11. Tommy
11
Tommy
The moment Valeria slid into the library, I moved. Already knowing how Bia is, their exchange wasn’t going to last five minutes. Guessing she’d soak up an hour or two of time to catch up with her daughter, I felt the need to leave. Didn’t want to linger and listen to both women get emotional.
This morning, my mood has been sour. Ever since, I’ve felt off balance. I need a refresher, something to knock me back in place.
When I hit the stone stairwell that leads down below, my muscles don’t lose tension when the thick copper scent coating the air hits my nose. Instead, I hesitate. The thought of the scent clinging to my clothing is what does it. Hints at a weakness forming.
I shouldn’t care how Valeria would react if she smells blood on me.
More reason to keep going down until I reach matching concrete floors. Once I push through the one last door separating the peaceful life that passes each day, and the cruel reality of what happens behind the curtains to maintain control, I head deeper inside.
One room is my own. None dare to touch it or go near, knowing what has taken place. Some scurry past; some look in awe. I became the best at getting information because each man I killed left me losing another piece of humanity.
I don’t worry about who will suffer because of a death. I don’t care about the tears or the pleas for one’s life. I don’t pity those who have wronged us. I don’t feel for any of those who betrayed this family’s trust.
Valeria can’t be the outlier. She can’t make my cock thicken by just the thought of her, and then stab me in the chest by talking about the outcome I’ve promised.
Moving through a musty hall, I head straight to my room. Pushing through the door, I can hear a distant whimper and sob. Probably another dealer who got caught on our grounds. Or, possibly a rat who gave away details to the wrong man. So many possibilities, I don’t bother to care. The pained sounds have turned into white noise, and I’ve mastered blocking them out.
Right now, something far bigger plagues my mind. The damage one person can do when she’s discovered how to get into my head.
Moving toward the bare chair in the middle of the room, I graze my fingers against the stained leather straps used to hold down wrists. The holes in the loops are worn down from all the yanking and pulling, and I wish I could recount how many people I’ve had sit in this chair alone over the years. Too many faces that are nothing but a blur, all their words ringing the same.
They won’t wrong us again. They want another chance. They’re sorry.
Valeria isn’t like them. She’s made it clear from the start. She’s not sorry for leaving. If she had another chance to relive all those years ago, she wouldn’t change a thing.
So, why don’t I put her in this chair? Why don’t I make her sorry?
There’s someone I want to put in this chair more than her. Elijah Sutton. My body screams to find him and take all my anger out on him instead of her. Even though we’ve never crossed paths before, and I don’t know a damn thing about him, I want to hurt him. I want to hurt him badly.
That’s the cost of letting Valeria get in my head. She’s no longer at the top of my list. Fuck, I don’t even know if she’s on the list anymore.
Moving my eyes over to the metal platter with all my tools, I pick up a scalpel and pinch it between my thumb and fingers. Despite its usage, I’ve taken good care of my tools by making sure they all remain as sharp as the day I received them.
Closing my eyes, I try to picture the scene I originally wanted to play out the day I found her snooping on the estate grounds. I wanted her in my chair, strapped down and defenseless. Apologetic and pleading to be forgiven.
Instead of fantasizing about her pleading my name, I’m remembering the way it came out breathlessly last night. The same way it’s haunted me since.
My cock doesn’t know the damn difference. Permanently stiff, there’s only one way to seek relief, and I can’t .
Dropping the scalpel, I scowl below at my tools. My once method of relief now taunts me.
Turning away, I don’t bother letting the lure of someone else’s methods of questioning lead me deeper into the dark concrete path. Instead, I leave and head back to the one place I’ve always escaped to whenever I needed a clear mind.
The gardens.
Camellia or Eliza’s arrival didn’t make this place. While it might have grown more flourish over the years, this area of escape has been a thing since I first arrived on the grounds. Leon gave me a small tour, showing me that this life isn’t entirely sharp. There is the possibility of peace if we search for it.
Valeria loved the garden. She’d tease me with the idea of leaving every time she dragged me out here, forcing me to chase her between the bushes. I had to be the one to patch up her skin whenever she got caught on thorns. Sometimes, she’d force me to sit down next to her simply to get fresh air in her system.
Old habits die hard, I suppose. Even without her by my side, I find myself out here whenever I need a break from it all.
