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"I'm saying, we should hit them first. Take out their distribution centers in the Ninth Ward. Knock them out at theknees and make sure they have no legs left to stand on. End this thing."

My phone vibrates on the table. Roman's name flashes on the screen, and my stomach drops before I even read the message.

Roman

Serpents are circling the bar. Spotted them out front. Snuck out the back, getting Olivia out now.

The glass nearly slips from my hand. My heart hammers against my ribs as I stand abruptly, chair scraping against the floor.

"What is it?" John asks, already on his feet.

"Serpents. At Gino's." My voice sounds distant to my own ears as I grab my jacket. "Olivia's there."

"Sam—"

"Don't tell me to calm down." I'm already moving toward the door, checking my piece. "Just get a crew and meet me there."

"I wasn't going to," John interrupts. "I'll get the guys. Don't do anything stupid until I get there."

The fear clawing at my chest is unfamiliar, raw. I've faced down death more times than I can count, but the thought of Olivia in danger makes my hands shake. When did she become so important? When did I start caring this much?

I slide into my car, tires squealing as I pull away from the curb. My knuckles turn white on the steering wheel.

"Hold on, Olivia," I mutter. "I'm coming."

I screech to a halt outside Gino's, barely remembering to put the car in park before I'm out the door. My gun is already in my hand, tucked against my side as I approach the entrance. The familiar neon sign casts an eerie glow across the sidewalk, butthere's something wrong; the usual warmth of the place has been replaced by a heavy silence that makes my skin crawl.

When I push through the door, the scene inside freezes my blood. Four of my men stand with their backs to the wall, outnumbered by Serpents who've made themselves comfortable. Joey's behind the counter, face pale as he mechanically pours drinks.

One of my guys, Marco, steps forward. "Roman got her out the back door before they came in," he whispers.

Relief floods through me, but it's short-lived as I notice Axel Rousseau lounging at the center of the bar, his cut displaying the Iron Serpents patch. He raises his glass in mock salute.

"Costello! Just the man we were hoping to see." His smile doesn't reach his eyes. "Nice place you've got here."

I keep my expression neutral, though my trigger finger itches. "This isn't your territory, Rousseau."

"Funny thing about that." Axel takes a slow sip of bourbon and sets the glass down with deliberate care. "We thought about what you said the other day, and we decided..." He gestures around the room. "We like this bar. Atmosphere's good. Drinks are decent. Think this is where we'll be drinking from now on." He grins. "Since our clubhouse burned down and all."

The challenge hangs in the air between us. My men are watching, waiting for my signal, but we're outnumbered, and I know John's still gathering reinforcements.

"Where's your boss?" I ask, keeping my voice level. "Kade too scared to face me himself?"

Axel's smile tightens. "President's got bigger things to handle than a bar dispute. But don't worry, he sends his regards."

I stare Axel down, calculating our odds. Four of my men against eight Serpents. Bad math, especially with Olivia’s bar caught in the middle. This isn't the time for pride.

"Enjoy your drinks," I say coolly, my voice betraying none of the rage churning inside me. "But understand something, this is temporary. Very temporary."

Axel's smile falters slightly, clearly expecting me to take the bait. I tuck my gun back into my holster, making sure he sees the movement.

"Joey," I call out, keeping my eyes on Axel. "Put their tab on my account. Serpents drink free tonight."

Understanding my play, Joey nods. Give them enough rope to hang themselves.

"That's mighty generous of you, Costello," Axel says, confusion flickering across his face.

"I'm a generous guy." I gesture to my men. "Let's go."