Page 31 of The Mafia King's Reign

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Three dots appear. Disappear. Appear again.

You’re watching me.

Yes.

That’s a violation of privacy.

You have no privacy. Not anymore. You signed that away.

Long pause. Then:

Why are you texting me?

Good question.

Why am I texting her? I have no reason to. No strategic advantage to gain.

I think about what Matteo said about her being nothing but a liability.

But I can’t seem to stop myself.

Because I wanted you to know I see you. I see you trying to understand this world. Trying to find your place in it.

Is that supposed to comfort me?

No. It’s supposed to prepare you.

For what?

For me.

I watch her on the screen. She’s staring at her phone, chewing her lower lip.

Finally, she types:

Remove the cameras. I want my privacy when I’m in the room.

No.

I’m not afraid of you.

I smile.

Sure you are. But you’re also curious. That’s why you haven’t run yet. Why you’re researching instead of collapsing. Why you signed that contract even though every instinct told you to refuse.

I signed because you threatened my family.

You signed because some part of you wants this. Wants to see what you’re capable of. Wants to know who you really are beneath the quiet librarian facade.

You don’t know me.

I know enough.

What do you know?

I lean back in my chair, consider my words carefully.

I know you take warm baths before bed with the lights dimmed.

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