“She’s okay,” I called as he ran toward us.
I looked down to get my bearings and spotted Trigger making his way along the other side of the arena. I figured he had his sights on Stefano, so I headed in their direction, trying like hell not to lose my footing. When I got to the ladder, I clung to the sides and dropped straight down, hitting the floor without a sound. I wanted to head them off. I’d pretty much made it down when a door flew open below me and Stefano ran out with a few of his soldiers on his heels. They looked to have been stripped of their weapons. Vinni stepped out from behind a wall across the other side and saw me. I motioned for him to stay put. Neither of us had been spotted yet.
“Where is he?” Stefano shouted to one of his men, while the others put their hands in the air, looking annoyed. “He can’t just vanish!”
“I can’t get hold of any of the other guys,” the soldier huffed.
“Well, we can’t fucking stay here!” Stefano headed for the door. “Get me to the car!”
I could have ended it all right there—point, aim, shoot—but where was the fun in that?
I retraced my steps to the elevator and found the stairs and opted for those instead. My excitement was getting the best of me, and the smell of the promised blood was already in my nostrils. I took the stairs three at a time and ripped open the door. I came face to face with one of Stefano’s men and reached forward before he could react and wrapped my hands around his neck then drilled my knee into his face. His body gave out and dropped to the floor just as the door to the strip club opened. The music pounded and paired its vibration with my heart. A bartender looked at me then at the man at my feet and back to me again.
“The douche bag in the white sports coat went that way,” he grated and pointed with his head.
I nodded my thanks and brushed by him. I wound my way through the lap dances and desperate moans, then outside to the pouring rain.
There he was, standing in the middle of the parking lot with two of his soldiers. They looked lost as they just stood there. It didn’t click with me why.
I pulled out my gun, flipped my coin into the air, and called it. Tails. It landed, and I grinned and took off toward them.
Bang!I took out the man to his left.Bang!I took out the other.
“Whoa! Elio!” Stefano shouted as he backed away. I tucked my weapon away and swung, and my fist plowed into his stomach. When he doubled up, I headbutted him, sending him backward with a yelp.
“The Reaper waits for no one,” Trigger grunted from somewhere behind me. Rail and another guy started cheering and making catcalls at Stefano. I realized they’d been waiting for me to arrive. I blocked out all sound and gave in to Zazzero. He’d been waiting for this moment to come forward.
My wet hair fell and sent raindrops into my eyes as I leaned back. I cleared my vision and aimed my foot and high-kicked him in the stomach with my other. He fell to the ground with a thud, but I wasn’t finished. I grabbed his jacket and pulled him to his feet.
“You threatened what’s mine.” I saw Sienna’s face when I drilled my fist into his chin. “You touched what’s mine.” I repeated the action to the other side of his jaw. “You hurt what’s mine.” I grabbed him by the hair and dragged him to the side of the brick wall. “I’ll return the treatment you’ve shown me and my family.”
“Just wait,” he muttered, barely coherent, “just wait.”
“I’ll be sure to send Mikey your regards.” His swollen eyes widened, and I saw his terror just as his life slipped away.
Taking his head, I held his mouth open, rested his teeth on the brick, and with all my force drilled my elbow into his head, hearing his jaw break and his neck snap.
I let his body slump as I fought to catch my breath, feeling Zazzero slowly fizzle into the background. Leaning over, I removed his family ring and tucked it in my pocket.
Running a hand through my hair to slick it back, I joined Trigger and his crew. Vinni and Niccola stood quietly. Rail and some other men I’d yet to meet were nodding with approval.
“Hi. I’m Morgan.” He held out a hand. “We’ve met before, but a long ass time ago.” He spat, and it landed close to Stefano’s bloody head. “I take it you’re done here?” He grinned.
“So, this is your friend?” Tess joked with sarcasm, and Trigger, to my surprise, laughed loudly.
I looked over at the body then at Vinni and tossed him the ring. “Hang on to this for Sienna.”
“Yes, boss.”
“Whiskey?” Trigger slapped my shoulder.
“That would be perfect.”
* * *
Tess was a great hostess and made sure we got the grand tour of the house. I had to admit the place was impressive and was in full swing, even for this late at night. I knew Vegas never slept but was still amazed at how many people were partying. Niccola and Vinni were enjoying lap dances while Morgan and Rail hooted their encouragement. Brick was off attending to Minnie. He’d messaged Trigger she was going to be just fine.
“Is that a man dressed as a woman?” I eyed what looked like a woman sitting on Vinni’s lap, but the jawbone was way too strong not to be a man.