’m sure you didn’t lie to her just to let her leave like that.”

Ricardo knew me a little too well. I wasn’t kidding when I told Isla she was mine. I’d made that decision when she delivered herself to me. If she thought I was letting her go after I just let the underworld know we were going to get married, she was delusional. I’d already said it so it had to happen. My word was law and I wouldn’t break it because of her feelings.

Who cared about feelings when you were in the mafia? It was a dog-eat-dog world. Kill or be killed. She was too weak to fight against me and that was her problem, not mine.

“You want to know what I think?” He questioned as we descended the stairs.

“No.”

He went on anyway. “I think you’re obsessed with her.”

I chuckled at those words. I was far from obsessed. I just enjoyed playing mind games with her. Her reactions were entertaining. Obsession implied a lack of control. On the other hand, I was always in control.

“You are.” He repeated. “You have no reason to keep her with you. You have no reason to threaten her to stay with you. You have no reason to marry her. Hell, you have no reason to keep her alive, especially now that she hates you.”

I preferred her when she hated me. Hate was intense. It kept her going. It kept her dependent

“See? You’re not denying it.”

“I’m on my way to the casino, Ric. I have no time to exchange words with you.”

“I’ll go with you.” His attention shifted immediately. “Are you meeting anyone important?”

“Ivanov is present. I want territory from him. And then a politician after that. It will be a good night for sure.” And tomorrow will be an even better day.

Ricardo grinned, intrigued as always. He loved psychological games more than I did. “As usual, you’re going to let him win for a while, right?” I nodded. “Why don’t you let me play with him instead?

Ricardo was amazing at playing poker. He knew how to turn the tide. He knew how to control the game so that it was in his favor or someone else’s. He was the perfect person for the job. “I guess your evening is packed then.” I patted him on the back.

“Are you guys going to be back tonight?” Greg, Ricardo’s younger brother asked, as we reached the door. “Do you need me to make anything?”

Greg was a good cook. He wasn’t just good at it. He loved doing it, which was why he usually helped in the kitchen. Most of the time, he was in charge of the kitchen. And I wasn’t complaining. He was eager to grow up and be part of the business too.

“Don’t wait up.” His brother answered him before we left.

The cars were already waiting, but just as we were about to enter, we heard honking at the gate. Romano and I stared at each other. I wasn’t expecting anyone, not this late at night.

With a nod from me, he went to check who was at the gate.

“It’s Lucia.” He informed me when he was back.

I frowned. “What is she doing there this late?”

She honked again, seeming impatient. I sighed. I had no time for her tonight. Instead of opening the gate for her, I brought out my phone to call her. She answered on the first ring. “I’m sure you see that I’m at your gate.”

“And I’m about to leave so turn around. You’re blocking the way.”

“Where are you going? Can I go with you?”

“Absolutely not. Go home.”

She was silent for a while before she sighed dramatically, honking one last time. “You’re so dismissive. I’ll be on my way, but I’ll come back tomorrow. You better be at home then.”

I hung up on her before she could say more.

“What is she here for?” Romano asked just as we got settled in the car.

“Didn’t ask.”

I leaned back in the car, the sound of the engine, filling the silence. Romano didn’t ask again but I knew he was curious. The city light glistened as we drove past, the streets slick from a recent drizzle.

By the time we got to the casino, Ricardo was pumped for the evening. The guards at the entrance gave us a quick nod as we stepped in.

Ivanov was at a high-stakes table, laughing too loudly and feigning confidence. The man was obsessed with gambling and I was obviously going to use it to my advantage. The politician lounged nearby, sipping whiskey. I wasn’t sure who to take care of first.

“Why don’t you go take a seat at their table?” I told Ricardo, referring to Ivanov’s table. “Have a look there. When I’m done with the politician, I’ll join you. While I’m away, you can lose a few games. By the time I’m there, he’ll be willing to raise the stakes.”

“My favorite way to spend the night.” Ricardo grinned.

I watched him as he made his way toward their table, already acting meek. I shook my head with a small smile. He was good at this. A little too good.

If only Isla knew how to control herself the way he did. But then again, she’d be less entertaining that way. I kept her around because of how out of control she was. Watching her was… intoxicating.