Page 3 of Vengeful Devotion
The moment I walk in, my stomach churns. Nausea replacing the hunger. Ironic. There’s so many smells of so many types of food that it’s overwhelming. I walk up to the counter. I’m not standing there for long before a blonde waitress, dressed in jeans and a blue shirt, comes up.
“What can I get for you, babe?”
Her voice is hoarse, like she’s been yelling all day.
“An application.”
She looks at me, scanning me from head to toe. I go still. Suddenly nervous about not passing this strangers inspection of me.
“Have you worked as a waitress before?”
“No.”
“Why should I hire you then?”
“Um, I can learn quickly. I’m a hard worker. I can be here any day of the week.”
“So, you can work any hours?”
“Yes.”
“What’s your name?”
I freeze, unsure if I should be honest. The De Luca name is big. Lonny used to brag about having friends all over the country. I’m not sure if that’s true or if it was another ruse to keep me quiet. But I’m not going to take any chances. Not now.
“Gemma… Rossi,” I lie, using the last name of some boy Lia used to tell me about.
“Nice to meet you, Gemma. I’m Aggie. Tell you what, I’ll give you a trial run. One week. If you can’t hack it, you’re out.”
Relief floods me. “Thank you. Thank you so much.”
“Just be here tomorrow at six a.m. Got it?”
“I will.”
I leave the diner feeling a little lighter. One of my problems is solved. I’m on my way to getting out of this country and out of Lonny’s clutches forever.
CHAPTERTWO
Declan
The warehouse is quiet.No one is willing to make a sound as the pool of blood grows bigger with every second. I look at the poor bastard kneeling on the concrete before me. His gaze bounces between his friend’s lifeless body and the smoking gun in my hand. His eyes are filled with fear, but he doesn’t beg for mercy. He knows he sealed his fate the moment he stole from me, and he accepts it. Just like an Irishman should. We don’t run from the consequences of our actions. Even if it means death. And in my world? The consequence is almost always death.
“Where are the guns, Seamus?”
The man presses his lips together, a thin streak of defiance highlighting his eyes. “What are you talking about?”
I raise an eyebrow at him. It’s the only warning I give him before I slam my fist into his face. My ring catches the skin above his eye, ripping it open. Blood gushes from the wound. In any other situation, I might think his unwillingness to spill his secrets is commendable. But when it comes to my business? It’s just plain fucking stupid. My father raised me in this world. Prepped and primed to take over his position when it was time. Did they really think I wouldn’t find out about their betrayal?
“One last time, Seamus. Where are they?”
“Why should I tell you? I’m dead either way.”
“You’re right,” I chuckle. “I’m going to kill you, but it’s up to you whether or not your family joins you.”
“You wouldn’t hurt them.”
I nod towards my second in command, Balor. He pulls his phone out, dialing one of my other men.