The stone bench feels cool when I settle against it. Leaning back, I take in the colors of flowers that are drawing in all sorts of insects. It’s quiet out here, giving my thoughts the perfect opportunity to ring loud in my head.
Despite the peace not coming immediately, I don’t move. Like I’m desperate for a little tranquility, my stubbornness keeps me from heading back inside.
For years, Valeria plagued my mind. I don’t even know if I’d gone a day without letting her pass my thoughts at least once. I’m not used to the constant weight of my grudge weighing me down.
“Great weather out today,” a voice comes from behind. I don’t have to look to know it’s Urzo. His steps are heavy as he moves around to join me. Rather than sit down, he stands with his arms crossed. For once, his wife isn’t soaking up his side. “Might enjoy a ride today.”
I don’t know why he’s telling me about his plans. He’s not the type to ask for company, and I don’t own a bike.
He’s disrupting my peace the longer he stands near, waiting.
“I can’t go out on a long-distance trip with Eliza, so I was hoping to ask for other company,” he continues, his impatience seeping through.
“I’m not leaving her alone,” I finally let out, glaring ahead. Knowing how much he cares about his sister, if this is his way of making me put my guard down, then he has another thing coming.
“She won’t be alone. Eliza will keep her distracted. Give her a few hours to breathe without having you down her throat and join me.” He rolls his neck, his mouth soon matching mine. “Santino wants us to check out the casino and have a talk with Renato Marino.”
The inside of my cheek throbs before I realize I’m biting down on it. Grinding my teeth, the turmoil happening inside flares up.
I don’t want Valeria to leave my reach. I want to see Elijah up close. I don’t want the two to be anywhere near each other.
“She’ll be fine, Tommy. From what I hear, she doesn’t have a reason to go anywhere.” He tries to say the words he thinks will reassure me, but all they do is add gasoline to the fire fueling my rage.
Looking at him, I can’t hold back my glare. “And what exactly have you been hearing?”
It had taken strength for Valeria to tell me what had happened to her. If someone had overheard her and dared to spill a secret that wasn’t their own–
Urzo lifts a brow at my hostility and clicks his tongue. “Her debts. Jesus. Down, boy.”
My body doesn’t listen. His words are proof that I’m changing. From babysitter to guard dog.
Moving to stand, I try to look back at the life growing up the trellises to ease this sensation clawing at my chest, but it doesn’t work. “If Santino gave the order, then that’s what matters. Lead the way. Don’t think I’m getting on that bike of yours.”
The tension between us lessens when I settle into his information. He snorts and motions me to follow him toward the garage.
“You’re driving. Pick whatever you want. Oh, and Eliza wanted me to tell you she’ll kill you if anything happens to me.” He’s serious, of course. I know better than to doubt a promise that comes from that hot-headed woman.
“Depends on who stands in our way.” Grumbling the words, we make our way to the garage, and I snatch the keys to one of our muscle cars.
If I want to keep my mind clear without worrying about what I’m missing out on by leaving Valeria’s side, then I’m going to need something fast.
* * *
Renado isn’t the type to do his business by dirtying his hands by selling sex or drugs. He likes things flashy. So when we pull up to his best-earning business, I’m not surprised by the flashing lights or loud noises singing from the speakers above.
“They’re going to kick us out before we can even find who we’re looking for,” I mutter as I take in the sight.
Urzo and I are similar in our own ways. Both freak shows in appearance, he’s got a mean gash through his lips. I’m missing fingers and dotted in my own scars. Normal civilians look our way and know the best thing to do is to run.
“Guess we better not get distracted then. We’re here for Renado, that’s it.” Like I need the reminder, he states the obvious.
He doesn’t know I want to get my hands on Elijah. Santino doesn’t want to start a fight that doesn’t need to be fought. Maybe he thinks I want to burn some cash on machines that know how to lure addicts in. To keep my sanity clear, I have to be smart and remind myself of the reality of Urzo’s words.
I’m willing to bet my entire savings that he’ll make an appearance. With Valeria on the line, I can feel it deep in my bones.
Grunting to his warning, I curl and uncurl my fingers, debating if I’ll be able to control myself.
Walking past the rows and rows of slot machines, I don’t pay attention to the crowds of people mindlessly pushing buttons. This place is the physical form of brain rot. Hell, none of them flinch at us because they’re too busy hoping they’ll win back even a sliver of what they’ve already lost.
