Ruthless: A Bad Boy Mafia Romance by Lauren Landish Page A

were busting your ass with that Mercedes of yours, but Bertoli men don’t drive vehicles like that. At least, not on the job."
    "Good deal. Well, let's get back to town, then. I need to change for work."

    * * *
    I felt different , pulling up into the International District of Tacoma again, this time behind the wheel of a black Alfa Romeo 156, wearing a good suit and with the weight of a Beretta against my ribs. I felt like I was doing what I was supposed to do, and the nervousness that was digging in my stomach was a good feeling. I wasn't afraid of being disrespected, or even of being hurt. I was more worried about not getting the job done. I had a newfound confidence, something I always knew I had.
    "New car, âm hộ lớn? What, did you start turning tricks on the side for some rich old man?” Danny Huong asked when I got out of my car, his smile disappearing when I got right into his face.
    "You can cut the tough guy shit right now," I said, keeping my voice even. I wasn't trying to be a caricature of being out of control, but instead, I wanted him to know I was being all business and wouldn’t tolerate any more disrespect. "It's Mr. Degrassi from now on."
    "You got yourself a new attitude," Danny replied, waving behind him for backup from his boys. "What bug crawled up your ass and died?"
    "Maybe I'm just tired of some two-bit wannabe punk and his boys giving me shit," I said. "Now, tell your boys to back off, get me the money that you owe the Bertolis, and everything will be cool."
    "And if it isn't?" Danny asked, his eyes wavering slightly. He was surprised and a little off guard.
    "Then I'm going to make sure that every person in this alley remembers who the fuck I am, and who you were . Trust me, they might kill me—your boys outnumber me—but I swear to God and sonny Jesus that I’ll put five rounds in your guts before they do. Then Tomasso and Luisa will come to take care of the rest."
    "Tomasso?" Danny asked, suddenly nervous. "You work for him now?"
    "I do," I replied quietly. "Now, what's it going to be?"
    Danny blinked and stepped back. "Come on, I'll get you your money. Wait here."
    I shook my head. "No, I think I'll follow you inside. I'd like to see what the specials are tonight anyway. Think you can hook me up with a to-go box?"
    "Of course . . . Mr. Degrassi."
    His words were like the ultimate sense of accomplishment, and as I drove back toward the Bertoli mansion with two stacks of hundred dollar bills in my coat pocket, I couldn't help but smile. Checking my phone, I saw that it was only nine at night, and I made a quick decision, calling Carmen's studio line, hoping she was still at work. I was running on instinct and the high of my success, and I didn't want to let it fade.
    "Hello, Dreamstyle Dance, this is Carmen."
    I felt my smile stretch, and I leaned back, happy. "Carmen, it's Dante. Sorry if I called so late. Did I catch you at a bad time?"
    "No, not at all," she said, her voice sounding pleased. "What's up? Our next lesson isn't for another few days."
    "I know, but actually, I wasn't calling about that," I said. Before my nerves could get the better of me and my adrenaline high faded, I spoke. "I'm calling because I was wondering if you'd like to have dinner with me some time?"
    There was a pause on the other end of the line, but then she replied, "Well, I've already had dinner tonight, and it is kind of late, and I've got plans for tomorrow. But . . . what about a late-night coffee and dessert tonight?"
    "Sounds great. Where should I come pick you up?"
    "I'm still at the studio. I've got a change of clothes here. You're not too dressed up or anything, right?"
    I laughed and glanced down at my clothes. "I'm in my work suit. But I don't care. You could wear pajamas, for all I care. I'll be there in thirty minutes?"
    "Sounds good. See you then."
    I got to the Bertoli mansion, nearly running in the side door to make my delivery. I found Tomasso in the study, discussing something with Luisa.