I put my hands down and turn toward the door. Walking all the way with him right behind me, his gun pointed at my head. It’s not the first time, and it won’t be the last.
He steps in front of me slightly only to unlock and open the door.
“What’s going on?” I hear his voice before one of the other brothers appears in the doorway. Alessio, I believe.
“He says he’s here to walk to Carmine about business,” the guard explains.
Alessio is eying me now, and motions two more guards over. The guard behind me nudges me forward into the entryway, then closes the door behind us.
“Soren Fiorelli,” Alessio says with recognition. “I can’t imagine what you could possibly want on the day of our father’s death, besides using it for your own gain.”
I chuckle softly. “You’re right, but it will also be your gain. You need our alliance now more than ever.”
“So, you’re here to talk about alliance?” Alessio asks.
“Perhaps. With Carmine,” I tell him simply. “I have my gun, that’s it.” I put my hand toward my hip, but wait for Alessio to nod and keep the guards from jumping me before I reveal it under my jacket.
“Carmine is not available for discussions right now,” Alessio tells me. “I can relay a message.”
“I must insist on speaking to him directly.” I don’t break eye contact.
Alessio stares back at me. I can see his eyes are pink from previous crying, but he’s pulled himself together quite well. Helooks polished and put together, well dressed, and doesn’t smell like alcohol or blood.
“Fine. Hand over your gun,” he extends a hand.
I sigh and unclip my weapon, placing it in his hand. “If you’re going to pat me down, I’d rather just strip naked right here.”
“Too bad,” Alessio snaps. “Check him.”
I roll my eyes but put my arms up, and the guard beside me pats down my sides, hips, pockets, and the front and back of my jeans. I feel his palm press against my semi-hard dick and his hesitation there.
“Ah, there’s…oh,” he mumbles, and then clears his throat. “He’s clear.”
“Good. Try anything sneaky, and your blood will be joining our father’s,” Alessio tells me. He gestures the guards to the side, and then turns to lead me out of the foyer and down the center hallway.
“You make it sound like it was an inside job,” I mutter.
“We don’t betray our own.” Alessio turns his head to glare at me. We stop at a double door, the door to the library.
“Perhaps I’ll be included in that when this is done,” I tell him with a smirk.
He stares at me. “Doubtful.”
Alessio opens one side of the door, it pushes inward. “Carmine, you have a visitor.”
“Tell them to fuck off,” Carmine snaps. I can tell that he’s across the room, a bit of distance between him and the doorway. His voice laced with intoxication, but not slurring.
Alessio glances at me as if to saytold you.
“I need to speak to you, Carmine,” I call out.
“Who is this?” he asks, and I hear footsteps grow closer until the other side of the door pulls open. His dark eyes, some hazy mix of green and brown, pierce right through me.
“Soren Fiorelli…seriously? You would really show your face around here?” Carmine asks as he recognizes me. We haven’t interacted much, but it’s important to know the face and name of a rival’s closest kin.
“I could show you a lot more, but not with your brother here.” I grin and glance over at Alessio for a second, before meeting Carmine’s eyes again.
Alessio blinks, as though he’s debating whether or not I’m serious.
