Ruthless Mafia Daddy (Alpha Mafia Daddies)

I give Jerry a call as we head down into the garage. “Meet us there in fifteen minutes, and bring Dez and Sloan with you.”

“Yes, boss.”

That’s why I like Jerry. He’s loyal as fuck and never questions my motives. He just does as he’s told and doesn’t leave a trail.

“It’s a little early to be heading over there, don’t you think?” Marco and I walk over to the blacked-out Hummer.

“This needs to be done, now.” I grab the key from the lock box and unlock the car.

As I’m about to slide into the driver’s seat, Marco puts his hand on the car door and slams it shut.

“What the hell?”

“I wasn’t going to ask, but I’m worried you’re going to do something stupid.”

“Stick to your original plan, Marco, and don’t ask,” I growl, knocking his hand from the door.

Marco ignores me, refusing to move out of my way.

“Has this got anything to do with a chick named Lila?”

“How the fuck do you know about Lila?”

Marco drops his hand from the door and folds his arms across his chest, shaking his head.

“Fuck’s sake, Andre. You’re getting this worked up over some chick? I’ve not seen you like this since Val⁠—”

I whirl on Marco, grabbing him by the collar and slamming him against the car.

“I suggest if you value your life, you keep her name from your lips, you hear me?” I lift him away from the car and slam him back against it.

He heaves as the breath leaves his lungs, but there’s challenge in my brother’s eyes.

“Now, I’m not going to ask you again. How do you know about Lila?”

I step close to Marco until our noses are practically touching, but there’s no fear in his eyes.

We’re evenly matched, but that doesn’t stop me from putting him in his place when he needs reminding of who’s in charge.

“I saw the emails to Kyle when I was having him look into Sergio.”

“You went through my emails?”

“I used your computer at the penthouse the other week when I contacted Kyle. I didn’t realize they were part of a chain.”

“And you didn’t realize you were emailing him from my account?” I tighten my grip on Marco, fighting the urge to beat the shit out of him for invading my privacy like that.

Marco scoffs. “I was more concerned with the information on Sergio rather than what address was being used, Andre.”

“There was no need for you to go back through those messages.”

“I thought you were hiding something from me, and it’s clear you have been. You’ve been acting weird, like you’re a grenade about to explode at any second.”

“I am not required to share everything with you.” I push him against the car before releasing my grip.

I take a step back, running my hands through my hair.

“You are when it causes you to make potentially idiotic decisions. You’re sending us into a shootout with Lorenzo because you’re throwing a tantrum. Let me guess, she didn’t call you back?”

My gun is out in an instant, and I click the safety off.

Marco only grins at me, holding his hands up in mock surrender.

“You’re like a dog marking his fucking territory. It’s pathetic,” Marco spits out.

“You don’t know anything about it, and I suggest this is the last time you bring it up unless you want me to put a bullet in your skull.”

“Fucking hell, Andre. I’ll drop it.” Genuine concern flashes in his eyes. “But seriously, you need to get control over this situation, quick, before you do something stupid.”

It’s too late for that.

“Get in the car.” I pocket my gun.

Marco is silent on the ride over to the club.

My mind feels even more chaotic as I navigate the busy New York streets.

The fact that Marco could so easily access information about Lila… The more people who know about her means the more risk to her life.

I know I would never break under interrogation by Lorenzo if he ever managed to get his hands on me, but Marco or Kyle or even Dr. Waite?

I can’t risk any more people knowing, especially now that she’s pregnant.

I want to trust my brother. I really do. And under normal circumstances, I wouldn’t question him. But something about Lila and this baby makes me not see straight.

I’m hoping I can clear my head by taking out a few of Lorenzo’s men, reminding him that we’re not to be messed with.

We park a few streets over from The Vault.

Jerry, Dez, and Sloan are already waiting for us, and they climb into the back of the Hummer as we discuss the plan.

Jerry looks at me. “I don’t think the place opens until ten.”

“I’m well aware.” My jaw is sore from clenching it. “But I know he has his men in there at all hours of the day. The place is a front for money laundering, so it’s likely they’ll be down in the basement.”

Sloan nods. “We taking out all of them, boss?”

Marco’s grinning like a Cheshire cat. “I think we should leave at least one, don’t you?”

I glance sidelong at him.

“It only takes one man to send a message. I say we carve the words into his chest.”

Dez chuckles, loading his gun. “This is why I like working for your guys. There’s much more…creative freedom.”

“We aim to please.” Marco smirks, loading his own gun.

“Cover your tracks, and leave the messaging to me, got it?” I’m anxious to blow the lid on the rage that’s been simmering inside me all day.

Three voices come at once. “Got it.”

There’s something about it being broad daylight that sends a thrill rushing through me. Lorenzo wouldn’t expect us now. It’s not our style to be so obvious, but he’s given me no choice. He’s already threatening to take out my sister. If he catches wind of the fact there’s a woman walking around New York carrying my heir? All hell will break loose.

“Check the exit,” I hiss under my breath at Jerry.Exclusive content from NôvelDrama.Org.

He nods, keeping his gun close as he heads around the side of the club.

There’s no one in sight, the place appearing deserted, but I know better.

Jerry makes quick work of the lock with nothing but brute force and a crowbar he pulled out the back of his pants. He quickly waves us over, and we hurry inside, making sure to keep our footsteps light and our guns locked and loaded.

“Basement’s this way.” Jerry tilts his head left. He’s worked the rounds of most of the clubs in New York, which is why he’s worth every penny I pay him. The information he offers is specific, but invaluable, especially for situations such as this.

I follow close behind him as we head past the bathrooms and down a flight of stairs.

Jerry glances over his shoulder at me and nods.

Muffled voices come from a bit ahead, and I hold up three fingers to Marco, Dez, and Sloan.

My finger itches to squeeze the trigger, and the adrenaline coursing through my body is clearing my mind. This is exactly what I needed.

Three.

Two.

One.

Jerry kicks down the door, and I’m already pulling the trigger at the two men sitting around the table in the center of the dimly lit room. Stacks of dollar bills surround them, and soon enough blood is turning the green notes red as their heads hit the table with a heavy thump, their mouths open in silent screams.

Marco charges past me toward a guy cowering in the corner, fumbling with a handgun.

“We’ll use him!” I order Marco as I turn and find Dez and Sloan taking on the final two guys.

I duck as they stupidly try to fire at Dez, but are too panicked to aim correctly.

With two shots, they’re both slumped against the wall.

I whirl toward the man Marco has pinned to the floor, his foot to the guy’s throat.

I pull out my knife and stalk toward him, a smile tugging at my lips as I take in the fear in his eyes. He’s gagging against the pressure on his throat, his hands scrabbling at Marco’s leg, but my brother doesn’t budge.

“I was hoping you could deliver a message to Lorenzo Rossi.” I crouch down beside him and slice open his shirt with my blade.

He tries to kick out at me, but I move to pin his legs between my own, tracing the tip of my knife along his torso.

“And I want to ensure the message doesn’t get lost in any way.” I apply more pressure to my blade.

A thin sheen of sweat is coating the man’s tanned skin.

“This might hurt just a little. Or maybe a lot,” I add before I get to work writing my warning in blood.