“Of course,” Remo said with a cold smile. He didn’t once look at Hall. This was about me, about us. “It’s the third time Hall is behind. His daughter offered to pay his debt.”
I knew all that and I didn’t give a fuck. All I cared about was Leona not getting hurt.
“So you took her money?”
“I didn’t ask her for money. She wouldn’t be able to pay that much. But she was determined to save her father.”
“Where is she?” I asked carefully. Every muscle in my body was tense because I knew if something happened to Leona, I’d fucking lose it.
“She’s in the basement. Paying his debt the only way she can.”
My blood ran cold. “Soto?” It was all I managed.
Remo nodded but his eyes bored into my skull. “He went down with her a couple of minutes ago.”
Two minutes. I didn’t have much time. Leona didn’t have much time. “I’m your Enforcer. Let me handle her.”
Remo came up to me, steps slow and measured. And for the first time, I tried to imagine what I’d have to do to beat him, to kill him. He was like my brother, and I hated that I’d come that far. “You never deal with women. You asked me to let Soto handle that part of the business, and I granted you your wish, Fabiano.”
He was right. He’d never understood but because I was like his brother, he had accepted my reluctance. And Remo wasn’t the accepting type.
“It’s different with her,” I said, letting my hunger show but not my protectiveness. If Remo thought this was anything but fun, nothing would save Leona.
Hall was still crouched on the floor, and I made a silent vow to let him suffer before I granted him death.
“I don’t think you handling her will have the desired effect,” Remo said. “You have been seeing her for weeks. You fucking her in my dungeon won’t really send a message.”
“I haven’t fucked her yet. She refused me.”
“Refused you?” Remo asked, as if the word meant nothing to him. His eyes became calculating. “And you let her?”
Oh Leona, I hope you are worth it. Remo was on the hunt.
I didn’t say anything. I had a feeling it would make things worse. “Let me handle her,” I said calmly. I put my hand on his shoulder, and that he let it happen, gave me hope. Still like brothers. “You won’t regret it.”
“I know I won’t,” he said. “But perhaps you will.” He paused. “Then handle her, Fabiano.” I was about to turn around and storm into the cellar to Leona, but his hand clamped down on my forearm. He turned it so the tattoo of the Camorra was up. “You are my Enforcer, Fabiano. You have been at my side since the beginning. You never disappointed me. Don’t start now.”
“And I won’t,” I said fiercely. “I will take care of her.”
Remo gave me a warning look. “Don’t disappoint me, Fabiano. She is just one woman. Remember where your loyalties lie.”
I barely listened. I hurried out of the room and down the stairs. I knew I had to make it on time. I took the stairs two at once. I couldn’t be late.
I knew where to go. Soto always chose the same room. I didn’t bother knocking instead I pushed open the door to our interrogation room. “I can’t wait to have you suck my cock,” Soto drawled. “Fucking choice be damned.”
Leona was pressed up against the wall, looking terrified while Soto was pulling down his pants, revealing his hairy ass. Terror filled Leona’s beautiful face, and for a moment I considered putting a knife in Soto’s back.
“Get out,” I snarled. “I’m taking over.”
Soto whirled around, showing me his pitiful cock. He gave me a stunned look. “I thought you didn’t like to handle women,” he said mockingly. “That’s why Remo gave me the job.”
“I changed my mind,” I growled. “Now get out before I lose my patience.”
Soto shot Leona another hungry look but then he pulled up his pants and stalked past me, muttering curses.
The door fell shut. I knew the camera was pointed at us, recording everything. Perhaps Remo was watching. This had nothing to do with Greg Hall, and everything to do with me. Remo was testing me. Remo trusted me as much as a man like him could trust anyone, like he trusted his brothers, and now he felt the need to test me.
A small part of me felt fury toward Leona for being the reason for it.
Remo had never doubted me. Never. And I had sworn with my own blood to never give him reason to.
Leona pushed away from the wall, looking confused and hopeful and scared all at once. “Oh Fabiano,” she whispered, relieved. “I’m so glad you came. I was so scared.”
I didn’t go over to her.