Cruel Vows

“We’ve got excess product,and not enough distribution.” Lorenzo signals at the ridiculous stash of drugs. “It’s hot and we need to fucking move it.”

I smirk. “I may have a solution.”

“Please tell me you do, or we are up shit’s creek.”

“Father agreed I can reopen negotiations with Axel King.”

Lorenzo sighs, pacing back and forth. “It will help, but he’s a difficult man to deal with.”

“I’m due to meet him Saturday.” I shrug. “I’ve dealt with him before. If he steps one foot out of line, I’ll cut the negotiations short.”

He nods. “Fair enough. Just be careful.”

“We need to move it, so I don’t see what the problem is.”

Dante approaches. “Lads, we’ve got some bad news.”

“What is it?”

“A raid on the warehouse opposite is going down right fucking now.”

The blood drains from my face. “Are you serious?”

Dante shoots me an irritated glare. “Does it look like I’m kidding to you?”

I shake my head. “Shit. Who owns the building?”

“It’s Irish, but if they decide to search the surrounding buildings, then—”

“We’re fucked,” I finish for him.

“In a nutshell, yes.”

I clench my fists by my side. “It’s too hot to move it. We’ve just got to fucking hope they don’t search any other buildings.”

Dante nods. “I’ll get some big tarps out the back and cover it up.” He shrugs. “Other than that, we need to get the fuck out of here.”

“Yeah, if they find it and no one’s here, we just lose the product. If they find it and we’re here, we’re all going to jail.”

“Right, move out. Make sure any of our guys are gone, too.”

Lorenzo salutes, and Dante gives me a nod.

“I’ll see you guys around. And Lorenzo.”

He nods.

“I’ll fill you in on how it goes on Sunday.”

He nods, as Sunday is the day when we all gather at the house as a famiglia and then go to Sal’s restaurant to have dinner. It’s a big affair and we have it every single week.

“Be careful, Massimo.”

I smirk. “I’m always careful.”

Arturo is waiting dutifully in the SUV as I slide in. “Where now, sir?”

“Secret Obsession. I’m meeting Leo.”

He nods and turns on the engine, pulling away from the docks.

I notice a few flashing lights coming from the building opposite as the squad cars remain outside of the Callaghan Clan warehouse.

If rumors are true, they probably won’t find shit.

Rourke has been struggling to keep up with demand, especially as the Russians keep stealing their product.

It takes about twenty minutes to get to the club where Arturo pulls up outside. “Do you want me to park around and wait for you?”

I shake my head. “Nah, take the afternoon off. I’ll get a lift with Leo.”

“Sure, thanks boss.”

“Don’t mention it.” I get out of the back of the SUV and head into the strip club.

It’s almost empty, except for the girls dancing, my brother, and a couple of other regulars.

“Leo,” I say, drawing his attention to me. “Is the kitchen open?”

He smirks. “Of course it is for us.”

“Great, I’m starving.”

He raises a brow. “Not gagging for a lap dance, then?”

I shake my head, wrinkling my nose. “Not today. You go ahead.”

Candy, one of our girls, is eyeing my brother up. She wants the money and the day shift is always the worst for them.

He smirks and heads over to the sofa while I remain at the bar.

“What can I get you, Massimo?” asks.

“I’ll have a scotch on the rocks and a hamburger and fries.”

He nods. “Sure, I’ll let the kitchen know.” He disappears out back. This place doesn’t serve the best food, but it’s semi-decent.

I’d rather be at Sal’s any day, but Leo can’t keep away from this place.

He needs to get out more and meet real women to fuck rather than the girls in this place, but there’s no telling him.

He’s as stubborn as our father. I think he takes after him the most.

“One scotch on the rocks, and the food will be twenty minutes.”

“Thanks,” I grunt, sipping the whiskey.

I don’t drink this early in the day, but I need something to take the edge off. Ever since the party last night, I’ve been coiled as tightly as a spring.

It feels like I could go off any minute and the reason is a beautiful red-head called Paisley.

“You alright, Massimo?” Tommaso asks, a crease forming between his brows.

“Never better. Why do you ask?”

He shakes his head. “You just seem a bit off.”

I tilt my head. “Is that right?”