Bratva Sinner (A Possessive Mafia Romance)

But when Franklin walked through the door, a hush fell over everyone. Luke stood up and greeted the man, but the boys seemed on edge.

“Nice place you got here,” Franklin said, looking around.

“Keep your eyes to yourself,” German said. “Money has a tendency to disappear from places you visit.”

Franklin looked hurt. “I’ve never messed with you guys.”

“Keep it that way,” Vlad said, glaring.

Franklin sighed and held up his hands. “I’m only here to talk business.”

“Come on, sit over here.” Luke led Franklin over to my table. I smiled at him and waved as he sat down across from me.

“Didn’t expect to see you hanging around with the boys,” Franklin said. “How’s that treating you?”

“Not too bad. They’re all bark. And I guess they’re some bite too, but I haven’t seen it yet.”

He laughed as Luke pulled up a chair and sat down. “What can I do for you, Franklin?”

“I bet you heard the bank job worked out.” Franklin’s smile split his face in half. “Man, you should’ve seen the tellers, practically shit themselves. I shot off a few warnings, and—”

Luke held up a hand. “Get to the point.”

“Right.” Franklin cleared his throat. “Anyway, I’ve got half the funding, and another guy’s got the other half. There’s a lot of interest in this dossier, you know? Lots of guys coming up to me, begging to get in on this action, but I keep telling them I’m the main man on this sale.”

Luke studied him for a moment. I could almost read his facial expression—it was a little annoyed mixed with equal parts amusement. Franklin had no clue what was going on, but he clearly wanted that dossier, and clearly understood what it represented.

Unfortunately for him, we also understood.

“Here’s the thing, Franklin. Deal’s changed. I’m going to need at least a million.”

Franklin’s eyes popped out of his skull. “Excuse me?”

“A million,” Luke said, nodding.

“I’m not sure,” I said, frowning at him. “Just a million? That sound a little cheap.”

Luke stroked his chin thoughtfully. “You’re right. I’m glad you’re here, otherwise I would’ve given this thing away.”

Franklin was sweating. He stared between us like we’d turned into green monsters. “Million,” he whispered.

“Two million,” I corrected. “I think that’s more reasonable, right?”

“Two million,” Luke agreed.

Franklin gagged. “I can’t come up with that kind of money.”

“I’m sorry to hear it,” Luke said, standing. “Maybe if you talk to all those guys that’ve been approaching you—”

“You bastards,” Franklin said, turning red. “I ripped off that bank and saved the damn money. And now you’re saying you’re going back on the deal.”

“Easy, Franklin,” Vlad said, pushing his chair back. He stood and lifted his shirt, gripping the gun in his waistband.

Franklin glared around the room then took a deep breath to steady himself. “All I’m saying is, I thought we had a deal.”

“We might’ve, but not anymore.” Luke cocked his head. “How about you do me a favor though, and maybe I’ll reconsider.”

A greedy light blossomed in his eyes. “What favor?”

“I need information on the Lionettis. I need to know if one of their clients suddenly dropped out and refused to launder money for them.”

Franklin perked up. “I heard that one already,” he said, nodding vigorously. “Yeah, I heard just this morning, the Lionettis are pissed as hell about it. Everyone’s been talking, and the Lionettis have been kicking down doors and cracking skulls. I think there’ll be blood soon.”

Luke glanced at me and grinned. “Perfect. All right, Franklin, you’ve been a huge help. See you later.”

Franklin stood and looked around. “That’s it? We’re not going to come to terms?”

“Tell you what.” Luke walked with him to the door. “Since you helped me out, I’ll cut you a break. I want one point seven-five million, all right? That’ll be reasonable, I just knocked off two hundred and fifty thousand.”

Franklin groaned as Luke shoved him out the door and slammed it shut.

Vlad cackled with laughter and sat back down. Even German looked amused as Luke walked over and took the seat next to me.

“What do you think?” he asked softly.

“Word’s out, that’s for sure.” I chewed on my fingernail. “Only I’m worried it’s not a good thing. What if it backfires and the Lionettis attack?”

“We’ll see. They can’t just roll in here and kill us all. They don’t know where I’m keeping the dossier.”

“Where are you keeping it?”

He winked and shrugged. “Don’t you worry about that. The less you know, the better.”

“Says the guy that knows everything.” I sighed and leaned my head against his shoulder. “Think Franklin’s right about the Lionettis hurting people?”

“Probably. They’re not exactly known for their restraint.”

“I sort of hate that, you know.”

“Don’t let it bother you, it’s not like these are good people.”

“Fair enough. They’re all guys just like you.”

He laughed. “Killers and thieves.” He stood up and stretched. “Poor Franklin, thought he was getting the deal of a lifetime.”