44. Damon
My brothers are alreadyin our suite when I arrive at the club. All three of them are dressed in all-black suits, none of their playfulness on display.
“Are you ready for this?” Matthias asks.
“Do you think Anthony will cause problems?”
Matthias runs his hand through his hair. “I doubt it. I looked into him, and he wasn’t close with his cousin. Seems like he was doing a family favor bringing him here.”
I nod. “Good, I’d hate to have to kill him.”
Xander smiles. “You know we’re down for a war for our sister.”
I look between my brothers, none of them contradicting him.
We head down the stairs into the large open room below. This time, only Anthony Ricci is waiting for us. As the heir to his family seat, he’s been well trained in this game we’re playing.
My brothers filter in after me, flanking my sides in a show of power. “Anthony, to what do I owe the honor?”
“You killed my cousin,” Anthony responds, but his posture doesn’t change, still as relaxed as when we walked in.
I tilt my head. I know for a fact we didn’t leave evidence behind. He could be bluffing. “Did I?”
Anthony tucks his hand into his pockets and looks me over. “I just wanted to tell you that I’m not looking for Thomas anymore. We were never close, and to be honest, he was always an asshole.”
Tension eases from my muscles as he corroborates Matthias’s sources. Thomas would be a stupid man to go to war for, but you never know when pride will blind someone. Especially someone who was born with a gold spoon in their mouth and has probably never been told no in their lives.
“Asshole? Smart choice not to go looking for him,” I warn. I’m careful not to admit to killing him. It’s one thing to brush off suspicion and another to let a full-blown confession slide. I know better than anyone that in this world, a slight against your family is one you can’t ignore.
Anthony lowers his gaze in respect. “The Ricci family stands firmly beneath you. I truly appreciate you meeting with me today.”
Something in his tone makes me uneasy, but I can’t expect him to be pleased in this situation. “You are dismissed.”
“Congratulations on your recent marriage. A very unconventional pairing,” Anthony responds.
Electricity flickers in my veins at the thinly veiled insult. “Be careful speaking about my wife, or you may end up finding your cousin.”
His face blanches, and he swallows. “Thanks again for meeting me.”
I watch as he practically flees up the stairs, and we don’t speak until I hear the door slam after him.
I look to Matthias. “Watch him. That was too easy.”
“Already on it.”