That was the way so many mafia leaders were depicted. Since I was dealing with a piece of shit actor, why not look the part?
Even though his fake buddies were figuring out what was about to transpire was something they wanted no part of, Damien was still laughing at some stupid commercial on the large screen television while tossing back tequila.
Men like him disgusted me.
No control. No decency.
“Hey, man. We got company,” one of his companions finally huffed while shoving Damien’s shoulder.
“I’m busy,” he snorted, but finally something caught his attention. Very slowly he turned in his chair, his eyes opening wide.
“It’s best if the rest of you gentlemen left. I wouldn’t want to bloody your shirts.” My words were succinct and devoid of emotion.
At least they could tell I was serious, all scampering to their feet and moving away from the table.
“And don’t forget to leave a hefty tip on the bar for your servers. I’ll know if you don’t and you won’t like what will occur in your lives in the upcoming hours. Days.” I stood with my arms crossed in front of me, staring at Damien while enjoying how uncomfortable he’d become.
Once the room was cleared of his buddies, I took a deep breath and turned my head to pay attention to the football game.
Within seconds, I could smell his fear.
Perhaps now he regretted his actions.
Before I concentrated on what I’d come here for, I heard the scraping of chair legs on the tile floor. Damien thought it best to stand and face his punishment.
Good for him. Taking it like a man.
When a touchdown was made after only two minutes, I pumped my fist even though I couldn’t give a shit about the game. “Nice play. Wouldn’t you say so, Damien?” I tipped my head toward him.
The arrogance had already started to return. The asshole just didn’t understand that kind of reaction was the worst one he could give.
“Why the hell did you interrupt my party?”
Jaxon snorted behind me, which drew Damien’s attention.
“Well, that would be because you and I have something to discuss.”
“I don’t got nothing to discuss with you.”
“I don’t got nothing? Where did you go to school, Damien?”
“None of your damn business, Russian.”
At least two of my employees chuckled. Not because I’d been made fun of by an abusive talentless thug, but because they knew the fine line I had in being able to keep my patience. That moment was being reached.
I moved closer, keeping a smile on my face. “That’s where you’re wrong. Everything about Lainey Rose is my business.”
He quickly glanced toward my men. “She doesn’t belong to you. She’s mine. What’s it to you?”
Reaching out, I brushed nonexistent crumbs from his shirt. “See, that’s where you’re wrong as it would appear you usually are. Ms. Rose, one of the most talented and highly professional performers in the world never belonged to you. Your relationship was a fake, established in hopes of reviving your tanking career. A talented singer boosting a has-been actor. The ruse almost worked too, until you decided your fantasy was a reality. What’s wrong, Damien? Were you worried your clit bait and meal ticket had finally come to her senses after you beat it out of her?”
His eyes opened wide. “I didn’t touch that bitch.”
Now I was standing only an inch away. I could only imagine his skin was crawling. “I know what you did and I’m going to ensure the entire world does as well. Unless of course you simply vanish and perhaps I’ll consider that decent enough repentance for your sins. If I remain in a good mood.”
“How fucking dare you.” I’d be damned if the asshole didn’t act as if he was going to use physical violence.
A bad move for the man.
