Page 5 of Dangerous Games

“As expected. He didn’t like that I showed up, thought it was cute to give me lip. It was a fun time.”

“Did you send a message?”

“His hand is en route to its final destination.”

Matteo nods his approval. “And the body?”

“Enzo and I dropped it off at the zoo. The lions had a nice dinner.”

“Good.” Matteo stands up and walks over to the bar cart and pulls the top off the crystal decanter, pouring us each a glass of whiskey. “Hopefully his crew receives the message. I’m getting too old for these fucking games.”

I snort as I take the glass from him. “You’ve never had patience for anyone undermining you. I’m surprised you gave him an extra chance.”

“Wren tries to make me give second chances,” Matteo says with disgust.

I don’t think there’s anything he wouldn’t do for her.

“Listen,” I start off, trying to ease into it.

“Oh, for fuck’s sake.” Matteo sighs as he sets his tumbler on his desk. “What did you do?”

I scratch the back of my head. “Well, you see, it isn’t exactly what I did; it’s more who saw what I did.”

“There was a witness last night, and you didn’t think to lead with that?” Matteo asks, his tone taking on a scary edge.

“I’m telling you now.”

“Gio,” Matteo growls.

“I don’t think it’s anything we need to worry about.” At least I fucking hope not.

“How about I decide that?”

“In my defense, I didn’t know who they were.”

Matteo’s brow raises. “In your defense? You don’t get a fucking defense. This isn’t a democracy. Tell me you took care of them.” I wince. I’m going to lose my balls. I really loved those boys. “Jesus fucking Christ, Gio. You were born into this life. I didn’t think I would have to tell you to take care of a goddamn witness.”

“She took me by surprise!”

“It just keeps getting worse,” Matteo groans as both of his elbows slam onto his desk while he massages his temples in frustration. “So you were distracted by some pussy.”

“Not exactly…” I trail off. How do I tell him I was distracted by her hair and eyes without sounding like a fucking idiot? I went to sleep thinking about those baby blues and woke up thinking about what they would look like staring up at me while my dick is in her mouth.

“What do you mean, not exactly?”

“Her hair was so shiny and long. I couldn’t stop thinking about touching it. And then, as soon as I got my mind back on track, I noticed her eyes. I’ve never seen that color blue before. I’m thinking they might have been contacts.”

“Wait.” Matteo holds up his hand, stopping me. “Are you talking about the woman who is renting the studio above the pizzeria?”

“Yes.” I smile slowly, trying to smooth over the blow of this fuck up.

“Jesus fucking Christ,” Matteo bites out. “Why can’t anything ever be easy with you?”

“It could have been worse.” I shrug. She could have seen me kill the guy, but she didn’t. That would have been a major health code violation.

“It could have been worse,” Matteo echoes, looking at me like I’ve lost my damn mind. “I want to know exactly what happened because I’m not understanding how she could have seen you do anything.”

“I forgot to lock the front door of the pizzeria when I brought the hand in. She came in wanting a slice of pizza and saw me holding the hand.”