Page 27 of Die for You

It’ll be a cold day in hell when I let her outsmart me again.

The red hue from the cigarette Donkey is smoking alerts me to where he is waiting behind a cargo container. The five men wait with him, Alfonso being one of them.

When they see me, they nod. No words are spoken.

No one engages in small talk.

Tensions are high.

Alfonso peers down at his gold watch.

“Got somewhere better to be?” I question, lighting a cigarette.

Alfonso rolls down his sleeve. He doesn’t reply. But his anger is apparent.

I’ll give him something to be angry about in ten or so minutes.

But for now, I focus on the task at hand when three men walk down the docks toward us.

These are Aldo’s men and have been for quite some time. They’re a small, loyal group, and Aldo’s notes have stated that they haven’t fallen victim to Gianna’s charm. She’s tried to undercut Aldo many times, but they’ve always kept their business with Aldo. They’re smart businessmen, which is why I need them to remain loyal.

This shady scene is out of every gangster movie—men hidden in the shadows, wishing to exert their power and proving who has the biggest cock. Which is why I am certain Gianna is here watching, hoping I fail so she can swoop in.

She’s nothing but a scavenger.

The men approach me. It’s clear I’m the leader, as I’m flanked in protection.

“I’m Lennon.” I extend my hand, introducing myself.

“Tian.”

“Kong.”

“Matias.”

They’re wary, which has me trusting them because it’s obvious they know nothing about me.

“We heard about Aldo,” says Tian. “We are happy to continue the arrangement if you are.”

I nod.

I don’t trust anyone, and bringing new people into the mix leaves me open to defeat. Even dead, I trust Aldo’s judgment more than most people.

Kong’s dark eyes narrow. He’s sizing me up. As he should because, for all he knows, I’m the one who ended Aldo’s life.

Matias is the muscle. He is built like a brick shithouse. He steps forward and passes Donkey a black duffel, and in return, Donkey offers him a Nike gym bag.

The exchange is quick.

The three men nod in a sign of respect, which is as anticlimactic as it comes, but that was just the appetizer. Now, it’s time for the main course.

They turn to leave, and when I see Alfonso’s shoulders depress with a sigh of relief, I know now is the time for me to reveal what sort of leader I am.

“Aldo was a man of honor,” I commence, which has the men stopping dead in their tracks. “He kept his circle small because in this world, who can we really trust?”

Lewis shifts beside me because, brother or not, I sure as shit do not trust him.

The three men turn around to face me, and their body language divulges they’re ready to fight if need be.