Page 73 of The Gangster King

A US Marine.

His entire demeanor is different to the one Gianna introduced us to. The middleman who could make us money and move shipments.

I grit my teeth.

“Dante,” Adelina whispers, tugging at me.

“You’re fine. He won’t hurt you,” I say, as my men surround us.

Braxton nods in confirmation.

“You aren’t alone,” I say, glancing around when he nods once more.

How the fuck did he get into this event?

“Barrett,” I say, not bothering to ask the question.

Braxton doesn’t bother answering.

Instead, cool as a cucumber, he slides his hands into his pockets and smiles.

Fuck me.

I hate that I like this guy so much.

But I have a little surprise for him that’s going to wipe the smile off his face, so I let the word games unfold.

“I need to go to the restroom,” Adelina suddenly whispers into my back.

Jesus Christ.

“Kitten. Kinda of in the middle of something here.” I flick my eyes to Nick and then down at her hand, which is now on my arm.

“It’s...kindaurgent.” She pushes.

Fuck's sake.

“I’ll take her,” Jono offers.

Braxton glances around my team and quickly at Adelina, the back at me. “I’m walking out of here in two-and-a-half minutes.”

Fuck.

There’s no way the men protecting him will let him just hang out and chat. I am not surprised he has a time limit.

Nick undoes his jacket in response to what could have sounded like a threat.

“Don’t do that.” Braxton slides his eyes over to Nick and shakes his head.

It’s an order.

Yet again, I’m amused. I shouldn’t be, but I am.

Nick glances at me, uncertain, then back at Braxton.

“Dante.” Adelina squeezes my arm as I shake my head at Nick.

“Fuck. Okay. Take her,” I say to Jono. “Bring her back here immediately.”