Mafia Men III: Marino

Chapter 24

I was at this luncheon event that I needed to be at before Ellie came in. I was alerted that the men who Damian worked for would be at the event. I made it a plan to speak to them directly. I walked into the meeting room and they were standing there with drinks in their hands. When they saw me they were silent.

"Miles Marino" Some older looking guy stood up and smirked "God you look just like your father when he was your age."

"A bit more handsome" I said and the guy smirked

"Ah the wit that everyone talks about." He said "What can I do for you?"

Soon a guy came up behind me taking my gun from my waistband and I glared at him.

"You can never be too safe" He said shrugging "You can get it back later."

"Your men have been bothering someone I know. It's pissing me off . You wouldn't like it when I get pissed off Micheal" I said and he looked shocked

Very few people knew his name but I remembered my father used to talk about him. This man was the one they told bedtime stories about to get kids to behave. He was ruthless.

"Threatening me takes balls. This person must be dear to you huh?" He asked leaning against the table

"Doesn't matter. Damian Carter. How much for his head?" I asked

Micheal laughed.
"Was that your doing Mr. Marino? I should've known it was Death itself" He said amused and I almost flinched at the name

"He crossed the line. He was lucky to keep his head." I said

"And lost his dick." Micheal said smirking "I didn't know you had it in you after all these years. I've heard stories about you and I'm rather pleased. You did however cost me a lot. Although a spineless piece of shit, Carter made me millions. He was the best in the game. Now I need a replacement."

"How much?" I asked

"You can pay how much I'm owed but what about down the line Mr. Marino? That money flow is as dead as Carter" He said

"I'll continue the money flow. Until you find a replacement." I said

He smirked. "Ellie Fitzpatrick is something huh?" He said and I stepped closer to him

His guards reached for their weapons and he raised his hand.
"Ah that's the nerve I needed to hit. I was told she put a hit on Carter. I'm supposed to collect her head." Micheal said "But you know me! I won't put a hand on her pretty head. I won't however turn down some physical company." He said and I glared at him

"No man has ever looked at me that way and survived it" He said

"I will kill everyone in this room including you if that means Ellie will be fine." I said staring directly into his eyes

He smirked. "Indeed you will, death. Guts. I like you Mr. Marino. I tell you what. All is forgiven. Screw Damian. I want you. I want you to work for me. As my enforcer and to resume your title. When I need my money collected or I need someone taken care of. I want you to be the guy. Pretty face but dark soul. I can still sense it off you a mile away. Death and destruction. I still see you. I won't touch Ellie if you work for me."

I remained unmoved even though my head felt light.
"How long?" I asked him

"Three years. You back out, I kill her. Simple" He said and my jaw clenched

"Do we have a deal, Death?" He asked and I stared at the hand he held out

I was in fact making a deal with the devil, but I didn't question it. I won't question it if that means keeping Ellie out of harms way. I love her and I would give my life up every time to ensure that she gets to live a fulfilling one whether with or without me because she deserves it.

"I will no longer be called that." I said and he nodded amused "Deal" I said shaking his hand

——

I sat the bar waiting for Ellie to show up. She should be in for her shift soon. I left her at the house with Cameron against all my wishes not to have him around her but I couldn't have Cameron present for this meeting. He'd ruin it. He'd try to murder them and in turn get us all murdered including Ellie. I sighed. I didn't know how to tell her any of this. No doubt she'd be pissed at me for making such a big commitment for her. She'd be mad that I kept this from her for so long. She won't forgive me once she learned about my past. My true past. I downed my drink and soon saw her and Cameron walking into the event. She looked at him telling him thank you I believe and then walked off to the kitchen area. I watched him as he stared at her. His jaw was clenched and he seemed in deep thought. Every jealous bone in my body wanted to wring his neck for even thinking about her. I shook the thoughts away and soon my vision connected with his. Cameron came over to me and ordered a drink at the bar.

"Isn't it kind of early?" he asked me

I nodded.

"What's got you in a sour mood? I took Ellie from point A to point B unscathed and there were no party detours." Cameron said and I nodded

"Thanks" I said asking for another drink

"I do remember you telling me to stay behind, which is surprising being as though you told me you don't want me near her. Fess up. There's something going on." He said

I shook my head.
"It's nothing that involves you Cameron" I said and he shook his head

"Secrets it is" He said and walked off with his drink

The bartender gave me my drink and slipped me a note.

"From Micheal" She said and I opened the note

Tomorrow 9am sharp

I balled up the paper and put it in my pocket.
"Three shots" I said to her downing my drink and soon drank the first shot she gave me

I wanted to feel numb. I didn't want to delve into the darkest parts of me. The parts I've tried so hard to conceal. There's reasons why I haven't killed in three years other than Damian and I wanted it to stay that way.

"Baby?" I heard and I looked to my left to see Ellie

She looked beautiful as always.
"You okay?" she asked and I nodded

"Better now that you're here" I said pulling her into me and she smelled the alcohol on me

"It's a bit early to be this drunk don't you think?" she asked

"A bit. I'm just a little stressed needed to take to the edge off. I'm fine okay" I said and she nodded

"You know I love you right. That id do anything for you right?" I asked her and she nodded

"Yes. I love you too" she said "Slow down on the drinks okay?"

I nodded.
"Got it." I said and she pecked me on the lips

"I gotta get back to work." She said and walked off

I leaned against the bar staring at her walk away. It was a beautiful sight. I turned back to the bartender and took my second shot.

"She's gonna hate me" I said to the bartender as she looked at me questioningly