Urzo leads like he’s been here before, and with all the marriage ties, I’m sure he’s come here with Santino before. He takes us to an elevator, one guarded by two security thugs. Their recognition of him fuels my certainty that my guess is correct, as they lead us inside. They take us to the top, straight to the surveillance room.
The air feels thin and dry, and such a large room barely has many bodies. Fewer eyes when it comes to what’s about to take place here, if I have to guess.
Renado rests against the edge of the surveillance desk, his arms crossed as he watches us through his good eye. There isn’t hatred or nerves behind his stare, just annoyance.
Urzo has this stiffness to him at the sight of the Don. Might still hold a grudge that Renado almost married his wife before they met.
“I’ve had Santino in one ear, and Rocco’s in the other. Camellia keeps calling him up, asking him for help. I’m tired of this.” His lips form a scowl as he takes us both in. “I don’t know why he bothered sending two of you here. One is all it takes for negotiations.”
Urzo didn’t mention negotiations. Neither of us are good talkers. We’d rather use our hands to get our message across. He made it clear on the way here that we’re not trying to shake things up.
I don’t even truly understand why he asked me to come if it wasn’t an excuse to get Valeria alone.
That can’t be what they’re doing. Valeria is fine. The sight before me is flickering up my anger to where I’m questioning everyone and their intentions.
Taking in all the screens, my fingers curl into tight fists. I can see all the tables, all the slot machines. There are close shots, purposeful for trying to find those who cheat the system. Close enough to take in the features of all the participants.
I’m sure of it. This is where Elijah watched her.
The bastard gave her a second chance. He didn’t do it because he thought she’d pay him back. No, he did it because he wanted to extend this fucked up behavior of his. He thought she’d keep playing, keep falling deeper into the hole she dug. Turn her more and more into prey until she had no choice but to submit to this fucked up game of his.
Instead of playing into his hands, she ran away. Now it’s suddenly a problem.
Does the debt even mean anything? Paying it back would only satisfy Renado.
Instead of jumping straight into conversation, Renado checks the watch on his wrist like he’s waiting.
Of fucking course. We are waiting for someone. For the source of our problem. And not even five minutes later, I hear the door open.
Elijah Sutton, in the flesh. From his appearance alone, I can tell he avoids getting his hands dirty. Not unless there’s a handicap involved. No, I’m willing to bet he hires muscles to do the job for him.
Black beady eyes scan over us with each step he takes, like he’s processing what kind of threat we are. Tall and lengthy, his dark hair is slicked back with a thick layer of gel or grease from a lack of hygiene. On this guy, I can’t tell the difference.
The smile on his lips is what makes the heat of rage flick at my insides. More than a smile, those thin lips of his are sneering at us like we’re below him.
My fingers twitch, and my knuckles itch. I can’t remember the last time I’ve wanted to hit someone just for existing. To crunch his nose and make that fucking look on his face disappear is what begs me to move from Urzo’s side.
“I can see she doesn’t get her looks from her family,” he mocks, taking us both in. He then looks away, eyeing Renado. “The woman?”
“Didn’t need to be involved,” Urzo answers for him, keeping his voice steady. “We’re here to talk terms.”
“Terms?” Elijah scoffs and shakes his head. “I’ve already told him what I want. She owes me a debt, and we’re not done until she’s repaid it.”
“We’ll get you the money,” I hear myself say, “we need time.”
I can’t make that promise. I don’t speak to please him; I speak because I need to discover if this man is truly who I believe he is.
If he’s a sewer rat on the outside and the inside.
“No.” His face shrivels up in disgust at the very suggestion. “I didn’t make a deal with your family. I made it with her. Let her clean up her own mess. She’s a big girl who can handle herself.”
Renado sighs, listening to our back and forth. “We can have her work the floors to pay back the debt. We’ve got different roles that earn plenty. If she takes on clients, then she’ll have no issue paying it back in a few months. We’re known for our high-rollers.”
Urzo growls, letting his facade slip. “You did not just suggest we let my sister sell herself.”
Renado shrugs, motioning with his hands. Seems the Marino family may be dipping into different revenues after all.
“My demand is simple. She wants to clear this debt; she can clear it my way.” Elijah’s smirk makes my teeth clench. “She’s got a pretty face, any man would be happy to help her out for the right price.”
