" has already agreed. It’s a done deal. So fucking get over it."
There was the sound of a smash, followed by a pained groan. Without seeing it, Inéz was certain that Fabro had pinned his brother to the wall, and she even considered leaving the room. If a fight was to break out, it could end very badly. But that would entail giving up her hiding place, and they might realize that she had heard them talk.
"Let me go. You trying to beat the shit out of me won’t change a thing. It was my decision, and I will live with the consequences if needed."
Then the talking stopped, suggesting that the men must have parted, leaving their conversation unfinished. Waiting a few more minutes, Inéz left the dressing room with a heavy heart. As she was about to go back dancing, she felt a sharp pull of her arm and her back crushed to the wall, pain erupting through her spine.
Elio’s green eyes burned into her. His expression inquisitive. "Having fun listening to people?"
Blood drained from her face. Had it all been for show after all? Did the twins know who she really was?
She shook her head expressively. "I don’t know what you’re talking about," she said immediately, lying through her teeth.
"Is that so?" he smirked, confusing the girl. Was he mad, or not? There was no way for Inéz to tell the difference.
His hand went up to her face, lightly stroking her cheek, the other one still tightly gripping her arm. It didn’t hurt as much as the jolt a second ago had. Bruises might appear there later.
"Then what were you doing in the changing room when you were supposed to be working?" he leaned in, whispering to her ear.
A wave of terror blazed through her, making her mouth dry and eyes water. With a deep breath, she tried to reign it in. "I’m not feeling well today."
Elio slightly loosened his hold of her but didn’t seem convinced that she was telling the truth. Rightfully so.
They heard Amanda’s voice coming from behind, and their eyes darted in that direction, making the man take a step back. The dancer showed up in the threshold of the backroom. Her brows drew together, seeing the two of them. "There you are. I was starting to get worried you might have passed out in the bathroom," she said, ignoring the man, and came up to the girl, examining her closely.
Inéz shook her head, trying to calm down. Maybe the twin wouldn’t do anything too bad to her around Amanda. Nevertheless, she wouldn’t bet on it. "I’m fine," she assured her friend forcing a smile.
"Elio, you need something from Layla?" she finally turned towards the man, gazing at him, hope lacing her eyes. She probably thought that the girl had asked him for help at last. Which wasn’t the case at all.
He nodded. "Yes," he began. "I wanted to know why the fuck she was hiding in the dressing room, listening to my conversation with Fabro."
Amanda rolled her eyes, not buying his sudden bout of anger. She’d known him for some time already and wasn’t scared of him for some reason. Inéz wondered whether she was even aware of what the man actually did for a living. She might suspect it, but she really doubted any Made Man would openly confirm her suspicions. Omertàwas taken very seriously.
"She wasn’t listening to you. Since she arrived at work, every once in awhile, she went to the bathroom, feeling unwell. It’s not a matter of just going once to freaking spy on you. Don’t be paranoid, Elio," she said.
Inéz’s eyes widened, waiting for the man to explode in anger at what the girl told him, and at the disrespectful manner of doing it. He was technically her boss alongside Gastone, Alberto and Fabro. All of which wouldn’t have hesitated in hitting her across the face for such behavior.
Elio didn’t.
What’s more, when he turned to Inéz once again, his expression softened. "Do you need a medic? Or to take a day off?"
To say that the girl felt overwhelmed because of the kind manner in which Elio was acting with her would be an understatement. Words of agreement with the second question played on her tongue. That way, she could avoid going to the VIP room to Gastone.
"I’ll be alright, but thank you," she said instead, reluctantly rejecting the offer.
And with that, she returned to the main club area, heading up the stairs as it was already a few minutes after midnight. TheCapodecina was already going to be even angrier at her tardiness.
CHAPTER 34
Nicodemo was waiting on Noah who was in the middle of a meeting with one of the politicians the Las Vegas Famiglia was supporting. The elections were quickly approaching and, as a consequence, many meetings were necessary with the Capo dei capi.Hegave money to the campaign, but also kept a firm hand on all the aspects of the voting process and the decisions the politicians made. Quid pro quo.
Just after midnight, the doors of a big mansion opened and the Falcone strode out, annoyance written all over his face. As much as he would love to pass this task to Flavio, he couldn’t. The Underboss had many responsibilities as it was, and couldn’t take on any more at this moment. Besides, Noah hated being perceived as disrespectful. He never acted that way openly towards others and wasn’t planning on starting any time soon. His business depended on his actions; his captains, soldiers, enforcers, assassins and associates. Nothing was handed to him, and earning almost a million dollars a week came with a certain amount of work that had to be done. Not just delegated.
He waved a hand in a dismissing manner, seeing as his Enforcer was on the verge of asking about the meeting. He wasn’t in the mood
