That was the longest exchange between them. The Enforcer wasn’t the most talkative person, and never before had he revealed his thoughts on his Capo and his rules. He was a loyal Made Man, sticking to his oath as he should and cared about what he was supposed to say and what not. So, to ignore the consequences of perhaps revealing too much to Inéz was very unlike him. But the girl appreciated it, so she ended the topic, ready to fight.
§ § §
The first person Inéz spotted as she came into the nightclub was Elio Conte - one of Gastone’s twins. She could only tell him apart from his brother because of the way he preferred to have his hair up, while Fabro kept it down. He was standing by the bar, talking to one of the waitresses. With a smug smirk, it was more than obvious that he was flirting with her. However, the girl didn’t seem interested but rather annoyed. She most likely didn’t turn him down on the spot because of his position, but her replies were there just for the sake of keeping her job. It was obvious for anyone observing this, but Elio didn’t appear to realize it, or ifhe did, he didn’t give two fucks about it.
Inéz’s face hardened, knowing that she was in the lion’s den and couldn’t afford to show any sign of weakness. Much to the waitress’ relief, the man turned his attention towards her, brazenly checking her out. And it would get to the girl if she wasn’t so tired after her workout with Nicodemo. Right now, she just dreamt of getting this meeting over with and going home to sleep the dayoff.
"Hello," she greeted the man, pretending like she didn’t notice him undressing her with his eyes. A fake smile crossed her lips.
"Well hello to you, doll. It’s good to see you again." He came up to her leaving barely a step between them. Too close for Inéz’ taste. However, he was still a better option than his father. "I was just waiting for you. Alberto is going to be late, so I’m going to take care of you."
Inéz looked at the man, trying to figure out whether that was a bad thing, or if she should be glad for the change. Alberto didn’t seem like an approachable person at all. But as she felt Elio’s hand rest on her ass, she drew the conclusion that neither was a good choice. They were all goddamn mobsters.
She moved a little bit to get his hand off her. It worked but clearly displeased the man.
"Elio, behave yourself. You’re going to scare her off before she even starts working here." A male voice in the background reached them. One she knew all too well.
By the entrance, there was Flavio Falcone dressed in a black dress shirt and ripped jeans. Casual but elegant at the same time. His usual style.
The Underboss’ eyes met hers but the recognition that she’d expected didn’t come. And she understood why. It had to look like they were meeting for the first time. As far as Elio was concerned, they didn’t know each other. And Flavio checking her out the same way the twin had merely a minute ago gave away the required depth of their needed act. They were to be total strangers in this place. She couldn’t help rolling her eyes.
"Oh come on, man. I am the most well-behaved person out there," he joked, coming up towards Flavio and greeting him in a friendly manner.
Observing this, Inéz wasn’t sure whether that was an act or not. She didn’t know the younger Falcone well enough to be certain of anything, however, at the same time she couldn’t picture him partying and spending time with his enemy’s son like nothing was wrong. It confused her to no end.
"New dancer?" he asked Elio, playing his part perfectly. He was an amazing actor.
The man nodded, smiling widely as ifhe’d just gotten a new toy. Which couldn’t be that far from the truth, judging by her job. The girls here were expected to be the entertainment for Made Men. And she would have to become one of them.
"I’m Layla,"she introduced herself, extending her hand. Flavio sent her an amused expression, which only meant that he wasn’t going to shake it. Inéz quickly dropped it, a little embarrassed. This part couldn’t be an act, but his natural attitude towards her, Isaac and Drew. The Underboss still didn’t like his brother’s decision.
"That’s sweet," he remarked, and with a small wave of the hand, he turned to Elio. "When are you going to be free? I could use your help with the new casino."
The soldier regarded him and smirked. "Give me ten minutes and we can go. First, I have to give this doll a tour of the nightclub."
Getting an approval nod from the Underboss, Elio took her hand and guided towards the stage. Flavio sat down on the barstool and ordered a drink, his eyes never leaving them.
"He’s got a stick up his ass if I ever saw one," she murmured.
Elio laughed, shaking his head. "Flavio can be rude but don’t let him hear you say something like that about him. It’s disrespectful and he won’t stand for it, doll. You might just find yourself in a fucking bad situation," he warned her but his eyes still held a glimmer of amusement.
"Alright, coming back to business. You already saw the changing room," he started,