My imagination betrays me, and I picture it. Valeria destroying herself because of a debt she’d attempt to take care of herself. Letting men take one piece of her at a time until nothing is left but a hollow shell.
I’m willing to place my own bet on which bastard would be the first one willing to ask for her service.
“No.” Urzo is firm, his voice low. “Different terms.”
“Not interested. Don’t bother wasting your time by coming out here again.” Clicking his tongue, his nose wrinkles. “And don’t waste my time without bringing what I want.”
Kill him. Break his jaw and rip his tongue out for suggesting such filth. Make him choke and gurgle on his vile blood.
“Keep her protected as long as you’d like. I’ll find a way to bring her back.” Spitting the words so confidently, there isn’t a lick of fear in Elijah’s gaze.
He’s never had his life threatened before. Never danced with a blade in a hand that isn’t his own. He doesn’t understand.
Blood rushes to my ears as I watch him have the gall to turn his back on us.
Why is he so confident? If he’s a man who hires help, could someone have infiltrated the estate? Do they plan on trying to take her away, right under my nose?
Valeria is mine. I’m not giving her to anyone. She is mine.
Urzo must be a mind reader, because he jerks in my direction when I reach behind me. Unable to think about anything other than putting a hole in the back of the bastard’s head, I barely get the chance to brush against the handle of my blade I keep tucked away in my back pocket.
I want to carve him up and make him bleed. It will have to be enough to leave me satisfied. The sight of red will do the same thing the garden does. I’ll find peace.
Urzo squeezes my shoulder, his fingers digging into my muscles. “ Relax .”
I don’t. Rather, I can’t. My heart feels as heavy as stone, but it beats like it’s woken up from a long nap.
“He hurt her. Put a blade to her throat and left her scarred in ways you can’t imagine. He won’t stop at a few more cuts.” As my muscles ache beneath the restraint of holding them back, my voice waivers. “I want to cut out his tongue so he can’t speak of her again.”
Urzo doesn’t let up his hold, his fingers growing tighter. He doesn’t see it, can’t possibly understand what a man like Elijah wants out of his sister. Not like I do.
“If you go against Santino’s orders and start something without his permission, he won’t be satisfied with taking another finger or two. Not when it involves risking getting his daughter and wife involved. Who will keep Val safe if he decides to kill you to save face?”
My breathing doesn’t slow, my heart continues racing. Somehow, Urzo’s the one with the level head.
Leon trusted me with Valeria because he saw something I didn’t. Santino put her under my watch because he knew I wouldn’t let harm come to her. Not even from my own hands.
Urzo is talking sense. Only I can protect her.
They know, even when I’m lost in my foggy thoughts, I’ll always put Valeria at the top of my priorities. I’ll keep her safe in the end, even if it means losing an opportunity like this.
“Come on. Let’s get out of here before they think they need to start worrying about us.” He moves his hand and pats my back, pushing me forward. “If it means anything, he’s not going to be a problem for much longer.”
Needing to know more, I can’t push, not with so many eyes and ears on us. It’s not until Urzo’s the one to demand the keys in case I’m feeling suicidal that he finally relaxes.
“We weren’t the only ones to show up, you know. Santino sent a few others before us to scope out the place. He had a feeling the guy would come.” We hit the freeway, and he sighs. “They’re ordered to track his location so we can take care of him.”
“Renado doesn’t mind?” I try to relax, but it’s an impossible feat.
“We’re all replaceable. That, and even he thinks the guy is a creepy fucker. Santino’s throwing him some cash, we’re taking care of a problem child without any of his men lashing out because they think he had a hand in it. It’s a win-win for everyone. Just have to kill him in a way that doesn’t bring suspicion.” Urzo shrugs, making it all sound easy.
“I want to kill him,” I tell him once more. “Fuck their suspicion. Better yet, your sister deserves to slit his throat.”
He glances over at me with a lifted brow. “I don’t think Val wants to kill a man. I get I’m not the one who’s been hovering over her all of this time, but she’s not like us, man. You’ll probably fuck up her head even more than it already is.”
Unable to decide if he’s got a point or not, I grunt and decide it’ll be best to talk to her about it.
If she wants to kill him, to give her a reason to stop looking over her shoulder, I don’t care what it takes. I’ll make sure she’s the one who does the final blow.