Page 88 of The Gangster King

The entire fucking street.

I point my pistol at his head and meet his terror-filled eyes.

“This is for everything you’ve taken from me that was never yours.”

Bang.

His body shudders. Then lays there dead.

Eyes open.

Lifeless.

My men around me are silent. Jono was one of them. They’ll hate me for it, but they’ll also respect me.

Which is how this world works.

I might not agree with many of my father’s business activities, but while I’m the boss, this is the way things are.

The blood drains from Jono’s head and I grab a stick lying on the grass, then write my future wife a message on her white driveway.

“Jesus,” Nick mutters, and when I straighten I see him wipe his hand over his face.

I glance around at my men, who have their guns out, pointing down but ready, protecting me.

When I turn back to the house, three of the Baldoni soldiers stand watching the scene. I see the confusion on their faces. I haven’t threatened them or those inside the house, so technically they can’t retaliate.

I killed my own man ontheirdriveway.

“Let’s go.” Nick grabs my arm and guides me back into the limousine. This time, he climbs inside with me.

We speed away.

I twist the silencer back on the weapon and place it on the seat next to me.

Then I face Nick. The boy I grew up with. The boy I trained, who became a man and my best friend.

“Do not betray me. I need you. But I will kill anyone who puts me or my family at risk,” I warn him.

He nods.

“That includes Adelina,” I say, reaching for a tissue to wipe the blood spray off my face.

“Yes, sir,” he replies.

I glance away and let him grieve for his friend.

And quietly do the same.

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ADELINA

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I run to the window when I hear the shot sound out.

I know it’s him.