Chapter 3

(Lorenzo)

"You finished the last slice of pizza! Gio! how could you?" Declan dramatically gasped.

"Hey, it's not my fault, no one claimed it so it was free food." Giovanni shrugged nonchalantly.

I observed with amusement as Declan furrowed his brow and pouted slightly staring at the empty pizza box on my kitchen counter.

Moments like this always amused me. Rare moments that proved that Declan and Giovanni had human feelings.

I cleared my throat, announcing my presence in their midst.

"Hi, boss!" They both saluted as I made my way to the fridge, pouring myself a glass of orange juice.

Leaning against the counter, I asked casually, my gaze shifting between the two of them. "Got any plans for tonight?"

"None for me, boss," Giovanni replied.

"I've got a hot date with my girl," Declan admitted sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck, a faint blush gracing his face.

"Ooooooooh, go get it, man!" Gio hollered, clapping Declan on the shoulder in encouragement.

"What about the girls? Any problems?" I asked

"Nope everything is good over at the hotel."

I arched my eyebrows in concern. Three months had passed since the latest intake, and it had been surprisingly quiet. Normally there were usually cases of escape, fighting, injured client, suicide but this time everything has been running smoothly, almost too smooth. Something was up and I have to find out what.

"I don't think you need to worry boss". Giovanni said after noticing the concern on my face.

"Margot has taught them all they need to know. They're well-behaved with our clients. No complaints so far," Giovanni reported. Margot, the head of the club's workers and my childhood friend ensured they were well-trained for their roles, making my work easier when it came to the married businessmen eager to indulge themselves.

"But that's the problem. No complaints. It's a bit disturbing don't you think?" I picked up my orange juice and took a huge gulp.

"I don't think so, boss" Declan said. "Maybe it's because of that Mariana girl" Declan added

I tilt the cup away from my mouth and look at Declan with a puzzled gaze. "And who the hell is that?" The name sounded familiar

"Yeah, in fact, Margot says most clients have been asking for her. She's been in high demand," Declan added.

"Why?" I asked, crossing my arms with a hint of suspicion.

"No idea" Declan shrugged

"Mariana," Gio said.

"Mariana?" The name slipped from my lips, and I couldn't recall. "Do you know her Gio?"

"Yeah, how could I forget. She was the bitch who tried to escape at the warehouse" Gio responded, his tone less than welcoming. He didn't seem to like her. But that wasn't new. Gio didn't like anyone.

"Ohhhh" I say suddenly remembering her."Why her?" I asked, perplexed by what those grimly and sleazy old men found in her.

"No idea," Declan repeated again

"Maybe the bitch kept giving them the green light," Gio grumbled.

The girls at the club knew they were under my protection. No one was forced into something they didn't want to do, and their interactions with clients were always consensual. However, the consistent demand for Mariana was disturbing. It was time for me to pay a visit to the club before the situation got out of hand.

"Fancy seeing you around here," a sultry voice greeted me as I sipped my drink at the bar.

"I'm not allowed to visit my own club anymore?" I retorted, swirling the ice cubes in my whiskey.

"Of course you are," she replied as she settled onto the stool next to mine and her gown went up exposing her thighs, her cheap perfume leaving a trail in the air.

"All I was saying is it's been a while since we've... you know…talked" she said with a wink and threw a seductive smile at me.

Monica was an attractive woman, at least on the outside. Blonde, tanned skin, ample assets. What I had with her was nothing but a one night stand and I wanted to keep it that way.

She placed her hand on my lap trailing her hands up to my groin but I slapped her hands off, I responded, "You know that isn't possible."

"Why?" She pouted, folding her arms.

"Because of your one-night rule?"

I casted her a sidelong glance and sipped my whiskey. I had a rule to not sleep with any woman from the club more than once. I've kept to it this long and I didn't plan on breaking it anytime soon.

"Come on," she protested. I rose to my feet, I glanced down at her once more and spoke firmly, "Don't let this repeat itself."

"Hi, boss," a cheerful voice greeted me.

"Urhhhhh," I groaned loudly, exasperated.

"Can't a man get a few moments to himself? Is that too much to ask for?"

"Oh, stop being so dramatic," Margot said as she slapped my shoulders and joined me in the VIP section. The dance floor was filled with couples, and the DJ played soft melodies, creating a pleasant ambiance.

Sitting up straight, I cut to the chase, "I heard about what's happening."

"What's happening?" she looks at me cluelessly.

"Things are going awfully smoothly here and lot of clients are demanding Mariana."

Her clueless face switched to amusement and she began laughing cheekily. I've always been fond of that laughter.

"Woow what's wrong with a little peace Lorenzo? '' Margot replied, popping a piece of pineapple into her mouth. "As for Mariana's demand, what's wrong with that?"

Taking a sip of my drink, I savored the burning sensation letting it slide down my throat.

"I think we can make this useful," Margot suddenly declared.

"What do you mean?"

"You need dirt on these businessmen, right?" Her eyes sparkled with eagerness.

"I already have dirt on them," I stated. "I have a lot of pictures and videos of them engaging in illicit activities at my club. Things that could ruin their lives"

"Well, What if you could have more?" Margot suggested. "What if Mariana seduces them, perhaps has a night with them, and gets them to spill their deepest darkest secrets?"

Taking another sip of my brandy, I closed my eyes savoring the taste before putting the cup down. "No it's too dangerous," I replied, shaking my head.

"Lorenzo. If you truly want to take down the Costras Clan, you need more than just pictures and videos. You need solid evidence, which Mariana can easily obtain for you!" Margot argued.

"I don't need..." I began, but I was interrupted by a commotion.

I looked down to see Lincoln, a member of the Costras, trying to assault one of the workers – I recognized that fiery red hair anywhere. Some eyes were already on them, and the music was turned down enough for me to hear what that troublesome man was saying.

I hastened downstairs, just in time to grab Lincoln's hand before it hit her again.

"Ow, ow, ow! Who the fuck is this?" He cried out in pain.

Twisting his hand backward, I forced him to turn towards me. "Hello, Mr. Lincoln," I said, offering a cold smile.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?" He shouted, his face twisted in pain.

I looked at Mariana and noticed blood dripping from her nose . Anger coursed through me and I twisted his hand even harder

"Oww stop! That fucking hurts!" Releasing my tight grip on Lincoln's hand, I pushed him forward. "Assault or force yourself on any of my workers again, and I will make sure you lose your hands."

"My father will hear of this!" he yelled, his face flushed with rage, then he stormed out.

I closed my eyes, trying to control my breathing and anger before turning towards her.

"Are you okay?" She looked up at me and I could see her face was bruised which made me more angry. If Lincoln was still here I would've beaten him to pulp.

"Margot!" I yell.

She ran towards me. "Get her an ice pack and stop the bleeding on her nose"

"Sure thing." She walked towards Marianna and led her out.

Breathing heavily, I observed that the club was eerily silent, all eyes on us. I quelled the tension, saying, "Stop staring unless you want to lose your eyes."

They all murmured, and the music resumed.

"Thank you," Mariana said softly from behind me.

Clenching my fist and without turning back, I replied, "Just make sure you stay out of trouble."