Page 41 of The Devil's Revelation
TWENTY
DMITRI
Time to test Izzy Mills and decide whether she loves another day, and if I can use her.
I watch as Sergio carefully does as ordered. I want to snap at him to hurry his lazy ass up, but I bite my tongue. I have a use for this clown, and I would do well to remember that. A man who acts on anger is a stupid one, and I am in no way stupid. Instead, I make sure he doesn’t fuck up my plan.
When the door to the shop opens, I immediately pull my gun, turning my body. Anton, or as everyone else knows him, Tony, enters the shop and stops short and puts his hands up quickly. “Sorry, boss,” he says quickly. “I didn’t realize you were here.”
I put the gun away without a word and turn back to watch Sergio. “You’re late.” There is no inflection in my voice, but there is no way he cannot sense my displeasure.
“Sorry, boss,” he says again, trying to sound sincere. “Traffic.”
I slowly turn my head and pin him with a glare. He flinches, and quickly looks away. This fool thinks he can lie to me? I will deal with him soon enough. I will not tolerate lies or insolence in my ranks. Out of the corner of my eye I see one of my guards moving subtly into place, ready for my signal. At least someone around here has a working brain. Instead of giving the signal, I let the worthless worm in front of me squirm uncomfortably as I say, “You have one task tomorrow. You will take photos of the new mechanic working on this car, and then of her getting in and taking it for a test drive. After you have done so, you will send them to the number I text you in the morning. Understood?”
He frowns. “You want that bitch to work on this beast?” he sneers. “She’ll fuck it up.”
I narrow my eyes at him. “Did I ask your opinion?” I ask coldly. “You will do as you’re told, understood?”
Obviously sensing he’s overstepped he quickly nods. “Yes, of course, boss.”
“You will ensure no one else works on this car, understood?”
“Yes, sir,” he answers and looks back at me. “If you don’t mind me asking though, why this one? And why her?”
I normally don’t answer questions, but in this instance it serves me well. “It’s time to see if our sweet little mechanic is ready to be upgraded in her jobs. First she must pass a test.”And I will test to make sure that you are also following my orders,I add silently.
Sergio and Anton nod, understanding dawning on their faces. “And if she fails?” Sergio asks.
I give him a cool stare, clearly conveying what will be done should that happen. I will never allow a snitch in any of my businesses. Though the decision if I kill her outright or sell her off to one of my buyers is another matter entirely.
“You decide to off her, can I get a turn with her?” Sergio leers. “Someone needs to put that little bitch in her place and I’ll be more than happy to do it.”
“Hey, if anyone’s going to be breaking that whore, it’s me,” Anton protests angrily. “I have to work with her all day and watch her shaking that stuck up, tight ass around the place.”
“I’m your boss—”
“Enough,” I bark, furious. “None of you will touch her unless I allow it. Do you understand me?” The hard tone of my voice makes it clear just what their answer should be.
Both men have mutinous looks in their eyes but nod, subdued. They know better than to go against me. “Yes,Obshchak,” they say obediently.
I look at Sergio. “Seal the car and get it back in its spot. This will be the first vehicle she works on in the morning. If either of you fail me,” I say with a lethal smile, “then you and Ivan will get acquainted.” I nod at one of my guards, the biggest of them all, who cracks his knuckles for effect like some B-rated movie thug. It’s enough to have both men swallowing nervously.
“Yes,Obshchak,” they repeat obediently and quickly get to work. I stand, watching and waiting. There’s a lesson to be learned here, but I must wait for the perfect moment.
When they finally seal the car, I nod and head for the door, but not before I pass Anton who is eyeing me nervously. Good.
Just as he thinks I’m going to walk by him, I stop, and my hand lashes out, grabbing him by the throat and squeezing hard enough to make him gasp and struggle. His eyes are wide, terrified, and I would bet he’s close to pissing himself. I lean closer, my face mere inches from his, so he can clearly see the danger he’s in. I might be younger than many in my position, but I am no less lethal.
“Do not ever be late or disrespect me again,” I tell him softly, tone ice cold. “Your whores are of no concern to me, and should I find that you are spending too much time with them and not doing your job, I will kill you, and I will make sure I kill them as well. And that lovely wife of yours. After I let my men do what they want with her. Your children will be sold off, and I will make sure you wish for death before I am finished. Do you understand me?”
“Yes, sir,” he gasps out. “I’m sorry.”
“Do not cross me, Anton,” I hiss in warning. I flex my fingers one more time, squeezing, before I drop him and turn to walk away. My men flank me and I hear Anton gasping for air and Sergio cursing him.
I climb into my car and head for my next stop. My work is never done.
