The Payback (Team Zulu 2)

37

Sage

TheDJwrappeduphis set, and an eerie hush descended over the crowd. All eyes moved to the stage, where a wide spotlight shone over Dante. Mask-free, he presented a daunting image in a jet-black tuxedo and exuding a confidence that held the entire room’s attention.

Movement in the background caught my eye, and when a giant form came to stand beside Dante, I almost cried out from the horror that shook me to my core.

Maxim. And he wore the same terrifying clown mask from my nightmares.

I’d known he’d be here tonight, but nothing could prepare me for coming face-to-face with the man who’d taken everything from me.

Blood rushed from my head. The room was suddenly too crowded, too stuffy. I couldn’t suck in enough air. I took a step back and bumped into Brandon.

His arms came around me. “Breathe. Just breathe, Sage. Right from here,” he whispered in my ear as his palm settled on my belly.

It took all my strength not to turn away from the stage and bury my face in Brandon’s chest. Instead, I did as he said and sought comfort from his embrace and being surrounded by his familiar scent. Brandon’s stubble scratched my cheek as he leaned in low. “He might look like the devil, but he’s just a man and can be killed as easily as any other.”

I wasn’t sure I believed that, but the perspective helped a little. The slow circles Brandon’s thumb made over my stomach calmed me further. I soaked up his warmth through the sheer material of my gown and focused on the sensation of his touch. The dizziness faded, and my breathing slowed.

“You should know this, Sage. Once tonight is over, I’m going to ask you again what you’d like done with him. And I’m really hoping you change your mind about taking the righteous path because lately I’ve been thinking of all the creative ways I can make him hurt.” He pressed a featherlight kiss below my ear, sending tingles across my sensitive skin. “By all rights, he’s yours to end. But if you say the word, I’ll make him suffer in ways he can’t begin to understand.”

Brandon’s deep, rumbling voice, combined with his tempting proposition, made my thighs clench. If I ever went back to my therapist, she’d have her work cut out for her.

“You’d do that for me?” I asked.

“I’d be honored. It’s no less than he deserves.”

“Seems a little extreme.”

“He almost killed you. I’m not feeling very merciful.”

“Thank you for coming this evening.” Dante’s voice boomed through the speakers, echoing off the walls of the Great Hall. “I trust you’re enjoying yourselves, but there’s an important reason I’ve invited you here tonight. You’re all aware of the tragic events that occurred earlier this week.” The room turned deathly silent, as if they only now realized how hard they’d been partying while Dante was in mourning. “I lost members of my family, close friends, and dedicated staff.”

He paced the stage with one hand in his pocket, the other holding the microphone.

“Tonight, I want to reassure you, the distinguished citizens of this incredible city, of a few things. First, I will avenge those deaths.” With chin angled low, he peered around the room as if he were looking into the very soul of each attendee. “I won’t stop hunting until the individuals responsible are dealt with—harshly.”

Dante might be saddened by the loss of family, if he was even capable of feeling such human emotions, but I suspected his most crippling pain centered on the Wolf Street Mafia’s newfound vulnerability. We’d damaged their reputation. People now knew it was possible to destabilize the all-powerful criminal society. If he was to convince his critics of their strength, he needed to double down on his efforts.

“Second, this isn’t the first hardship my family has endured. Our organization was built on blood, sweat, and”—he shrugged—“more blood. There’s one thing I know. We always come back stronger. My uncle may have been the figurehead of the business, but for the last ten years, I’ve been responsible for transforming it into the empire it is today. I’m not interested in small-scale profits—protection money, loans, stealing from the backs of trucks. That’s not what we’re about anymore. It’s because of me that our focus has shifted to more profitable opportunities. I’m talking about international ventures that have taken this family enterprise well beyond its local roots. So the only change is that we will continue to grow and be bigger and better than ever before. And if you renew your loyalty to me, you’ll be rewarded more handsomely than you can imagine.”

Dante paused his pacing to face the room. “And third. All those who had treasured possessions in my uncle’s care, rest assured. Those items are now safely under my protection.”

A low murmur spread through the crowd, and Dante unleashed a sinister grin at the commotion he’d caused. I guessed he thought that was checkmate.

“My colleagues will be in touch with each of you soon to discuss our standing agreements.” Dante pressed a palm to his chest. “But I’ve already taken up too much of your time. The night is young. Please, enjoy the rest of your evening.”

Dante nodded to the DJ, and the beats resumed, although the revelers were more subdued than they’d been before the speech.Way to sober up a party, Dante.

At the front of the room, Governor Drummond shoved aside guests as he charged for the stage.

“Game on,” said Brandon.

Holy shit. Our plan was working.

The governor confronted Dante at the bottom of the stage stairs. Maxim intercepted his aggressive approach by tucking the governor’s arm behind his back in a violent move that forced him onto tiptoes. The way the governor’s body strained, I thought the Russian might be about to dislocate his shoulder.

Dante raised a palm, and Maxim—chilling in that abomination of a clown mask—released his hold just enough that the governor no longer looked like he might pass out from pain.

We edged closer to the scene. With the loud music, we couldn’t hear their heated exchange. But there was no question what was being discussed as Governor Drummond pointed a finger at Dante, spittle flying from his mouth as his chest heaved. The Mob boss remained cool and collected through it all. When the governor’s rant was over, Dante uttered a few words in response and gestured for the governor to follow him. Maxim released him, and the men walked out of the ballroom.

“They’re heading for the west wing,” I said and turned toward Brandon. “Dante’s taking him to the vault.”