Nik chuckles and I notice Rizzo is tense, ready for a fight. “Yeah, that suits the Irish, though, doesn’t it? A load of fucking travelers with no teeth.”
Finn bares his teeth and growls at Nik. “Keep your mouth shut, Krushev, or I’ll staple it shut.”
“All talk, no bite,” he replies, cracking his knuckles.
It’s true. Finn Murphy may want the crown, but he’s too much of a coward to try to take it.
For years he’s been mouthing off, and as I glance around the empty corridor, I realize it’s probably time to put him in his place once and for all.
I strike hard and fast, punching him right in the nose.
“Fuck,” he shouts, grabbing hold of his face. “What the fuck was that for?”
“Mouthing off.” I grab the collar of his jacket and drag him toward me. “I run this fucking place, and don’t forget it. If you think that’s bad, I’ll make you wish you weren’t born if you ever challenge me again.”
“Calm it, Morales.” He holds his hands up in surrender. “I’m only jesting with you.”
“Well, don’t.” I let him go and glare at his two friends. “If I hear any of you questioning my right to rule this place, I’ll make sure none of you can walk for a week.”
Rowan’s eyes narrow in anger, but Sean just pales and nods. “No worries, lad,” he says, holding his hand up. “No questioning on my part.”
Rowan doesn’t say a word, but Finn nods. “Got it.” Blood streams from his nose down his chin as he dodges around me and scampers away, along with his two friends.
Rizzo clears his throat. “Does that kind of shit happen often?”
I look back at him. “No, most people aren’t stupid enough to challenge me.”
Nik claps me on the shoulder. “It’s about time someone gave that rat what he deserves.”
I lead the way into the cafeteria and it feels like it’s my lucky day, as Natalya Gurin is headed right toward me.
First, I get to put a coward in his place, and now I can humiliate my little pet.
She hasn’t noticed me as she chats with Adrianna, walking right into my path. Nik smirks when he sees where my eyes are focused and all I have to do is stick my foot out in front of her. Natalya’s eyes go wide as she begins to fall, her face flushing in an instant.
I watch, laughing with Nik as Natalya face plants the cafeteria floor.
Adrianna also hadn’t noticed me and her face turns furious when she realizes what I just did. “You fucking asshole,” she says, quickly rushing to her friend’s side.
“Say that again, and I’ll make sure I get you next time, Vasquez.”
Her eyes narrow, and she blows out an irritated breath, helping Natalya to her feet.
Natalya’s face looks a little red from the fall and there’s already a small bruise emerging on her cheek.
I smirk, looking into her eyes and daring her to say something in retort.
Instead, her eyes just hold an odd sorrow I’ve never seen in them before as she turns away and leaves.
Everyone in the cafeteria is laughing, but for some fucked up reason I feel a twinge of guilt clawing at my insides.
Why the fuck am I feeling guilty when I’ve done that so many times before and worse?
Natalya Gurin deserves everything she gets, since her family tore me away from my life and dragged me to this shithole of a country.
“What was that all about?” Rizzo asks, looking confused.
“Natalya Gurin,” Nik says, shrugging. “Elias likes to keep her in her place. He always has.”