Page 141 of Madness & Mercy

NICO:Someone had a little shopping spree.

JULIAN:You stalking me now?

NICO:That’s rich coming from an actual stalker. And no, you’re logged into my account, remember?

I bite down on a smile.

JULIAN:Yeah, yeah. Just thought I could use some clothes that actually fit my taste.

NICO:Your tastes are definitely… unique. But I agree you could use a wardrobe upgrade. I went ahead and ordered you something. Check the app.

Curious, I click out of messages and reopen Amazon.

En route — Men’s sexy maid outfit.

That smug bastard.

JULIAN:Yeah, I’m not wearing that.

NICO:You should. It suits you.

JULIAN:In what world?

NICO:In mine.

JULIAN:Over my dead body.

NICO:That can be arranged.

JULIAN:Fuck off.

NICO:I’ll raise your monthly spending limit by two thousand this month if you wear it tonight.

I actually laugh. An extra two grand just to wear a fucking dress?

JULIAN:You’re an idiot, Vitale.

NICO:That’s not an answer.

I stare at the screen.Damn it.

JULIAN:…Fine.

NICO:Good boy. See you tonight.

I silence the phone and step out of the bedroom, the air in the hall feeling heavier than it did a minute ago. The guards at the bottom don’t stop me, but their eyes follow me all the way down the stairs.

I freeze when I see Enzo. He’s leaning against the wall like he owns it, black jacket open, one hand tucked in his pocket, the other resting casually near the pistol on his hip. The way he’s watching me makes it clear… he’s been waiting for me.

My pulse stutters. “I… uh—”

“Relax,” he says, but there’s nothing relaxing about his tone. “Nico already told us.”

I hesitate. “How much did he tell you?”

Enzo smirks, but it’s the kind that says he’d smile just the same before breaking someone’s jaw. “Oh, not much. Just that you’re the hitman we’ve been looking for, you’ve been lying to our faces since day one, and you were planning to put a bullet in our boss’ head. Y’know, minor details.”

My breath comes out shaky and uneven. “I’m sorry.”