Chapter 3 - Blood and Betrayal

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Chapter 3

~ Adriano POV~

My car screeched to a halt at the entrance of my basement. The other vehicles fell in line behind me, tinted windows reflecting the dim streetlights. My bodyguards remained alert, hands near their holsters, eyes scanning every shadow. The driver opened the door with a bow; I stepped out, adjusted my suit, and took long, deliberate strides toward the entrance. The scent of damp concrete mixed with something metallic blood, fresh and unmistakable hit my nose.

The guard stationed by the basement nodded as I passed. Two of my men followed behind me down the narrow, dark hallway, their footsteps echoing ominously. The smell of blood grew stronger as we approached the cell, making the hairs on my neck rise.

I entered the room and slammed the door behind me, the sound reverberating off the stone walls. Lucas, my right-hand man, bowed low at my arrival.

“Boss,” he said, his voice steady. “Where are they?” I asked, my gaze scanning the shadows.

He pointed to two figures in the corner one older, the other younger both battered, bruised, blood oozing from deep cuts across their heads. Their bodies slumped against the wall, trembling.

“Anything yet?” I pressed.

“No, boss. They won’t talk,” Lucas replied.

I let out a low, controlled sigh. I expected as much. I straightened my posture and locked eyes on them. Silence filled the room, heavy and suffocating, broken only by their shallow, nervous breaths. The younger one’s pleading eyes darted toward me, while the older man maintained a forced calm, though I could see the fear flicker in his gaze.

“Boss, spare me,” the younger one begged, voice quivering.

I smiled inwardly. So, you’ve been playing the brave act. How long can you keep it up?

“Start talking,” I said, my tone low and deadly. “You know I hate it when my time is wasted.” Minutes passed. Nothing. Not a single word. My patience, though legendary, was wearing thin. I nodded to Lucas. “Get me my tool,” I ordered.

“Yes, Capo,” he replied, retreating without sparing the two men a single glance. He returned with the case. My pulse quickened. I opened it carefully, savoring the moment. I picked up the knife. In one swift motion, I chopped off the older man’s finger.

“Fuck!” he screamed, the sound sharp and jagged against the walls. The younger man shrank back, eyes wide, nearly paralyzed with fear.

“So? Talk now,” I said, letting the weight of my presence sink in. The older guy only grinned, a mad, defiant smirk. That was enough. I drew my gun from my waistband and shot him in the head, the shot echoing in the cell. The younger man trembled uncontrollably, horrified at the lifeless body of his accomplice.

“P-please… spare me. I’ll talk—I’ll tell you everything!” he stammered, tears running down his face. “It… it was Cyrus Thorne. He sent us to spy on you… to get information.”

A dark chuckle escaped me. Cyrus Thorne. The name alone sent a thrill through my veins. I could feel the power struggle looming on the horizon, but that was a battle for later. For now, I let the younger one taste hope just enough to make him squirm but I don’t forgive easily. I raised the gun again and fired, silencing him forever.

“Lucas,” I said, wiping the blood from my hand with a napkin. “Get rid of this mess.” As I turned to leave, Lucas called out, “Capo". I halted, my back rigid. “You have a meeting with Sergio Moretti about the contract you made with him,” he said. I nodded, exiting the basement. The driver bowed before opening the car door.

“Drive,” I ordered, slipping my phone from my pocket. The streetlights reflected on the polished hood of my car as I sank into the seat. Thoughts of Cyrus Thorne lingered at the back of my mind. He had sent these spies, but this was only the beginning. Soon, I would make him regret ever crossing me.

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